I Just Want to be a Throwaway Character - Chapter 51

Chapter 51: Three in One

About a month passed. Ji Wan had a very pleasant month because Jiang Zhili was on a business trip. Ji Wan successfully avoided the awkward situation of inexplicably blushing when she saw her. Jiang Zhili’s abilities were also gradually being appreciated by Ji’s father. She was specifically transferred to the head office to work for a period of time. Of course, this was not without Ji Wan’s flattery.

Ji Wan sat cross-legged on the carpet under her sofa, fiddling with something. She had casually tied her hair into a bun and was wearing simple loungewear. Scattered at her feet were many red banknotes.

“Little 1, I have enough money now to leave with nothing. Should the next step be to start the acknowledgment process directly?” Ji Wan asked.

System 111: “Host, you can just acknowledge your identity and break off the engagement in one go. It’s so convenient.”

“The scene would probably be very awkward then.” Ji Wan thought of the picture of the two families gathered together, plus the break of the engagement with the Xiao family. It would be a terrifying thought.

System 111: “How about this, Host? You can just anonymously send a paternity test to the Ji family. It’s much simpler.”

“Hmm, let me think.” Ji Wan stopped counting the money to think.

Now, Jiang’s mother already knew of her existence and would occasionally use Jiang Zhili’s name as an excuse to visit her. Jiang Zhili’s work performance was also starting to be noticed by Ji’s father, and now there were many opportunities for them to interact. As for the engagement, it was probably only a matter of time for Sister Xiao. So now she just needed to give it a final push to move things along.

“Little 1, can you make a paternity test for me?” Ji Wan asked.

System 111: “Uh, Host. You’ll have to do that yourself. System 111 can’t do that right now.”

“You never change. You’re as useless as ever.” Ji Wan continued what she was doing. She wondered if a few tens of thousands would be enough for her to live on for a few years. It was a headache.

Knock, knock. The door was knocked. Ji Wan quickly put away the money and went to open the door. But she hadn’t ordered any delivery today.

“Who is it?” Ji Wan looked at the surveillance monitor at the door. She saw Jiang’s mother standing at her door, carrying large bags.

“Wanwan, it’s me. Auntie Jiang.” Jiang’s mother called out to her.

Ji Wan quickly opened the door. “Auntie Jiang, didn’t Director Jiang go on a business trip? She won’t be back for another week.”

“I’m not looking for Lili. Lili told me you don’t eat well and only eat takeout. I’m here to cook for you today.” Jiang’s mother said with a loving smile.

“Is that… is that so? Thank you, Auntie Jiang,” Ji Wan didn’t refuse and shyly scratched her face as she welcomed Jiang’s mother in.

Ever since Jiang’s mother found out Ji Wan was her daughter, she would often come over and tell her to come over for a meal. Ji Wan had already gotten used to Jiang’s mother’s cooking.

“Host, this is a great opportunity. Find a way to get a strand of Jiang’s mom’s hair,” System 111 reminded her.

“Mm,” Ji Wan replied. But how should she get it? She couldn’t just pull it out, could she?

“Auntie Jiang, let me help you carry that.” Ji Wan eagerly went over and took the bag from Jiang’s mother’s hands.

“Okay, you child. Just be good.” Jiang’s mother’s face broke into a smile, and her eyes filled with warmth.

“I can’t cook, but I can help you wash vegetables,” Ji Wan said coyly to Jiang’s mother. She was extremely well-behaved.

Then, Ji Wan spent some warm time with Jiang’s mother. If her plan went through, she might not ever see her again in this lifetime. A hint of guilt flashed in Ji Wan’s eyes. She hoped Jiang Zhili would take good care of her.

After eating, Ji Wan flopped down on the sofa, rubbing her bulging belly as she praised the meal. “I’m so full! It was so delicious!”

Jiang’s mother’s eyes showed a doting smile. “If it’s delicious, Auntie Jiang will cook for you again next time.”

Ji Wan felt a little embarrassed by Jiang’s mother’s doting gaze. Ji Wan stood up and walked behind Jiang’s mother. “To reward our Chef Jiang, please allow me to style your hair today.” Ji Wan eagerly pulled Jiang’s mother over to sit on the sofa. She pulled out a comb from who knows where and gently untied the hairband. Looking at the few white hairs among Jiang’s mother’s strands, Ji Wan felt a strange sourness in her eyes. She combed her hair gently, her movements tender.

