He first whine and plead with his great-grandfather, "Great-grandfather, I'll do whatever you tell me to do. I'll definitely try my best to make it up to my second uncle!"
Then he solemnly apologized to his second uncle: "I'm sorry, second uncle!"
Cheng Jixue waved wearily, and Ji Boyang knew that the matter was over.
Your kid smashed the TV, you can't exactly smash the kid too, can you? Anyway, the TV can still be patched up and used…
It's not that serious, it just means I need to replace the screen.
Ji Boyang was full of energy and eager to get started: "How do you expect me to cooperate with Second Uncle!"
Grandpa Ji smiled calmly and said, "Why don't you step in?"
He had met Zhang Fulin before, and the other party was definitely not someone to be trifled with. Since the Ji family's background could no longer be concealed this time, he might as well throw out a bait.
But how to throw it beautifully and skillfully still needs further consideration.
After making the arrangements, Old Master Ji looked at Cheng Jixue and said, "Tingduan, you chose this path yourself. If the Zhang family boy doesn't acknowledge you in the end, don't pester him or resort to any other means. Do you understand?"
Cheng Jixue's fingers curled slightly for a moment, then he smiled calmly: "I've remembered."
"Yeah, right." He thought to himself, "You won't know if a forced relationship is sweet or not until you try."
Old Master Ji had seen many people and many eyes in his life. After all, he had lived for decades longer than Cheng Jixue, and he could tell at a glance what this cunning grandson was thinking... But the problem didn't seem too big. Zhang Chaohe seemed to be easily swayed by soft hearts. He could probably just use his charm and plead with him properly, and the matter would be resolved.
After all, special circumstances should be treated specially. Look at how Zhang's son's eyes are practically glued to Duanduan. What obstacle can't he overcome?
However, the old man never expected that there really would be an insurmountable obstacle.
For example, a large truck.
For example, Zhang Po is cold in the weather.
For example, the brain circuitry of geese.
⚹
When Zhang Chaohe returned to the set, Cheng Jixue had already finished filming a scene.
He naturally assumed that Cheng Jixue hadn't answered his call because she was at work and couldn't answer. Zhang Chaohe handed her some fruit tea he had bought from outside. Cheng Jixue looked at the watermelon chunks in the teacup for a while, then took two sips with the straw in her mouth.
"Is Auntie alright?"
Zhang Chaohe shook his head: "It's nothing serious, I'll be home soon."
He hesitated for a moment: "Did I scare you?"
Cheng Jixue thought to himself, "Not at all, Auntie is probably the one who was frightened." He took the initiative to start the conversation: "Boyang has already sent the old man back."
Zhang Chaohe had already learned from Ms. Zhao that the old man and Ji Boyang were probably related, but Zhang had not yet found out anything else, so he did not say anything more. Zhang Chaohe did not think too far ahead; he just felt very sorry for the old man.
Moreover, he felt incredibly ashamed whenever he thought about the five hundred yuan—he had mistaken his friend's grandfather, who had come specifically to visit him, for a scavenging old man, and Xiao Ji had even had to pretend not to recognize his grandfather to save face for both of them!
He sighed, "I will definitely apologize to Grandpa in person next time."
Upon hearing the word "Grandpa," Cheng Jixue thought to himself, "My nephew is doing a good job taking the blame. Of course he has to call me Grandpa."
He patted Zhang Chaohe on the shoulder: "I think Grandpa will understand you too."
Zhang Chaohe went there in high spirits and full of energy, but returned dejected, like a wilted cabbage. Chen Xingting, observing his expression, tried to avoid touching his father's red line and asked casually, "How did it go with Xiaohe's parents?"
Zhang Chaohe raised his eyes, revealing a strong yet arrogant sneer. He avoided answering, saying, "I might have to ask for leave in a couple of days."
