Chapter 20: “Dad Wants to Be with Us.”…

Chapter 20: "Daddy wants to come with us."

Song Tan’s heart lurched. Without a second thought, she stepped forward, pushed him back into the car, and squeezed in beside him.

"You are not allowed to go in!"

Uncle Li, still in the driver’s seat, was startled and turned to look.

Still skeptical, Song Tan fixed her gaze on him. "Say it again—where is this?"

Their legs brushed, the hem of her skirt—of some unknown fabric—resting on his knee. The faint warmth where they touched made Ji Fuxi subtly shift away. He said quietly, "My home."

*His home… So the woman inside is his wife? And he has a son? A son who’s friends with Xiao Chu? But he said he wasn’t married! And their last names are different—wait, his and Song Chuqing’s last names are different too.*

The more Song Tan thought about it, the more confused she became, her beautiful face twisting into a knot of bewilderment and anger. "So Yao Peiqiu is your son?!"

Ji Fuxi froze.

From the front, Uncle Li chuckled. "Miss Song, Peiqiu is the young master—he’s Chairman Ji’s nephew."

Hearing this, Song Tan instantly relaxed, though she shot Ji Fuxi a glare. *Why didn’t you say so sooner?*

Ji Fuxi turned forward and said, "Uncle Li, you can go ahead."

"Ah, alright."

Once they were alone in the car, Ji Fuxi asked, "Why did you suddenly come here?"

Song Tan explained, "Pei—uh, your nephew is Xiao Chu’s classmate. He invited Xiao Chu over to play, so I brought her."

Ji Fuxi nodded, then looked at her, holding her gaze for several seconds as if weighing his words. Then he spoke softly, "Have you met Grandpa already?"

"Yeah." *No wonder that old man looked so much like him. It all makes sense now. How could a grandson not resemble his grandfather?*

"Since you’re already here, why not meet him properly?"

"..." Song Tan paused, a little amused. "That’s not quite how you use ‘since you’re already here,’ is it?"

Ji Fuxi smiled silently, his lips curving. "It’s inevitable anyway."

*Not necessarily*, Song Tan thought. Remembering how kindly his grandfather had spoken to Song Chuqing, it seemed he didn’t dislike her. But acknowledging her wasn’t as simple as just gaining a great-grandfather.

After a moment’s thought, she said seriously, "I respect your opinion, but even after she’s recognized, I still hope we can keep it private for now. Xiao Chu won’t be moving into your home; she’ll only visit occasionally. Can your grandfather accept that?"

*No.*

Ji Fuxi already anticipated the answer. Ji Gaozheng was old-fashioned, a man who had held high positions and ruled with absolute authority his entire life. If he knew he had a great-granddaughter, he would never let her remain outside the family.

Even when his mother died young, Ji Jiangdie’s mother was never given any official status and was forever forbidden from seeing Ji Jiangdie. So, Ji Gaozheng accepting the child didn’t mean he would accept the mother.

Xiao Chu couldn’t be without her mother.

Ji Fuxi closed his eyes, saying calmly, "Then we’ll wait a bit longer."

Both the man and woman in the car seemed to be contemplating the unknown future. Song Tan asked cautiously, "And after that?"

"I’ll handle it."

Song Tan studied him deeply for a few seconds before looking away. She placed her hand on the door handle, ready to get out, but turned back to instruct him, "Don’t go home today. I don’t know how long Xiao Chu will stay."

"Alright." Ji Fuxi thought of something. "How are you spending the New Year?"

"At home. If I have time, I’ll take her out to play."

"If you need anything, you can contact me."

"Mm. Happy New Year, Mr. Ji."

...

At the same time, by the temporary high-end pigpen specially built for the little pig in the backyard, two girls who had never seen a pig before were exceptionally excited.

Li Keke stood on tiptoe, clinging to the fence, trying to grab it. She couldn’t, but the pig, startled, ran wildly around the pen, making her laugh. "Yao Peiqiu, did you catch this pig on the mountain?"

"No, my uncle gave it to my great-grandpa."

Song Chuqing wondered, "Why would your uncle give Great-Grandpa a pig?"