Plop. A tear rolled down. Ji Wan felt the wetness on her hand and quickly pulled out a few tissues to hand to Jiang’s mother. “I’m sorry, Auntie Jiang. Was I too rough?”

“No… no, it’s not you. It’s just that I… I remembered something.” Jiang’s mother took the tissues from Ji Wan, her voice choked. If it hadn’t been for the sudden illness that the baby in the cradle had, which her family couldn’t afford, she would never have let her child leave her.

Ji Wan sat down next to Jiang’s mother and gently held her head. She comforted her softly. “It’s all in the past. Don’t think about it so much. You have Jiang… Lili and me, don’t you?”

Hearing this, Jiang’s mother’s body stiffened. Her hands, trembling uncontrollably, wrapped around Ji Wan, and she hugged her and cried. Ji Wan also gently patted Jiang’s mother’s back, comforting her. The two of them didn’t say anything, silently acknowledging the warmth of the moment.

Knock, knock. The door was knocked again. Ji Wan looked at the door strangely. Why was her house so lively today?

Jiang’s mother had also recovered her emotions. She wiped away her tears and smiled, motioning for Ji Wan to open the door. Ji Wan obediently walked to the door and opened it.

“My dear Wanwan, have you missed Mom?” a well-maintained middle-aged woman called out, rushing toward her.

Ji Wan’s expression was a little surprised. But she still obediently opened her arms and hugged her, a look of surprise on her face. “Yes, I missed you! Mom, why are you here?”

Ji’s mom pinched Ji Wan’s soft cheek and gestured for her to look outside the door. Jiang Zhili’s face unexpectedly came into view.

“Thanks to little Jiang, my car broke down on the way. I was so worried, and then I ran into her. When I found out she was your supervisor and neighbor, I just came along. I have to say, little Jiang and I hit it off. I feel like she looks a lot like I did when I was young. Isn’t that a coincidence?” Ji’s mother said happily, walking over to the shoe cabinet to change her shoes.

“Is… is that so?” Ji Wan replied. Then she turned to look at Jiang Zhili. “Director… Director Jiang, weren’t you supposed to come back in a week?” Ji Wan asked, looking at Jiang Zhili in confusion.

Jiang Zhili just smiled. When Ji’s mother couldn’t see, she suddenly leaned close to Ji Wan’s ear, her voice a little tired and hoarse. “What’s wrong? Did you miss me that much?”

“Who… who missed you? Don’t talk nonsense!” As expected, Ji Wan’s ears turned red, her face felt hot, and she got shy.

Jiang Zhili felt a sense of satisfaction. Ji Wan must also have feelings for her. To come back to see Ji Wan, Jiang Zhili had worked overtime to complete a month’s worth of work. Now that she saw Ji Wan’s blushing face, she felt that all the tiredness was worth it.

“Lili?” Jiang’s mother, seeing that Ji Wan wasn’t coming, came out worried. She saw her daughter getting close to Ji Wan. Ji’s mother also turned her gaze toward the sudden sound.

“Mom, why are you here?” Jiang Zhili asked, her cool, composed demeanor back.

“I…” Jiang’s mother couldn’t say that she wanted to spend time with Ji Wan.

“This is your mother. Hello, I’m Wanwan’s mom.” Ji’s mother, having changed her shoes, came over to greet them.

The moment Jiang’s mother saw Ji’s mother, she felt as if her blood had frozen. Even though she knew Ji’s mother didn’t know her. She replied stiffly, “Hello.” Her voice was weak and a little flustered.

“Mom, Auntie Jiang cooked for me today! It was so delicious!” Ji Wan said, tugging on Ji’s mother’s hand. She wanted to ease the sudden awkward atmosphere.

“You little glutton. You still have to thank her,” Ji’s mother said, dotingly poking Ji Wan’s nose.

“I already did! Am I such a rude person?!” Ji Wan’s face puffed up as she replied.

“Okay, Mom can only stay for a little while. I have to leave soon,” Ji’s mother said, patting the top of Ji Wan’s head. Her face showed a hint of guilt. The time she could spend with Ji Wan was too short.

Looking at the atmosphere between Ji Wan and Ji’s mother, Jiang’s mother felt a sense of relief. “This child is very happy!”

