Chapter 46 “Starting off with a bang!”…

Chapter 46 "Starting off with a bang!"...

Back when Ji Ning lived at home, she seldom ran into Fu Mingya and Ji Guoting. In the three-story villa, each person had their own space. Fu Mingya usually stayed in the study, Ji Guoting fiddled with his fish tank, and Ji Ning kept to herself in her room. The three of them never bothered each other.

She knew not all families were like this, but seeing Jiang Cheng's parents going out of their way to spend more time with him, she couldn't help but stay a little longer.

"Grandma wants a blueberry candy skewer too," Zhou Yanjun said with a smile. "I'll save it for later; it shouldn't spoil."

Little Zhu Zhu got busy making the candy skewer for her grandma.

Ji Ning and Zhou Yanjun hit it off right away. She was sensible, unlike Jiang Songlin, who sometimes acted like he knew better just because he was older. Zhou Yanjun was warm and kind, making it easy for people to feel at ease. At the same time, she respected boundaries and didn't pry into others' business.

Jiang Cheng mentioned that his mother had already figured out Zhu Zhu's identity, but she didn't press for details. She simply did her best to shower the child with love and care.

Before getting to know Jiang Cheng's parents, Ji Ning had been hesitant, but now, her perspective had shifted.

The baby got even more love, tilting her little face to playfully charm her grandma, which was a good thing too.

"What about me?" Jiang Songlin chimed in.

Just as Xiao Tuanzi handed the blueberry candy skewer to her grandma, another request popped up.

"Don't be silly. Zhu Zhu loves blueberries the most. If you use them all for candy skewers, what will she have left?" Zhou Yanjun said.

Jiang Songlin wasn't happy.

"Why is this kid so partial?"

The baby always gets upset when others are disappointed.

Zhou Yanjun told her to keep the blueberries she loves most for herself and not worry too much about others' feelings.

Zhou Yanjun wasn't an expert on parenting, but she knew that kids are often taught to share because adults want them to be generous. But given the child's painful past, she believed the child should be taught to put herself first and prioritize her own feelings.

This approach aligned with Ji Ning and Jiang Cheng's thinking.

"If he really wants some..." Zhou Yanjun whispered to Zhu Zhu.

Grandma came up with a plan for the baby.

Little Zhu Zhu nodded eagerly and dashed to the kitchen to grab a chopstick.

By the time she returned, Zhou Yanjun had already stuck a big apple on a skewer for her.

The "candy skewer" Jiang Songlin received was an apple.

"I don't like apples the most," he muttered.

Before he finished speaking, he caught Zhou Yanjun's sidelong glance and reluctantly changed his tone: "I'll give it a try."

Jiang Songlin took a bite of the apple.

Facing Little Zhu Zhu's expectant gaze, he coughed lightly: "Not bad."

Xiao Tuanzi turned back, snuggling in her grandma's arms, and showed a shy smile.

For a moment, Ji Ning thought that if Jiang Songlin knew the truth, the baby would receive double the affection, which would be good.

She told Jiang Cheng this, but received a cold response.

"He would say..."

"Say what?"

He was acting mysterious, so Ji Ning leaned in closer, as if probing for gossip.

His warm breath brushed her ear.

Her long lashes cast a soft shadow beneath her eyes.

"My granddaughter, Jiang Songlin's own, how could she be left outside?" Jiang Cheng said in his father's tone.

Mr. Jiang was quite the impressionist.

His intonation and rhythm were spot-on, and if not for the difference in voice, it would have sounded like Jiang Songlin himself speaking.

This left Ji Ning at a loss for words.

She widened her eyes, tugging hard at his sleeve, signaling him to stop.

When Jiang Songlin turned his head upon hearing the cricket sounds from the corner, she feigned innocence, offering a polite, tight-lipped smile.

"Don't you dare say it!" she whispered.

Jiang Cheng chuckled, "Your secret's safe with me."

Jiang Songlin, nibbling on his apple, observed them.

He couldn't make out what the young couple was whispering about; with his experience, even if he pricked up his ears, he wouldn't catch a word.

