The atmosphere instantly became silent and tense.
In front of the glass greenhouse, Ji Linlang and Ji Chengsi stared at each other like adversaries, their eyes full of measurement and hostility.
Neither of them spoke.
Finally, Ji Xian, caught in the middle of them, looked left and right with a hint of suspicion in his eyes and broke the silence.
“What are you talking about? I don’t quite understand.”
Ji Linlang withdrew her gaze and looked at her lively younger brother, a flicker of complexity and concern crossing her eyes. After a long pause, she said softly, “You go back first. I have something to discuss with our cousin.”
Ji Xian refused decisively. “No, I want to stay too!”
Ji Linlang ordered firmly: “Go back!”
“…” Ji Xian looked embarrassed. Not daring to argue with her, he turned to Ji Chengsi, his eyes accusing him like a scolding elder brother: “You two are keeping little secrets from me!”
Although Ji Xian was a year older than him, due to events from the previous life, Ji Chengsi always felt guilty toward his cousin and unconsciously softened his attitude.
“No, no, we’re just talking,” he said, still unconsciously seeking Ji Linlang’s confirmation. “Right, cousin?”
Ji Linlang was silent for a moment, then humbly nodded. “Yes, I’m just checking on our cousin who just came home.”
Ji Xian was speechless. Do you really think I’m three years old? Such obvious collusion, and you think I’ll believe it?
But what could he do if he didn’t believe them? Ji Linlang gave him no chance to argue.
“Kids shouldn’t ask too much, go back,” Ji Linlang pushed him gently toward the main house, then turned to Ji Chengsi, nodding slightly to signal him to find a quiet place to talk.
Ji Chengsi nodded and followed Ji Linlang.
Before Ji Xian could voice any objection, the two of them had already left him behind.
He froze, a flash of anger in his eyes, his face turning cold.
Fine, if they won’t pay attention to him, he didn’t care!
Ji Xian stormed back inside, colliding with Ji Xiu. After greeting him, he tried to pass by to go upstairs.
Ji Xiu raised an eyebrow. “Wait!”
Ji Xian stopped, his face cold, his tone full of grievance and anger. “Dad, what’s up?”
Only then did Ji Xiu notice the change in his son’s mood and asked in surprise, “Why are you angry? You just went out with Linlang—did she purposely annoy you again?”
“She didn’t annoy me. She’s only focused on the cousin who just came back. She doesn’t even remember me,” Ji Xian said coldly, his tone hard but tinged with unhidden resentment.
Ji Xiu was momentarily stunned, then laughed heartily at his misfortune. “You sister-obsessed kid! You usually act so casual with me, and now you finally got taught a lesson, huh?”
Ji Xian: “….”
He shouldn’t have told Dad about this; this old man, younger in mind than him, had never learned consideration.
Ji Xian’s expression grew even colder. Ignoring Ji Xiu’s teasing, he stomped upstairs with impressive determination.
“Didn’t I tell you to wait?” Ji Xiu recovered his serious tone after laughing, quickly catching up beside him. “Don’t go to your room yet. Let’s go to the third floor and talk to Grandpa about changing the heir.”
Ji Xian froze for a moment, then his eyes lit up.
“Dad, you mean…”
He thought only his sister had come up with this idea, but now he realized Dad had too—no wonder Dad always spoils his sister.
Ji Xiu, unaware of what happened in the greenhouse, patted Ji Xian’s shoulder. “You’ve been wanting to play e-sports, right? Before your cousin gets too involved, we should quickly pass on the heir’s duties.”
The disdain in Ji Xiu’s tone perfectly matched Ji Xian’s thoughts.
Ji Xian’s heart leapt with excitement. No longer able to pretend to be angry, he eagerly followed Ji Xiu.
Elsewhere, in the backyard:
Ji Linlang and Ji Chengsi reached the court, a wide open space with no obstacles. Only the distant street lamps cast warm white light, perfect for a private conversation.
“You…” Ji Chengsi, impatient, spoke first but hesitated midway, unsure how to continue.
Ji Linlang remained calm, wearing a black slip dress, exuding a strong aura. She looked at him coldly. “I didn’t expect you to survive and even have the luck to be reborn.”
Ji Chengsi was angered by the contempt and regret in her tone.
“Sorry to disappoint you!”
Ji Linlang gave a cold, noble smile. “And what right do you have to be angry? When you caused my brother’s death, did you ever think a day like this would come?”
Ji Chengsi frowned, anxious. “You’re speaking nonsense. I’ve explained many times—what happened to Ji Xian wasn’t my doing.”
Ji Linlang ignored him, chin raised, eyes filled with hatred. “If you hadn’t driven him out of the boardroom, how could he have gone home alone?”
Ji Xian was a young master, never mistreated or left the family alone. From school to work, he always had drivers. He barely drove himself.
Had he not been forced out of the company in such a humiliating way, would he have impulsively driven home?
Ji Chengsi frowned. “He barely drives?”
“Almost never. The last time he drove was a year ago to pick me up at the airport!” Ji Linlang’s voice sharpened.
Her beloved brother, if it weren’t for Ji Chengsi’s extreme actions, wouldn’t have suffered.
She didn’t care whether the truck was an accident or deliberately sent; either way, Ji Chengsi caused her obedient and caring brother’s death!
Ji Linlang’s eyes were red. She stepped close to Ji Chengsi, voice icy: “Ji Chengsi, you should be thankful I returned to the present. Otherwise, you and I would settle this with blood!”
“I can kill you once, I can kill you twice!”
Her words hissed like a cold snake.
Ji Chengsi shrank back, goosebumps rising, wary of her.