“Mom, why are your eyes red? The doctor told you not to cry. What if your eye condition flares up again?” Jiang Zhili said to Jiang’s mother with a little concern.

“It’s nothing. You didn’t even tell me you were coming back. Are you tired from work?” Feeling Jiang Zhili’s concern, Jiang’s mother’s heart warmed.

“Don’t all stand at the door. Come in and sit down,” Ji’s mother said, inviting them in.

“I can’t. I’ve been here for a while, and I need to go home and cook for my husband. Lili, you stay here. Mom’s going back now.” Jiang’s mother was a little flustered and didn’t want to stay for long.

Ji Wan knew why she was flustered. She was considerate and said, “Auntie Jiang, don’t worry about me. I’ll walk you out.”

“That’s good. Wanwan, walk your auntie out. She cooked for you, so thank her properly,” Ji’s mother said to Ji Wan.

After Ji Wan saw Jiang’s mother off, Ji’s mother put on her heels by the door. She walked to Ji Wan and hugged her.

“I’m sorry, Wanwan. Mom really wants to spend more time with you. But the company suddenly has an urgent matter that needs me to go. I promise I’ll make it up to you next time, okay?”

“I know, Mom. You go. I’m a grown-up now; I don’t need to be looked after,” Ji Wan said with understanding.

“Then Mom’s leaving. Don’t walk me out.” Ji’s mother waved and left, then quickly got into the elevator.

Ji Wan watched the elevator doors close. Her lively expression suddenly became a little sad. This was the remnant of the original host’s emotions.

But Ji Wan quickly cheered up and walked back home. When she saw the living room sofa, her expression was a little stunned. Why was Jiang Zhili lying there, sleeping?

Ji Wan carefully walked over and bent down to look at Jiang Zhili’s face. She saw Jiang Zhili’s tired sleeping face and the obvious dark circles under her eyes. Ji Wan carefully traced the dark circles with her finger from a distance. “Is her work really that hard?” Ji Wan couldn’t explain the pang of heartache that came over her.

“Host, great opportunity. Get the female lead’s hair!” System 111’s voice suddenly rang in her head.

Ji Wan was startled and her foot slipped on the carpet. She slid toward Jiang Zhili. Ji Wan quickly looked for something to hold on to.

“Phew, that was close,” Ji Wan held herself up by putting her hand on the sofa next to Jiang Zhili’s shoulder. Her heart was pounding. Jiang Zhili’s face was magnified, beautiful to the point of suffocation. Thankfully, she didn’t wake Jiang Zhili up. Ji Wan didn’t dare to move. She was barely holding herself up from falling on top of Jiang Zhili.

Suddenly, she saw a dark strand of hair on Jiang Zhili’s clean white shirt. Ji Wan’s eyes lit up. She had already gotten hair from both Jiang’s mother and her own mom. Now, she just needed Jiang Zhili’s. Ji Wan carefully supported herself with one hand, and slowly reached out with the other to Jiang Zhili’s chest. Just as she was about to grab it, she started to relax.

But then she suddenly noticed that Jiang Zhili had opened her eyes at some point and was looking at her with a smile in her eyes. Ji Wan’s hand froze. The way she was positioned, it looked like she was about to take advantage of Jiang Zhili!

Ji Wan’s tender face turned red. The next second, she was pulled down by a force. She was lying on Jiang Zhili’s chest, feeling the softness. Ji Wan felt despair. She struggled to get up, but a hand was holding her by the waist.

“Jiang… Jiang Zhili, let… let me go,” Ji Wan called out weakly.

But Jiang Zhili didn’t pay her any mind. She just turned slightly and trapped Ji Wan between herself and the sofa. Ji Wan was about to struggle again when Jiang Zhili held her in a full embrace. Smelling the familiar scent, Ji Wan was a little dazed. She looked up and met Jiang Zhili’s deep eyes. Lying in Jiang Zhili’s arms, Ji Wan felt a sense of security. But no, she couldn’t lie here!

Sensing Ji Wan’s restlessness, Jiang Zhili held her chin up and gently kissed her on the forehead. “Be good. Sleep with me for a while, just for a little while.” The tired, raspy voice made Ji Wan, who was about to struggle, settle down.

Ji Wan couldn’t explain how she felt. She quietly looked up at Jiang Zhili’s delicate profile, which was so close to her. She looked beautiful and ethereal even in her sleep. But the dark circles under her eyes made her seem more human. Ji Wan lay still, just watching Jiang Zhili.

