Cheng Jixue shook his head: "I wouldn't say we know each other, I only met him once at Xiao Ji's place." He seemed equally puzzled: "Could he have really mistaken me for someone else? Why is his attitude so strange?"
What a clever tactic of turning the tables! Cheng Jixue thought to herself that she should at least let Zhang Chaohe vent his anger and let go of his resentment towards Ji Er before slowly revealing his true identity to Zhang Chaohe.
This is the best possible outcome.
It is merely the best possible outcome.
After all, once a lie is told, countless lies are needed to cover it up. What was originally a single crack will gradually widen with each layer of repairs, becoming a very troublesome problem.
Zhang Chaohe met his gaze, and he too found Fu Xuezhui's behavior inexplicable—he jokingly said, "If you really have..."
Just then, the phone rang. Zhang Chaohe took out his phone halfway through his sentence and saw that it was Ms. Zhao.
He gestured for Cheng Jixue to wait a moment, then went to the window to answer the phone. The voice on the other end, Ms. Zhao, was beaming: "Dian Dian, your older brother found a girlfriend! Come home for dinner tonight, and bring Xiao Cheng along too!"
Zhang Chaohe: ! !
The ancient cycad has actually bloomed!
He was overjoyed and couldn't wait to see who this shrewd older brother was, when he heard Ms. Zhao excitedly say, "You know him too! Guess who it is?"
Zhang Chaohe guessed several names with great interest, but in the end he couldn't guess them. Then Ms. Zhao happily revealed the answer: "It's Ji Boyang!"
Zhang Chaohe's smile froze on the spot, and he exclaimed in disbelief, "Huh?"
Who?! Say that again?!
He turned back in shock to look at Cheng Jixue—who was also looking at him, as docile as a cute little fox in the snow. Zhang Chaohe then abruptly turned back, wondering if he was dreaming.
The protagonist (the bottom) ends up with himself; the protagonist (the top) ends up with his older brother.
Either he's gone mad today, or the world is about to collapse.
A note from the author:
Please watch "The Last Supper," also known as "Gathering Together."
[Highlighted]: Tomorrow's episode will feature a scene of the eldest brother and Xiao Ji together, with the whole family in chaos! However, there will be no romantic scenes - if you don't like this couple, you can skip ahead! *kiss*
Thank you to all the little ones who fed us! *stickers*
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Chapter 79
It's hard to describe how chaotic the scene is right now.
Ji Er was sitting directly opposite Zhang Chaohe; it was a battle of destiny.
Sitting next to Zhang Chaohe was Cheng Jixue, a tragic love affair.
Diagonally opposite Zhang Chaohe and next to Ji Er sat the eldest brother, who was all smiles and never mentioned the "marriage suitability theory".
Meanwhile, the vicious, cannon fodder CEO Zhang Chaohe himself held chopsticks in his hand, forcing a smile: What a fucking weird dinner atmosphere—how could such a strange combination happen? Are the Zhang brothers all reincarnations of Daji?
Zhang Chaohe watched as the "unfathomable, mysterious and terrifying" Second Master Ji happily placed a small yellow croaker on his elder brother's plate, his posture shy and lively; the next second, Cheng Jixue, the representative of beauty, strength and tragedy, and unyielding, poured herself a cup of fresh fruit tea.
Furthermore, between the two main characters, who are the dominant and submissive partners, their gazes sparked intensely, and they were both exerting themselves so intensely that it seemed as if they wanted to kill each other.
Zhang Chaohe rubbed his temples, looking utterly lost: Where exactly did things go wrong?
And indeed, a silent battle of wits was taking place between the two prospective daughters-in-law at the dinner table.
Ji Boyang: Help me, help me! What should I say?
Ji Tingduan: I can't save you, I can't even save myself.
The two of them hadn't made any contingency plans... After all, no one expected that the older brother's speed in clearing stages was like a rocket, that he'd confess his feelings for her out of the blue and then immediately take her to meet his parents—
They didn't even leave time for a coordinated confession!
Zhang Yinshan, observing the subtle exchange of glances between the two, discreetly moved a bowl of soup to Ji Boyang's plate: "Have some of this."
Ji Boyang immediately forgot about his unlucky second uncle and showed a surprised and shy expression.
Zhang Chaohe, who witnessed everything, painfully looked away: Help! It's so disgusting!