"How lovely," Zhou Yanjun remarked with a smile.

"What's lovely?"

"They're a perfect pair."

Little Zhu Zhu popped blueberries into her mouth, one after another.

The four adults split into pairs, each whispering among themselves.

Only the little one was left out.

Might as well stick to eating blueberries!

...

On the eve of their departure, Grandma wanted to spend more time with Little Zhu Zhu.

As she opened the window, the laughter of other children drifted up from below, and she suggested taking Zhu Zhu's new twist car for a spin to help with digestion.

The little one had barely settled into the new house, and it was already resembling a miniature parking lot, with motorcycles, rocking horses, tricycles, and twist cars neatly lined up in the storage room.

The twist car had just arrived before dinner, fresh off the delivery.

At Grandma's urging, Zhu Zhu transformed into a tiny driver once more, excitedly heading downstairs to earn her twist car "license."

Kids don't need adults to teach them how to play.

With her short legs, she hopped onto the twist car, mastering it in no time, her little hands turning the handlebars to control the direction, her feet pushing off the ground rapidly, making cheerful sounds.

Little Zhu Zhu's surprised childlike voice, "whoosh," quickly faded into the distance.

The ground was almost about to spark from the baby's sliding, the wiggle car carrying her forward in a sprint, like a small fish swimming through water.

Zhou Yanjun hurriedly caught up: "Slow down, be careful."

Jiang Songlin walked behind, his steps slow and with an air of dignity.

In a moment of inattention, he ran into the talkative middle-aged neighbor again. Frowning, he quickened his pace.

"It's you, we meet again," the middle-aged neighbor said warmly.

Listening to the neighbor's idle talk, it was better to play with the child.

Jiang Songlin caught up with Zhu Zhu and even suggested to his wife: "She's riding too fast, it's dangerous. We could use a rope, tie it to the front of the car, and pull her along."

"Do you think our baby is a puppy!" Zhou Yanjun rolled her eyes again.

But Little Zhu Zhu discovered something new.

A rope!

Under Xiao Tuanzi's insistent request, Jiang Cheng really found her a rope.

It turned out this wasn't Jiang Songlin's sudden idea; others in the community also did this when taking their kids out.

Little Zhu Zhu's feet no longer scraped against the ground, as her grandparents pulled her around, wandering everywhere.

The winter atmosphere always brings thoughts of the New Year.

Whenever Zhou Yanjun thought of her granddaughter's past experiences, her heart ached. Especially now, as they talked about the New Year and listened to the child's naive and confused memories, her face turned grim.

"We get new clothes for the New Year, and my brother's new clothes are so beautiful!"

"Children can play with firecrackers, throw them on the ground, cover their ears and run far away."

While others got new clothes for the New Year, Zhu Zhu never had any. Her brother's new clothes were beautiful, and every time the adults dressed him, they had to coax and trick him, even stuffing candy into his mouth to get him to cooperate.

Zhu Zhu had never played with the small firecrackers that exploded after being thrown on the ground.

Every New Year, she would walk very carefully in the village, because firecrackers might explode under her feet, "bang," which was terrifying.

Zhou Yanjun and Jiang Songlin both understood—it was the older kids in the village bullying her.

They bullied Zhu Zhu for having no one to rely on, taking cruel pleasure in the sight of the little one being scared, wanting to cry but not daring to...

Jiang Songlin remained silent for a long time.

He couldn't imagine how much more suffering this child would have gone through if she hadn't been found.

"Has Zhu Zhu ever been hurt by fireworks?"

"No, never!"

Zhu Zhu always found ways to protect herself whenever she was bullied.

During the New Year festivities, she was only scared by firecrackers at first. After that, she stopped going out alone, only following at a distance when her grandmother took her brother out.

Her brother was the Zhao family's pride and joy, the whole village knew this. Who would dare to mess with him or scare him?

Zhou Yanjun felt her nose start to tingle with emotion.

She rubbed Zhu Zhu's head affectionately. "You're so clever."

Not only was her husband moved, but Jiang Songlin also felt a heaviness in his heart upon hearing these words.

