Old Master Bi watched the departing figures and said, "These two seem to be getting along quite well lately! I thought..." He trailed off, as he wasn't exactly pleased about his prize catching the eye of someone else. In his heart, no one seemed good enough for Ji Xingmi. It took Ji Mingxue so much effort to marry Bi Qingchu; if asked now, Ji Mingxue would likely recount a tale of tears and hardship.
Old Master Gu, sensing the unspoken sentiment, smoothed things over. "They've always gotten along well. We old folks shouldn't interfere with the young ones' affairs. Since she's safely back, I'll be going now. My wife is waiting to hear the news of Xing'er's return!"
The remaining individuals, save for Old Master Hua, all rolled their eyes at the man who was gloating about his good fortune. "Hurry up and go. I don't want to see you right now!"
"Tch! As if I want to see you!" Now that the person was back, they had the mood to tease each other. Before, they had all worn grim expressions, appearing quite terrifying.
Old Master Gu stood up, hands behind his back, and walked out, his bodyguard quickly following. Old Master Gu had been reinstated to his former position upon his return, so everything that was due to him was gradually being restored. After Old Master Gu left, Old Master Ye also prepared to depart. However, just as he was about to leave, he encountered Ye Yu and the others arriving, and they chatted for a few moments at the entrance before he left.
Ji Haoqi had long been unable to contain himself. After exchanging greetings, he dashed home. Upon learning that Ji Xingmi was in the kitchen, he ran in that direction!
"Xing'er!" Ji Xingmi was in the middle of a mouthful of noodles when Ji Haoqi, who had rushed over, embraced her. Before she could even swallow and speak, she felt her shoulder getting wet. She looked at Gu Jingyi beside her with wide, surprised eyes. Gu Jingyi, sensing her unspoken question, nodded, confirming her guess.
Ji Xingmi swallowed her food and patted her little brother's back to comfort him. "Little brother, I'm fine! I'm home safe! Don't worry! Don't cry, you'll be embarrassed if you keep crying!"
Ji Haoqi awkwardly got up and rubbed his face haphazardly. "Don't go off with people randomly in the future. If there's anything, we can solve it together, understand?"
Ji Xingmi nodded seriously. At this moment, Ye Yu also entered. He was more restrained. Seeing Ji Xingmi sitting there safely eating, he didn't say anything further. In his heart, as long as Ji Xingmi was safe and well, nothing else mattered at that moment.
Upon seeing Ye Yu, Ji Xingmi also went forward and hugged him, saying the same words. She knew that she had truly frightened them this time.
"Alright, it's good that you're back! Aren't you still eating? Go ahead and eat!" Ye Yu said to Ji Xingmi with a smile. Ji Xingmi nodded and returned to her seat. She had to deal with her hunger first. With Ji Haoqi and the others back, Ji Gege and Ji Baba would likely be home soon too. She would probably have to explain herself again later, so it was best to fill her stomach first.
Just then, Mama Ji finally came downstairs. She had prepared a lot of things and even took a ginseng from Ji Xingmi's place; all of this was to be taken to Feng Changze. At this moment, Baba Ji and the others also walked in from outside.
By this time, Ji Xingmi had finished her noodles. Gu Jingyi took the bowl back to the kitchen. The aunt said she would wash them later. When Ji Xingmi went out, she saw Baba Ji chatting with Mama Ji. In just a few days, Baba Ji looked haggard, unshaven, and there seemed to be a few white hairs on his forehead.
This made Ji Xingmi feel very guilty and unsure how to face him. Gu Jingyi, upon coming out, noticed Ji Xingmi's discomfort and gave her a nudge from behind, guiding her towards Baba Ji.
"Dad~ Daddy!"
Seeing his daughter approach, Ji Mingxue ruffled her head and said, "It's good that you're not hurt. Leave the rest to Dad! It was Dad's fault for not protecting you this time!"
Ji Xingmi nodded. Seeing his daughter nod, Ji Mingxue smiled, said something to Mama Ji, and headed upstairs. He had stayed up all night in the mountains and it was best to tidy himself up first. He had matters to attend to later and couldn't go like this. Ji Hao Cheng also ruffled his precious sister's hair. Without a word, he walked upstairs. He and Dad had already agreed to handle this matter together, so he needed to get ready.
When Ji Xingmi returned to the living room, Old Master Hua was preparing to leave. He still needed to report the situation to Number One. Ji Xingmi didn't keep him longer and saw Old Master Hua out. Old Master Hua, being considerate, gave Gu Jingyi a few days off and told him to bring Ji Xingmi to stay for a few days when he returned.
It wasn't convenient for him to be here, so he left with Secretary Sun and the others. Since Xiao Ji hadn't returned yet, Hua Lai left Mantis behind and instructed Ji Xingmi to reduce her outings for the time being. If she absolutely had to go out, she must bring Mantis with her. Ji Xingmi nodded in agreement.