Ji Linlang then smiled brightly, her tone suddenly cheerful: “But don’t worry. My brother survived, Dad survived. I want to live well. As long as you don’t provoke our family, I won’t be your enemy anymore.”
Ji Chengsi froze. Was this a face-changing trick from Sichuan opera?
Ji Linlang smiled: “Compared to dealing with you, I’d rather enjoy my family’s love and protection.”
She looked at Ji Chengsi, raised an eyebrow: “So, you’ve always wanted the Ji family company, right? Let’s cooperate. The company can be yours, Grandpa can be yours, even Qi Qinxue can be yours. We’ll mind our own business, and you won’t meddle in our lives. Do you finally believe that Dad never wanted the inheritance, and it wasn’t the reason for Uncle’s death?”
Ji Chengsi was speechless.
Her words left no room for denial.
Whether in the previous life or now, his second uncle had never desired the inheritance. His obsession caused many mistakes, including Ji Xian’s death.
His return now threatened Ji Xian’s stable heir position. His desire for power could stir trouble.
If Uncle’s death caused the family’s misfortune, Ji Chengsi’s return was the root of the potential collapse.
Confused, Ji Chengsi wondered: Could he still blame Grandpa and his second uncle?
They all made mistakes.
They never intended to harm their kin; it was fate’s cruelty.
After rebirth, Ji Linlang had been anxious about repeating past tragedies. Knowing Ji Chengsi was also reborn, she vented her anger on him, but her mind relaxed afterward.
Since he was reborn, events wouldn’t repeat.
She had no need to worry. Unless… he wanted to die again. Ji Linlang was confident and unafraid to threaten him.
For her father and brother, to protect her returned family, she was willing to bear the guilt.
“Think carefully. I’m leaving now,” she said, glancing at Ji Chengsi, then elegantly turned away in her black heels.
Ji Chengsi reached out but didn’t know what to say, watching her leave.
Alone on the court, he recalled fading memories of his parents, Grandpa, his uncle who brought him home, spirited cousin Ji Xian, gentle second aunt, and Ji Linlang pushing him downstairs. His thoughts were chaotic.
For a peaceful future, Ji Linlang chose to forgive.
Could he forgive Grandpa too?
His mind replayed Grandpa’s final moments. Only seven years left…
This time, he had returned early. He could live differently, not blame fate, and try to forget past mistakes.
His expression was a mix of struggle and determination.
Everyone’s path differs at life’s crossroads. Some walk alone, some with family, some seek clarity at personal cost, some endure pain for warmth.
Ji Chengsi was not decisive.
But now, he made a choice. This decision made him feel at ease. There was only one path, no matter the obstacles.
Resolute, Ji Chengsi exhaled and went to the main house. Grandpa always went to bed early, but today he probably couldn’t sleep.
Looking at the bright, round moon, he murmured, “I’ll go talk to him.”
He knocked on Grandpa’s door on the third floor. The bedroom and study were connected, so Grandpa could hear him.
“Come in.”
Grandpa, wearing a silk robe and reading glasses, was sitting at his desk examining a piece of paper.
“Who is it?”
“Grandpa, it’s me.”
“Chengsi?” Grandpa blinked, removing his glasses to see clearly. “I didn’t expect you to come to me.”
Ji Chengsi smiled. “I was resentful of you and Uncle, but cousin guided me. I wanted to talk with you.”
Grandpa, surprised, set down his glasses and beckoned warmly: “Good, come. Let’s talk properly.”
Ji Chengsi, used to Grandpa’s warmth, walked over.
Their heart-to-heart lasted two hours. Grandpa recounted Ji You’s (Chengsi’s father) life, his growth, pride, and frustrations. Gradually, Ji Chengsi’s lingering resentment melted in Grandpa’s sighs.
He realized he wouldn’t follow Grandpa’s path blindly. He’d cherish every day, accompanying Grandpa in his remaining years.
“Child, don’t look at me like that. I can still last a few more years!” Grandpa chuckled.
Ji Chengsi nodded. “Yes, you’re still strong.”
Last life, he returned too late. Ji Xian wasn’t interested in the company, so Grandpa stayed at work seven more years. This time, he returned early, ensuring Grandpa could rest sooner.
Ji Chengsi hesitated to mention joining the company immediately, planning to wait for a better moment.
Grandpa, meanwhile, pondered the proposal made by Ji Xiu and Ji Xian to pass the heir position to Ji Xian. Though unsure how to discuss it with Ji Chengsi, he agreed with their reasoning.
Both grandfather and grandson silently exchanged glances, agreeing without words.
Finally:
“It’s getting late… Grandpa, you rest first.”
“Alright, I’ll rest. Tomorrow we’ll have breakfast together.” Grandpa spoke kindly.
Ji Chengsi nodded and left, planning to discuss company matters later.
The next day, the tutor arrived on time.
Ji Xian, glancing at Grandpa on the sofa, nudged excitedly: “Grandpa, haven’t you said anything yet?”
Grandpa avoided his eldest grandson’s gaze.
Ji Xian, frustrated, spoke: “Cousin, study with me.”
Ji Chengsi, having slept better than ever since rebirth, hesitated but ultimately agreed.
Though he didn’t want to inherit the company, helping out was fine. His ability surprised the tutors. He quickly caught up with Ji Xian, mastering knowledge in days that had taken his cousin a year.
Ji Xiu, observing the progress, could only marvel: true male lead talent—effortlessly excelling even in unfamiliar lessons.
Ji Xian, though, felt severely defeated—his cousin absorbed in days what he had studied for a year.
Ji Chengsi’s exceptional ability reassured Ji Xiu. The family could relax now.