“She works so hard, and she doesn’t even know how to rest properly,” Ji Wan thought with a pang of heartache. She obediently lay there with Jiang Zhili, not moving. At some point, she fell asleep, smelling Jiang Zhili’s scent.

The sun outside shone on the two girls who were sleeping in each other’s arms. The scene was beautiful and harmonious.

When Ji Wan woke up, it was already dark outside. The neon lights from the street cast shadows into the living room through the French window. The room was a little dim. Ji Wan slowly propped herself up, rubbing her forehead, which was a little sore from sleeping for too long. Looking at the suit jacket on her, she felt a little dazed. The jacket wasn’t hers. It must be Jiang Zhili’s.

Ji Wan subconsciously looked for Jiang Zhili in the room, with a hint of expectation. But in the empty, dark living room, there was only the sound of her own breathing. A feeling of loneliness came over her. It felt as if she was the only one in the world. She couldn’t explain the feeling in her heart. A sense of unspoken sorrow welled up. Ji Wan quietly hugged her knees and buried her face. She was curled up like a helpless little animal.

Click. The light turned on. Light shone through the cracks and into Ji Wan’s eyes. Ji Wan slowly raised her head. Her bewildered and lost expression met Jiang Zhili’s eyes. Ji Wan couldn’t explain how she felt. She only knew that her eyes were wet. She started to cry for some reason.

After Jiang Zhili woke up, she saw that Ji Wan was still sleeping, so she went back to her apartment. When she came back, she saw Ji Wan looking like a pitiful little puppy who had been abandoned. Her heart instantly softened, and a wave of heartache came over her.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Jiang Zhili sat down next to Ji Wan and gently used her thumb to wipe away the tears at the corners of Ji Wan’s eyes.

Realizing her loss of composure, Ji Wan quickly wiped her tears. She tried to control the inexplicable sadness in her heart and replied with a choked voice, “Nothing… nothing.”

Jiang Zhili didn’t say anything more. She looked at Ji Wan, then gently hugged her slender shoulders, pulling her into her arms. She comforted her softly in her ear. “It’s okay. I’m here. I didn’t leave.”

This one sentence seemed to have traveled through a thousand years. Ji Wan felt that the tears she was holding back wanted to flow down even more. The urge to rush into Jiang Zhili’s arms and hug her tightly surfaced. But she couldn’t. Her mission didn’t allow her to do anything out of line. She had to stay away from Jiang Zhili. She had to stay away… But the affection in her heart made it impossible for her to refuse.

Ji Wan didn’t move, letting Jiang Zhili hold her. Her expression was sad. She felt the warmth of her body being transmitted to her little by little. Ji Wan didn’t want to think about anything else. She would just let her hold her for a little while. Just for a little while.

Jiang Zhili looked at the well-behaved Ji Wan, and a warm smile appeared on her lips. Ji Wan didn’t refuse her. Did that mean Ji Wan liked her too?

After an unknown amount of time, Jiang Zhili let go of Ji Wan. “Are you hungry? I can cook for you, okay?” Jiang Zhili asked gently, her expression no longer cold and restrained, but soft.

Ji Wan didn’t say anything. She looked at Jiang Zhili’s gentle eyes, a little dazed. She gently shook her head. Suddenly, a soft body rushed into Jiang Zhili’s arms again.

“What’s wrong? You’re so clingy after a nap.” Jiang Zhili’s eyes were filled with surprise as she gently stroked Ji Wan’s head and laughed.

“I’m sorry,” Ji Wan said silently in her heart, feeling the hair in her hands. She could be selfish and despicable. She couldn’t reciprocate Jiang Zhili’s love for her. Even though she vaguely sensed the strange feelings Jiang Zhili had for her, she had no position or qualification to respond. Even though the plot had already deviated. Ji Wan still didn’t dare to respond to Jiang Zhili’s feelings.

Jiang Zhili didn’t think much of Ji Wan’s sudden change. Her heart was filled with joy. This was the first time Ji Wan had taken the initiative to hug her.

When the room was once again filled with only Ji Wan, she looked at the four hair samples on the coffee table and didn’t say anything. Maybe a decision would be made soon, wouldn’t it?

“Host, you’re about to complete the mission. Aren’t you happy?” System 111 asked, sensing the host’s unhappiness and sadness.