"Since we're talking about the New Year..." he awkwardly changed the subject, "Do you want to hear a joke about New Year goods?"

The little one eagerly nodded.

"A long, long time ago, there was a mother snail and her daughter. In July, the snail parents took their daughter to buy New Year goods."

Zhou Yanjun asked, "The New Year is in January or February, so why buy New Year goods in July?"

"The little snail asked the same thing," Jiang Songlin said. "The snail mother told her, 'Because by the time we make it to the supermarket, it'll be New Year.'"

Zhou Yanjun was speechless...

How can you tell a joke with a straight face?

But Little Zhu Zhu was delighted, her eyes twinkling like little crescent moons.

"After buying the New Year goods, they started their slow crawl back," Jiang Songlin continued.

Zhu Zhu chimed in, "By the time they get home, it'll be July again!"

The child's smile was radiant and pure.

Jiang Songlin didn't find his own joke funny, but he burst out laughing at her innocent delight.

"The snail family's efforts were all for nothing," Jiang Songlin said.

"Who says?" Zhou Yanjun laughed. "At least during this long journey, the little snail had her parents by her side."

Zhu Zhu exclaimed, "So happy!"

The two elders took Little Zhu Zhu for a stroll around the entire neighborhood.

Ji Ning and Jiang Cheng followed behind, hearing the bursts of laughter and joy from ahead, their eyes also lit up with smiles.

"Have you decided when to go back?" Ji Ning asked.

Unlike her initial wariness upon learning the truth, Ji Ning gradually let her guard down.

They adjusted to each other's roles, without any scheming or competition.

Ji Ning and Jiang Cheng had never discussed it, but surprisingly, their goals were aligned.

Given the baby's special situation, as parents, they only hoped to provide her with the security she lacked through care and companionship.

They pooled their efforts to make the baby feel loved.

Though the time was short, the rewards were great. Zhu Zhu, nurtured by love, grew more optimistic and confident. Just like now, she pedaled her twist car forward, confident that her parents were always right behind her, without needing to look back.

"Tomorrow night," Jiang Cheng said.

The show will start recording early the day after tomorrow.

And tomorrow night, he will return to his own life.

Ji Ning was never groomed by Fu Mingya to be an heir from a young age. The only time she was told not to be willful was when Fu Mingya insisted she enter into a marriage alliance.

But Ji Ning remembered seeing Bai Hui's sister's daily schedule when she was very young. A girl barely over ten years old was as busy as a mini CEO. The Bai family adults said it was unavoidable—she’d have to shoulder huge responsibilities in the future.

Now, with Jiang Cheng, Ji Ning finally understood the weight of those responsibilities.

Even though he knew Zhu Zhu didn’t want him to go, and he didn’t want to leave either, he had no choice—he had to go.

New plans were already in place.

He said he’d try to make time to come to North City on weekends to be with Zhu Zhu.

But that would have to wait until after the show ended.

"Did you pack your bags?" Ji Ning asked.

"Not much to pack," Jiang Cheng replied.

He didn’t have much to pack—just his computer and the work files stacked on his desk.

But the things that really mattered were back in North City.

...

Less than twenty-four hours remained before the show started.

Netizens were already hyped, stocking up on snacks and drinks since the show was starting early the next morning. Their favorite binge-watching snacks were finally back. If they wanted something to munch on while watching, they’d have to settle for steamed dumplings, noodles, or buns early in the morning...

Right before the show was set to begin, the production team sent out a notice.

First, the flight details: a 6 a.m. departure, which meant a 4 a.m. wake-up call.

Second, the itinerary: a seven-day trip to Snow Ridge Resort. Just the name alone gave away how freezing it would be...

So, as soon as she got the notice, Ji Ning sprang into action, gathering gear for Little Zhu Zhu.

Zhou Yanjun was worried too.

"Why’s everything so last-minute? The production team is so disorganized."

Ji Ning said, "The staff usually communicates directly with the team via email. I gave them my email when I signed the contract, but I hardly check it and missed their messages."

