Chapter 8- The Wealthy Heiress and Her Childhood Sweetheart(8)

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Chapter 8

Recently, a new game called Save the Apocalypse had skyrocketed in popularity, spreading across the country. Within a single day, its downloads surpassed ten million.

The game featured a fully immersive, simulated battlefield with customizable team formations, showcasing highly advanced and detailed tech. It quickly became a smash hit in mobile gaming. This surge in popularity also drew attention to its developer, a recently established company called Mancheng, founded by Ji Yang.

News spread that Ji Yang was actually the eldest son of the renowned chairman of Ji Corporation—or rather, he was now overshadowed by an older half-brother who had taken his place in the family business.

Ji Yang had left Ji Corporation to create Mancheng.

The intricate family dynamics fascinated the public. Why was the biological son pushed aside in favor of a stepson? And the current wife—she was the chairman’s old flame.

Something about it all seemed unusual.

Even more interesting was that Ji Yang was engaged to Zheng Jiayue.

And who was Zheng Jiayue?

She was the only daughter of Zheng Qing, a real estate tycoon, and famously the most beautiful woman at T University. Their love story captivated the public and dominated trending topics for days. Photos of Ji Yang and Zheng Jiayue circulated widely: she was pure and beautiful, while he was strikingly handsome. Fans of the couple began sharing rumors, with supposed classmates and friends popping up to provide “insider” stories.

Amid the truth and lies, speculation ran rampant, but the two said nothing, leaving netizens to guess all they wanted.

Ji Yang’s newfound success brought about an interesting twist: the Ji family suddenly “welcomed” him back. Yin Rong even visited his office, her tone sweet and kind. “Xiao Yang,” she began, “your father’s anger that day got the better of him. He’s getting older, and his health just isn’t what it used to be. Don’t hold a grudge against him.”

Dressed in a light blue cheongsam, Yin Rong exuded the elegance of a high-society matron, her voice gentle as she addressed Ji Yang.

Her proudest achievement was molding this once-privileged young man into her “servant,” keeping him starved for affection and willing to please in exchange for the smallest amount of warmth. This humility and insecurity meant that, in the end, all the benefits would go to her own son.

It was a triumph she relished.

Ji Yang looked at her, conflicted. “Please, let’s not bring this up again.”

“I was wrong that day too. I talked to your brother afterward—he admitted he started the argument. I gave him a good scolding,” Yin Rong continued with a righteous tone, scolding her own son without restraint. “As the older brother, he should know how to be more respectful!”

Ji Yang lowered his head slightly, as if comforted.

“Of course, I know you’ve felt wronged,” Yin Rong sighed. “I know you’ve opened your own company, but it’s still small. What about the family business? Your father’s health isn’t what it used to be. The company will still need you to take over someday, won’t it?” She softened her tone. “If you really love working with games, we could even open a new division at Ji Corporation for you to manage.”

Ji Yang looked up, then shook his head. “I’m fine as I am. I trust that my brother has the skills to manage the company well.”

Hearing this, Yin Rong felt a pang of frustration. Her son was nowhere near capable of running the business. He’d nearly driven Ji Corporation to ruin, and shareholders were now applying pressure, insisting that Ji Yang return to stabilize things.

If Ji Yang came back, he’d be trapped in endless labor once again, just as she’d planned.

With a stern expression, Yin Rong said, “A family shouldn’t act like this, letting people laugh at us. I’m making the decision: in a while, you’ll come back to work here. If Ji Wei tries to target you again, tell me, and I’ll set him straight!”

“Don’t worry about your father. He may have scolded you, but he’s not been eating or sleeping well since then—he’s worried about you.”

For years, Ji’s father had played the role of the strict disciplinarian, while Yin Rong played the kind peacemaker. Ji Yang had always been caught in the middle, easily swayed. She even had plans for that clueless little Zheng family girl once she joined the family; she’d be sure to keep her in check.

“I have no authority at Ji Corporation,” Ji Yang replied with a sigh. “My brother was right. Here at Mancheng, even if it’s small, the shares are my own. Please send my regards to Father and take care.”

When Yin Rong heard mention of the shares, her expression faltered.

She’d rather not give Ji Yang any shares, but without something to entice him, he wouldn’t come back. Even a dog needed a bone to stay in line.

Regaining her composure, she said, “Xiao Yang, we both know Ji Wei isn’t as capable as you. You’ve always worked hard for Ji Corporation. Remember, your maternal grandfather co-founded this company with your father. If he hadn’t passed away unexpectedly, he would’ve groomed you to take the company to greater heights.”

She brought up Ji Yang’s late grandfather again, indirectly reminding him that the company was a legacy of his grandfather’s efforts.

In fact, they had tampered with things back then so that all the shares were now in Ji’s father’s name.

Ji Yang’s expression showed hesitation.

“I know you’re a good child,” Yin Rong interrupted gently. “We can’t let our family remain divided. It pains me to see you struggling alone. You may not be my biological son, but I see you and Ji Wei as my own. The company will eventually be yours as well. I’ll speak to your father about setting aside shares for you. I’ll do everything I can to help you secure them.”

Ji Yang pressed his lips together, his expression complicated.

“Take care of yourself. Now that you’re engaged to Jiayue, make sure you look after her too,” Yin Rong said, satisfied as she noted his reaction. After this gentle reminder, she finally left.

The door closed softly with a click.

Ji Yang watched her go, his deep gaze tinged with mockery. Yin Rong was wasting her talent by not becoming an actress—her performance was flawless. In his last life, she had helped Ji Wei manipulate him, leading him around like a puppet.