“No, I’m very happy,” Ji Wan replied perfunctorily, clearly not wanting to say much.

“Then, Host, do you want to watch the recently popular TV show, My Supervisor and I? It’s so good!”

Ji Wan’s body froze. She replied coldly, “No.”

“Then The Domineering Supervisor’s Powerful Love?” System 111 said fawningly.

“Get lost,” Ji Wan’s feigned cold face turned red, and she snapped. It’s all about supervisors. System 111 is doing this on purpose, isn’t it? It’s afraid she’ll forget what her relationship with Jiang Zhili is.

“Did my host get bullied by the female lead again?” System 111 thought. According to the past, the only person who could make its host unhappy was the female lead. It remembered in the last world, the female lead got too close to a beautiful female disciple, which made its host jealous for three days. It took a month to coax her to get over it. In the world before that, the female lead accidentally disliked the meal Ji Wan had secretly prepared for her, and she slept on the sofa for a week. Although she would sneak into bed in the middle of the night and go back to the sofa in the morning.

System 111 couldn’t figure out why Ji Wan was unhappy. The female lead, however, was strangely happy and enjoyed the process of coaxing its host. So, had its host been taken by the female lead again? But the host didn’t seem to be showing any affection?

“So my host is finally taking the mission seriously for the first time?” System 111 suddenly felt a little weird. Ji Wan being so serious about a mission was something it, no, a system, was not used to. If System 111 hadn’t been hiding to watch its 8 p.m. TV show, it might have seen the scene of its host being led astray by the female lead again. Unfortunately, it would be a long time before it knew. So, one should watch less TV.

Three days later, at the Xiao family’s old mansion.

Compared to Jiang Zhili, who sat gracefully and elegantly, with a nervous Xiao Zhuyun beside her, Chu Fang, in her well-tailored black suit, looked beautiful and powerful. But she was just leaning casually on the Xiao family’s sofa, her posture wild and unconventional, with a certain charm. The strong aura around her, however, could not be ignored.

“Don’t be afraid. I’ll make sure you can be with me in a dignified manner,” Chu Fang gently held Xiao Zhuyun’s hand, her voice filled with confidence. They would definitely succeed today.

Soon, Grandpa Xiao walked over with his cane, accompanied by Xiao’s father and mother. Grandpa Xiao sat down unhappily and slammed his cane on the floor.

“Chu Fang, what do you want?” Grandpa Xiao’s voice was filled with anger.

“Grandpa Xiao, don’t be angry. It’ll hurt your health. My A-Zhu will get worried,” Chu Fang said, pretending to be concerned.

“Hmph. You didn’t care about my health when you monopolized the Xiao Group’s capital chain and bought up all of our shares,” Grandpa Xiao said, annoyed. He never thought that the illegitimate daughter from back then would one day become a threat to him. He remembered how Chu Fang had torn up the five-million-dollar check. Grandpa Xiao felt a little scared for some reason. She was a crazy person, which was why he didn’t allow Chu Fang to be with Xiao Zhuyun. It wasn’t just because of her identity as an illegitimate child, but also her cunning and schemes. A child born to a nightclub woman could return to that cold-blooded Chu family in a short amount of time. She was definitely not a pushover. Now, after Chu Fang’s return to the country, she quickly took power and sent her father to prison. This confirmed Grandpa Xiao’s suspicions. He absolutely could not let her take Zhuyun away!

“Zhuyun, come here!” Grandpa Xiao’s expression turned cold as he looked at Chu Fang and Xiao Zhuyun’s clasped hands and ordered.

Xiao Zhuyun’s expression stiffened, and she said, a little at a loss, “Grandpa.”

Chu Fang held Xiao Zhuyun’s hand and gave her a reassuring look.

“Grandpa Xiao, I came here today for a reason. I want to return the Xiao Group’s shares to you. But the condition is that you cancel A-Zhu’s engagement and allow her to be with me,” Chu Fang sat up straight, her voice serious.

“Hmph, in your dreams. Zhuyun is already engaged. Wanwan is a good child. I won’t agree,” Grandpa Xiao said stubbornly.

“Grandpa, I only see Wanwan as a sister,” Xiao Zhuyun said.

“Ji Wan won’t be with Ms. Xiao,” Jiang Zhili also said, a rare occurrence.

