章 133: Walking Away
Xing Mei Yi was quick to cling to the doctor. "Doctor! How's my daughter? How's Wei Wei?"
"She had lost quite a lot of blood." the doctor replied, causing the great madame to fall to her knees. She knew how dangerous that was.
Hou Guanyu was in disbelief as well but he was well-composed and caught his wife on time. As for Xing Mingli, his fist was now tight, and was ready to punch the culprit of this accident, whether they be adults or not.
The doctor who noticed their angered state immediately added words to make sure chaos doesn't ensue because of his words. "Luckily, she was brought here before she lost anymore. Had there been a bit of delay, we wouldn't be able to save her."
With this, Xing Mei Yi gave a side glance at Ji Li Zhao before returning her gaze toward the doctor and listening some more. "Although we patched her up already and her stats are stabilizing, we cannot assure you that there are no effects on her mental state. We can only wait for her to wake up and perform the necessary tests. But for now, she's out of the red."
"We will continue monitoring her," he added before looking directly into Xing Mei Yi's eyes.
He wants to assure her that they will do the best for her daughter. They don't want their wrath to be directed toward them nor be called incompetent. So, Hou Wei Yan's treatment is treated as the most important emergency for him.
Her survival will also be their survival.
"Thank you." Xing Mei Yi grumbled in between her cries. She was glad that everything went well.
She wasn't the only one feeling grateful though. Ji Ling Hao released a sigh of relief before he took hold of his son's hands. He eyed his twins who quickly nodded their heads in understanding. They need to leave now.
"Please, excuse us. We will return tomorrow." Ji Ling Hao said as he gave a bow to Grand Elder Xing. In every move, he needs to show respect. Xing Mingli needs to feel how sorry they are for what happened. He needs him to understand that Ji Li Zhao is not at fault as well.
Instead, he is Hou Wei Yan's savior.
Xing Mingli was about to raise his protest when his daughter took hold of his hands and squeezed it. His focus on the Ji Family was broken and his gaze immediately snapped toward his daughter. Xing Mei Yi shook her head and looked at him with begging eyes.
Ji Li Zhao is but a child. She can't say she knows him well, but his mother is a close acquaintance. She trusts in her personality and knows just how she values education and discipline. Her son cannot be far from what she is.
"Thank you for bringing her home, Xiao Zhao," she muttered and gave a nod to Ji Ling Hao. They went to the same university before and could be called good friends. This is the consideration she is giving for the times they spent together in the past.
With this, Ji Ling Hao gave a final bow before leaving with his sons in a hurry. He saw how Xing Mei Yi was holding her father's hands. The Grand Elder wouldn't have let them go that easily had she not intervened. He needs to take that opportunity and get out of there before the elder bursts into furry once more.
"Father, can I not stay?" Ji Li Zhao desperately said as they exited the hospital. He wants to be with Hou Wei Yan during such a critical time.
"No." his father quickly answered before opening the car door for him. He cannot allow his sons to linger any longer. They should leave and thank Xing Mei Yi for her mercy.
"Xing Mei Yi is a good friend…but she's unforgiving and merciless when her family is involved. This time, her daughter is hurt so the extent of her hatred must be at maximum level."
Ji Li Zhao was about to protest. He wanted to tell him that Xing Mei Yi forgave them. Her thanking him is proof of it, but Ji Ling Hao knew what he would say before any words could be blurted out.
"She was showing mercy, in consideration of our friendship. That's it. We can't stay here any longer. It would be best to go home first and allow them to calm down."
This time, Ji Li Zhao obeyed him without fault. With his explanation, he understood how vital it is to leave the family alone. They are still in a state of grief and their anger could burst out at any given moment. The more they see his face, the more they will remember how he failed to save her. If he stays, he will only plant more and more hatred and he cannot afford that.
He made a promise to Hou Wei Yan, that he would do anything so that her family would accept him as her only groom. He cannot do anything if their hatred grows beyond salvation. He needs to be patient if he wants to fulfill the promise he made. For now, he should just be grateful that Hou Wei Yan survived.