However, if he could use this game to leverage shares at Ji Corporation, it would be a fair exchange.

On this day, Ji Yang and Zheng Jiayue received an invitation from the Ji family. It was Ji’s grandfather’s birthday, and though it would be a small family gathering, the invitation was personally extended by the old man himself, making attendance mandatory.

Upon arrival, Ji Yang was surprised to see Ning Wen there.

“Xiao Yang,” Yin Rong said warmly, “this is a young lady I recently met. She helped me out once, and when I ran into her again today, I invited her over. Her name is Ning Wen.”

Then she urged Ning Wen, “This is Ji Yang; you may call him Second Brother.”

Blushing, Ning Wen glanced at Ji Yang’s noble, handsome face and softly murmured, “Second Brother.”

Ji Yang pretended not to hear and turned to the elder Ji, saying, “Grandfather, happy birthday. This is a tea set Jiayue bought for you. I hope you like it.”

“Good to see you both,” the elder Ji replied, his murky eyes sweeping over them. “Why don’t you stay the night?”

“Yes,” they both answered.

Ning Wen, being ignored, clenched her fists but forced a smile. Since she and Zheng Jiayue were no longer on good terms, she had to find a new way to approach Ji Yang.

So she had to endure it!

At the dining table, Zheng Jiayue maintained an elegant smile, chatting politely with everyone as if she didn’t even know Ning Wen.

“You two got engaged in a bit of a rush, and our Ji family hasn’t done much to show our support,” Ji’s grandfather began, glancing at Ji Yang. “So I’m making the decision to transfer the villa in the northern part of the city to both of you as a wedding home.” He sipped his tea and then added, “Also, it’s time you stopped being stubborn with your father and returned to the company. As for shares, your father has agreed to transfer 5% of his to you, the same as Xiao Wei.”

There was a surprising reaction from the Ji family—no one seemed shocked and just accepted this arrangement calmly.

Ning Wen, however, was thrilled, her gaze on Ji Yang growing more heated. If she could somehow get him to transfer those shares to her, she’d be set!

If Ji Yang could transfer shares to Zheng Jiayue, he could surely do the same for her—even half would be enough!

A hint of worry crossed Zheng Jiayue’s face as she glanced at Ji Yang. But under the table, he took her hand, placing it on his knee, gently stroking it. He smiled slightly and said, “Jiayue and I thank you, Grandfather.”

Ji’s grandfather felt no real affection for Ji Yang; instead, he’d secretly favored Ji Wei for years, since Ji Yang’s mother had been seen as too proud, unlike the accommodating Yin Rong, and Ji Yang’s maternal grandfather had always looked down on them. It seemed that this sentiment had only deepened over time.

“Well, it’s normal for men to resolve things physically sometimes. My brother just took it too seriously,” Ji Wei added, changing his tone and pouring Ji Yang a drink. “Today’s Grandfather’s birthday. Let’s share a drink and let bygones be bygones. From now on, we’ll support each other in the Ji family business.”

Ji Wei understood what he was capable of—or rather, what he wasn’t. If Ji Yang returned to shoulder the burden, why not?

Give him some shares? Eventually, they’d all end up in his hands anyway.

“Of course.” Ji Yang raised his glass and drank.

Ji’s father reluctantly accepted the shares arrangement, resigned to the fact that Ji Yang’s usefulness outweighed the cost. Yin Rong was even more displeased; she didn’t want to share a thing with Ji Yang, not after enduring years of humiliation and working hard to secure everything for her own son.

But she had no choice.

After dinner, Ji’s grandfather retired to his room, and Ning Wen slipped away from the living room, discreetly searching for Ji Yang. She finally found him in the garden hallway, talking on the phone. Watching his figure from behind, her heartbeat quickened.

Ji Yang was capable and handsome—capturing a man like him and watching Zheng Jiayue’s heartbreak was exactly what she wanted.

“Alright, make the changes,” Ji Yang said over the phone before hanging up. He turned and saw Ning Wen standing right in front of him. His brows furrowed as he took a step back.

“No one’s around,” Ning Wen said, her eyes softening as she gazed at him.

“Do you need something?” Ji Yang looked down at her, his voice cold.

Ning Wen’s expression faltered slightly, and she bit her lip. “Are you really going to pretend you don’t know me? I know you care about Jiayue’s feelings, but that night… you forced yourself on me. You said you liked me. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have…”

She lowered her head in apparent shyness. “I feel guilty, but… aren’t you going to take responsibility? I’m pregnant…”

“Miss Ning.” Ji Yang cut her off with a scoff, his face filled with disgust. “Are you mistaken? What does your pregnancy have to do with me?”

Ning Wen’s eyes instantly filled with tears, but she forced herself to remain defiant. “You can deny it all you want, but I’m telling you anyway! Ji Yang, listen up, I—”

“A-Yang?”

Zheng Jiayue’s gentle voice drifted in from the living room, interrupting Ning Wen’s words.

Without a second glance at Ning Wen, Ji Yang turned and walked back inside.

Ning Wen stood frozen, her carefully prepared emotions unraveling as she watched Ji Yang walk straight to Zheng Jiayue, wrapping her in his arms, giving her a gentle kiss on her hair as they headed upstairs together.

“Slut!” Ning Wen muttered, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach as her expression turned icy and filled with malice.

Ji Yang had been with her—that was an undeniable fact that couldn’t be changed!