Xiao’s father and mother looked at each other. They actually knew some of the things that happened back then. But at the time, Chu Fang was a child with no power, so they silently agreed to Grandpa Xiao’s actions. Even though they knew their daughter was in pain, they didn’t try to stop it. And at that time, the true authority in the Xiao family was Grandpa Xiao. He was the absolute authority.

But now, the girl from back then had grown into someone they couldn’t even dream of, and she was back. Her target had always been the same—their daughter.

“Hmph, don’t forget. My family is the Ji family. Can you defeat the combined power of two prominent families?” Grandpa Xiao said with disdain.

“If that’s the case, Old Man Xiao can rest assured. Half of the Ji Group’s shares are already in my hands. I am the true controller of the Ji Group,” Jiang Zhili said casually. She was completely unaware of the huge stir her words had caused. Even Chu Fang looked at her business partner in surprise. She was ruthless. She had already taken control of half of her wife’s family’s company. But Chu Fang quickly relaxed her expression. Jiang Zhili’s power was much stronger than she had expected. A competent employee on the surface, but secretly undermining the CEO of the Ji Group. That was impressive.

“You… you, cough cough,” Grandpa Xiao started shaking with anger.

“Grandpa!” Xiao Zhuyun quickly went over to check on him with her parents.

“Dad, stop meddling in the children’s affairs. Do you want Zhuyun to continue being unhappy?” Xiao’s father finally said what he had wanted to say for years.

“Yes, Dad. Haven’t you seen Zhuyun’s feelings for Wanwan yet?” Xiao’s mother also tried to persuade him.

“You… you all,” Grandpa Xiao felt like he couldn’t breathe.

“Grandpa, I really love Chu Fang. Please, don’t separate us again, okay?” Tears streamed down Xiao Zhuyun’s face. This not only made Chu Fang’s heart ache but also made Grandpa Xiao silent. He remembered his granddaughter’s sweet cooing when she was a child and the sadness she felt when she lost Chu Fang. Had he really made a mistake?

Jiang Zhili looked at the scene in front of her without saying anything. She looked at her phone’s screen, which showed a picture she had secretly taken of Ji Wan’s adorable sleeping face. A smile appeared on her lips. She and Ji Wan would also get their parents’ support and live a happy life together. She imagined Ji Wan in a wedding dress. She would be breathtakingly beautiful. She really wanted to see her now.

“Cough cough, am I interrupting you?” Ji’s father said, standing awkwardly at the door.

“It seems we’ve come at a bad time,” Ji’s mother also said, a rare appearance beside him. He never expected Jiang Zhili to have control of half of the Ji Group’s shares. And she had managed to collect all the scattered shares of the Ji Group on her own. Ji’s father looked at Jiang Zhili with a complex expression. What kind of family could raise such a child? This child was terrifying. She was a genius to the extreme.

“Uncle Ji, Auntie Ji, why are you here?” Xiao Zhuyun asked, wiping her tears.

“Didn’t Wanwan tell us that we had to come?” Ji’s father asked back. He remembered the urgent tone in Ji Wan’s voice on the phone, begging them to be there. They had both pushed back their meetings to rush over. After all, Ji Wan had never asked anything of them. This was the first time. He didn’t expect to witness this scene in the Xiao family, and he also never expected to find out about the identity of the Ji Group’s biggest shareholder.

“Ji Wan?” Chu Fang looked at Jiang Zhili strangely. Ji Wan shouldn’t have known about their plan. Jiang Zhili shook her head at her, indicating she didn’t know.

“Lili,” Jiang’s mother also suddenly appeared at the Xiao mansion, with Jiang’s father right behind her.

“Mom, Dad, why are you here?” Jiang Zhili felt that something was wrong. Why would her parents come to a simple engagement cancellation?

“That child, Wanwan, told us to come.” Jiang’s mother also looked around strangely, looking for Ji Wan. But when she saw Ji’s father and mother, her body stiffened.

“You’re Jiang Jingming?” Ji’s father looked at Jiang Zhili’s parents and said in surprise.

“Mr. Ji,” Jiang’s father’s expression was momentarily flustered.

“You’ve been missing for more than twenty years. I never expected that child, Jiang Zhili, to be your daughter. I really didn’t see that coming.” Ji’s father laughed cordially, his voice filled with emotion. He didn’t care that Jiang Zhili had bought up his company’s shares and become the largest shareholder. After all, she had bought them openly and didn’t have any intentions of harming the Ji Group.

