Translator: Dj2203
Editor: Dj2203
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The Zhuo family’s old house had individual rooms for each of Ji Yan and the others. They slept very comfortably, and Tang Tang woke up refreshed after a dreamless night.
Turning her head to the side, she saw Ji Xiaozhuo sprawled out like a little frog, fast asleep. However, Ji Yan was nowhere to be seen. Tang Tang checked her phone; it was only 6:30.
“Where did he go so early?”
Tang Tang muttered as she got up to wash up, changed her clothes, and went downstairs. Besides some servants busy at work, there was no one else downstairs; everyone seemed to be still asleep.
Ji Yan wasn’t there either. So where did he go?
Tang Tang suddenly remembered that Ji Yan used to go out to exercise every day when he was home. She then realized that Ji Yan probably went to exercise. There was a garden behind the Zhuo family’s house; he must have gone there for his morning exercise.
Thinking of this, Tang Tang went straight to the back garden. She ran every day to exercise, and today she could run with her husband.
The Zhuo family’s back garden was enormous; calling it a garden was an understatement; it was more like a beautiful park, with shady trees, birdsong, and fragrant flowers— a truly breathtaking sight. The air was incredibly fresh, instantly lifting her spirits. However, it was so vast that she couldn’t see Ji Yan at all.
Tang Tang admired the scenery as she walked along the path, hoping to find Ji Yan. Even if she couldn’t find him, the scenery was still worthwhile.
After walking for about fifteen minutes, she finally saw a figure running in the distance. Knowing Ji Yan well, she recognized him immediately. However, beside Ji Yan was another beautiful figure— Gu Yanran.
Tang Tang pursed her lips and immediately started running after them, trying to catch up. Unfortunately, the two in front of her were running too fast; she couldn’t keep up with their stamina and could only trail far behind.
Gu Yanran’s steps were light and nimble, her long, smooth hair tied in a ponytail, strands fluttering gracefully in the air with each stride. She ran with ease, not only keeping up with Ji Yan’s pace but also smiling and turning her head to talk to him as she ran, occasionally gesturing something.
Ji Yan nodded and shook his head from time to time, responding with something, though it was unclear what he said. Gu Yanran smiled brightly the whole way, her joy and excitement evident even from behind, completely different from her usual aloof beauty.
For some reason, seeing this scene, Tang Tang suddenly couldn’t move her feet, her heart feeling as if it had been squeezed, a sour and uncomfortable ache. Every time she saw Gu Yanran and Ji Yan interacting, she had a feeling that something was wrong. She always felt that Gu Yanran’s attitude towards Ji Yan was different from her attitude towards Brother Zhuo Ji and the others. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it was just different.
Gu Yanran seemed to have feelings for Ji Yan… but they grew up together, their relationship was more like siblings than anything else, and there was nothing wrong with their interactions. She didn’t understand where this feeling came from, but from childhood to adulthood, this animalistic intuition had never been wrong.
So, could it be that Gu Yanran really had those kinds of feelings for Xiao Zhuo’s father? Did she actually like Xiao Zhuo’s father?
Tang Tang was shocked by this conclusion she had reached. She stopped abruptly, her heart pounding like a drum, leaving her somewhat dazed. She could only watch helplessly as the two figures in front of her gradually disappeared from her sight.
Tang Tang recalled her first meeting with Gu Yanran. Gu Yanran hadn’t greeted her at all, acting as if she didn’t know her, only speaking to Ji Yan. The second time was at the vacation villa; Gu Yanran again seemed to barely speak to her, and while everyone else praised her, she didn’t offer a single compliment. The last time was at the military base, where Gu Yanran talked a lot. She mentioned that Ji Yan liked healthy, athletic girls, and that Grandpa Ji preferred a military woman as a granddaughter-in-law— none of which Tang Tang found herself to be a good match, but Gu Yanran was. Moreover, Gu Yanran called Ji Yan “brother,” but never seemed to call her “sister-in-law”…
All of this suggested that her suspicions might be correct.
But Gu Yanran was beautiful, highly educated, capable, and from a good family. If such a privileged woman liked Ji Yan, why hadn’t she expressed her feelings? With her qualifications, many people would support her marrying Ji Yan, at least Grandpa Ji would.
