“Wasn’t it said to be an adopted daughter? How old is Ji Tingzhou? Where did such a big child come from?”
“The adopted daughter is the one on the right, right? The head of the Ji family brought two of them.”
“Age doesn’t matter these days. It’s easy to create a child with technology.”
“They must have done genetic screening, otherwise how could they have one so similar? I’d believe it’s Ji Tingzhou as a child.”
Everyone’s eyes couldn’t help but fall on Ji Nian, who was standing above.
How could they not care? This might be the future heir to the Ji family’s vast empire.
They were even thinking if there were any suitable boys in their families. Arranged marriages should start from childhood! If not, they’d better hurry up and have one!
Shen Qingtang wore a princess crown adorned with blue diamonds, a princess dress embellished with beads and crystals, and a large bow at the back, looking like a cherished little princess.
Ji Nian, on the other hand, had a completely different style. Her curly hair had been straightened and meticulously cared for, no longer frizzy, and styled into an intricate updo.
At a glance, her dress could be mistaken for a matching parent-child outfit with Ji Tingzhou beside her, with a color scheme of black and dark green. The child not only resembled her father in appearance but also in her dignified, unapproachable expression.
She looked like a little princess.
Listening to the discussions around him, Gu Xiuyuan, for some reason, felt his little face flush.
He was embarrassed for Ji Nian.
After all, it was this cold-faced little girl who had said such shocking words to him not long ago.
“On behalf of the Ji family, I welcome all of you.”
Ji Tingzhou’s opening remarks were very brief.
After the lights brightened again, those who had long-standing collaborations with the Ji family were the first to approach.
“Your daughter looks so much like you, Mr. Ji.”
Ji Tingzhou nodded at the person and introduced, “Her name is Ji Nian, five years old.”
Not forgetting Shen Qingtang, he also mentioned her name.
Upon hearing Shen Qingtang’s surname, the person quickly thought of Shen Rushan, who had passed away a few years ago, and immediately understood her background.
Ji Tingzhou, unexpectedly sentimental.
He had actually adopted the child of a deceased subordinate.
Before he could say anything, a timely “Mr. Ji” was heard.
The man turned his head and saw Gu Jing, who was holding Gu Xiuyuan’s hand.
The Gu family was also one of the top families in S City.
The man politely made way for the Gu father and son.
Seeing Gu Xiuyuan, Shen Qingtang’s eyes lit up, and she smiled at him.
Gu Xiuyuan, after all, was still a child. Although he usually kept a straight face, seeing a companion who interested him, a hint of a smile finally appeared in his deep black eyes.
But when his gaze shifted to Ji Nian, he found that she was pretending not to know him, turning her head as if looking for someone.
Gu Xiuyuan’s little heart instantly felt uncomfortable.
Not liking Ji Nian was one thing, but her pretending not to know him was another.
She had said such harsh words to him, how could she pretend not to know him?
Gu Xiuyuan felt a bit upset.
Even the joy of meeting Shen Qingtang again faded.
To put it simply, he had been scared to tears before, feeling a bit embarrassed, and now seeing that she didn’t care about him at all, his childish pride was hurt.
Ji Nian had no idea that this little brat had so many thoughts in his head.
She was looking for Wei Yang.
Wei Yang, who was originally supposed to go out on an errand for Ji Tingzhou, had stayed behind after learning about the note. Now, his whereabouts were unknown.
After hearing everyone’s praise for Ji Nian along the way, Ji Tingzhou was very satisfied. Today’s social quota was clearly exceeded, and he quickly grew tired, letting a few secretaries take over.
Noticing Ji Nian’s actions, he sat on the sofa and tugged at the child’s straightened hair.
“What’s wrong?”
“Where’s Brother Wei Yang?”
Knowing that Ji Tingzhou treated her differently, Ji Nian now didn’t even bother calling him “Head of the Family.”
“Haven’t seen him.”
Ji Tingzhou glanced around casually. He really hadn’t seen Wei Yang, probably hiding somewhere.
Weapons or sharp objects were not allowed here, and all the bodyguards brought by the guests could only wait outside.
But if someone with ill intentions wanted to do something, it was ultimately unstoppable.
In fact, Ji Tingzhou had received a message from Wei Yang not long ago. He had indeed found a group of suspicious people and had started dealing with them.
Ji Nian was well protected and knew nothing about the outside rumors. Seeing Ji Tingzhou’s indifferent expression, she couldn’t help but wonder:
Did the princess not take that note seriously?
After just experiencing a targeted terrorist attack, even someone without a brain should be vigilant, right?
Ji Nian sighed.
“Then something unexpected must have happened to Brother Wei Yang.”
Ji Tingzhou: ?
Shen Qingtang, who was obediently following Ji Tingzhou, also kept glancing at the crowd.
Realizing she wanted to go play with the boy, Ji Nian spoke up, “Do you want to go play with that boy from earlier?”
Surprised that she had been seen through, Shen Qingtang’s first reaction was to look at Ji Tingzhou with unease.
Ji Tingzhou knew Ji Nian was referring to Gu Xiuyuan.
He had also noticed that Shen Qingtang seemed to know Gu Xiuyuan.
“Go ahead.”
Meeting Shen Qingtang’s gaze, Ji Tingzhou nodded.
With permission, Shen Qingtang couldn’t help but smile, lifting her skirt and running towards Gu Xiuyuan.
“What about you? Do you want to go too?”
Ji Tingzhou tilted his head to look at Ji Nian beside him.
Ji Nian, meeting his eyes, knew that the princess definitely wanted her to stay and keep him company.
But she had something on her mind.
“I want to go play with Big Egg! He must really miss me.”
Ji Nian played her trump card.
Acting cute.
She widened her eyes with effort, looking up at Ji Tingzhou with an expectant face, even tugging at his sleeve and shaking it like she was acting cute.
Sure enough, the princess fell for it.
“Don’t ride the dog, and wash your hands after touching him before you touch me.”
This meant he agreed.
Ji Nian raised her arms in a ‘hooray’ gesture and turned to leave.
Ji Tingzhou watched her cheerful figure and muttered, “Little heartless one,” before taking a sip of champagne from his glass.
The people around them watched the interaction between father and daughter and exchanged glances.
The biological one is indeed the same. Ji Tingzhou can actually smile.
...
Meanwhile, Wei Yang, who Ji Nian was thinking about, casually wiped the blood off his face.
One of his men came over with a box.
He then carefully put on gloves and opened the box.
Inside the box were two slots, one containing a small bottle of blue liquid, accompanied by a syringe for extraction and injection.
Wei Yang’s expression was off.
There were two slots in the box, but only one bottle.
“Where’s the other one?”
He had a bad feeling and signaled for his men to follow.
This matter needed to be reported to Ji Tingzhou.