She's alive which means he has a chance to redeem himself from the mistake he committed.
"Ah Li." Ji Xuejin called out when his little brother remained silent even after they arrived at the house.
Ji Ling Hao gave his youngest a glance before motioning Gu Man close. "Help Ah Li change."
"I'm fine," he muttered after hearing what his father said. He wants to be alone in the meantime. He knows Gu Man would do his job well, but he's afraid that if he empathizes with him, he will cry once more. He doesn't want Hou Wei Yan to worry about his eyes when she wakes up.
"Your eyes are about to fall off." his father said, his voice seeming stern. But because of what happened earlier, Ji Li Zhao could hear his care. "Gu Man will tuck you in. I need to call someone."
Ji Li Zhao nodded his head and followed Gu Man up to his room. While they were still in the middle of the stairs, his father suddenly called out his name. He looked back and saw his face devoid of emotions. His expression was unreadable and that caused him to feel anxious.
[ Does he not care again? ] he thought, his state of mind now in state of chaos because of what happened to Hou Wei Yan and his father's changes of mood.
"That kid---"
"Hou Wei Yan." he corrected, which surprised him a bit.
He nodded his head in acknowledgment. "What are your plans?"
"Marry her when we grow up." Ji Li Zhao confidently answered without even breaking eye contact. The brothers were momentarily stunned at his bravery.
While they remained awed by what he said, Ji Ling Hao simply hummed, his expression still unreadable. "You're but a young cub."
"I promised her that...I will fulfill it no matter what it takes."
Silence then engulfed the hall as Ji Li Zhao displayed just how infatuated he was. When the silence persisted for more than 2 minutes, they slowly turned to Ji Ling Hao. He was looking at his son eye to eye, discerning whether his feelings would last long or if was it just a summer puppy love.
Ji Li Zhao stood his ground despite the burning stare his father was giving him. Not long after, his father turned and walked away without saying anything more. Whatever that was, he could not know as Gu Man immediately urged him to his room.
.....
The events that happened that day caused not only distraught to their hearts but their sleep as well. Ji Xuejin who suffers from insomnia couldn't find peace no matter how much he tries to find a good position to sleep. He had taken his milk and had taken in his tonics, but none seems to be working.
He was forced awake by the disturbing events that seemed too much for his little brother to take in just one day. Bothered, he got out of his room hoping to calm his mind. But peace refuses to settle in the house for this evening.
In the dim hallway, one room remained lit. He wheeled closer to the office and was surprised to see his father, his face scrunched up in stress. He was clearly frustrated and in his hands was a glass of whiskey.
A heavy sigh came out of his mouth, before he took hold of the telephone, and punched in a familiar number. He waited until the call was connected, his father still oblivious to his presence.
"Father-in-law." Ji Ling Hao opened up, his voice filled with respect for the elder on the other line. "Forgive my sudden call, but I need a favor from you."
Ji Xuejin felt the seriousness of his father. He knows that he will be deciding something big since he is involving Great Elder Bei. The Elder showed great favor towards Ji Ling Hao and even accepted all his children. He treated them fairly and allowed them to call him Grandfather even though they share no blood relation.
"I know this is shameless of me after letting your daughter go missing. But please, I beg of you, take Ah Li as your disciple."
Elder Bei who was listening on the other side hummed knowingly. He was monitoring the events that transpired after Ji Li Zhao asked for his help. He had expected Ji Li Zhao to call and offer himself to him...but instead, it was Ji Ling Hao who came begging for his help.
"He offended the Xing Family. I alone can no longer protect him. He seems to have fallen for Xing Mei Yi's daughter…from here on out, he will have to fight countless battles."
"Are you not opposing this? The Xing Family and the Ji Family are rivals." the Elder said, knowing fully well how much Elder Ji values their ranking and how he likes the rivalry of both families.
Unless Elder Ji backs down, the feud between the Xing and Ji will never die down.