"They only sent a follow-up message after realizing I hadn’t responded."

Kids aren’t as resilient as adults, and suddenly heading to such a cold place could make her sick. Zhou Yanjun looked at her precious granddaughter and couldn’t bear the thought of her getting sick. She joined the prep team, grabbed a piece of paper, and started making a list.

Puffy coats, thermal pants, earmuffs, knit hats...

And medicines just in case.

"Kids shouldn’t take medicine without a doctor’s advice," Zhou Yanjun told Jiang Songlin. "Call Dean Qin and ask if we can get some Chinese medicine ready. Make sure to mention she’s three and a half."

Jiang Songlin looked up.

Zhou Yanjun was frustrated by his sluggishness.

She guessed her husband wouldn’t do as told, but unexpectedly, she heard him ask one more question.

"How much does the child weigh?"

"What do you mean?"

A child's medication dosage depends mainly on their weight.

Jiang Songlin asked about the baby's weight before calling his friend.

The kindergarten interview was scheduled for the afternoon.

Before that, Jiang Cheng and Ji Ning left Zhu Zhu with the two elders and went out together.

Shopping for the baby was like playing a doll dress-up game from childhood.

Ji Ning had fun picking out two woolen hats and asked Mr. Jiang to choose between them.

"Which one do you like better, the left or the right?"

"Don't they look the same?"

"The left one has cute little ears!"

"What about the gloves? Yellow or blue?"

"Is it just the color?"

"The yellow ones are fingerless, the blue ones cover the fingers!"

Choosing a down jacket also had its details.

Ji Ning didn't know terms like down fill, but she wanted something warm and stylish.

The sales assistant explained everything, and Ji Ning was pleased.

The sales assistant was thrilled to meet her monthly target so early.

She was even happier at checkout.

The kids' down jackets they picked also came in adult sizes. Jiang Cheng had the sales assistant pick a size for Ji Ning that fit her.

Snow Ridge was freezing, and Ji Ning had been so busy getting Zhu Zhu ready that she forgot herself.

The young miss was picky; he knew she might not like his choices, so he let her pick matching mother-daughter outfits.

This way, she even hit next month's sales target.

The sales assistant took their address for home delivery.

Ji Ning was picking out fluffy socks when she paused to take the delivery slip.

Once they left, Ji Ning said seriously, "Mr. Jiang, daily mother-daughter outfits are so tacky."

Mr. Jiang looked confused. "Is it?"

Ji Ning shopped quickly and efficiently.

Jiang Cheng tagged along, mostly just following her lead.

In two hours, Ji Ning had everything she and the baby needed.

As they left the mall, Jiang Cheng received a call from Zhou Yanjun.

"I just thought of something—did you buy thermal underwear yet?"

Jiang Songlin chimed in from the other end of the phone: "And thermal long johns!"

Zhou Yanjun kindly reminded them: "Make sure to buy several sets of thermal underwear and long johns. You'll need to change and wash them when you get to Snow Ridge. Young folks shouldn't choose fashion over staying warm. If you catch a cold now, it'll come back to haunt you when you're older!"

This was the first time Zhou Yanjun fussed like a typical parent.

Jiang Cheng hung up the phone and turned the car around.

"What are you doing?"

Jiang Cheng: "Buying... thermal underwear and long johns?"

"I don't do that kind of thing," Ji Ning said coolly after a pause. "It's totally uncool."

"Zhu Zhu needs to wear them," he replied. "I'll go buy them. You wait in the car."

"Get the ones with snug cuffs to keep the wind out," Ji Ning added.

After giving her a knowing look, he got out of the car. She leaned out the window, gripping the frame.

"Hey, I used to wear those as a kid, so I know what I'm talking about..."

Jiang Cheng turned back, suppressing a smile, and glanced at her.

The young lady was still racking her brain for advice.

"And—"

"Make sure the neckline is low, or the edges will peek out!"

...

The afternoon kindergarten interview went off without a hitch.

Zhu Zhu had practiced many times, so even in an unfamiliar environment, facing an unfamiliar kindergarten principal, she wasn't shy and answered every question with confidence.

