Chapter 41

Mayor Ji was annoyed by his wife in the middle of the night. He sat up and looked at the person next to him. He sighed and said, “It’s been so long, and you still haven’t figured it out. Lin Rou has liked Lingchen for a long time, and now that Lingchen has married Fang Xiaonuan, doesn’t that mean that Nuan Nuan is Lin Rou’s enemy? Last time, Father already publicly stated that the Ji family does not welcome her. If she wasn’t allowed to come in, she could only use you to make things difficult for Fang Xiaonuan and cause a huge ruckus in our family. And since you’ve been in our family for so many years, it’s natural that Father would favor you. Everyone would think badly of Fang Xiaonuan, and under such circumstances, Lin Rou would be able to take advantage of the situation. Do you understand? Don’t you love to read about gossip? If you can’t see through such scheming tactics, then it’s a waste of time.”

Feng Qi nodded, still not fully understanding. Not long after, she asked again, “Then why do you think Fang Xiaonuan doesn’t want to be the mistress of the Ji family?”

“Xiaonuan was forced to marry Lingchen. Do you know why Fang Xiaonuan, who has settled down, fought with you that day? That’s because everyone has a weakness, and Xiaonuan’s weakness is her parents. Back then, Father used Xiaonuan’s family to force Xiaonuan to marry Lingchen. Otherwise, why would that young lady marry Lingchen, someone she hasn’t even met before this, in her prime! Father forced her into marriage, so why would she be interested in fighting you for the title of the Ji family’s mistress? You and I both know that this title does not mean much. It’s because you care too much about your reputation. That’s why you fell for Lin Rou’s schemes little by little.” Mayor Ji understood Feng Qi’s character. If he had said these words in the hotel a few days ago, she would definitely have thought that he had been brainwashed by Fang Xiaonuan or something. He had been waiting, waiting for his stupid wife, who had been taken advantage of and didn’t even know it, to react. After she took the initiative to ask, he would give her this detailed explanation. This would be useful to Feng Qi.

“She was forced to marry into the family?” Things were much clearer for Feng Qi now. The truth was about to be revealed.

“Let me tell you one more thing and you’ll understand. For the sake of Xiaonuan, the Fang family has reduced all their cooperation with the company. They only work with their old clients to prove to the Ji family that they are not selling their daughter for glory. Moreover, given Xiaonuan’s age, she could even pass for our daughter. The Fang family’s two elders are famous for spoiling their daughter. How could they bear to let Xiaonuan marry? Feng Qi, we’re not kids anymore. We need to analyze everything carefully. Our brains are for thinking, and not for being tricked.” After saying this, Mayor Ji took off his glasses and put them on the bed.

Feng Qi reacted. She recalled Lin Rou’s words and thought about them carefully. Everything Lin Rou said was to rope her in and incite her hostility towards Fang Xiaonuan. At the same time, Feng Qi also thought about how Fang Xiaonuan had always wanted to move out. Her fighting for power in the Ji family was highly unlikely. Clearly, she did not want to have anything to do with the Ji family. This time, she was completely wrong.

Mayor Ji slowly fell asleep. Feng Qi did not sleep the entire night. She was awake until the servants knocked on her door at dawn.

…

The next day, the breakfast table of the Ji family was exceptionally calm. Old Master Ji wiped his hands with a wet towel and asked Ji Lingchen, “Are you preparing to leave today?”

Ji Lingchen glanced at Fang Xiaonuan, who was following him, and replied, “Yes. I’ll take Xiaonuan away after breakfast.”

Old MasterJi said, “Where will you live?” Old Master Ji wanted to hear the answer. Although he might not, he still wanted Ji Lingchen to tell him where it was.

“I just bought a new house. It’s closer to the company.” Ji Lingchen did not specify the exact location of the house.

Old Master Ji was a little disappointed. He looked at Fang Xiaonuan behind Ji Lingchen and reminded her, “I hope you won’t be too free once you’ve moved out of this house. If you have nothing to do, bring Lingchen back to visit often.”

“Dad, haven’t I made you angry enough yet!” Fang Xiaonuan was in a very happy mood because she was about to leave the Ji family’s old house. Her tone was rarely relaxed. “Don’t worry! I’ll definitely bring Lingchen here soon and come back just to make you angry.”

After being in the Fang family for so long, Fang Xiaonuan also understood what Old Master Ji meant. Ji Lingchen did not live in the old mansion to begin with, he would not come back of his own accord. Her words were also making it clear to Old Master Ji. Although they had moved out, she would bring Lingchen back to visit him.

Old Master Ji was not angry after hearing Fang Xiaonuan’s words. He understood the hidden meaning in her words, so he smiled and said, “You really dare to say it!”

Feng Qi washed her hands and sat down quietly. She stirred the porridge with her spoon and did not say a word.