"I only wish for my children to live however they want and love whoever they want," he replied, feeling quite melancholic. He had enough of the drama in their family.
He wants the trauma to end with him. He doesn't want to clip his children's wings the same way his father cut his. He may follow how his father handles their business, but not how he handles his family.
To him, their happiness and safety is his priority. That's why when he discerned that Ji Li Zhao kept their promise in his heart, he decided to push for what the Elder had always wanted.
"If he loves that girl, then I'll support him." Ji Ling Hao said knowing that his son had fallen in love.
Unfortunately, he fell in love with the enemy. No one would have opposed it if he married someone from the other Regal Families or the Ducal Families, but marrying a Xing places him in more danger than he can think of. Some families who fear not only Xing but the Jis as well would do what it takes to stop the union of both families. They would be too strong for anyone to handle and that raises envy and fear.
If his son wishes to walk such a path, he needs to be strong enough to protect himself and protect his wife.
"That's why I need you to take him in. He needs to learn how to protect and fight for himself to be able to attain the happiness that he wants."
"I cannot give it to him as I am the head of this household. I need to portray myself as the cold-hearted head in order to make him stronger," he added with a sad smile. He loves his sons but knew better than to pamper them too much. All of them are men and he wants them to be able to protect themselves from anyone threatening their lives and their loved ones.
He cannot be soft when it comes to them. But his love is genuine. "I need to be the villain so he can strengthen his resolve to take my position from me."
"You've been wanting him for a long time now, but I kept refusing because I didn't see any merit to it and because Ah Li didn't have any involvement with anything dangerous. Now...it's different. So please, take him away from this place."
"I'm glad." the Elder muttered. Although he adores Ji Ling Hao, he still sees him as a ferocious beast who wouldn't hesitate to pick a fight with the Xing Family.
The way he operates his business and manipulates his partners is something only a jerk like him can do perfectly. "Even though you're a jerk, you still have love to spare for your children."
"They're my flesh and blood, how can I not love them," he said and reminded himself not to diverge. He chose to prioritize his children's safety even if they see him as cold and cunning. With his youngest in mind, the image of his wife visited him once more and he was painfully reminded that she wasn't where she should be. "I'm still looking for Qing Qing, if you know something, please tell me."
The Elder frowned when he heard his daughter's name. "And if you find her?"
"I need to know the reason why she left and ask her, whether I was enough or not." the feared head of the household muttered, his voice strained in pain as memories of her came flooding in once more. The Elder frowned even more as he felt the pain he was feeling. "I love her so much that I would even forgive any infidelity…but I don't think that was the case for her."
He married her knowing that she had a man she was in love with. When the man disappeared, Ji Ling Hao was the one who accepted Bei Qing Qing when the others feared the backlash of her scandal. No one was brave enough to love a lady who was allegedly disowned by the Great Elder Bei. He was loved by the Elder because he was the one who loved her despite her affection belonging to someone else.
Bei Qing Qing can be described as an angel and she was. She loved his children from his past marriage and willingly gave him a child when the Elders pushed for it. Their marriage was nothing but happiness for him, but perhaps it was torture for her. He knew she loved someone else but was only with him because he left her and she had no other choice. He was grateful for her loving his children but then she left and ruined everything...she left as though none of them mattered.
"It's okay if she divorces me, but leaving Ah Li behind is something heartless of her," he added, feeling sorry for his youngest son who had to suffer such pain at such a young age. "Even so, I still long for her and wish for her to continue being my wife and my son's mother."
Ji Li Zhao prefers his mother over him. He knows that. That's the very reason he was desperate to look for her. Unlike his other children who can no longer see their mother because she passed away, his youngest still has a chance to be with his mother. He wants to give him that chance. He wants his son to have his mother back no matter what conditions she wants.
"My son wants her back and so do I, so please, tell me if she contacts you."
"She can't possibly lean on us when she refuses to lean on you. This family had long turned their back on her for loving a foreigner, so if she were to ask for help, I would have dragged her back into your house." the Elder replied, anger evident in his voice. He had given up on her when she chose to love a man he already knew was trouble.