Just then, Chen Xingting was planning to take Zhang Xijing and the others to film the exterior scenes of the ancient alley in a couple of days. Upon hearing this, he quickly agreed: "Perfect timing, Mr. Zhang, you can film your daily scenes in the next few days, and then we can reshoot a few more shots after we get back, and then we can wrap up filming!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chaohe was overcome with grief: "You clearly said there would only be a few shots!"
Several after several, how many there are!
Knowing he was in the wrong, Chen Xingting immediately covered his head and pretended not to hear: "..."
Seeing that he neither refuted nor cooperated, Zhang Chaohe angrily swept his gaze around and retaliated by taking away the vegetable leaf that Zheng Le Dundun was nestled to the side, thus depriving Chen Xingting of the time he could spend with the Crown Prince.
However, the cabbage leaves not only squeaked and cried out in protest, but also stared longingly at Chen Xingting with their tiny, beady eyes.
Zhang Chaohe: ?
He pinched the vegetable leaf's lips: "You've become addicted to getting beaten up?"
However, when he left the film crew a couple of days later, he could only return the vegetable leaves. Chen Xingting picked up His Highness the Crown Prince with a "I knew it" expression. The Crown Prince affectionately rubbed against Director Chen and gently nuzzled His Majesty with his goose feet.
It's like they're telling you to get lost.
Zhang Chaohe said expressionlessly, "I'm leaving. Director Chen, please take good care of Caiye."
Chen Xingting gave a very perfunctory reply: "Mhm, mhm, mhm."
Then, in a rather unusual way, he teased the vegetable leaves.
Zhang Chaohe had no choice but to leave in tears. Only Cheng Jixue saw him off with kind words and considerately asked him where he was going after leaving the group.
Zhang Chaohe looked a little listless: "It's a summit forum for the top 100 enterprises."
This kind of highly specialized and field-specific annual meeting is boring even to a fool—he originally wanted to say that it was better to bring his older brother along than to bring him along, as he, a lazy bum, really had no interest in this kind of gathering where bosses exchanged witty remarks.
But Chairman Zhang insisted that he accompany him, and he had no choice but to pretend to participate enthusiastically.
Then he realized why Chairman Zhang insisted on bringing him along.
Because my elder brother was already among those invited.
"I'm sorry, I've let my tiger father and lion brother down." This was the despairing thought of Xiao Zhang, who was relatively lazy at home.
He also encountered many familiar faces this time—most of them were bigwigs active in various economic interviews and television interviews, and everyone looked meticulous, shrewd, and sharp. He felt that the entire annual meeting was all about "elite" and "high-end".
Suddenly, however, he saw a familiar figure flash by—Zhang Chaohe's gaze involuntarily followed the figure, and he saw the young man standing behind a gentleman in his fifties.
However, because there was a large group of people surrounding them, Zhang Chaohe couldn't see clearly.
He was wondering where he had seen this figure before when he noticed the man in the center shift his position slightly, and a group of people around him also shifted their positions. Through the gaps in the crowd, Zhang Chaohe finally saw the man's face clearly.
It is Ji Boyang.
Zhang Chaohe: ?
He looked at the other person again in disbelief and confirmed that it was indeed Ji Boyang!
Ji Boyang seemed to be talking to someone. As he spoke, his gaze suddenly shifted from Zhang Chaohe's direction, then abruptly returned and stopped. He then revealed an incredulous expression:
The two men stared at each other in alarm. Zhang Chaohe was shocked: "What happened to Ji Boyang, the self-made, good-for-nothing rich second-generation heir? How did you end up here?!"
Dude, your persona has collapsed!!
A note from the author:
Everyone offered their own explanations, which seemed quite reasonable and even managed to reconcile in a strange way;
Ji Boyang, who has taken eight hundred blames: Don't worry, he definitely won't let Xiao Cheng get away with it. He's really dreaming. (Lights a cigarette)
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Mwah! Mwah!
Chapter 57
Ji Boyang displayed his highest level of acting skill, portraying surprise, fear, guilt, and helplessness in just a few seconds, demonstrating an extremely high level of professionalism.