"I don’t know." But Yao Peiqiu came up with an answer. "Maybe so Great-Grandpa can raise it and eat it later."

Li Keke immediately got angry. "How could you do that!"

Song Chuqing, who loved meat, was also angry. "You can’t eat the little pig!"

Li Keke: "Exactly! You can’t eat the little pig."

Yao Peiqiu, glared at by both girls, surrendered. "Alright, I’ll tell Great-Grandpa not to eat the little pig."

He walked to the pigpen gate. "Do you want to go in and play with it?"

Li Keke shook her head directly. "No, I’m scared."

Song Chuqing also shook her head. She wasn’t scared—she had Aqi at home, after all. What was there to be afraid of with a small pet? But this little pig had made a lot of poop; there were two piles in the corner. *So dirty.*

Hearing this, Yao Peiqiu, to show off his bravery, walked in, arms outstretched, ready to catch the pig.

But the next second, the startled pig ran wildly, its legs surprisingly strong. Just as it was about to run into him, Yao Peiqiu screamed and ran out. "Ahhhhh!"

Song Chuqing, quick as a flash, immediately closed the gate.

Li Keke laughed loudly beside them. "Yao Peiqiu, you chicken! Hahahahahahaha!"

Yao Peiqiu clutched his chest, still shaken but unwilling to admit defeat. "Hmph, you didn’t even dare go in!"

"I don’t *want* to go in!" Li Keke made a face at him. "Scaredy-cat! Scaredy-cat!"

Yao Peiqiu was getting a little angry. He pulled Song Chuqing forward. "Xiao Chu, come on, let’s go play with toys."

Li Keke saw them walking fast, looked back at the panting pig, and, startled herself, quickly chased after them. "Wahhh, wait for me!"

Inside the house, Mrs. Li and Ji Jiangdie were nowhere to be seen, leaving the entire living room to the three children.

Yao Peiqiu led them to his toy area. "Let’s play with Transformers!"

Li Keke didn’t want to play with his Transformers. "I want to watch *Snow White*."

"Let’s play Transformers!"

"Watch *Snow White*!"

The squabbling little boy and girl both looked at Song Chuqing, asking in unison, "Xiao Chu, what do you want to play?"

Song Chuqing didn’t want to play with Transformers or watch *Snow White*. A sudden idea struck her, and she pointed to the building block box. "Let’s play with blocks!"

Li Keke and Yao Peiqiu exchanged glances, then agreed, "Then let’s play with blocks!"

...

Song Tan was delayed in the morning, and by the time she arrived, Zhao Geyun and the staff were already waiting.

She had to get her makeup done first. After changing, Song Tan sat in the makeup chair.

Estimating it would take about an hour, Zhao Geyun sat beside her and chatted with the makeup artist. "I heard Kalan secured two major New Year's covers?"

The makeup artist immediately understood her implication and vaguely replied, "That’s the rumor, but the artists haven’t been finalized yet."

Kalan Jewelry had many brand ambassadors, and three were higher-profile than Song Tan, who had just returned to the industry. Moreover, New Year's covers involved too many considerations, so it wasn’t guaranteed Song Tan would get one.

But these two covers were too tempting, and Zhao Geyun still wanted to try to secure one. "I heard the C cover is set for Borongwei. Controversy drives engagement these days..."

The unspoken implication was clear: Song Tan and Borongwei had a public feud over jewelry. If both brands launched New Year campaigns simultaneously, the buzz would come naturally.

The makeup artist, however, shook her head. "Borongwei has a 'sugar daddy' this year. From what I’ve heard, management doesn’t want a direct confrontation."

Zhao Geyun was puzzled. "Sugar daddy?"

"You didn’t know? The executive from Yuanhe Group personally supported Borongwei at a charity auction recently. There might be a collaboration. How can we compete with capital?"

Zhao Geyun glanced at Song Tan, who looked just as baffled. The executive from Yuanhe Group—Ji Fuxi?

Both were baffled. Zhao Geyun pressed on, "Why would Mr. Ji endorse them?"

"Not sure about the details, but I heard he bought a jadeite for his girlfriend."