He had cared for her since infancy but in the end, she would choose a man with a dangerous background. What's more, he's a foreigner. Marriage to them is something he will never approve of and Bei Qing Qing knows that. "You're the only son-in-law I acknowledge."
"Rest assured; I'll take care of Ah Li," he added while motioning one of his men close. He needs to prepare a training fit for him who will become the heir of his organization. "When should I pick him up?"
Elder Bei has grandchildren much older than Ji Li Zhao, but they were not equipped for handling the organization he rules. He needs to train someone while they are young and make sure he doesn't enter the military, unlike his other grandchildren. He needs to be independent and has no strings attached to the military aside from his blood relation to the Bei. He should not be involved with the military and the one who is most suitable is Ji Li Zhao who was born as Bei Qing Qing's only son.
That's why the Elder has been vying for him for a long time. Ji Li Zhao is the heir to Westeria that he has been longing for.
"Tomorrow. Ah Li, needs to leave here immediately." Ji Ling Hao painfully said. He doesn't want to part with Ji Li Zhao like this but he knows that staying with him will not be good for the growth of his son. He needs him to become strong and the one who can provide him that right now is Elder Bei. As for him, he has a wife he needs to find and he is not willing to give up on that quest.
After hearing his resolute answer, Ji Xuejin began wheeling himself away from the office. He heard enough. He knows for sure that none of them will be able to stop this anymore. Their father gave in to their pleas not to allow Ji Li Zhao to enter the heir training with the Bei for a long time now. With the recent events, their father was now convinced that Ji Li Zhao needs to leave the nest to grow strong. Unlike them, who have little to no ambition, he has a promise he needs to fulfill.
When the new day came, Ji Xuejin woke up ahead of the rest. He knew his brother well. Although he was sure that he was the only one who heard his father's conversation with Elder Bei, he trusted Ji Li Zhao would come to the same conclusion. His brother will realize the same thing, that he is weak without his father's influence. The Xing protect their own kind and because of the growing tension between the two families, marrying Hou Wei Yan in the future will be filled with troubles. It is not a path a child who relies on his father could traverse.
He needs the strength of his own. Something that will be called his. Something that will give the path to them acknowledging him as Hou Wei Yan's groom.
"Ah Li." he called out when he saw a shadow of a little child tiptoeing out of his room. "Where are you going?"
Ji Li Zhao looked at his back. Ji Xuejin was there, hiding beneath the shadows. "Brother."
"Where are you going?"
"Outside."
Ji Xuejin clicked his tongue at his answer. "Where exactly?"
"Orchid tree." he softly muttered. He honestly didn't want his brother to know where he was going. He feared that he wouldn't be able to visit there and retake what was lost.
But this is Ji Xuejin. He was always level-headed and he was the one who sided with him when the other two tried to hide him away from Hou Wei Yan. "I left something."
"Can it not wait? Ask Butler Gu to fetch it."
"No!" Ji Li Zhao answered sternly. He trusts Gu Man, but right now, he needs to do this by himself. "I need to do this."
Ji Xuejin remained silent for a few seconds. He analyzed his younger brother, carefully scanning how his face contorted in worry and how his eyes continuously drifted toward the window. "You can't go alone."
"No, I---"
Before he could finish his words, Ji Xuejin had already left. He wheeled himself towards the door and looked at his younger brother, urging him to hurry up. Ji Li Zhao wanted to retrieve something himself. He wanted to do this alone, but having Ji Xuejin around doesn't seem like a bad idea either. Having him around means having an ally when he faces the scolding and inquiries of his older brothers and father.
With a better option now at hand, Ji Li Zhao briskly walked out of the mansion with his older brother. Their trip to the orchid tree was rigorous. He helped his older brother as they continued on to the jungle. Lucky for them, there is already a cleared path towards the tree so Ji Li Zhao didn't find difficulties in wheeling his brother towards their destination.
