Chapter 320: Chapter 320: Painful Past (27) Chapter 320: Chapter 320: Painful Past (27) The night sky was as if dyed with thick ink, without a trace of a star, with everything around quiet and still.

A gentle breeze stirred the bamboo grove, creating rustling sounds that seemed particularly chilling in the deserted cemetery.

Yet, there was no trace of fear on Ji Tingyang’s face as he walked through the cemetery, stopping in front of a tombstone deep inside.

After leaving Wen Li’s place, he had come to South Mountain Cemetery.

Bathed in the moonlight hanging high, he quietly gazed at the smiling face of the woman on the tombstone, a sorrowful emotion swirling in his eyes.

The photo on the tombstone was somewhat dirty, Ji Tingyang reached out to wipe it, his fingertips gently brushing the cheeks in the photo. During the silence, even the surrounding air seemed to soak up the sadness.

He realized he hadn’t visited here in a long time.

Since he had wrested back control of Ji’s, he had been busy learning how to manage the company, and later, the company’s business became ever busier…

Sometimes he thought it was better to be busy, as it at least allowed him to forget the pain for a while.

But every time he got drunk, these things uncontrollably resurfaced from deep within his heart, as if his heart was being pricked by a needle now and then.

And these unbearable emotions reached their peak in the solitude of the quiet night.

Ji Tingyang’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he slowly sat down in front of Lin Xu’s tombstone.

…

The next morning.

Ji Yuqiao came downstairs, Aunt Zhang had already prepared breakfast and called her to eat.

As she walked over, she saw only Ji Zeqiu at the dining table.

“Where’s big brother, hasn’t he gotten up yet?” Ji Yuqiao wondered.

Usually, her big brother got up earlier than them, but today his absence was too strange.

Could he be sick?

While thinking this, Ji Yuqiao sat down.

“I went to call the eldest young master for breakfast earlier, but found his bedroom empty; he might have gone to the company early,” the butler said while setting the tableware.

Surprise flickered across Ji Yuqiao’s eyes, “He went to the company this early?”

However, the surprise was fleeting, and her attention quickly returned to the breakfast on the table.

“Second brother, are you off today?” Ji Yuqiao asked.

Ji Zeqiu nodded, “I just finished filming a drama a few days ago, taking a few days off.”

“Then can you take me to school later? I haven’t ridden in your new sports car yet,” Ji Yuqiao’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Sure,” Ji Zeqiu naturally agreed, but before he could say anything else, a crashing sound of dishes and plates came from upstairs.

Immediately after, Wen Li’s voice was heard shouting, “I said I won’t eat it! I won’t eat!”

Concern suddenly washed over Ji Zeqiu’s face, and he abruptly stood up.

“Second brother?” Ji Yuqiao called out from behind.

“I don’t have time now, have the driver take my car to drop you at school,” Ji Zeqiu called out without turning back as he headed upstairs.

Ji Yuqiao’s face fell, sadness and loss crossing her eyes.

Second brother had clearly promised her…

She hung her head, her expression becoming listless.

At that moment, a sound came from the doorway.

Ji Tingyang loosened the tie around his neck, casually tossing it on the coat rack at the entrance, pinching his nose bridge as he walked in.

Just a few steps away, he heard Ji Yuqiao’s worried cry, “Big brother, what happened to your head?”

She hurriedly put down her chopsticks and walked to Ji Tingyang, staring intently at his forehead.

His forehead was swollen and bore a serious scar, surrounded by crusted blood. He looked as if he hadn’t slept all night, with dark circles under his eyes,
“Big brother, didn’t someone hit you outside?” Ji Yuqiao anxiously paced around.

“I’m fine,” Ji Tingyang said in a calm voice, “Let’s go have breakfast.”

Seeing he didn’t want to talk more, Ji Yuqiao had no choice but to drop her inquiries, “Alright, let’s eat first, then I’ll apply medicine after.”

While they talked, the butler brought out a new set of bowls and chopsticks.

Ji Tingyang had already started climbing the stairs, but seeing Ji Yuqiao waving cheerfully at him, he paused, then turned around and walked toward the dining table.

“Big brother, the porridge Aunt Zhang cooked is really tasty, you must try it,” Ji Yuqiao said with a beaming smile.

Ji Tingyang took a light sip, “It is indeed good.”

However, he had little appetite and only ate a few spoonfuls before putting down his spoon.

“Take your time eating, I’m going to go upstairs to wash up, I have to head to the office later,” Ji Tingyang said.

“Big brother, can you drop me off at school on your way?” Ji Yuqiao quickly asked.

Ji Tingyang went upstairs, “Okay.”

However, he hadn’t taken more than a few steps when he heard noises from a room at the end of the second floor, his eyebrows furrowed, and he walked directly toward that bedroom.

Inside the bedroom.

Wen Li was nestled in Ji Zeqiu’s arms, her eyes brimming with pitiful tears, a sight that was heart-wrenching.

“I don’t want to stay here anymore, can you take me away?” her voice choked up.

Ji Zeqiu tightened his grip by his side, his face hesitant.

“Ji Zeqiu, please…” Tears glistened as they slid down her cheeks.

Ji Zeqiu’s clenched hand relaxed, he responded, “Okay.”

Wen Li’s eyes suddenly brightened, but when she saw Ji Tingyang at the door, her face paled again.

Seeing Wen Li’s strange reaction, Ji Zeqiu also turned his head, his face stiffening as well.

“Where do you plan to go?” Ji Tingyang’s face darkened as he stepped closer to Wen Li.

Fear flashed across Wen Li’s face as she timidly stepped back, stammering, “I, I…”

Ji Zeqiu took a step forward, positioning himself in front of Ji Tingyang, his gaze resolute, “Big brother, I’m taking her away. She’s a living person, you can’t keep her locked up in the villa, not allowing her to go anywhere.”

“She wants to leave?” Ji Tingyang scoffed coldly, “Forget it, unless I’m dead.”

Hearing the quarrel upstairs, Ji Yuqiao could no longer eat her breakfast, occasionally looking anxiously towards the second floor.

In less than a while, Ji Zeqiu stormed down from the second floor, slamming the door as he left.

Shortly after, the butler came down from the second floor too, his face filled with trouble as he glanced at Ji Yuqiao, “Miss, the young master said he’s not going to the office today, I’ll take you to school.”

The color drained from Ji Yuqiao’s face, a bitter and sour sensation welled up inside her, followed by a bitter smile.

Every time Wen Li was involved, her big brother and second brother would forget about her, reneging one by one on the promises they made just because of Wen Li.

It was all Wen Li’s fault.

If it weren’t for Wen Li, her brothers would never neglect her.

All because of Wen Li.

If it weren’t for Wen Li, her brothers wouldn’t argue, and their family could have still been as harmonious as before.