Chapter 65-Part 2

As a man, Ji Qingli could understand Shen Jiming’s actions.

The idea of carrying on the family line might seem outdated now, but a child is what holds a family together.

The fact that Shen Jiming hadn’t divorced Cheng Hui made Ji Qingli think he was quite decent.

“They must be about the same age,” Ji Qingli said with a smile.

Ji Ran and Shen Zhi, listening to their lively conversation, were both a little stunned.

So, what now?

It turned out they had been stalling outside, pretending not to know each other, while their fathers were quite familiar with each other.

Someone, at some point, suggested that the two youngsters greet each other. Shen Jiming noticed that Shen Zhi wasn’t moving and assumed it was because he didn’t want to.

He knew Shen Zhi’s temperament—forcing him wouldn’t work.

Ji Qingli, being an old friend of Shen Jiming, couldn’t help but feel the need to save face and said, “Shen Zhi, greet your sister Ran Ran.”

Shen Zhi, typically impatient with his father, treated Shen Jiming’s words as if they were meaningless and ignored them whenever possible.

But this time, for the first time, he found what Shen Jiming said quite pleasant.

A slight smile appeared on his face, and he couldn’t help but chuckle deeply. Turning his head, he looked at Ji Ran standing beside him and said in a low voice, “Sister Ran Ran.”

The way he called her “Sister Ran Ran” was enough to make Ji Ran’s bones feel like they were melting.

Each word seemed to have a hook, scratching at her heart.

Seeing the boy take the initiative to greet her, Ji Qingli immediately said, “Ran Ran, don’t be rude.”

His tone was commanding.

This was a clear order for Ji Ran to return Shen Zhi’s greeting.

Annoyed, Ji Ran turned to glare at Shen Zhi, her large black eyes wide with frustration, her cheeks puffed up slightly, making her look like a pink balloon filled with air—so tempting that one might feel like poking it.

What should she call him?

Brother Zhi…

Just the thought of this name circling in her mind made a blush spread from the tips of her ears, turning them entirely red.

Noticing her silence, Ji Qingli pressed again, “Why aren’t you greeting your brother?”

Shen Zhi glanced at Ji Qingli, barely suppressing a laugh.

Today, for some reason, everything and everyone seemed to amuse him.

Finally, he heard a soft, sweet voice beside him.

“Brother Shen Zhi.”

Luckily, Shen Jiming had to continue greeting guests, as today was the 80th birthday banquet for the family patriarch. The Shen family had organized this large event, inviting the patriarch’s business associates and various relatives.

However, Shen Jiming turned to Ji Qingli and said, “Have you greeted our old man yet?”

“No, earlier Director Shen said the old man was resting, so I thought I’d wait a while before going over,” Ji Qingli responded, a bit helpless.

Shen Jiming immediately sneered.

His older brother was certainly fond of using trivial authority as if it were important.

So, he said at once, “No worries, the old man’s coming out now. Let’s go over and say a few words. Otherwise, it’ll be too crowded to greet him later.”

Ji Qingli nodded in agreement.

The two continued talking as they walked further inside, with Ji Ran and Shen Zhi exchanging a glance.

What could they do but follow?

So, the two walked side by side behind them, making their way to the main table near the stage.

By that time, the Shen family patriarch, accompanied by the crowd, had taken his seat at the main table.

Ji Qingli stepped forward to greet him, and the old man smiled, “How’s your father’s health these days?”

The patriarch had been business friends with Ji Qingli’s father years ago, though they hadn’t been in close contact recently. Since the elder Ji couldn’t attend the birthday banquet himself, Ji Qingli had been sent to offer congratulations.

Ji Qingli smiled and nodded, “Thanks to your concern, my father’s doing well.”

The old man nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Ji Qingli’s daughter standing behind him.

Ji Qingli quickly introduced, “This is my daughter, Ran Ran.”

Ji Ran greeted him politely, adding a few auspicious words to wish the old man a happy birthday.

After she finished, someone stepped forward and handed her a large red envelope.

Ji Ran, unfamiliar with such situations, turned to look helplessly, but her gaze fell on Shen Zhi.

Shen Zhi whispered, “Grandpa gave it to you, so take it.”

His words drew the attention of those around them, as it made it sound like the two of them knew each other.

No one dared to ask, but the old man chuckled and said, “Ah Zhi, do you know this young lady from your Uncle Ji’s family?”

Ji Qingli, too, looked at Ji Ran with some confusion. After all, earlier at the door, he had just asked her to greet Shen Zhi. Oh right, they had arrived together.

Faced with her father’s suspicious gaze and the curious looks of those around her, Ji Ran pursed her lips.

She caught a glimpse of Shen Zhi out of the corner of her eye. He seemed about to explain, but Ji Ran, fearing they wouldn’t give the same story, made a quick decision and spoke first: “Yes, we know each other. But we’re sworn enemies.”

“Sworn enemies?” The old man’s interest was piqued, and he laughed, “Tell Grandpa, what did Ah Zhi do to offend you?”

Ji Ran, like a warrior boldly brandishing her banner, said resolutely, “He took first place in the citywide exam this semester, robbing me of my top spot.”

Everyone: “…”

Ji Ran’s expression was firm.

Yes, that’s right, she was just a studious person with no time for emotions.