Chapter 151

Chapter 151

◎ Xie Paner's Familial Bonds Are Broken ◎

In a riverside restaurant, Ji Yanting sat on the sofa with her two younger brothers, smiling but with a scrutinizing gaze as she looked at the handsome man in front of her.

Her best friend introduced them: "This is my best friend, Yanting. She's been busy with work, and I've always wanted to introduce you. This is her younger brother, Nan Xing, whom I've watched grow up. Don't you think he's particularly handsome?"

Ji Nanxing smiled at them in response.

After introducing the Ji siblings, Xiang Ling turned her smiling gaze to Xiao Ye: "This is Nan Xing's friend. They happened to be together, so they came along."

Xiao Ye greeted them with a smile: "Hello, I'm Xiao Ye, 'Xiao' as in the Lantern Festival, and 'Ye' as in wild."

The man sitting next to Xiang Ling also smiled politely: "Hello, my surname is Deng, and my given name is Zhiyan. Lingling has always told me she has the best friend in the world. Today, I finally have the chance to meet her and show my hospitality."

As Deng Zhiyan spoke, he glanced at Xiang Ling. The moment their eyes met, a tense and awkward atmosphere filled the air.

Ji Yanting wasn't a domineering person by nature, especially since the Ji family's upbringing was always strict. She could afford to be a little willful at home, but outside, basic manners and courtesy were essential.

But today, she carried herself like a young lady, looking at Deng Zhiyan without any pretense: "Then you should know what the word 'best friend' means."

Deng Zhiyan smiled: "Of course, it's equivalent to Lingling's best friend."

Knowing he was going to meet Xiang Ling's best friend, his brothers had warned him plenty, saying that a best friend was the most terrifying creature around a girlfriend. You never knew what kind of whispers the best friend might plant in her ear, nor did you know when the girlfriend might come back from a meal with her best friend and say she wanted to break up.

But no matter how terrifying it was, what could he do? Could he avoid meeting her? Obviously not. So, although he appeared calm and composed with a smile on his face, in reality, his palms were sweating from nervousness.

Ji Yanting let out a light hum: "Then I'll give you a heads-up: few people are fond of their best friend's boyfriend. If Xiang likes you and you treat her well, then everything will be fine. But if you don't treat her well, bully her, or deceive her, then you'd better watch your step when walking down the street in the future."

Xiang Ling had a soft temper and a gentle personality. As long as it didn't cross her principles, she was willing to compromise on many things. While it wasn't to the extent of turning the other cheek, her standards were quite low when it came to people she liked.

Once, Ji Yanting was Xiang Ling's bottom line, and now Deng Zhiyan was added to that list.

Ji Yanting wasn't being so assertive to compete with Deng Zhiyan for favor, but because Xiang Ling wasn't assertive herself. There had to be someone assertive by her side to let Deng Zhiyan know that while Xiang Ling might be easy to bully, there were people around her who weren't. If he bullied Xiang Ling, she would definitely ensure he faced the consequences.

Ji Yanting's words had a sharp edge, and Xiao Ye couldn't help but lean closer to Ji Nanxing. The Ji sister he had interacted with before was gentle, generous, and dignified, always greeted him with a warm smile—just like the image of a goddess in his mind.

This was the first time he had seen her with such sharp edges.

Ji Nanxing, on the other hand, remained calm. He knew his sister's temperament better than anyone. When she told Deng Zhiyan to watch his step, it wasn't an empty threat. If Deng Zhiyan bullied Xiang Ling, his sister would definitely bring her bodyguards to teach him a lesson.

Xiao Ye whispered to Ji Nanxing: "I thought it was a family dinner."

On the way here, he had been mentally rehearsing how to be gracious and proper, hoping to leave a good impression on the Ji family. He hadn't expected to be here to watch someone else make an impression.

Xiang Ling knew that having Ji Yanting meet her boyfriend for a meal would inevitably lead to some tough words. But she was also afraid that if they got off on the wrong foot, there would be no room for future interaction. So, she gently shook Ji Yanting's hand: "Zhiyan won't bully me. Alright, Tingting, let's eat. Nan Xing, Xiao Ye, see what you'd like to order."

Deng Zhiyan also quickly assured that he wouldn't bully Xiang Ling, then enthusiastically greeted the two younger brothers. He was secretly relieved that Ji Yanting had brought her brothers along, giving him some room to maneuver. If it had just been Ji Yanting alone, it would have been so awkward.

The restaurant they had chosen was a French restaurant with local culinary influences, paired with a large floor-to-ceiling window view of the river, making the environment first-class.

Deng Zhiyan's family background wasn't bad either, and with a hint of ingratiation, he was eager to order nearly everything on the menu: mussels, lamb chops, snails, cherry foie gras, sole fish... But he didn't order any beef, likely because Xiang Ling had mentioned earlier that the Ji family didn't eat beef.