Zhang Chaohe's reaction was exactly as he had expected. His expression changed from shock and disbelief to a rather sinister and terrifying stare.
Ji Boyang felt a chill run down his spine—his second aunt looked like she wanted to eat him alive… He kept looking and backing away, finally managing to lead Zhang Chaohe into an empty corridor.
Zhang Chaohe crossed his arms, the plain gold-rimmed glasses on his nose casting an eerie white light. He stood silently at the end of the corridor, backlit, looking every bit the part of a psychopathic killer, and with top-tier good looks at that.
Ji Boyang swallowed hard: Second Aunt, we don't really need to make things so bloody.
"Ignorant and incompetent?" Zhang Chaohe took a step forward. "A little money but no connections?"
These are the exact words Ji Boyang used when he introduced himself back then.
Ji Boyang silently took a step back: "Well, Brother He, would you believe me if I told you my grandpa suddenly won the lottery?"
His grandfather did indeed win twenty yuan in the lottery yesterday.
Zhang Chaohe cornered him from a distance, smiling as he looked at him: "Tell me about it."
Ji Boyang looked earnestly at his future second aunt: "Say...say what?"
Although I have memorized all the answers, wouldn't it be too obvious to cheat if I started answering the questions without you handing out the test papers?
Zhang Chaohe was shocked by his self-righteous behavior, so much so that his eyes widened: "You were the one who lied to me first, shouldn't you have told me everything!"
Ji Boyang: "You're absolutely right, so listen carefully to what I'm about to say, I'll only say it once."
"My name is Ji Boyang. I come from the capital. My family specially sent me away from the family to start a business in another place so that I could experience the hardships of life. My family is very rich and influential. My parents have very good tempers, and I also have an uncle who can sing and dance. He lives a life of making money while lying down, which I envy to death. He is gentle, considerate, multi-talented, and very handsome. Whoever marries him will definitely live a very happy life."
After all, the second time it's said, it might not be the same version, so listen to it while you can and cherish it.
Zhang Chaohe: ...
He looked at Ji Boyang with an indescribable expression, as if he was worried that Ji Boyang might have some kind of mental problem... Why was he saying all this? Why did it sound like he was arranging a blind date for his uncle?
However, Zhang Chaohe suddenly realized something.
Wait a minute!! His surname is Ji, and he's from Beijing!
Zhang Chaohe stared at him in disbelief. He was so shocked that his face changed color, and his sharp, beautiful eyes flashed with a chilling light. Zhang Chaohe suddenly grabbed Ji Boyang's wrist and asked anxiously, "Are you... the second oldest in your family?"
Ji Boyang was startled by him, and when Zhang Chaohe suddenly asked a question that wasn't on the answer card, he hesitated for a moment.
Second in line? Although he was the only child in his generation of the main branch of the clan, if you count other distant relatives, he did have a cousin?
Following the principle of "going along with him as much as possible," Ji Boyang immediately nodded: "Yes, I do have an older brother."
Forget about cousins or biological brothers, they've all been officially conscripted, so you're my brother now!
However, Zhang Chaohe suddenly released his grip. In that instant, he looked sorrowful and helpless, even his lips trembling slightly. He stared blankly at Ji Boyang with an indescribable look of grief, as if trying to see a hole through his familiar young face.
Ji Boyang instinctively sensed something was wrong—he took a helpless step forward, trying to grasp Zhang Chaohe's trembling hand: "What's wrong? I can..."
Zhang Chaohe took a step back in a moment of panic and determination, decisively widening the distance between them. As a result, Ji Boyang froze in place, not daring to move any further.
It might have been a few seconds... or it might have been tens of seconds. Zhang Chaohe gave him one last deep look, then turned and fled out of the corridor as if escaping!
Ji Boyang stood there dumbfounded. After a while, he hurriedly took out his phone to call his second uncle—but his second uncle didn't answer. He then hurriedly called his great-grandfather.