As soon as they reached the orchid tree, Ji Li Zhao quickly ran where a painting frame lay resting on the ground. He approached it and picked it up without delay. It was already covered in some mud. Luckily, it had a solid glass protecting it, or else the beautiful painting of him and Hou Wei Yan would have been ruined.
"Ah Li." Ji Xuejin called out when he saw his little brother's eyes turning sadder and sadder the more he inspected the painting. When Ji Li Zhao finally looked back at him, he offered him a smile. "Let's not linger."
He wanted to linger though.
Perhaps Ji Xuejin finds this torturous for him. But Ji Li Zhao sees it as his last chance to visit the place and reminisce about the happy memories he had there, including the tragedy. He wants to remember so it can serve as a reminder to him that he is merely a child and that his strength is not enough to protect his loved ones.
What he needs is strength…strength which he can call his. He was unable to fulfill his promise to Hou Wei Yan, but he is determined to fulfill it when he grows up. To do that, he needs the strength that is his and his alone.
He can't always rely on his father to handle things for him.
"Ah Li." Ji Xuejin called out once more.
This time, Ji Li Zhao did not hesitate to walk toward him. If he wishes for his strength to come close to the Xings, he needs to start young. Their influence was built in solid rocks, but for him, he will need to start building from scratch.
Both of them returned home in no time with Ji Li Zhao carefully hugging the portrait. Once they were out of the woods, a sight quite magnificent came into their view. There was a parade of cars parked outside and men wearing magnificently crafted suits stood tall and proud beside each car.
They wore diverse expressions on their faces. Some of them had wide smiles adorning their faces, while some remained stoic as they conversed. Ji Li Zhao didn't take long to realize what was going on when he saw an elderly man wearing a traditional Tang Suit that was army green in color. Although his gray hair was styled short, the military way, his demeanor was that of a traditional Chinese elderly. His face was stoic as he lingered his graze across the Ji Family Villa.
He was looking for someone.
And when he finally found it, his stoic smile blossomed into an endearing one. "Ah Li!"
"Grandfather?" Ji Li Zhao called out in bewilderment as they slowly approached. Once in front of the elder, he was immediately engulfed in a warm hug. "What brought you here, Grandfather?"
"You." he began, his voice obviously ecstatic. "Grandpa came for you."
Before he could ask for a more detailed explanation, Gu Man came out the door and greeted them. He urges the Great Elder to enter while the rest of his men are guided by their servants to the garden. Only Great Elder Bei's finest guards remained by his side.
Ji Li Zhao was dragged inside, in the arms of Bei Jin Lin. He gave his grandfather a worried glance and was about to protest since he was old, but the Elder looked determined that his words went back down his throat.
"Father." Ji Ling Hao greeted as soon as the Great Elder Bei Jin Lin walked inside the study. His appearance was neat, but his face clearly showed he was sleep deprived.
The usual blooming and charming face that he displayed was nowhere in sight. Ji Li Zhao was puzzled by this because his father was one of those who are always eager to greet the Elder. He always presents himself as charming as he could, as though wanting to impress Bei Jin Lin in any way that he can.
"You look hideous." Great Elder Bei pointed out without hesitation. He then placed Ji Li Zhao, and held his hands tenderly, before looking at his son-in-law up and down. He scanned him carefully before he sighed at his appearance. It aches to see a man such as him to be blinded by his silly daughter. "I came for what you asked for."
"Thank you, Father." Ji Ling Hao muttered before eyeing his son. When he did this, Ji Li Zhao felt a shiver run down his spine. He could feel that what his father asked for greatly involved him.
Great Elder Bei would not eagerly visit the far Imperial grounds at his age and come straight to the Ji Villa just to cater simple favors. When this drew to him, Ji Li Zhao hurriedly seek his Grandfather's eyes.
"Grandfather?"
"It's time, Ah Li." Great Elder Bei muttered sternly. His tone brought a loom in Ji Li Zhao's heart as he slowly realized what he wanted and where this was going.
