Under the pressure of her father's stern gaze, Ji Nian recounted the incident that had happened at school.
Upon hearing that Ji Nian had a suspect in mind, Ji Tingzhou immediately summoned Wei Yang and Zhiliao. When they learned that Ji Nian had been poisoned at school, their expressions changed drastically.
“How could Liu Xing let something like this happen? Such a huge threat right under his nose, and he didn’t even notice?”
Liu Xing was the name of the principal of S Elementary School.
Ji Nian quietly defended him, “The person came prepared. It’s normal for the principal, who’s focused on education, not to notice.”
After all, in the world of ordinary people, things like poisoning and assassination were unheard of.
Unfortunately, the child’s muttering was selectively ignored.
“Ji Nian, don’t be afraid. Brother Wei Yang will grab my tools and tie that person up right away.”
Zhiliao nodded in agreement, “We need them alive.”
“Since they like poisoning so much, let them taste their own medicine.”
She had already planned out how to deal with the person once they were brought back.
Ji Nian glanced at Ji Tingzhou’s expression and realized he was thinking the same thing.
“Dad, I’m fine. I think we should hold off for now.”
“The person who targeted me is likely the same group that framed you and made Uncle misunderstand you.”
“Since the poison had no effect on me, they’ll definitely try again. We can use this opportunity to catch them.”
Before she could finish, Ji Tingzhou suddenly reached out and pinched her mouth, turning her lips into a pout.
“Papa?” Ji Nian managed to mumble.
Ji Tingzhou shut her down with just two words: “No way.”
Ji Nian blinked and wriggled out of her father’s grip.
“But this is the best way! You’ve been investigating for so long and haven’t found any leads, right?”
“Since Uncle didn’t die, their long-planned scheme was ruined. They’re desperate now, which is why they’re targeting me.”
“No matter what their goal is, this is a perfect opportunity!”
Besides, she had the antidote, so nothing would happen to her. Of course, she was also curious about what kind of poison they might use next.
Ji Tingzhou sat on the sofa, his emerald-green eyes looking down at Ji Nian, suppressing something.
“If the first poisoning failed, how can you be sure they’ll use poison again?”
Ji Nian didn’t see the problem.
“Kidnapping won’t work on me. I have poison needles and self-defense skills.”
Ji Tingzhou let out a cold laugh, not saying a word, but his gaze lingered on her petite frame, which an adult could easily lift with one hand.
In the end, Ji Tingzhou refused to let Ji Nian put herself in danger.
But Ji Nian believed this was a golden opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
The tension between them made Wei Yang and Zhiliao exchange glances.
If there was one thing Ji Tingzhou and Ji Nian had in common besides their looks, it was their stubbornness.
Their usual compromises were only because their bottom lines hadn’t been crossed.
For Ji Tingzhou, his bottom line was Ji Nian’s safety.
For Ji Nian, she was haunted by the ending they faced in the original story and wanted to eliminate the threat as soon as possible.
And so, for the first time, this father and daughter, who usually only squabbled playfully, were in a cold war.
Neither could convince the other.
When these two clashed, the rest of the Ji family suffered.
“That’s enough training for today,” Zhiliao said, looking at Ji Nian, who was relentlessly punching a sandbag with sharp, focused eyes.
“It’s okay, Sister Zhiliao. I can keep going.”
After catching her breath, Ji Nian continued to pummel the sandbag as if it were her father’s face.
[But you two look exactly alike…] the system chimed in.
Ji Nian scoffed, [Alike? How?]
[Am I as domineering as Ji Tingzhou? He won’t even let me go to school now!]
[Just because of that Teacher Li.]
[When I went to Country O alone, I’ve seen it all. Plus, I have Wei Yang and Sister Zhiliao to protect me.]
[Ji Tingzhou always resorts to violence, wiping out anyone who crosses him. He doesn’t understand the concept of playing the long game. If he keeps this up, he’ll be the one getting hurt in the end!]
The system: [………]
It had only said one thing, and Ji Nian had fired back a whole barrage.
Still, it was rare to see her genuinely angry.
Her past tantrums with Ji Tingzhou had always been somewhat performative, but now she was truly upset.
What was that human saying?
Ah, yes—those who are loved act without fear.
Meanwhile—
“Brother, stop drinking.”
“If Ji Nian sees you like this, she’ll be mad.”
Wei Yang clung to Ji Tingzhou’s leg, shouting at the top of his lungs.
Ji Tingzhou kicked him aside with his foot.
Holding an empty bottle, Ji Tingzhou swirled his glass and shot Wei Yang a sidelong glance, “Do you not want your salary this month?”
Wei Yang hugged his own muscular legs and muttered, “But Ji Nian said…”
Ji Tingzhou’s sharp gaze cut through him like a knife, making Wei Yang shudder.
“Since when does she get to tell me what to do?”
Her meddling habits—who did she get that from? Her willingness to put herself in danger—who did she take after? Always rushing headfirst into trouble, never thinking of herself, treating enemies like fools!
“Who else…? Just like you…” Wei Yang mumbled under his breath, having overheard his brother’s muttered complaints.
“You could’ve just talked it out. Telling Ji Nian she can’t go to school is a bit too much, bro.”
Ji Tingzhou shot him a look, annoyed at how Wei Yang seemed to side with Ji Nian.
He waved him off, but Wei Yang refused to leave.
Though his loyalty was divided, he couldn’t just abandon Ji Tingzhou.
During the years when Ji Tingzhou’s mental state was at its worst, Wei Yang had only dared to secretly dilute his brother’s alcohol. He regretted not being more forceful back then, even if it meant getting beaten up.
His brother used to be able to kick him several meters away, but now his strength seemed almost playful. He rarely exerted himself or took action.
Now, with Ji Nian leading the charge, Wei Yang had found a role model. No matter how much Ji Tingzhou tried to shoo him away, he stayed put, even rolling on the floor in protest.
The noise made Ji Tingzhou’s head throb.
If you won’t leave, then I will.
Wei Yang, lying on the floor wiping fake tears, looked up—
Huh? He’s gone.
“Huh? Then what? Ji Nian didn’t teach me this part.”
He stood up, utterly confused.
...
Teacher Li found out about Ji Nian’s absence through the homeroom teacher.
His heart sank.
She hadn’t seemed affected yesterday. Did the poison take effect after she went home?
But the Ji family hadn’t made any moves. If she had really been poisoned, Ji Tingzhou would’ve turned the school upside down by now.
No, whether they’d discovered it or not, he had to retreat. Maybe this was a trap to see how he’d react, waiting for him to panic and walk right into their hands.
Lost in thought, he nearly bumped into someone.
Looking down, he saw a thin, dark-skinned boy.
The boy greeted him, “Teacher.”
Teacher Li recognized him—a scholarship student who usually kept to himself. When given snacks, he remained calm, showing no signs of embarrassment from his humble background.
But now, the boy looked worried.
“Teacher, do you know… why Ji Nian didn’t come to class today?”
He had seen her lying on her desk yesterday for a long time. At first, he thought she was sleeping, but Ji Nian rarely napped at her desk, so he worried she might be feeling unwell.
He hadn’t had a chance to ask her.
With many students catching colds recently, he feared Ji Nian might be sick too. He had even prepared a traditional remedy his grandmother taught him, hoping to give it to Ji Nian.
But after waiting all morning, she never showed up.