The kindergarten was quite pleased with Little Zhu Zhu.

But Ji Ning was still undecided. It was the baby's first time starting school, so she wanted to be sure.

Ji Ning and Zhu Zhu's luggage had grown from one suitcase and one ugly backpack to four suitcases now.

Winter clothes are bulkier, and regardless of whether the baby is afraid of the cold, going to such a snowy place means they'll need to be bundled up like a little dumpling.

It was also on this night that Zhu Zhu had to say goodbye to her dad, grandma, and grandpa.

The warm, bustling house across the hall suddenly felt empty and quiet. Even Ji Ning struggled to adjust, not to mention Little Zhu Zhu.

Mr. Wen was downstairs, ready to drive them to the airport.

Zhou Yanjun glanced back a few more times, feeling a little wistful.

"The little girl didn't come down to see us off..."

Jiang Songlin said, "Didn't you say the child shouldn't come? You said you're not used to these moments of separation—to come quietly and leave quietly. Now that the child didn't come down, you're disappointed."

"What do you know!" Zhou Yanjun snapped irritably.

Sometimes, Zhou Yanjun truly envied her husband for being so oblivious, still wandering in a fog.

Unlike her, who had just said goodbye to her little granddaughter and already missed her terribly.

Luckily, the show would air early tomorrow morning.

By then, she would be sitting in front of the TV, glued to her granddaughter's performance.

Zhou Yanjun tapped Mr. Wen, who was in the driver's seat: "I remember you mentioned last time, isn't there a 'Watch Only Zhu Zhu' feature?"

"No, that's on another app. You must have confused it," Mr. Wen said. "Our show doesn't have that feature yet, and it's live, so we can't fast-forward either."

"No feature, no feature..." Jiang Songlin muttered, "Don't know how to develop it proactively?"

Mr. Wen was taken aback.

Was this just casual grumbling, or was it a directive?

Old Jiang's thoughts were harder to decipher than Mr. Jiang's.

Thankfully, Old Jiang had already retired, otherwise, working under such a leader would have made his life even more difficult.

Jiang Cheng checked the time: "Let's go."

"Wait a second!" Zhou Yanjun caught a glimpse outside the car window and immediately opened the door to get out, "Zhu Zhu has come to see us off!"

Little Tuanzi came running.

Because her mother said, if she really, really wanted to see off her dad, grandma, and grandpa, she had to hurry.

Zai Zai was panting from running, and before she could steady herself, her grandma was already lovingly patting her back, helping her catch her breath.

Jiang Songlin got out of the car and stood there watching.

Zhu Zhu didn't want them to go.

But what she missed the most, more than anything, was her dad.

When she threw herself into the familiar embrace, Zhu Zhu was so clingy, her little face pressed against her dad's shoulder.

Under the night sky, the bright moonlight illuminated the baby's round little face.

She wouldn't cry, because if she did, her dad would be upset too.

Ji Ning stood aside, not interrupting them.

She seemed to have underestimated Jiang Cheng's significance in Little Zhu Zhu's heart once again.

Time passed by.

Jiang Songlin took a step forward but was halted by his wife.

"Don't hurry," Zhou Yanjun said, "Let them stay a little longer."

Jiang Songlin's helpless gaze swept over Zhu Zhu, Jiang Cheng, and Ji Ning.

The old man's decades-old bad temper was hard to change.

He is not open-minded, stubborn, and authoritarian, insisting on having his way both at home and outside.

But the thing is, no one listens to him at home...

This time, he probably still won't be able to get his way.

"Is it time yet..." the child murmured.

No matter how sad she feels, Zhu Zhu still has to say goodbye to her dad.

The sensible child can understand.

Because back in Yongrui Village, her younger brother's dad also went to the city to work, just like this!

Only when their car had gradually moved away did Little Zhu Zhu lower her head and follow her mom back home.

...

Ji Ning set the alarm for 4 a.m.

She thought she wouldn't be able to sleep at all, but she ended up sleeping so soundly that her round head almost flattened. When she heard the cheerful alarm ring, she groggily reached out to grab her phone.