Since meeting Ji Nanxing, Xiao Ye hadn't eaten beef either. Seeing that Deng Zhiyan had paid attention to this detail, he viewed him in a slightly better light.

Although Ji Nanxing didn't have a circle of friends who would bring their future partners to meet, because their social connections overlapped, even the management bureau, which he hadn't interacted with before, was slowly being integrated into his life. So, he was unlikely to face such a situation in the future.

But Xiao Ye felt a certain empathy for Deng Zhiyan. If he and Ji Nanxing were to be together in the future, even if Ji Nanxing's friends were tough on him, he would feel it was justified. Someone as wonderful as Ji Naonao couldn't be won over so easily. Without enduring such a trial, he wouldn't feel assured.

Xiao Ye felt a mix of envy and pity for Deng Zhiyan. Ji Naonao isn’t big on socializing and only speaks when he has to. Ji Yanting, Ji Naonao’s sister, clearly isn’t fond of Deng Zhiyan and wouldn’t go out of her way to talk to him.

Noticing Deng Zhiyan fidgeting, Xiao Ye worried the awkward silence might ruin Ji Nanxing’s appetite, so he decided to break the ice: "So, Brother Deng, what do you do for work?"

Having someone to talk to beats sitting in awkward silence. Deng Zhiyan quickly seized the opportunity to warm up the conversation: "I’m in the AI field."

Xiao Ye's eyes lit up: "Really? What specific area do you focus on?"

Deng Zhiyan: "My main focus is self-driving car tech. Even though some of it’s already out there, it’s still in its early days with a lot of room to grow. We focus on safety features, so if the driver passes out for any reason, the system can quickly assess the situation and reduce the risk."

Xiao Ye isn’t into cars yet—he’s too young to drive—but he’s really into AI, so he kept asking technical questions.

Their conversation livened up the table, and even though it was just the two of them talking, at least it wasn’t awkward anymore.

Xiang Ling tugged Ji Yanting’s sleeve and whispered, "Come on, he’s a good guy."

Ji Yanting pinched her cheek: "I’m being tough for your sake. If I’m not, he’ll think everyone around you is a pushover, and who knows if he’ll try to bully you later?"

Xiang Ling smiled: "I know, I know, Yanting is the best."

She glanced at Ji Nanxing, who was eating quietly, and piled more food into his bowl. She’s watched Ji Nanxing grow up since he was a kid. Whenever Ji Yanting took her brother out and got too caught up in her own fun, it was Xiang Ling who looked after Ji Nanxing. She knows exactly what Ji Nanxing likes to eat and how much he can handle.

After loading his bowl with his favorites, Xiang Ling asked, "Is high school keeping you busy?"

Ji Nanxing smiled: "It’s not too bad, the stuff we’re learning is pretty straightforward."

This simplicity is partly due to his own intelligence and strong memory, but also because their textbooks are indeed simpler than those in some regions.

Different areas have different curriculums, especially since the college entrance exams aren’t the same everywhere. In their area, getting into top universities is easier than in more remote places, since the learning is more focused, cutting out unnecessary tough courses and making the workload lighter.

Xiang Ling said: "School’s important, but your health matters more. Don’t wreck your health over school, you’ve gotten so thin."

Ji Nanxing smiled: "I know."

Xiang Ling continued: "I designed a men’s ring inspired by you, with a pink-blue padparadscha sapphire—it’s supposed to bring romance. It’s at an exhibition now, but I’ll get it to you once it’s over."

She looked at Ji Nanxing’s hand, thinking how beautiful it is, and that it would look good with any ring, even a pink-blue sapphire.

Ji Nanxing sighed: "I’m a high school student, what would I do with a ring? The school teachers would confiscate it."

Xiang Ling insisted: "You don’t have to wear it, but it’s good to have. When you hang out with friends on weekends, you’ll want accessories to go with your outfits."

She is a jewelry designer and has often used the Ji siblings as inspiration since childhood. Sometimes she even draws inspiration from Ji Naonao’s eldest brother, whose commanding presence sparks her creativity like a fountain.

With Xiao Ye keeping the conversation going, the meal was quite harmonious. When they left, Deng Zhiyan visibly relaxed, and Ji Nanxing chuckled softly.

As they were leaving, Deng Zhiyan enthusiastically invited Xiao Ye: "If you’re interested in artificial intelligence, feel free to visit my company sometime. I’ve recruited several experts from abroad, and you could exchange ideas with them."

Xiao Ye agreed with a smile. After getting into the car with the Ji siblings, Ji Yanting turned to Xiao Ye: "You chatted with him throughout the meal, what do you think of him?"

Xiao Ye thought for a moment: "It’s hard to tell about his personal life, as there are too many people who put on a good front. But professionally, he seems quite capable and dedicated to his career, not just full of empty talk."