So why did Ji Yan marry someone like the original owner of this body? Did something happen in between?
Or perhaps Gu Yanran had actually confessed her feelings, and Ji Yan knew of her affection, but rejected her because he didn’t like her, or perhaps he was already married and had no choice but to reject her? After all, this world only allows one husband and one wife; concubines are shameful.
What was the truth? What was Ji Yan really thinking?
At this moment, Tang Tang’s confidence, built up by Ji Yan’s kindness towards her recently, suddenly became precarious. Compared to Gu Yanran, she was like a weed on the ground. Would such an outstanding man like him really like a weed?
Tang Tang wandered aimlessly, lost in thought, until she found a bench and sat down, staring blankly into the distance, her mind a jumbled mess.
She didn’t know how long she had been lost in thought when suddenly someone shook her shoulder forcefully.
“Tang Tang, why are you standing here alone, everyone’s been looking for you!” Ji Yue said breathlessly, supporting Tang Tang’s shoulder.
Tang Tang snapped out of her daze and suddenly remembered what day it was. She jumped up in fright and hurriedly asked, “What time is it? Where’s Xiao Zhuo?”
“It’s almost ten o’clock! Xiao Zhuo hasn’t been able to find you since he woke up. He’s been looking for you for over two hours and is crying his eyes out, constantly asking us for his mom. Ji Yan is looking for you too. Why didn’t you take your phone with you?”
Tang Tang patted her pockets and realized she had forgotten her phone when she came out. The little one must be so worried about not being able to find her. Why was she standing here daydreaming?! This is terrible!
Tang Tang didn’t have time to say anything and grabbed Ji Yue’s hand, rushing back. “Let’s go back quickly!”
When the two of them arrived at the front hall, panting, Zhuo Ji was the first to see them. “Tang Tang, where have you been? Xiao Zhuo is crying and looking for you. I’ll call them!”
Not two minutes after Zhuo Ji dialed the number, Ji Yan came over carrying Ji Xiaozhuo, followed by Gu Yanran.
As soon as Ji Xiaozhuo saw his mother, the tears that had just dried started flowing again uncontrollably. He sobbed and stretched out his arms towards Tang Tang, his voice filled with grievance and fear. “Mommy— Mommy—”
Tang Tang’s heart pounded with regret. She ran over and hugged the little guy tightly, kissing him repeatedly. “Baby, I’m sorry, Mommy was wrong. Mommy shouldn’t have left you for so long. Don’t cry, okay, sweetie?”
Ji Xiaozhuo clung tightly to his mother’s neck, sobbing and complaining, “Mommy, where did you go? Why didn’t you take me with you? I looked for you for so long and couldn’t find you! Don’t you want me anymore?”
The little guy’s cries broke Tang Tang’s heart, and tears streamed down her face as well. “No, no, Mommy… I’ll never abandon you, baby. Mommy just went for a run in the garden and forgot the time. And I didn’t have my phone with me, so you couldn’t find me. Mommy was wrong. Mommy won’t do it again, okay? Please forgive Mommy.”
Hearing Tang Tang’s explanation, Ji Xiaozhuo’s frightened heart calmed down, and he slowly stopped crying. He used his little hands to wipe Tang Tang’s tears. “Mommy, I don’t blame you anymore. Don’t cry, or you won’t be pretty anymore.”
Tang Tang nodded through her tears. “Okay, baby, don’t cry, Mommy won’t cry either.”
Ji Xiaozhuo quickly sniffled. “Then I won’t cry!”
Tang Tang wiped the little one’s tears with a handkerchief, looked up at Ji Yan who had been standing silently to the side, and met his deep gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away.
Gu Yanran stepped forward, intending to take Ji Xiaozhuo away. “Tang Tang, give Xiao Zhuo to me. Go upstairs and tidy yourself up. The guests are here; it’s not good for you to be seen like this.”
But Ji Xiaozhuo refused to leave his mother, clinging tightly to Tang Tang’s neck and shaking his head. “I want to stay with Mommy. I want Mommy to hold me.”
Tang Tang didn’t give Ji Xiaozhuo to Gu Yanran, just apologizing to everyone present: “I’m sorry for causing you trouble. I’ll take Xiao Zhuo back to her room to tidy up.”