But she knew herself too well; she hadn't even put her phone on the bed or the nightstand the night before.

Now, she had to struggle to get up.

With the baby's short legs pressing down on her back.

Little Zhu Zhu's sleeping habits are getting more and more restless!

"Baby, move your legs away..."

"Move your feet away too!"

The luggage had already been packed the night before, and the car to the airport had also been booked, but even so, Ji Ning and Little Zhu Zhu still felt like they were in a battle early in the morning.

The car driver was very responsible, going up and down the stairs several times to help with the luggage.

When they arrived at the airport, Ji Ning grabbed a luggage cart and lifted the suitcases one by one.

Zhu Zhu tried to help, the little one with no strength at all, acting more like a cheerleader.

She gripped the corners of the suitcase with her hands, her face almost turning red from the effort, but the suitcase didn't budge.

Ji Ning finally managed to check in the luggage and get through security with the baby, finally finding a moment to rest.

They had gotten up early and hadn't had breakfast yet, and Zhu Zhu unusually asked for two full cups of milk.

She held one cup in her left hand and one in her right, drinking "gulp gulp" eagerly.

She needs to drink a lot of milk to build up her strength.

"What do you need all that strength for?" Ji Ning teased, tweaking her little nose.

"To help mommy carry the luggage!"

Ji Ning went for Zhu Zhu's nose again, giving it a playful tug.

You can't always pull it down; you have to pull it back, otherwise the baby's pretty little nose bridge won't stay high.

This is, in the strictest sense, Ji Ning's first time traveling far with her baby.

Besides dealing with a lot of little things, she also has to take into account Zhu Zhu's emotions. The last time Zhu Zhu flew, she was with her grandparents. The unfamiliar environment and the uncomfortable air pressure made Zhu Zhu's first flight experience quite unpleasant.

"There are snacks on the plane. Want to try some?"

"Zhu Zhu, you can ask the flight attendant for orange juice, but remember to say thank you."

"Let's open the window shade and look at the clouds outside. Let's count how many clouds we see, okay?"

Flying with mom is different from flying with grandparents.

Zhu Zhu tilted her head, already getting ready before boarding.

She had to remember how many clouds she counted.

Mom suggested they have a contest.

To see who spots more clouds!

Ji Ning told Zhu Zhu that the show would start once they arrived.

The crew will pick them up, and the live cameras will be right there. Zhu Zhu can greet the audience.

Flying was tiring, and the cloud-counting contest lasted only about ten minutes before Zhu Zhu dozed off.

She woke up when her mom patted her little arm.

Zhu Zhu yawned while getting off the plane.

Mom said it was another city's airport, but Xiao Tuanzi thought it looked the same.

Waiting for the luggage took a while.

When the conveyor belt brought out the suitcase, Zhu Zhu, mom's little helper, spotted theirs right away.

Next came the heavy lifting.

Ji Ning never found previous trips this tiring, but this time, she was worn out from the start.

Xiao Tuanzi knew mom was tired, and with a little hand clutching her clothes, she stayed close.

As they left the arrival hall, the show's crew would be there to meet them.

Ji Ning checked the time—five minutes to nine.

The show's second episode would start at nine.

She smoothed Zhu Zhu's hair.

Xiao Tuanzi reached up, gently touching mom's face.

"Let's go!" Ji Ning said.

They walked out.

From a distance, Ji Ning could already see the banner held by the intern PD—

Welcome back to the amateur group of the show "Swap Life 2"!

As the show's promotion states, this is a relationship healing show, using the name of the first season to capitalize on its popularity.

But Director Tao Shaorong would stubbornly deny it, his explanation is quite polished.

The celebrity guests heal their relationships during the journey, experiencing a different life and lifestyle.

Two members of the amateur group are back.

The other one is probably in a meeting in the conference room now...

"Here, here!" the intern PD waved enthusiastically, "We're over here!"

Ji Ning composed herself.

Just as she was pushing the luggage cart forward, a passerby suddenly rushed up from behind.