???

In an instant, a fragmented memory surfaced in Song Tan’s mind. That’s right—Mrs. Li had mentioned "Mr. Ji" earlier when talking about the $30 million imperial green jadeite.

The more she thought about it, the deeper her frown became. A girlfriend?

*He secretly had a girlfriend?*

Unable to speak freely, Zhao Geyun sent her a string of question marks via text. Song Tan replied with the same.

Zhao Geyun: [This 'baby daddy' of yours is a bit unreliable.]

Though annoyed, Song Tan stayed rational. [We don’t know the whole story yet.]

She still doubted Ji Fuxi having a girlfriend and asked the makeup artist, "Could it have been for his sister?"

"No way." The makeup artist quickly dismissed the idea, then, noticing Song Tan’s skepticism, eagerly shared, "These high-society gossip aren’t secrets. A quick search would reveal that this executive and his sister are half-siblings (same father) and don’t get along."

This time, Song Tan was stunned. "Half-siblings?"

"Yep. His dad had an affair, and the sister was brought into the Ji family as a child."

Song Tan and Zhao Geyun exchanged shocked looks.

Unaware of their inner turmoil, the makeup artist continued, "But no one in the circle dares discuss this openly. The Ji family’s influence is too vast. This Miss Ji navigates effortlessly in high society—even our boss sends her gifts every holiday. So, whether she’s illegitimate or not, what does it matter? Wealth and influence override all."

Song Tan recalled Ji Jiangdie from the morning—her poised demeanor and unmistakable aura of privilege.

She felt a chill. Truly, the wealthy world was full of scandals.

Come to think of it, Ji Fuxi was kind of pitiful. No wonder he was so ill-tempered. No wonder he disliked kids.

...

She didn’t get home until after 3 p.m. after work.

Zhong Chen had already picked up Song Chuqing. Exhausted from playing, Song Chuqing was sound asleep. Song Tan quietly closed the door and slipped out.

Song Zongbo called, and she answered just before the ringtone ended.

"Tantan, how are you?"

Song Tan walked to the kitchen to pour herself water, putting the phone on speaker. "I’m fine."

Song Zongbo’s tone was gentler than last time. "How about having New Year’s Eve meal together? Invite your mom too—just the three of us."

Song Tan took a sip of water, her thoughts slow to process. *New Year’s Eve dinner... It had been so long since she’d had one.*

"I already asked your mom. She said she’s free in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve." When no reply came, Song Zongbo added, "Where do you live? Your mom and I can bring food over."

Song Tan set down her cup and said tonelessly, "Let’s eat out. Pick a nice place."

After the call ended, she sat in the living room for a while, then went to shower. Later, she climbed into her daughter’s small bed and hugged her to sleep.

She woke at six to a darkened sky outside, twinkling with lights.

Song Chuqing had woken up earlier and was playing with Aqi on the carpet.

Song Tan sat up and quietly watched her play. Facing away from the bed, Song Chuqing was absorbed in her play, her profile utterly still.

After a while, Song Tan sneaked over, covered her eyes, and made a playful growl. "Boo! The big bad wolf is here!"

Song Chuqing jumped in fright, then giggled, protesting, "Ahh, Mommy!"

"Mommy is the big bad wolf, here to eat Xiao Chu! Rawr!"

Playfully, Song Tan nuzzled against her, making Song Chuqing wriggle away, laughing. "Nooo, hahaha!"

Song Tan stopped teasing and got out of bed, wrapping her in the blanket. Peering ahead, she finally noticed the assortment of toys on the floor.

The little imp had been giving Aqi a makeover—the dog’s neck was draped with multiple necklaces, and glittery stickers were stuck above its eyes.

Aqi was incredibly docile, eyes lidded contentedly, enjoying the attention.

Song Tan ruffled the dog’s fur and chuckled. "Should we buy Aqi some dog dresses?"

Song Chuqing replied seriously, "Mommy, Aqi is a boy. Boys don’t wear dresses."

"..." Song Tan thought wryly. *Then why are you putting necklaces and gems on him?*

While she played, Song Tan asked about her day. "Baby, did you have fun at Peiqiu’s house today?"