Deep in his heart, he knows this is a good thing for him, that this would stabilize his footing beyond words. Yet he still could not help but look at his father in sadness.
This is good for him and for what he wants in the future…but this feels like him getting abandoned by his father once more. His heart was still weak despite all the grown-up things he had promised his father.
He is still but a child, hurt and betrayed by this sudden revelation.
Bei Jin Lin, who noticed his grandson's sadness, cleared his throat to gain his attention. He wants a successor, but he wants him to be willing enough to take on the responsibility. "If you do not wish to go, I will not force you."
Ji Li Zhao adored his Grandfather as much as he adored him. No matter how much he had tried to pursue him to become his successor, when he rejects it, Elder Bei did not force it anymore. So he knows that if he rejects this now, his Grandfather will oblige and he will no longer be offered such a position in the future.
He looked at his father once more, still appearing uncaring despite the conflict evident in his son's face. "It's time you choose, Ah Li. What do you want to become in the future?"
A choice has been given.
Two sides, his father and his grandfather.
Each is equally beneficial, but with different outcomes. No matter the side he chooses, Ji Li Zhao will be receiving support and strength, but what he wants for his future will be greatly affected by the choice he will make between the two.
By staying at his father's side, he will grow into a great businessman given the potential he already has. Even Grand Elder Ji showed great interest in his future endeavors as a potential businessman and ruler of some Ji companies.
But by choosing this, he will be nothing but a shadow of Ji Ling Hao. He will be nothing but another Ji grandson who relied on his father's connection and name to gain wealth and power. It's an easy route and could be his downfall.
He will fall into becoming a typical Ji…the enemy of the Xing.
That is something he would like to avoid. A typical Ji is not something appealing to the Xings and that will become the end of what he wants for his future.
So despite the growing sadness in his heart, Ji Li Zhao took hold of the Great Elder's hands instead of Ji Ling Hao's, his own father. "I have a promise to fulfill."
And with that, Ji Ling Hao flashed a proud smile. A smile that Ji Li Zhao desperately wanted. A smile that placed him at ease as he squeezed his grandfather's hands, ready to take off to another chapter of his life.
While he is now relieved that his father has his back, his brothers aren't thrilled that their little brother is already setting out the nest. They know what he will go through and they know he will be out of their reach for quite a long time.
"No! Ah Li can't go!" Ji Bao Shi was the first to oppose. He walked towards the group, his twin brother trudging behind him with the same frown on his face. He too wasn't pleased with this sudden progress.
Ji Ling Hao allowed his sons to walk near the Great Elder and Ji Li Zhao, however, his motive was not to allow them to stop their youngest, but to bid their farewell.
Ji Cao Shi looked at his father in disbelief. He knows just how much he treasures Ji Li Zhao despite his seemingly cold actions. "Father, you can't be serious? First, Mother takes off and now you're giving Ah Li away?"
"Your brother made his decision."
"A decision he should not even be making." Ji Xuejin finally spoke after staying on the side, watching the whole agreement unfold. "Ah Li is young. This could simply be an infatuation. There is no need to go this far for a little girl."
"Brother. Wei Wei is---"
He turned to his youngest brother who was hurt by what he said. "There's no need to go through such pain. You don't have to be the heir to Lone Wisteria. Just stay here with us."
Ji Li Zhao looked at him with determination. "I want to grow."
"And you will. You eventually will grow. But for now, just enjoy the joys of childhood."
"Tomorrow is too late, brother. I have to do this now. I want strength." Ji Li Zhao said with conviction, trying his best to convince his brother that this is not a simple infatuation nor a childish attempt to prove himself.
He wants genuine strength. The strength he can call his. "I want strength…so I can protect those that are important to me and I'm not simply referring to Wei Wei."
Ji Li Zhao remembered the events at the hospital and how he saw his brothers' backs facing the Grand Elder while he stayed mute behind them. "I don't want to rely on your protection, because I don't want you to give up things under the guise of my protection. I will hold you back if I stay the way I am and I don't want that. I don't want to see you again, shielding me from the mistakes that I made. I don't want you to take the blame and the impact of my actions."