But Jiang’s father’s expression wasn’t one of joy from being praised. His body was as stiff as Jiang’s mother’s.

“Excuse me, who is Mr. Ji? I have a package here for Ms. Ji Wan that needs your signature,” a delivery man walked in, looking at the large group of people and asking.

“I am. It’s a package for my daughter,” Ji’s father said. He signed for the package, which was a thin piece of paper.

“Mr. Ji, Ms. Ji Wan asked you to open it immediately,” the delivery man said and turned to leave.

“Why is this child acting so strange today?” Ji’s mother said, looking at the sealed package.

Suddenly, everyone’s eyes were on the package in Ji’s father’s hands. It was just too strange, even a little inexplicable. Ji’s father didn’t think much of it and casually opened the package. Suddenly, two letters slid onto the floor. Just as Ji’s father was about to bend down to pick them up, the paternity test was revealed. It was seen by Jiang’s father and mother. Their blood seemed to freeze, and they stood stiffly in place.

Ji’s father also saw the words “paternity test.” He looked down at it, wondering why Wanwan would give him this. When he saw the end, Ji’s father’s eyes were filled with a look of shock. Ji’s mother also went over and took a look, covering her mouth. They both looked at Jiang Zhili. Their eyes were filled with an unbelievable, complex expression.

“You…” Ji’s father couldn’t say anything. Ji’s mother’s eyes were even redder. She tremblingly walked over to Jiang Zhili, her hand gently touching Jiang Zhili’s face.

Everyone present was confused. What was happening? Jiang Zhili also looked at Ji’s mother in confusion, not understanding her actions.

Chu Fang walked over, picked up the letters on the floor, and read them carefully. Her expression also turned to one of shock. Ji Wan was not the Ji family’s biological child! The real daughter of the Ji family was Jiang Zhili!

Thud. A loud sound. Jiang’s father knelt in front of Ji’s father, his voice filled with guilty sobs. “Mr. Ji, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. It has nothing to do with Wanwan. It’s all my fault.” Saying this, he slapped himself twice hard across the face.

“Dad!” Jiang Zhili quickly went over to help her father up, pushing Ji’s mother aside.

“Lili, I’m so sorry!” Jiang’s father said guiltily.

“Don’t do this. Get up,” Jiang Zhili said, trying to help her father up.

Seeing this, Jiang’s mother also knelt down, sobbing uncontrollably. “It’s our family’s fault, Lili. You are the true daughter of the Ji family!”

Jiang Zhili’s expression was one of shock for a moment. Everyone else present was also shocked by the sudden scene. Xiao’s father and mother saw that the situation was not right. One of them went to each of Jiang’s parents to help them, their emotions flaring up.

Ji’s father and mother also sank into the sofa, not saying anything for a long time. Jiang Zhili was their biological child!

“Ji Wan!” The first person that came to Jiang Zhili’s mind was Ji Wan. She realized that Ji Wan was the key to this matter. Jiang Zhili didn’t say anything more. She walked to Chu Fang and took the two letters. The two letters had a lot written on them. They explained how Ji Wan found out she wasn’t the biological child and how she found out Jiang Zhili’s identity. It also had things written for Ji’s father and mother, thanking them for raising her. And she hoped they would forgive Jiang’s father and mother for their mistakes. The letter also expressed gratitude to Jiang’s father and mother for bringing her into this world. And she hoped Grandpa Xiao would cancel her engagement with Xiao Zhuyun. The letters were filled with words, but there was not a single word about Jiang Zhili.

Ji Wan’s words, for some reason, revealed a sense of finality, as if she wanted to break away from her. Jiang Zhili’s heart was inexplicably flustered. She remembered the way Ji Wan had looked at her that night and the inexplicable dependence. A bad thought came to her. She didn’t care how chaotic the scene was. She rushed out of the Xiao family’s house. She drove urgently to Ji Wan’s home. She sped all the way. As soon as she got to the apartment complex, Jiang Zhili didn’t care about her manners. She ran, her hair disheveled. She rushed to Ji Wan’s door and slammed her hand against it. She had to see Ji Wan right now. But the door wasn’t locked. It opened with a single touch.

Jiang Zhili rushed into the living room. She was gone. The items that had Ji Wan’s scent were all gone in an instant. Her heart was flustered. Jiang Zhili quickly ran to Ji Wan’s room and opened the closet. It was empty. Jiang Zhili couldn’t help but collapse to the floor. A feeling of fear rushed over her. Where did Ji Wan go?