Zhuo Ji waved his hand with a smile: “There’s no trouble at all. Go upstairs and tidy up.”
Tang Tang nodded to the group, then carried Ji Xiaozhuo upstairs. Even though she couldn’t carry him, she held him tightly, unwilling to put him down.
Ji Yan pursed his lips, quickly walked to Tang Tang’s side, and took Ji Xiaozhuo from her arms. “I’ll carry him; you can’t.”
Ji Xiaozhuo was about to resist when Ji Yan looked at him sternly. “Mommy can’t carry you, and you still want Mommy to carry you?”
Ji Xiaozhuo instantly wilted, obediently hugging his neck.
Tang Tang had no choice but to hold Ji Xiaozhuo’s little hand and follow beside him.
Ji Yan carried Ji Xiaozhuo into the room, looking at Tang Tang. He didn’t scold her for her sudden disappearance, but simply said, “I have to go downstairs now to help my brother entertain the guests. I might not be able to take care of you later. You and Xiao Zhuo shouldn’t run around. I’ll come find you when I’m done.”
Tang Tang nodded silently.
Ji Yan patted Ji Xiaozhuo’s head, thought for a moment, then patted her head again before going downstairs.
Tang Tang’s feelings were even more complicated, but this wasn’t the time for such thoughts. She calmed herself and Ji Xiaozhuo and got ready. By the time they were done, both mother and son had recovered. Children forget things easily, and he was already bouncing around again, chattering incessantly with Tang Tang.
When they went downstairs, many guests had already arrived. Each person was distinguished and elegant, exuding an air of superiority. They gathered in small groups, exchanging pleasantries and talking amongst themselves, each preoccupied with their own affairs.
Tang Tang subconsciously looked for Ji Yan, only to find him busy with Zhuo Ji and the others, unable to attend to them for the time being. Not knowing what else to do, Tang Tang took Ji Xiaozhuo to a secluded corner to sit and eat.
The mother and son ate and talked, finding it quite enjoyable.
After a while, Ji Xiaozhuo, who had been obediently nestled in Tang Tang’s arms, suddenly patted her arm and excitedly pointed to the person entering through the door, saying, “Mommy, Mommy, look! That’s Great-Grandpa! Great-Grandpa’s here!”
Tang Tang was startled and looked in the direction Ji Xiaozhuo was pointing. She saw an elderly man with gray hair but a vigorous and dignified air entering from outside the door. The old man exuded the authority of a superior.
Just as Tang Tang was about to marvel at how imposing Xiao Zhuo’s great-grandfather was, she noticed that there were four people following behind Grandpa Ji. She recognized these four people; they were the four people she had encountered at the restaurant who had had an unpleasant encounter with Ji Yan.
Who were they? Why were they with Grandpa Ji?
Upon discovering Grandpa Ji’s arrival, Zhuo Ji and his group immediately went to greet him. Zhuo Ji, Gu Chang’an, Gu Yanran, and Ji Yue all greeted Grandpa Ji with great respect.
Tang Tang noticed that Ji Yan simply stood behind the group, not speaking to Grandpa Ji or the others, and Grandpa Ji didn’t speak to Ji Yan either, as if they didn’t know each other.
It seemed Ji Yan and Grandpa Ji really didn’t get along.
Tang Tang decided it was best not to approach them now; Grandpa Ji probably wouldn’t even acknowledge her.
Ji Xiaozhuo didn’t run over to Grandpa Ji either, obediently continuing to eat in Tang Tang’s arms.
Tang Tang didn’t know anyone except Ji Yue and the others, and had intended to stay quietly until the birthday banquet ended, but unexpectedly, someone approached her.
“Tang Tang, I didn’t expect you to come this time too.” The woman’s appearance broke the silence of the corner.
Tang Tang looked up and immediately recognized the exquisitely made-up and beautiful girl as the one she had met at the restaurant downstairs from Ji Yue’s company last time; she seemed to have a very close relationship with the original owner.
Tang Tang nodded at her calmly.
Seeing Tang Tang’s unusual calmness, Tang Mi’s eyes brightened. She sat down on the sofa, first glancing at Ji Xiaozhuo in Tang Tang’s arms, then saying with a smile, “I didn’t expect Xiao Zhuo to have grown so much.”
