Chapter 308, The Courteous Master Li the Fifth (Fourth Update)

Chu Chen glared at Ji Mingqian with a dark look in his eyes, "Ji Mingqian, you’re single because you deserve to be."

Such a killjoy.

"I’m single and proud of it, and besides, I’ve got a whole garden of women," Ji Mingqian lifted his chin slightly, glanced at him, and said with a sly smile.

"You should keep swimming here to cool off. After all, it’s bad for your health to be able to see but not eat."

Chu Chen, "..."

This guy with the sharp tongue.

"I’m off." Ji Mingqian waved his hand and walked away with a swagger.

His retreating figure looked so smug it was practically begging to be knocked down a peg.

...

In the living room, an animated film was playing on the TV.

Mingchong came out of the kitchen and, seeing the person sitting on the couch, a warm smile spread across his lips.

When his eyes caught a glimpse of the animated film playing on the TV, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

It’s rare to see such childlike innocence.

"Jiuliang, wash your hands and get ready for dinner."

"Coming." Ye Jiuliang put down the unfinished bag of chips, got up, and just then, her phone on the table rang.

She bent down to pick up the phone, glanced at the caller ID, and her lips curled into a pleasant curve unconsciously.

She pressed the answer button, and a rich, intoxicating voice sounded in her ear, "Where are you?"

"At a handsome guy’s place," Ye Jiuliang teased on purpose.

Not far away, Mingchong took off his apron, heard her words, and couldn’t help but laugh lightly.

Li Mochan frowned, a dangerous glint in his eyes, "Little wolf, don’t feel like taking your exam tomorrow morning?"

Ye Jiuliang held back her laughter and pretended not to understand the implication of his words, nonchalantly saying, "It’s fine, I don’t feel like going for the exam anyway. If I don’t graduate, you can explain it to the old man yourself."

That graduation certificate was just for the old man to see; she didn’t care whether she had it or not.

"Where are you?" His assertiveness lasted only three seconds before his helpless tone successfully made Ye Jiuliang laugh.

"I ran into Chairman Ming on the street, so I came over to his place for dinner, to taste his cooking," Ye Jiuliang sat back on the sofa.

Hearing the name "Mingchong," a flash of surprise crossed Li Mochan’s eyes.

"Have you eaten yet?" Ye Jiuliang asked.

Li Mochan snapped back to reality, "Not yet, little wolf, could you hand the phone to Chairman Ming for a second?"

"Why?" she asked.

Li Mochan replied, "I have something to ask him."

Ye Jiuliang raised an eyebrow, and catching a glimpse of Mingchong coming over, she stood up and handed him the phone.

"Chairman Ming, Li Mochan has something to ask you."

Mingchong looked puzzled, glanced down at the phone she handed over, and took the phone to his ear.

"Lord Li."

His warm voice was like a refreshing breeze, making it hard to dislike him.

"Chairman Ming, my little girl told me she’s having dinner at your place?" Li Mochan spun his chair, his deep eyes gazing out at the scenery beyond the window, his usually frosty voice unexpectedly softened a bit.

"Lord Li needn’t worry, I’ve simply invited Jiuliang over for a casual meal," knowing Li Mochan was always concerned about Ye Jiuliang, Mingchong spoke warmly.

Li Mohan said, "Little girl, I’m relieved that you’re eating. I don’t know when Director Ji would be available, as I have some matters I’d like to discuss with you."

Upon hearing this, Mingchong was taken aback, a flicker of mild puzzlement appearing in his eyes.

Without much thought, he hummed in acknowledgment, "I’m free at any time."

"Then I’ll visit you tomorrow." Li Mohan said.

Mingchong grew even more bewildered. When had Li Mohan ever been so polite?

How strange.

"Fine."

He handed the phone back to Ye Jiuliang, the call had already been disconnected.

Ye Jiuliang looked at him curiously, "What were you talking about?"

"Nothing much, probably something about a company collaboration," Mingchong laughed softly, speaking in a subdued tone.

Ye Jiuliang looked at him half-believing, half-doubting. Her family’s jealous jar couldn’t have threatened someone, could he?

"Let’s eat, the dishes are almost cold," Mingqian changed the subject.

Ye Jiuliang nodded, and just as she was about to step forward, someone rang the doorbell.

"I’ll go open the door," said Mingchong, walking slowly towards it.

When Mingchong saw the person outside through the video doorbell on the wall, he frowned.

How had they found this place?

"Open the door, Mingchong. I know you’re home. You ingrate, climbing up the ladder and forgetting your roots. Have you no conscience for how hard we’ve struggled to raise you?" The woman’s cursing voice drifted in from outside.

Ye Jiuliang paused in her steps, her gaze full of confusion looking at Mingchong’s back.

What’s going on?

As Mingchong opened the front door, the woman’s cursing abruptly ceased.

"What are you doing here?" Mingchong looked at the man and woman standing at the doorway with an indifferent gaze, his tone full of estrangement.

The middle-aged woman who had been cursing fiercely just moments ago suddenly felt a bit intimidated upon seeing Mingchong.

She tugged at the corner of the man’s clothes beside her, signaling him to speak up.

The man glared at her, took a step forward with a fawning smile, "Mingchong, your aunt’s got a hasty temper; don’t take it personally. We’re here because we need to ask a favor of you."

Mingqian took a step back, avoiding the hand that reached out to him.

His voice was calm as he spoke, "Go ahead."

"It’s just that your brother has recently failed in his business and been swindled out of his money. Now he can’t find a job, and he has debts he doesn’t know how to handle," the man said, rubbing his hands together with a pained expression as he sighed.

"I don’t have a brother," Mingchong stated flatly.

"And I’ve already given you a lump sum before."

"Mingchong, you can’t talk like that. You grew up in our house from when you were a child. Your uncle’s and my kids are naturally your brothers. That money can’t offset the grace of us raising you for so many years," upon hearing this, the middle-aged woman’s face filled with displeasure. She pushed the man aside and confronted Mingchong, accusing him.

"Those were your own words back then, and the sum was proposed by you. Once the money was given to you, I have no further relations with you. The IOU is still here; would you like to see it?" Mingchong said, unruffled, his tone unwavering.

The woman’s face showed difficulty, and she irrationally said, "Mingchong, now that you’re so wealthy and the chairman of a listed company, can’t you help out your brother a little, instead of being so reluctant?"

"Exactly, Mingchong. It was us who took you from the orphanage back then. You can’t be ungrateful," the man followed up.

Mingchong’s gaze swept over the two of them, a mocking smile appearing on his lips.

Back then, the couple had been married for years without children. They heeded some old wives’ tale that adopting a child would bring their own. Indeed, they eventually had their own children, and from that point on, the two of them treated him almost as if he were trash—either beating or scolding him.