This morning, Ji Xingmi and the others headed out. By the time they arrived, four people were already waiting. Four people? That’s right, four. Gao Yu and Feng Changze arrived together, and Gu Jingyi brought Qi Wenjing.
Upon seeing the woman, Ye Yu and Ji Haoqi’s expressions changed. What was going on? Why did they bring her? Ye Yu shot a look at Gao Yu, who shook his head and pointed at Gu Jingyi, indicating that the girl was brought by him and they had nothing to do with it.
Gu Jingyi hadn't intended to bring her, even though his mother insisted on him bringing Qi Wenjing. However, his father gave him a look, suggesting some plan on his end, so he had to reluctantly agree to let her come. When Gu Jingyi saw Ji Xingmi and the others arrive, his heart tightened. But Ji Xingmi merely glanced at him before turning to speak with Ji Haocheng.
Was she not bothered by this?
Ji Xingmi genuinely didn't care. She had learned quite a bit from Elder Hua and was aware of the problems the Gu family was currently facing. Since it didn't significantly impact her, she saw no reason to interfere with their unfolding narrative.
Ji Haoqi was locked in a staring contest with Qi Wenjing. Ye Yu was talking to Gao Yu. Feng Changze, however, approached Ji Xingmi upon seeing her and greeted her, "Long time no see! Xing'er!"
"Mm, it's you~ Long time no see!"
"Where have you been lately? I haven't seen you out and about."
"I was at my grandfather's. He wasn't feeling well, so I stayed with him for a couple of days!"
"Is he feeling better now? Gao Yu recently set up a black market. Would you like me to take you to check it out sometime?" Feng Changze suggested.
"You're saying that in front of my elder brother? Are you not afraid at all!"
"Heh, Brother Ji is one of us, there's no issue. If you want anything, you can tell Gao Yu. He can help!"
"Brother, if you're trying to impress a girl, don't drag me into it!" Gao Yu was speechless at his brother's smooth move; he wanted to pursue the girl and expected Gao Yu to do the legwork.
Feng Changze felt a bit embarrassed, unsure of what else to say to Ji Xingmi, so he pushed Gao Yu forward. Ji Xingmi found it amusing, especially Gao Yu's expression, which was quite comical. Ji Haocheng was also amused, but the thought that Feng Changze might be trying to win over his sister quickly turned his expression serious.
"Little brother, what are you two doing over there? Let's go!" Ji Xingmi saw they were still glaring at each other and pulled her elder brother forward. Ye Yu and Ji Haoqi, seeing their sister leave, quickly followed, not sparing the other two a second glance! The two were still whispering, plotting something unknown.
After the group had been climbing for some time, someone started to complain. Of course, it wasn't one of their group. "Brother Jingyi, wait for me. Why do we have to climb the Great Wall? It's so tiring~"
"If you're tired, you can go back?" Gu Jingyi had no patience for her. If it weren't for the need to learn about the person behind her, he would have abandoned her long ago!
"I thought Brother Jingyi brought me! Turns out I insisted on coming myself. Ye Yu, you were lecturing me! Look, this is what you call shameless."
Ji Xingmi climbed the mountain, enjoying the scenery along the way and eavesdropping on their bickering. It was quite entertaining. She even secretly glanced at Qi Wenjing, whose face was visibly pale, likely from anger.
Feng Changze had been constantly watching Ji Xingmi. He hadn't looked at anyone else during the entire climb. If everyone else's attention hadn't been diverted by Ji Haoqi and the others, he would have been caught long ago.
"Who's shameless? You're the ones with no shame! You bumpkins! And you have the nerve to laugh at others?!" Qi Wenjing's hair was practically bristling from their teasing. She retorted, feeling like cursing. However, her aunt, Gu Jingyi's mother, had strictly warned her not to throw a tantrum, saying Gu Jingyi disliked people with bad tempers. That's why she changed her words at the last minute, otherwise, her curses would have been much nastier!
Hearing her retort, Ye Yu and Ji Haoqi laughed even harder, like mischievous boys who had successfully pranked a girl.
"What are you laughing at? You're going too far!"
"What's wrong? We're not even allowed to laugh now? Is laughing forbidden these days?"
"Exactly! We're not talking to you, so just pretend we don't exist!"