Chapter 206: Old Friends Catch Up
The car smoothly drove into the Ji Family Mansion’s parking lot. Andrei, familiar with the way, opened the car door and led Hu Xiaoxiao upstairs. This ancient building was still as solemn as ever!
As soon as they reached the lobby, the butler beckoned Hu Xiaoxiao and Andrei upstairs. Just then, Li Mei and Ji Junhua were coming down from upstairs.
Andrei glanced uncomfortably at Li Mei and Ji Junhua and moved aside. Hu Xiaoxiao, however, walked towards the two, smiling.
Li Mei closed her eyes, looking at Andrei and Hu Xiaoxiao, and said nothing. She continued walking, her hand linked with Ji Junhua’s. It was Ji Junhua who looked surprised upon seeing Andrei. Despite his surprise, he ultimately said nothing.
As they walked into the corridor, Hu Xiaoxiao sighed and looked at Andrei, saying, “You child, why are you so ill-fated!”
A single sigh, yet it contained all sorts of emotions!
Andrei had long since become numb to these matters, having long since come to terms with them. Whether it was five years ago or now, he would not dwell on the insincere parental affection!
Upon arriving at Grandfather Ji’s living room, Grandfather Ji, who had been watching financial news, immediately stood up when he saw the butler enter and said excitedly, “Xiaoxiao, welcome back to the country!”
Hu Xiaoxiao nodded with tears in her eyes. After so many years without seeing him, the old man was already halfway into the grave. His weathered appearance was truly worrying!
Hu Xiaoxiao held back her tears and said, “I haven’t visited you in so many years, how is your health?!”
Grandfather Ji chuckled, “Very good. I’m very happy you’re back, Xiaoxiao!”
Andrei was a bit confused by their conversation. Had Grandfather specifically called Hu Xiaoxiao back?
After the pleasantries, they sat down to discuss important matters. Grandfather Ji composed himself and said to Andrei, “At tomorrow’s vote meeting, you must stop Situ Haonan. Before that, you must ensure strict secrecy, understand?”
Andrei glanced at Hu Xiaoxiao. She didn’t seem surprised at all; instead, she looked very understanding. Grandfather must have told her. It was a waste of his effort to stop Ji Xiangyu this afternoon!
Andrei listened intently, “Understood, Grandfather. Don’t worry, no one knows about Director Bai stepping down yet, unless Director Bai told him!”
Hu Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and shook her head, “Situ Haonan definitely has the news. Director Bai has lost his power and will surely cling to the last straw, Situ Haonan!”
Grandfather Ji agreed with Hu Xiaoxiao’s assessment, “We must leave a fallback plan for this matter!”
Andrei asked, not understanding, “Even if Situ Haonan knows we have this information, what does it matter? Is he going to try and take it back?”
Hu Xiaoxiao chuckled and shook her head, “Andrei, you’re still too young. You don’t know what methods Situ Haonan will resort to when he’s cornered!”
Andrei frowned. Would Situ Haonan harm others?
If Situ Jingyi could be so unscrupulous, what else could Situ Haonan do?
He couldn’t help but feel worried, a sense of unease washing over him!
Hu Xiaoxiao comforted him, “In any case, we just need to be careful. I will appear at the Board of Directors meeting tomorrow. After all, I am one of the members of the Board of Directors!”
After the conversation, Grandfather Ji took Hu Xiaoxiao and Andrei for a walk in the Ji Family’s courtyard, reminiscing about past events. Grandfather Ji appeared very relaxed and happy.
Andrei followed behind them at a leisurely pace, watching their backs. He suddenly thought that they looked like a pair of old lovers reunited after a long separation. From their gazes, actions, and conversation, they truly resembled old lovers who hadn’t seen each other for many years!
Andrei was amused by his own thought, a bitter smile playing on his lips.
Years from now, would he and Qing Tian be like this too? She married Ji Xiangyu, and he would remain alone for life. Perhaps, like Hu Xiaoxiao, he would guard the person in his heart and live on?
As they were leaving, Grandfather Ji called Andrei aside privately and handed him something: an old jade bracelet. Grandfather Ji said kindly, “This is the only keepsake your mother left behind. She asked me to give it to you. I hope you don’t hate her!”
Andrei didn’t understand why he was being told not to hate her. “Grandfather, why?”
Grandfather Ji sighed, “Our Ji family has always been indebted to you and your mother. When your mother discovered she had cancer, she refused to say anything. Even in the late stages, she kept it a secret. Knowing she was going to pass away, she found me and gave me this bracelet, asking me to take good care of you. I’m sorry it’s taken me so many years to tell you this!”
Tears welled up in Andrei’s eyes. His heart had already turned into a vast ocean of tears. He had never understood why his mother had left so suddenly. It turned out she was gravely ill but refused to say anything. Why?
In the car, Andrei remained silent. Although Hu Xiaoxiao was worried, she didn’t disturb him!
He needed some quiet time!