Ji Xiaozhuo looked at Tang Mi curiously, wondering who she was.
Seeing Ji Xiaozhuo’s curiosity, Tang Mi took the initiative to introduce herself to the little one, “Xiao Zhuo, I’m your mother’s sister. You have to call me Auntie.”
This sentence made Tang Tang’s heart skip a beat. This woman was indeed close to the original owner; the two were actually sisters. So, the sick mother she mentioned last time was the original owner’s mother? That was, her current mother?
Ji Xiaozhuo looked up at Tang Tang questioningly, “Mom, is she your sister?”
Tang Tang pursed her lips, unsure how to answer this question.
Seeing this, Tang Mi’s eyes were filled with complex emotions. She then said in a hoarse voice, “Tang Tang, I know you resent me and Mom and Dad, but I’ve said it before: I had no intention of taking anything from you. I can give you everything from the Tang family, except for Shi Yue. I don’t need anything else. But Shi Yue and I truly love each other. Even if you insist on marrying him, you won’t be happy. Don’t you understand that? After all this time, can’t you let go of Shi Yue?”
Who is Shi Yue? Why can’t she let go of Shi Yue? Did the original owner like this Shi Yue and want to marry him?
Tang Tang’s mind was a jumble of questions, but she couldn’t utter a single word.
Seeing Tang Tang remain silent, Tang Mi was extremely disappointed. After a long while, she said, “Tang Tang, no matter what, Mom gave you life. Now Mom is sick. Please go back and see her. Mom needs you now. I’m begging you, please? Please go back and help Mom.”
Tang Tang didn’t know what to say. If she could, she really wanted to find a place to hide to avoid facing this helpless situation.
But to outsiders, Tang Tang’s behavior appeared cold-blooded, ruthless, and arrogant.
Ji Shiyue strode over and pulled Tang Mi up, his voice full of heartache, “Mi Mi, what’s the point of talking to this woman? Don’t you know what kind of person she is? Why humiliate yourself like this?”
“Shiyue, but Mom really—”
Ji Shiyue interrupted her, “Alright, I’ll find a way. You don’t need to be so subservient here.”
Tang Mi bit her lip, glanced at Tang Tang one last time, and helplessly followed Ji Shiyue away.
As Ji Shiyue left, he glanced at Tang Tang, and the disgust and revulsion in his eyes sent a chill down Tang Tang’s spine, along with a pang of heartache.
Why did this man hate her so much? What was their relationship?
The arrival of the two was like a whirlwind, stirring up Tang Tang’s calm mind, leaving her with a jumble of thoughts and a throbbing headache.
“Mom, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Ji Xiaozhuo was extremely worried when she saw Tang Tang’s pale face.
Tang Tang shook her head weakly, “Mommy’s fine, Mommy’s just a little tired.”
“Then Mommy, I’ll give you a massage so you won’t be tired anymore.” Ji Xiaozhuo stretched out his chubby little hands and started pinching Tang Tang’s arms and shoulders. The little guy was weak, so his pinching felt more like tickling than a massage, making Tang Tang want to laugh, and her mood improved a lot.
“Okay, okay, Mommy isn’t tired at all from your massage. Baby, take a rest for a while, do you want to go play for a bit?” The little guy was bored staying here with her.
Ji Xiaozhuo looked at the child in the distance with a little golden monkey around his neck that looked exactly like his, and felt a strong urge to leave, but he didn’t want to leave his mother.
Tang Tang smiled and kissed his cheek. “It’s okay, Mommy will stay here and won’t leave. You’ll see Mommy as soon as you come back, Mommy promises!”
Hearing Tang Tang say this, Ji Xiaozhuo hesitated before getting down from the ground. As he walked away, he turned back to remind his mother, “Remember, you can’t leave.”
Tang Tang made a vow, “Mommy promises!”
The little guy was finally relieved and ran off with his short legs, heading straight for the other child.
It turned out he was attracted by the child.
Tang Tang watched the little guy walk away before clutching her chest with one hand and pressing her head with the other, trying to resist the sudden discomfort.
“Tang Tang, are you heartbroken?”
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