Chapter 43

In the next two years, the lives of Xu Zhi and Fei Nanzhou had little intersection.

One is working hard in Beijing, and the other is pioneering in Nanjing. She only thinks of him occasionally when she works overtime until very late.

Mu Yao and Xie Chengan were separated and reunited, going around and around again.

She often complained to her that she had no moral integrity. Every time she saw his bitch face and smiled at her, she had no principles at all. Damn it.

Xu Zhi held up the beer in her hand and clinked glasses with her with a smile, and comforted her with the tone of a person who has experienced it: "The boat will be straight when it reaches the bridge."

This is nonsense, emotional matters, others can't say anything, it has to be up to her.

On a rainy day, Xu Zhi didn't want to cook dinner, so he ordered an omelette rice for her.

On this rainy day while waiting for the takeaway to arrive, she received a phone call that changed her fate.

When the phone rang for the first time, she went to the bathroom. When she came back, Mu Yao pointed to the table: "I just called you."

"Is it takeout?" Xu Zhi asked her as she walked over.

"No, I saw, he's from Nanjing."

Xu Zhi suddenly became quiet, her heart seemed to be clenched by a hand, and she walked over after a while.

It was a completely unknown number.

At that moment, she also thought that Fei Nanzhou might call her, so she didn't call back immediately.

But she still called back later: "...Hello, I'm Xu Zhi... Okay... Okay..."

It was an unexpected call. When Xu Zhi answered it, she subconsciously looked out the window at the gray sky.

It seemed that her reaction was too abnormal. Mu Yao looked over at her: "What happened?" Xu

Zhi looked at her blankly, her mouth was dry, and after a while she said: "I may have to go back. Nanjing."

The call was from Teng Zhenhai, the secretary of her biological father, Ji Hongming.

-Xu

Zhi left for Nanjing on a drizzly afternoon in early March.

The ancient capital of the Six Dynasties has preserved a large number of historical relics, and the air seems to be filled with a romantic atmosphere of literature and art.

After Xu Zhi arrived, he first went to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.

The vehicle stopped at the foot of Zijin Mountain. Teng Zhenhai turned around and smiled at her: "The chief is busy. I'll take you for a walk first, and then I'll take you to see him later."

Xu Zhi saw his cautiousness and said: "I'll go shopping by myself. You can go do your work and don't worry about me."

Teng Zhenhai naturally refused, so Xu Zhi went with him.

Purple Mountain was too steep, so she chose a very steep stone path. When she reached the second platform, she couldn't climb it anymore, so she had to turn back.

Just as the time was almost up, Teng Zhenhai drove her back and drove directly back to the compound.

The vehicle stopped next to the auditorium. Teng Zhenhai got out of the car and led the way to the east: "Miss, go this way."

"Just call me Zhizhi." Xu Zhi said.

Teng Zhenhai smiled and called her "Zhizhi".

He had followed Ji Hongming since he was young and was his confidential secretary. Later, Ji Hongming hired him back after he retired and won Ji Hongming's trust.

This is Ji Hongming's official residence, but he stays in the office building all year round and has a built-in residence. He rarely comes back to live here. The house was assigned to him when he took office two years ago. It is a three-story Chinese-style villa with a door. In the front large yard, some ordinary flowers are planted.

When Xu Zhi followed Teng Zhenhai in, she thought many times about what her biological father looked like. Is it majesty? Or kind?

Before this, there was no accurate image.

On the way south, Teng Zhenhai had already given her a general introduction to the affairs of the Ji family.

Ji Hongming now has a wife, who comes from a wealthy family, but his wife Tan Jingzhen has not given birth and only has an adopted daughter, Ji Yuan.

Xu did not call his wife and adopted daughter back to let them meet in order to avoid the awkward meeting between the two parties.

The living room was very quiet, and four dishes and one soup were placed. Perhaps to cater for her taste, they were basically Shanghainese and Hangzhou dishes.

Ji Hongming was sitting on the mahogany table waiting for her, holding a newspaper in his hand. When he saw her, he pointed to the opposite side calmly: "Sit down."

Xu Zhi said "Thank you" and sat down opposite him.

Teng Zhenhai felt that the atmosphere was extremely awkward when he was nearby, and the father and daughter were like two strangers.

"I heard that you have been in Beijing before. What do you do?" Ji Hongming lowered his head and scooped up a bowl of soup and asked.

His tone was neither kind nor stern, but he was used to being in high positions for a long time, so he was naturally quite dignified, and even a simple greeting felt like he was giving orders.

Xu Zhi frowned and replied calmly: "Work at Shenda."

"Shenda? Is it the Shenda under Jingneng?"

"Yes."

He asked what position it was.

Xu Zhi replied that he was the department director and external manager of a directly affiliated research institute below, responsible for business development.

Ji Hongming's face softened slightly, as if he thought her job was okay, and asked her about her academic qualifications. When he heard that she graduated from University A, he nodded in recognition: "University A is great, and it is famous for its mechanical manufacturing. "

Xu Zhi didn't respond. How could he not have investigated these matters beforehand? He was just talking.

But she really had nothing to talk about with this person.

The meal felt like a funeral, and when she finally finished it, she put down her chopsticks and said she was full.