Cheng Jixue was also quite surprised by the current situation—he did not expect that Ji Boyang would not only suddenly overtake him and raise his seniority, but also surpass him and successfully infiltrate the Zhang family together.
Cheng Jixue: Twenty years of hard work, looking back, it was before liberation.
"Back then, I almost misunderstood Xiao Ji and Diandian," Ms. Zhao said with a smile, deliberately bringing up the sore spot: "It turns out that fate is all predetermined. She's destined to be my daughter-in-law!"
Ms. Zhao is practically beaming with pride: overnight, not only did her daughter-in-law appear out of nowhere and successfully sell two nearly expired, slow-moving items, but the suckers also became friends with each other, ensuring a harmonious family relationship in the future!
It's so rare to find one like this TvT;
Zhang Yinshan smiled and said, "I have to thank Diandian. If it weren't for Diandian helping to connect us, I wouldn't have met Xiao Ji."
The creation of a business empire is just around the corner!
Ji Boyang's train of thought jumped around: "Wow, Second Brother He, your nickname is really Diandian!"
That was close! I almost blurted out "Second Aunt"!
Zhang Chaohe: Please stop calling me Brother He, I really can't accept it!
Seeing that Ji Er, who was supposed to order the truck to kill him out of jealousy, was now happily married to his elder brother, Zhang Chaohe couldn't describe the feeling in his heart.
Basically, you're fully armed and ready to die, heading towards the Demon King, who then takes out a slingshot and shoots you... and then you surrender.
Zhang Chaohe, feeling utterly hopeless, wondered, "What's the point of all my efforts?"
So, is the threat of death and bankruptcy gone? Surely Ji Er wouldn't be so heartless as to actually kill his father-in-law's family!
Although I've heard there are more scenes of forceful seizure in the original story, the Ji Er in front of me doesn't seem to have that kind of mentality... Plus, this time Ji Er has fallen in love with the eldest brother, so it's really hard to say who will make the first move.
While thinking, Zhang Chaohe took a bite of the garlic spare ribs, and unsurprisingly, bit into the bone. Cheng Jixue quickly handed him water, watching with concern as Zhang Chaohe's face contorted in pain and he shook his head.
Chairman Zhang was amused by his youngest son's impetuous manner. He looked at Cheng Jixue with affection and said, "I heard that your parents have passed away. From now on, this will be your second home. I will reserve separate rooms for you. Come home to stay whenever you have time."
Feeling guilty about the "passing of his parents," Cheng Jixue lowered his head and nodded obsequiously. Director Zhang thought he was just too touched and shy, and then went to give instructions to Ji Boyang.
Cheng Jixue dared not say that the two elders were not only alive and kicking, but that they had even met at the summit not long ago, while Ji Boyang, looking at Zhang Yinshan who was taking such good care of him, also felt a little guilty: "..."
What if my second uncle later apologizes with a bundle of thorns on his back? Won't he be implicated as well?
"How about I report it beforehand?" Ji Boyang's eyes darted around—trying to redeem himself and get lenient treatment. Anyway, his second uncle would definitely be at the bottom of the family in the future. As long as he gets his second aunt on his side, wouldn't wealth and honor be within his grasp?
The next second, when his wandering gaze swept over his second uncle, he met his second uncle's dark eyes, which seemed to see right through him: Never mind, never mind, Ji Boyang's thoughts of betraying him were instantly extinguished—I also have to be able to live until that time.
However, just as Ji Boyang had given up his treacherous activities, Ms. Zhao suddenly asked, "Grandpa Ji is in such good health! I couldn't believe that the old man, who is over eighty years old, was so vigorous when we last met!"
Ji Boyang's first reaction was to look at his second aunt—oh no, what if his second aunt realizes something is wrong!
As a result, his second aunt was happily watching his conversation with Ms. Zhao while holding a spoon in her mouth, completely unaware of the confusing generational difference between them. Ji Boyang then realized that it seemed that... the reason why he could keep it a secret from his second aunt for so long was not simply because his second uncle was a good actor and had a well-developed character.
Perhaps it's because my second aunt is sometimes just too slow-witted...
But with four out of the six people at the table being shrewd, he dared not be careless and just wanted to get away with the problem as quickly as possible. So he recklessly uttered the arrogant statement: "The old man practices Tai Chi every day, and he's in great health!"
Then he quickly changed the subject: "My parents are really looking forward to meeting you two. Once my dad comes back from abroad, they'll pick a time to visit you!"