From this single meal, he got a good impression of Deng Zhiyan, who didn’t seem superficial or frivolous, though his private life remains unknown.

Ji Yanting then looked at Ji Nanxing: "So, could you tell anything? Did he cast any spells or curses on your sister Xiang Ling?"

Ji Nanxing sighed: "Casting spells isn’t that easy, and such things are extremely rare in daily life. You can’t just assume someone is cursed just because they’re in a relationship."

Ji Yanting couldn’t help but confirm: "So they’re completely clean, nothing at all?"

Ji Nanxing shook his head: "It’s spotless, nothing there."

For Ji Yanting, this was even harder to accept than a curse, because what could be scarier than her best friend turning into a hopeless romantic?

Seeing her sister's expression, Ji Nanxing thought for a moment and comforted her: "Xiang Ling isn’t as love-struck as you think. During dinner today, Deng Zhiyan was the one looking after her the whole time."

Ji Yanting: "You don’t know, she turned down the opportunity to study under Kimberly for Deng Zhiyan."

Kimberly is an internationally renowned jewelry designer and the head designer of a top luxury brand. Studying with her is probably the dream of every jewelry designer. Xiang Ling had this opportunity partly because of a recommendation from her former mentor and also because the Xiang family is in the jewelry business, being suppliers of jewelry materials.

But Xiang Ling passed up this opportunity for Deng Zhiyan.

Ji Yanting doesn’t have a problem with her best friend dating, nor does she mind her treating a man well. As long as her boyfriend loves and cherishes her, it’s normal for love to be mutual—you’re good to me, and I’m good to you.

However, sacrificing a career opportunity for the sake of a relationship is something Ji Yanting, who is career-driven, cannot tolerate. She even wondered if Deng Zhiyan had put a spell on her best friend, which is why she called her brother today to take a look.

Ji Nanxing asked: "Have you discussed this with Xiang Ling?"

Ji Yanting: "I asked, and she confirmed she turned it down."

Ji Nanxing: "It’s also possible that a career might not have been what Xiang Ling truly wanted. Everyone’s ideal life is different. Some people hope to achieve social recognition, while others prefer the everyday pleasures of life. Sis, you can’t think Xiang Ling’s choice is wrong just because you love your career. Wouldn’t it be better to let her live the life she wants?"

Ji Yanting patted her brother’s head and just sighed without saying anything.

Men and women do see things differently. Even though her brother has seen many tragedies and can empathize with the difficulties women face in society, the best he can do is support her choices and respect her decisions.

But she is different. Even though she is the eldest daughter of the Ji family and can receive fair treatment that many ordinary girls cannot, in society at large, women are still at a disadvantage. They find it hard to achieve the same level of freedom as men.

Choosing family is not a mistake, but in Ji Yanting’s view, choosing family should come with the ability to stand on your own. Balancing self-improvement and taking care of family is difficult for ordinary people because their lives are burdened by the daily hustle and household responsibilities. But whether it’s the Deng family or the Xiang family, these are issues that money can handle.

Even if Xiang Ling wants a family of her own, Ji Yanting still hopes she can develop her own skills. It’s fine if she doesn’t use them, but she should have them.

After sending her sister home, Ji Nanxing didn’t stay and went back with Xiao Ye.

On the way home, Xiao Ye played with Ji Nanxing’s fingers and said: "I can understand your sister. She’s just concerned that Xiang Ling might not have a fallback if things go south."

Ji Nanxing: "I know. I just don’t want my sister to impose her thoughts on Xiang Ling, causing them to grow apart."

How many childhood best friends slowly drift apart after starting their own families? He doesn’t want his sister and her best friend to end up like that.

Xiao Ye: "So, is Deng Zhiyan Xiang Ling’s destined love?"

Ji Nanxing: "Not all destined loves last a lifetime, and not only destined loves can lead to marriage. Love takes time to grow. When we look at relationships, we see if they are destined or doomed. If they are destined, there’s a chance they can work out, but there are still infinite possibilities of divergence along the way."

Xiao Ye nodded: "You didn’t say anything against it to your sister, so they must be destined."

Ji Nanxing nodded: "They are destined, but it seems there will be some twists and turns. If they get through them, it will be smooth sailing; if not, it will be the end."

Xiao Ye held back, wanting to ask Ji Nanxing if he had seen his own destiny, but he was afraid Ji Nanxing might reveal when he would marry or how many children he would have. Better not to ask; not knowing leaves more possibilities.

When they got home, several homework books were spread out on the coffee table in the living room, and a pen was scribbling furiously.

Xiao Ye laughed, turned on the camera, and looked over to see Senior smiling at them ingratiatingly. He said: "It’s been a few days. Has Senior finally remembered that there is such a thing as summer homework?"