"Still---"
When Ji Bao Shi tried to argue, Ji Li Zhao decided to bow his head down. "Thank you, for everything. Thank you for protecting me all this time. Please allow me to grow my own strength, so that someday, I can repay you and be your shield and spear when the time comes."
Ji Xuejin looked at his older brothers before returning his gaze to their youngest. He then stretched out his arm and ruffled his hair with a smile. "I'm sad that you have to go now…but as brothers, we promised to support you. Just promise us that you will not compromise your health. You're still young. Make sure to focus on your health, not just on building your strength. I want to see a tall Ah Li in the future, okay?"
"Brother~"
"If you miss us, we're one call away." Ji Bao Shi muttered, finally mustering the courage to ruffle their youngest's hair and send him away.
Ji Cao Shi mimicked his twin and smiled. "No matter how far we are, if you need us, we will come running. Always remember that we have your back."
"You'll see him anyway." Great Elder Bei suddenly interjected, not liking all the drama the brothers were showing. "He'll have his vacation which he can spend however he wants. I'm not going to strip away his freedom to return here. You're making me look like a villain right now."
The brothers looked at one another before flashing the elder an endearing smile. "Please take care of him, Grandfather."
"We will be leaving now," he said, turning his body away from the group and began walking slowly. "I sent your gifts to the Ji Mansion. Pay us a visit whenever you like. If the guards ask, tell them you're my grandson. No need to be reserved like the last time you visited."
They are all his grandchildren. Come what may, they are all considered his grandchildren.
Ji Li Zhao walked away with a smile on his face. He left knowing how much he was loved and is now more than determined to build his own strength so that he can protect those that he loves and treasure those who love him.
When their youngest finally stepped inside the car, Ji Bao Shi felt melancholic once more. "He's gone."
"He's not gone forever." Ji Ling Hao muttered and looked at his remaining sons. "He'll come back. And when he does, he'll come back strong."
"Why did you have to do this?" Ji Cao Shi asked, trying his best to understand his father and to subside his anger for what he did.
Ji Ling Hao knows they want answers. He simply wants all of them to be strong on their own because no matter how strong he is now, there will come a time when that strength in itself is not enough to defend them.
"He's the youngest, but I don't want him to be considered the most loved nor the weakest. I want him to gain the respect he deserves as my son and the only way for him to gain that is for him to establish himself away from this comfort zone…the same way I want you all to be as independent as you could"
He patted his sons one by one. "I won't always be here. And I can't live knowing that you'll be left defenseless when I'm not around. So I want you all to build your own strength. Be at the top so no one would even think of harming you or those around you."
Ji Ling Hao glanced outside and saw Ji Li Zhao peeking out the window, his eyes in the distant forest where the orchid tree lays occluded from sight.
"Be your own man."
クリエイターの想い 
themilesaguanta
themilesaguanta Hi! Miles here, finally back from a long hiatus.
I apologize for not updating for a long time. I started working as a call center agent at the same time I stopped updating this story. I was unable to balance my time well since I'm still a medical student. I stopped working now because I need to focus on my studies. Now, I have extra time to write again, and thus, here I am. Ready to serve you once more Ji Li Zhao and Hou Wei Yan's love story.
As an apology (I don't know if all of you will like this), but in this volume, you'll see Ji Li Zhao mustering enough balls to confess. Guess what Hou Wei Yan's reaction will be. ;)
Anyway, I'll be updating 2 more chapters today and will be back on February 11. I know I just returned, but I have a 1-week examination so I'll be disappearing once more. No worries, I'll be back on time.
By the way, I uploaded a prologue to my other story, hope you'll find interest and give it a go. It's an isekai-themed story, only this time, our female lead isn't the one who got reincarnated, but our beloved male lead. The title is "Villainess By Choice" and the username is @milesaguanta. I decided to create another account since I'm having issues deleting some stories in this one.
Hope you enjoy and thank you so much for waiting. I promise not to disappoint.
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