Chapter 491: Ji Ming’s Odd Moment

Chapter 491: Ji Ming's Odd Moment

At the grand and opulent entrance of the Ji family, Yi Yanran slowly brought the car to a stop. She then turned off the engine and stepped out, handing the car keys back to Ji Ming.

"We're here. Goodbye."

Yi Yanran glanced at the gate of the Ji family and turned to leave. She didn’t even glance at Ji Ming again, as if she had truly moved on from him and no longer harbored any feelings.

This was exactly what Ji Ming had always wanted—being pestered by a woman like Yi Yanran was definitely a headache and downright nauseating. But now, seeing her indifference toward him, he didn’t feel any relief at all. Instead, he felt a twinge of annoyance.

What was going on?

Was he out of his mind?

As Yi Yanran breezed past his car and headed outside, Ji Ming hurried after her, calling out her name, "Yi Yanran."

She turned around, looking at him with confusion.

Ji Ming nervously ran a hand through his golden hair, "Uh... Let me have the driver take you back."

Yi Yanran was even more puzzled. After all, Ji Ming had always treated her with cold disdain. When had he ever shown her any kindness?

"No need, I'll take a taxi."

There’s something fishy going on!

As Yi Yanran was about to leave again, Ji Ming stopped her once more, "Yi Yanran, I... I need to ask you something."

Yi Yanran turned back, "What is it?"

Ji Ming looked at her, "Last time, you said that true love isn’t just a fleeting crush but an enduring connection. So, what if it’s been a crush for over ten years? Doesn't that count as love?"

Yi Yanran froze for a moment.

She knew very well that Ji Ming was referring to his decade-long unrequited love for Yun Mu.

But why was he asking her? Ji Ming was well aware of her past feelings for him. Wasn’t he worried she might mess with him by purposely telling him that his crush on Yun Mu wasn’t real love?

To be honest, Yi Yanran had planned to say just that. If Ji Ming no longer loved Yun Mu, then she might have a chance.

But as she looked into Ji Ming's earnest and determined eyes, her throat went dry. She spoke, "Ten years of pining and protecting—if that doesn't count as love, then what does? But not every love is returned. Sometimes, you have to learn to let go of your obsessions."

"Oh, since when did Miss Yi turn into a love guru?"

At that moment, a sarcastic voice chimed in.

Ji Shu walked out from the entrance, arms crossed, her beautiful eyes glaring at Yi Yanran with hostility, "Miss Yi, have you no shame? Even if my brother stops pursuing Yun Mu, it still has nothing to do with you!"

Did she really think everyone was like her, Ji Shu, with beauty that outshines all others?

In front of Ji Ming, Yi Yanran didn’t want to engage with Ji Shu. She simply said goodbye to Ji Ming and turned to leave.

Ji Ming coldly glanced at Ji Shu but ultimately had the driver take Yi Yanran home.

Ji Shu was displeased, "Brother, why were you with her? I was wondering why you suddenly disappeared during the game. Tell me, what did that vixen do to you?"

"Can't you speak with a bit more grace? Can't you stop being so biased against Yi Yanran?"

Ji Shu grabbed Ji Ming's arm tightly, "Brother, come clean, do you have feelings for Yi Yanran?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? Absolutely not!" Ji Ming almost jumped up, looking like he had something to hide.

Ji Shu took a deep breath and stared at him, "I must tell you clearly, our Ji family comes from royal blood, not just anyone can marry into our family, especially a woman carrying someone else's child! Not only do I disagree, but you also can't get past Dad and Mom!"

"You're really pushing it, are you bored? What's up with Yunzhe?"

Ji Shu was immediately distracted, blushing happily, "He took me home and then left, we're going to the movies tomorrow. Brother, what kind of movie do you think a mature man like Yunzhe would like? Rom-coms are too cheesy, comedies are too silly..."

Ji Ming rolled his eyes and brushed past her.

Ji Shu shouted from behind, "Hey! Why are you leaving? Don't think I won't tell Dad about you and that vixen Yi Yanran! Ji Ming!..."

"What are you talking about?"

At this moment, a stern voice interrupted Ji Shu's chatter.

Ji Ming paused, turned back, and glared at Ji Shu, "Ji Shu's just making stuff up, nothing happened."

In the living room, a tall, imposing figure slowly walked out, standing under the crystal chandelier with intersecting light and shadow. He also had golden hair and blue eyes, with strikingly handsome features, but with a bit more of the sedimentation of years compared to Ji Ming, thus adding a touch of sharpness and the authority of a superior.

The head of the Ji family glanced at Ji Shu and scolded in a low voice, "Always causing a scene and running your mouth, you don't act like a proper lady, what kind of behavior is this?"

Scolded by her father, Ji Shu pouted, "I didn't talk nonsense, I'm going to bed!"

Then she quickly made herself scarce.

Ji Ming, "..."

The head of the Ji family's sharp gaze fell on Ji Ming, frowning, "Were you out drinking again?"

Ji Ming coughed lightly, "Just a little, I'm fine..."

"You're clearly drunk, messing around with someone like Yi Yanran! What's her status? What's her reputation? What's your status? We're royalty!"

"Enough!" These words sounded particularly harsh to Ji Ming at this moment, and he couldn't help but sneer, "The royal family's been gone for ages, and you're still clinging to that?"

The head of the Ji family's face darkened, "This is the last time something like this happens, Yi Yanran will never set foot in this house!"

"I already said Ji Shu was talking nonsense!"

"You'd better be lying, or else."

The head of the Ji family's stern gaze fixed on Ji Ming, who for a moment felt a bit guilty, sneered and shifted his attention, "Dad, can you quit staring at me like that? Yunzhe is just a member of the Yun family, why don't you say he's not worthy of your precious daughter?"

The head of the Ji family, "Yunzhe's identity is not as simple as you think."

Ji Ming paused slightly, "What do you mean, what's up with Yunzhe's identity?"

The head of the Ji family narrowed his eyes, looking at Ji Ming with increasing anger, "You haven't even figured out the basics about the Yun family! What have you been doing all these years following Yun Mu? You haven't made a career, nor have you pursued a woman!"

"Do you have to rub salt in my wounds? Isn't Yunzhe just an adopted son of the Yun family, what other identity could he have?"

The head of the Ji family glanced at Ji Ming with a deep look, snorted and smiled coldly, "If you have the ability, go find out yourself!"

Then he turned and walked away with his hands behind his back.

Ji Ming was stunned, "This old man, what's he hiding?"

But the old man never speaks without substance, this matter is probably true.

That dog Yunzhe, could he really have a background?