The passerby was strong and tall, seeing his girlfriend from afar, he sprinted over.

He ran quickly, bumping into the luggage cart Ji Ning was pushing.

With a loud thud, the suitcase hit the ground.

Ji Ning quickly pulled Zhu Zhu aside, luckily, the suitcase missed the baby's tiny feet.

At exactly nine in the morning, the live broadcast began.

Ji Ning and Zhu Zhu hadn't left the arrival hall yet, the show's crew couldn't go in, so the photographer filmed from a distance.

Passengers bustled about.

Ji Ning and Zhu Zhu still stood out immediately.

"Ahhh! It's finally starting!"

"I thought it would start at 8:30 as before, set my alarm early for nothing."

"Good morning, little Zhu Bao!"

"Seeing our baby before work melts my heart."

The passerby turned around and gestured: "Sorry about that."

The suitcase fell to the ground, luckily, nothing more dramatic happened.

The lock held, and nothing spilled out of the suitcase.

"Mom..."

"It's fine, just pick it up!"

Ji Ning gave Zhu Zhu's little shoulder a pat, letting her stand aside a bit.

Just then, someone tapped her shoulder.

Xiao Tuanzi looked up, her eyes lighting up.

...

Early that morning, Mr. Wen was in the CEO's office at Hecheng Group.

He looked at Jiang Songlin with a sense of resignation.

"Has it started yet?" Jiang Songlin asked impatiently.

Mr. Wen quickly replied, "The meeting will start at 9:30 AM."

Three hours ago, during the preliminary preparations for the meeting, Jiang Cheng and Old Jiang had a brief handover.

At that time, Jiang Songlin spoke in a stiff tone, saying that he was only willing to take over the group's affairs for a month at most.

By then, no matter what, Jiang Cheng would have to return to his job.

"Who asked you that," Jiang Songlin said impatiently.

"What?" Mr. Wen broke into a cold sweat.

Zhou Yanjun, having prepared the tea, walked over with a smile and said, "He's asking if the live stream has started."

Mr. Wen took a sharp breath.

Not bothering to check if Old Jiang could see clearly, he quickly opened the program's live stream on his phone and handed it to him.

Jiang Songlin took the tea, his mind echoing the words his wife had said to him before boarding the plane last night.

"When our son encounters difficulties, he always solves them himself."

"He never even considered the possibility of asking us for help. Is it because our son is so capable and independent, or have we failed him?"

"Home isn't a place for logic or lessons."

When she said those words, Jiang Songlin remained silent.

It wasn't until a few hours ago that he finally gave in and told his son to go wherever he wanted.

Who could have guessed that after years of retirement, he'd be back managing the group for his son?

He had to return to the nine-to-five routine, which was a drag.

Looking back, it was obvious his wife had been playing mind games with him.

If he hadn't spoken up, Zhou Yanjun would have, and she'd be the one calling the shots now.

Now, Zhou Yanjun was relaxed, leisurely watching the show with her legs crossed.

Jiang Songlin felt like he'd been played.

It left him even more frustrated.

"The show has just started," Mr. Wen said. "The numbers are through the roof—the live stream is packed, and the flood of comments is lagging my phone."

"It's an old phone, not enough memory," he said, adjusting it. "It's fine now."

Jiang Songlin and Zhou Yanjun looked at the screen together.

"Daddy!" Zhu Zhu cooed, "Daddy's back!"

The camera suddenly focused on Jiang Cheng.

In the frame was Ji Ning, her face frozen in surprise.

"I'm back," he said, a smile playing on his lips, as he took the suitcase from her hand.

"?"

"???"

"Is Dad for real?"

"Ahhhhhhh, hitting me with a big move right off the bat!"

A series of question marks flooded the live chat.

Mr. Wen's phone froze again, the screen stuck on the frame where the baby called out for Dad.

He gave his phone a few light taps, then turned to glance awkwardly at Old Jiang.

"It'll be fine... just a moment."

Old Jiang remained motionless, staring at the screen in disbelief.

He seemed to be stuck too.