"Yes!" Song Chuqing whirled around, beaming. "Mommy, I saw a pig today!"

"Really? Was the little pig cute?"

"It was cute, chubby, but a little dirty." Song Chuqing leaned close to her ear, her tone both amazed and disgusted. "Mommy, the pig's poop was so big and stinky!"

Song Tan couldn't stop laughing, then asked, "What does Xiao Chu think of Great-grandpa Pei Qiu?"

"He's nice!" Though Great-grandpa's face was as grumpy-looking as Daddy's, his words were much nicer, and he even patted her head.

"Do you like staying at Pei Qiu's house?"

"No."

The Ji family mansion was grand and luxurious, enough to impress anyone, so Song Tan was surprised by the little girl's definite 'no'. She blinked. "Why don’t you like it?"

"Because that's Yao Peiqiu's house, not mine." Song Chuqing cuddled closer, said sweetly, "I like the house with Mommy."

"Oh, you're such a sweetie!" Song Tan was instantly delighted, covering her face in kisses. "Tomorrow, let’s go to the supermarket together to buy lanterns and New Year couplets. We’ll decorate our home beautifully!"

"Like Christmas?"

"Way prettier than Christmas!"

The little girl clapped excitedly. "Wow, Xiao Chu loves that!"

The weather's been nice recently—no more snow, just sunny days during the day. Now, the house was warm and cozy, full of happiness of a mother, her child, and a gentle little dog.

Song Tan played games with her daughter, enjoying their special time together.

Until a flash of green from the pile of scattered toy gems caught her eye.

She picked up the emerald-cut imperial green ring, her first thought being how real these toy gems looked. Then she realized—she hadn’t bought this for her.

"Xiao Chu, where did this come from?"

Song Chuqing gave it a quick look. "Daddy gave it to me."

Ji Fuxi gave this? Song Tan’s eyes widened as it clicked. "Your dad really gave this to you?"

"Yeah."

Since she'd just done a jewelry shoot today, Song Tan knew her gems. The intense green color of this one had to be worth millions.

Add that to the earlier mention of gifting jade to a "girlfriend"—no way! The "girlfriend" was Song Chuqing!

She took a deep breath, climbing onto the bed to find her phone.

"Mommy, what are you doing?"

"Calling your dad. Where did I put my phone…"

"I’ll call him!" The little girl quickly grabbed her smartwatch and dialed.

Now comfortable with her father, Song Chuqing chirped as soon as the call connected, "Daddy!"

Ji Fuxi’s background was noisy, but after a few footsteps, it quieted. "Hey there, Xiao Chu?"

Song Chuqing said with a giggle. "Not Xiao Chu—Mommy wants to talk to you!"

Song Tan quickly grabbed the smartwatch. "Tell me, did you give Xiao Chu something?"

Ji Fuxi: "Which one?"

*Which one?!* Song Tan was speechless. "A green gem!" She asked hopefully, "Please tell me it's fake?"

"Real."

"..."

"You know she’s been using it as a toy in her pencil case, right?"

"I know that."

"..."

"I'll keep the ring safe. Don’t give her such expensive gifts in the future."

"We'll see."

"..."

Totally speechless, Song Tan handed the watch back to her daughter and went to find a box for the incredibly valuable ring.

The call continued as Song Chuqing chatted with him. "Daddy, what are you doing?"

His voice softened at her sweet tone. "Out at dinner."

"What are you doing tomorrow?"

"No plans."

"Tomorrow, Mommy and I are going to the supermarket! Daddy, you should come too."

A pause. "Did Mommy ask me to come?"

She hadn’t, but Song Chuqing thought about how Mommy always carried heavy bags alone. Daddy could help carry things. So she said, "Uh-huh! Mommy says come!"

Another silence, then his reply. "Alright, I’ll pick you up tomorrow."

"Yay! Love you, Daddy!"

When Song Tan returned, the little girl beamed up at her. "Mommy, Daddy’s coming with us to buy lanterns tomorrow."

"???" Song Tan was confused. "Wait, he's coming?" "Yeah! Daddy wants to go with us."