Chapter 24.1

　　President Yi’s face grew somber as he could discern faint traces of discontent in his eldest son’s voice. He halted for a moment before breaking the silence with an icy undertone. “Considering the magnitude of this incident, how can we simply turn a blind eye?”

　　Caught off guard by his father’s question, Jing Xi gaped at him with wide eyes as he struggled to find the right words to respond.

　　Even so, President Yi’s eyes surveyed him from the top down twice over before questioning stiffly, “Are you alright?”

　　Only then did Jing Xi gather himself, his heart torn between shock and gratitude. “Are you both really here because…  you genuinely care about me? Was your statement about how I could just die out there for all you care just a fleeting moment of anger?”

　　Upon hearing that, both President Yi and Yi Jun were equally taken aback by the question.

　　Now that Yi Zhou was aware of the truth about the Zhou family, President Yi was adamant that their relationship was likely to face challenges ahead. They had even contemplated the possible actions that could arise from Yi Zhou’s 5% stake and prepared themselves accordingly.

　　This time, their hopes for reconciliation were at an all-time low. Based on Yi Zhou’s performance at the engagement party, President Yi firmly believed this was an insurmountable task. Now, caught in this intricate relationship with Duan Chi, the thought of Duan Chi aiding him in hitting them where it hurt and giving them a hard time was simply intolerable. As such, they had no choice but to confront him and demand answers, in hopes of searching for a viable solution.

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　　As President Yi watched his eldest son with an intent gaze, he could not help but marvel at how everything had surpassed his expectations tonight.

　　Once, he could effortlessly decipher his eldest son’s innermost thoughts with a single glance. However, ever since he set himself free, an inexplicable sensation gripped him, as if his son had transformed into an entirely different person.

　　The unforgettable encounter at the cafeteria gave Yi Jun an insight into his character, coupled with the infuriating episode with Duan Xiuwen, he had absolutely no patience for beating around the bush. As such, he demanded, “Just spit it out. What is it that you want?”

　　Jing Xi blinked in confusion as he grappled with the question.

　　“All I want is to go home,” he stated. “Do you honestly believe I have some hidden agenda? You have no idea how stifling my life has become!”

　　“…” Yi Jun doubted, “And you show it by having a great time every day on campus?”

　　“It’s all a facade!” Jing Xi blurted out, his voice trembling with suppressed anguish. “Take a moment to recall when it all began for me. That very night, you even discussed whether the alarm in Duan Chi’s bracelet was triggered, didn’t you?”

　　In an instant, Yi Jun and his father were rendered stunned as they came to the realization that his words rang true.

　　Just moments after their conversation about Duan Chi, a certain someone made the announcement to become a dandy.

　　Jing Xi continued, “I believe you’ve already figured it out by now. That was when I met Duan Chi, who had only attended the engagement party just for me.”

　　His voice grew softer, laden with a mix of regret and vulnerability. “I’m sure you’re aware of what Duan Chi is like, and there was no escaping his grasp. He sought to bend me to his will, leaving me with no choice. So, I adopted the guise of a dandy and indulged in meaningless flirtations with women, hoping that he would eventually give up…” Pausing for a moment, he choked back his emotions, overwhelmed by the pain of his confession. “But it’s no simple task to make a tenacious wolf like him give up!”

　　Upon hearing that utterance, President Yi and Yi Jun were at a loss for words. 
　　‘You don’t say!’

　　Jing Xi added, “I used to avoid him by hanging out with them on campus, but as you all witnessed, he has followed me once more. At first, he had some reservations and wasn’t as brazen. Since the news of our relationship has spread throughout the Astral Realm, I’m certain I’ll have to face his persistent pursuit head-on, which is akin to an unyielding storm. Can you even begin to imagine that?”

　　Yi Jun held back for a moment but could no longer restrain himself. “But that’s Duan Chi, the dream lover of countless people. Have you given any thought to this?”

　　Jing Xi refuted, “If you were in my shoes, would you accept your ‘predestined’ one who has a thing for you and wants to do it with you every single day?”

　　In a split second, Yi Jun’s lips sealed shut as he stifled his dissent. Since there was someone special in his heart, it was only natural that he could not bring himself to agree. Thinking over his words, he began to question whether this so-called “lucky one” was genuinely fortunate after all. Unexpectedly, a twinge of sympathy welled up inside Yi Jun for his brother.

　　Jing Xi lamented, “I’ve had enough! That’s why I need to find a place where I can hide.”

　　That was precisely why he yearned for the comfort of home…

　　Taking an objective stance, President Yi analyzed the situation and concluded that he had been lacking dependable support as of late. Therefore, it was not entirely unreasonable for him to entertain such thoughts after encountering a crisis.

　　‘No, that’s not right. If that were the case, how did he manage to pull off that stunt at the engagement party when he had already met Duan Chi prior to that?’ 
　　With that in mind, he questioned, “So, did someone lend you a hand with the whole engagement party fiasco, or was it entirely your own doing?”

　　Jing Xi responded, “It was all Duan Chi’s brilliant idea.”

　　The revelation struck both President Yi and his son like a thunderbolt. “What?” they exclaimed in unison.

　　“After investigating the Zhou family, he approached me and offered a chance for revenge.” Jing Xi explained, “Now, you have to understand, I was torn. Having been raised by my grandfather, I was unsure about pursuing revenge, so I remained silent, pondering my options. That’s when he cunningly suggested causing some trouble for you guys. I admit I considered it as a possible course of action. Little did I know that it would lead to you actually disowning me!”

　　Once again, President Yi and Yi Jun were rendered speechless and could not refrain from cursing inwardly. ‘Did you not have the faintest clue about what you were getting yourself into!?’

　　Jing Xi divulged, “Little did I know, it was all part of his cunning plan. So I found myself trapped with no other options, but to rely on him.”

　　Despite President Yi’s conjecture about this being one of Duan Chi’s handiworks, he set aside his suspicions for the time being and inquired, “When do you intend to return home?”

　　Jing Xi’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Duan Chi wishes to discuss the identity revelation matter with me tomorrow, so I plan to leave right after!”

　　All of a sudden, an idea took root in President Yi’s mind, causing him to blurt out, “Invite him over to our place for the discussion.”

　　Since he harbored doubts about this matter, he wished to observe Duan Chi’s attitude discreetly. If his eldest son’s claims turned out to be true, it could lead to a favorable outcome for their family. After all, they would be able to forge connections with the Duan family.

　　Jing Xi answered, “I’ll check with him.”
　　President Yi cautioned, “Don’t mention that it came from me.”
　　Jing Xi let out a sound of acknowledgment before sending Duan Chi a voice message right then and there. “Something came up, and I’m feeling rather homesick. So could we perhaps discuss it at my place tomorrow, CEO Duan?”