But Ji Boyang didn't realize that his topic-shifting skills were really too poor—there was at least a roundabout way to jump from his great-grandfather to other family members, but he took the initiative to steer the conversation towards other relatives, greatly reducing the direct path!
Cheng Jixue felt a sense of unease—sure enough, the next second Ms. Zhao immediately retorted seriously, "How can we let your parents visit us? You're so young, and the eldest son should be more considerate of you. Of course, we'll visit your parents!"
Zhang Yinshan, stung by the remark, retorted helplessly, "How am I old—"
Then Ms. Zhao changed the subject: "Look at the age difference between you and Dian Dian... By the way, I remember that Xiao Ji's family is in a similar situation, with a not-too-old second uncle, right?"
Cheng Jixue: !!
Ji Boyang: !!
Ji Boyang subconsciously looked to Cheng Jixue for help: How could this be?
Cheng Jixue was completely dumbfounded—why did they have to bring up the very thing they didn't want to talk about?
After hesitating for a long time, Ji Boyang finally replied, "Well... that's how it is."
He was racking his brains trying to steer the conversation away from the topic and quickly remove his second uncle from the mix when Zhang Chaohe, belatedly realizing what was happening, suddenly sat up straight and looked at Ji Boyang incredulously: "You have a second uncle?"
Ji Boyang: I'm doomed!
He looked at his second uncle in despair, trying to find a way to solve the problem in the other's lifeless, expressionless face, which was like a statue—but his second uncle seemed to have lost his soul, and he could not get any effective feedback!
Seeing Zhang Chaohe's anxious expression, Ji Boyang tried to delay his death by stammering, "Ah... um..."
Seeing her youngest son almost jumping up and eating someone, Ms. Zhao coughed lightly to smooth things over: "Dian Dian!" She took the initiative to explain for Xiao Ji, who seemed to be frightened: "Yes, Xiao Ji also has a second uncle, but he's always been behind the scenes and doesn't attend events much. Even your father has never met him."
"Right, Xiao Ji?"
Another hot potato was thrown at Ji Boyang. Ji Boyang thought to himself, "How could this be? My second uncle is right here at the table eating with everyone!"
But can I say that? — No!
Even if the sky were to fall today, he would still protect his second uncle's last pair of underwear!
Ignoring his second uncle, who was already lost in thought, Ji Boyang began to use all his wisdom to speak well of him: "Yes! My second uncle is indifferent to fame and fortune, and has always had lofty artistic pursuits. He is not tempted by worldly fame and fortune, lives a secluded life year-round, has a gentle personality, is handsome, and is also very clean-living..."
"My goal is to become someone like my second uncle!"
Chairman Zhang nodded approvingly: "Mr. Ji is indeed very low-key; he must be a person of integrity and upright character."
Ji Boyang: I hope you will feel the same way in the future?
Upon hearing the name "Ji Er," Zhang Chaohe immediately developed PTSD. He stared wide-eyed in disbelief, "Wait a minute..." He looked at Ji Boyang, "Isn't the one known in the martial arts world as Master Ji Er you?"
Before Ji Boyang could come up with any excuse to cover up the matter, Ms. Zhao had already smiled and bluntly exposed him: "Just listen to Xiao Ji's name, and you should know that Xiao Ji doesn't have any brothers—Ji Er is usually called Second Uncle!"
Zhang Chaohe sat there for a while, utterly despondent, his mind filled with the overwhelming feeling that "it's all over."
Oh no, I made a mistake. Ji Boyang isn't Ji Er. Ji Er is his second uncle... So I still managed to steal the protagonist's love, and the protagonist is still lurking in the shadows, watching him like a hawk, ready to pounce at any moment!
Zhang Chaohe was on the verge of tears. Like a flower about to wither, he asked weakly, "Then... between you and your second uncle, who is stronger?"
Zhang Yinshan glanced at him, then at Ji Boyang, then at Cheng Jixue who had already begun to bow his head and kill himself, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.
Cheng Jixue... Cheng Jixue is now completely heartbroken.
He felt that as long as he wasn't exposed in public and kicked out by the furious Zhang Chaohe at this table today, at this moment, he was willing to pay any price, even if it meant going bankrupt and becoming penniless!
Moreover, Ji Boyang had been staring at him so intently that Zhang Yinshan was starting to get suspicious and was now subtly observing him... He hoped his nephew would be quick-witted and stop looking at him!