Jiang Zhili took out her phone and dialed the number of the person she had listed first on her special contacts.

“Beep, beep… I’m sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable.”

One time, two times, three times… Jiang Zhili started to feel a little desperate.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated. Hope ignited in Jiang Zhili’s eyes. She quickly took out her phone. But the screen didn’t show Ji Wan’s name.

Jiang Zhili answered the phone.

“Is this the director? Wanwan suddenly came to submit her resignation this morning. She didn’t say anything and just left. Do you know what’s going on?”

“Hello, Director. Are you there?” Sister Zhang looked at the phone, which wasn’t responding. She looked at the screen and saw that the call was connected.

“When did she leave? Did she say where she was going?” Jiang Zhili’s cold voice rang out.

“Wanwan just said it was a secret. She didn’t say,” Sister Zhang replied.

“Mm,” Jiang Zhili didn’t say anything more. She hung up the phone. She dialed another number. “Find her. Find Ji Wan.” Jiang Zhili’s voice was cold, with a hint of brutality. It sent a chill down someone’s spine.

An unknown amount of time passed.

“I’m sorry, Director Jiang. Ms. Ji’s tracks completely disappeared after she left the apartment complex. The surveillance cameras were inexplicably affected by a magnetic field and were completely unusable. All of Ms. Ji’s bank cards are frozen, and we can’t find out where she’s been. We can’t find out which hotel she’s been to or her travel history with her ID card either.”

Jiang Zhili’s face was hidden in the darkness. She didn’t say anything. But her hands were tightly gripping the chair.

“Keep looking. I want you to find her even if you have to turn the world upside down.”

Jiang Zhili’s voice was icy cold, her eyes were gloomy, and the depths of them were covered in a thick blackness. Is this your answer to me? Are you really so heartless? You better not let me search for too long. Otherwise, I don’t know what I’ll do to Ji Wan when I find her.

…

Ji Wan carried her suitcase into a small rented room. It was thirty square meters, with one bedroom, one living room, and one bathroom. It was a little small, but it wasn’t cheap. Now she had to be self-reliant.

“I wonder if I’ve completed the mission.” Ji Wan thought to herself as she sat on the small sofa in the living room after tidying up the room.

“Host, the female lead has already been acknowledged. Grandpa Xiao also seems to have given his tacit approval for Chu Fang and Xiao Zhuyun’s relationship and agreed to break off the engagement. Now you have also willingly left with nothing. We have completed the mission. This is great!!” System 111 said excitedly.

“Heh, I gave up my life in a wealthy family for this mission. Don’t I get any rewards?” Ji Wan hinted.

“Uh, Host, you’re doing great! You’re awesome!!” System 111 changed the subject.

Ji Wan counted the cash she had brought. After paying for three months of rent, she only had enough money left for two months of living expenses. She had to find a low-key job. She couldn’t leave the city now and couldn’t use her ID card. It was a good thing that her hidden whereabouts were effective, which allowed her to rent a place without her information being exposed. But she couldn’t count on it being so effective next time. She had to be careful. She couldn’t show her face at work often, and she had to satisfy her urge to eat. This seemed very troublesome. The pressure of life was once again weighing down on Ji Wan.

“Little 1, can you make some cash for me?” Ji Wan asked.

“Uh, Host. I can’t,” System 111 said with difficulty. She couldn’t escape this, after all.

“What good are you then?” Ji Wan replied, annoyed.

“Host, didn’t you forget? You used to write novels! You can register as an author while your whereabouts are still hidden.” System 111 kindly reminded her.

“Oh, right. I can go back to my old profession. I won’t have to show my face, and I’ll have money for food.” Ji Wan instantly became optimistic.

But her happiness didn’t last long. She thought of something. Her heart suddenly felt a little heavy. She wondered if she would ever see Jiang Zhili again. But the city was so big, it was almost impossible. Maybe she would become a super-rich person, maybe she would marry a gentle and virtuous woman. Maybe she would completely forget about me…

Ji Wan looked at the desolate scene outside the small bay window. Her heart couldn’t help but feel empty. But wasn’t this the best ending for them? One living a happy life, and the other living in pain. The standard ending for a cannon fodder and a protagonist.