Xie Paner put down her pen, blinked her big eyes at Xiao Ye, and said: "I promise to finish the homework for you, and I’ll do it well, even copying your handwriting. Can I get an advance on the payment for the homework?"

Xiao Ye: "An advance? But the store’s new collection isn’t launching until next month. Do you want to buy an old dress?"

Xie Paner: "No, no, I don’t want a dress. Can I use the dress budget to buy something else? I want to give someone a gift."

Ji Nanxing asked, "Is it for your dancing buddy?"

Xie Paner nodded, "She was accepted into her dream dance school and will be leaving Yulan when school starts. I want to give her a parting gift."

Xiao Ye glanced at Ji Nanxing and, seeing no objection, said, "No problem, what do you need? I’ll get it for you."

Xie Paner cheered, took a tablet, and sent Xiao Ye a link, "I want to customize a doll figure to look like her. It takes almost a month to make, so ordering now should ensure it’s ready before she leaves."

Xiao Ye told her to handle the communication with the seller herself and said he’d pay directly once the price was set.

While waiting for the shop's reply, Xie Paner suddenly said to Ji Nanxing, "My parents are moving out."

Ji Nanxing looked up from his phone screen.

Xie Paner continued, "It’s all for my brother’s sake. They’re trying to get him to walk again. They’ve visited countless hospitals and finally found an old Chinese medicine practitioner specializing in acupuncture and rehab. The trips are lengthy and costly, and now they can't work due to their health. So they’ve decided to sell the house and buy a smaller place near the practitioner, with the remaining money to get by for a while."

Ji Nanxing was silent for a moment before saying, "You should get their new address from them, so you can keep haunting them in the future."

Xie Paner sighed and lay on the coffee table, "Forget it, I’ve been scaring them for a year now. They’re not as scared as they used to be. Now, if they see me in a corner during their nightly bathroom trips, they just calmly close their eyes and carry on. So let them go, I’ll stop haunting them from now on."

Let them go, and let herself move on too.

Ji Nanxing didn’t say a word, just closed the Human Realm Network page and opened a dessert app, choosing a large cake for Xie Paner.

Feeling low? Have something sweet to lift your spirits.

The day the Xie family moved, it was pouring. They figured that selling the furniture, buying new ones, and renting a moving truck to drive across provinces, including the saved travel costs, made the moving truck the more economical choice.

Of course, Xie Paner resented her parents. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have tried to take the whole family with her that night.

But now, seeing her aged and hunched parents and her brother who couldn’t care for himself, she felt it was enough. Their future life could be predicted to be hard, so she didn't need to dwell on the past anymore.

Ji Nanxing held an umbrella beside her, "Reluctant to let go?"

Xie Paner sighed, "A bit. Going to their house to haunt them from time to time had become a habit of my life. Now that I can't scare them anymore, breaking the habit will probably take some getting used to."

Ji Nanxing remained silent, and Xie Paner couldn't help but ask, "Do you think they'll regret it?"

Regret how they treated her.

Ji Nanxing just looked at Xie Paner quietly until she gave a self-mocking smile, "Probably not. If they were the type to regret, they wouldn't have gone to the school to extort money after I died."

Looking at the drizzling rain, Xie Paner said, "Let's go, let's go home. It's been a long time since I've been in the rain, I've forgotten what it feels like."

Ji Nanxing reminded her, "Ghosts can't touch rain."

Xie Paner hummed, "That's why I said it's been a long time."

The young girl ghost floated out from under the umbrella, trying to step on puddles, but unfortunately, she couldn't touch the rain or the puddles at all.

Ji Nanxing watched the girl running and jumping ahead, then looked back at the family struggling to move. A line invisible to others appeared, connecting Xie Paner and her family. As she walked away, the line grew longer and longer, then snapped in the middle, completely breaking.

Xie Paner couldn't quite tell if she was feeling sad or relieved, just a bit lost. The space inside the car felt a bit confined, and she felt like all her thoughts would be seen through by the Young Celestial Master if she stayed inside. So she sat on the back of the car seat, with half her body lying on the roof, sticking her head out.

This way, she could enjoy the scenery, not have her thoughts read by the Young Celestial Master, and not have to float home by herself.

The speed of the car increased the weight of the falling rain. Xie Paner looked up, although the rain couldn't touch her, she could imagine the feeling of rain hitting her face.

She felt like a little dog abandoned by the world, pitiful beyond words, and unconsciously started singing, "Cold icy rain slapping on my face... what's the next line?"

Just as Xie Paner was trying to think of the next line, a young girl's voice beside her continued, "Warm tears mix with the cold rain."

Xie Paner was wondering who had such a similar thought process to hers, being able to catch the next line so perfectly. But when she turned her head, she saw a car passing by them, and on the roof of that car, just like theirs, there was a ghost with half its body exposed, long hair flying in the air.