"Drink some more soup, you're too thin." Ji Hongming handed her a bowl of cold soup.

Xu Zhi hesitated for a moment, then took it and drank it.

Ji Hongming was very busy and went out after eating. Teng Zhenhai took her upstairs, showed her around the house, and settled her in a room on the third floor.

It can be seen that the room has been specially decorated, and there are various jewelry boxes on the dressing table.

"Your dad doesn't understand this either. He asked me to do it. I don't understand either, so I leave it to your Aunt Jiang. See if you like it. If you don't like it, I'll have someone change it for you."

There was something in the room . There was a dressing room with many new clothes, but none of them were the style she liked.

Xu Zhi packed up a special compartment for her daily wear.

As if sensing her alienation, Teng Zhenhai hesitated and sighed: "Your father had no choice but to do so. Your mother...we were middle school classmates with him, and we can be considered childhood sweethearts. But at that time, your father didn't talk at all at home. I can't say, it's only been better in the past few years..."

Xu Zhi just smiled and didn't say anything.

What kind of last resort could make him turn a blind eye to his girlfriend who got pregnant out of wedlock? Your daughter was given away to someone else’s family just after she was born?

Does he know how she has been living these years?

There may be some necessity, and there is also some emotion, but not much.

Now that he is in a high position, there is not even a man or a woman who wants to make up for the shortcomings of the past.

She was the icing on the cake rather than the child who was truly cared about.

In fact, she also thought about not coming back, but her curiosity and vague expectation for her father still drove her to come.

There is a kind of settled refuge in my heart.

Sometimes, it’s best to lower your expectations, and you don’t have to pursue your one and only preference.

After putting things in order, Xu Zhi called Mu Yao back and said that she had arrived in Nanjing and everything was fine. He also sent her the location and said that he would take her to play with her when she came to the Drum Tower.

Mu Yao agreed and asked her to take good care of herself.

Xu Zhi said hello.

Their research institute also has a branch here in Gulou. Because they moved here, Xu Zhi's job was also moved nearby, and his level remained unchanged. After the report was approved, she took office as scheduled.

On Friday, Xu Zhi got up early and greeted her old aunt with a smile when she came downstairs: "Good morning, Aunt Jiang."

The old aunt hurriedly put down her work and stood up to greet her: "Good morning."

Then she went to the kitchen to wash. He lifted his hand and helped her get the bowl and chopsticks: "Breakfast is still hot, and the milk has been warmed for you."

Xu Zhi thanked her and sat down at the dining table.

Ji Hongming got up earlier than her and went to the office building long ago. She glanced at her watch, finished her meal in a hurry, and then walked out with her bag.

When he reached the door, he stopped.

At some point a car parked at the door, with the windows open, and a man sitting inside talking on the phone.

Xu Zhi had seen many good-looking men, but this man... could simply be described as beautiful.

As if aware of her gaze, he pressed the phone and looked this way.

In order to avoid embarrassment, Xu Zhi smiled at him first.

The embarrassing thing is that he doesn't appreciate it, or in other words, he doesn't have any special reaction. At first glance, he seems to be the type of person who is used to others being attentive to him.

But because of his own upbringing, he still got out of the car and nodded to her as a greeting.

This man had a tall and straight posture, standing there like a strong pine tree. However, his eyes were cold and majestic, and there was a kind of up-to-down scrutiny at a glance, which made Xu Zhi uncomfortable.

She is not a hot-tempered person either, so the atmosphere is a bit cold.

"Jingchen?" Teng Zhenhai came over from the next building and greeted him warmly, with a more solemn tone than usual.

Xu Zhi understood that this person was of high status.

Maybe he is the young master of a certain family.

Later, Xu Zhi realized that she had misunderstood. His family background was acceptable, but he was able to make people look at him differently because of his outstanding abilities in his job and not because of his father.

But these are all things for later. Xu Zhi was not very attracted to him when they first met him, thinking that this man was looking at people through his nostrils.

Teng Zhenhai exchanged greetings with Lu Jingchen and then entrusted Xu Zhi to him, thanking him politely.

"It's okay, just on your way." He nodded lightly.

Xu Zhi heard his authentic Beijing accent and became more curious about this person's identity.

But they were not familiar with each other, and it was difficult for her to ask.

The car was so quiet that Xu Zhi couldn't help but look back.

Lu Jingchen leaned there, leaning his chin with a dull expression. The sun fell on his face, which looked resolute and cold. He was a handsome and handsome man.

Xu Zhi retracted her "beautiful" evaluation of him when they first met. He looked like he was not a master to be trifled with.

"What's your relationship with Mrs. Tan?" He suddenly said calmly.

Xu Zhi didn't expect that he would ask this, and was a little embarrassed, and then a little angry. Tan Jingzhen only has one adopted daughter, Ji Yuan. If she were Tan Jingzhen's daughter, would she not be recognized until now?

Isn't this obvious?

"It doesn't matter." Xu Zhi said a little stiffly.

There was no words for the whole journey after that, and we soon arrived at the institute.

Out of politeness, she said "thank you" to him before getting out of the car, but she was quite reluctant. After saying that, she quickly got out of the car, as if she were sitting on a Hot Wheels. Because I was walking in a hurry, I sprained my legs when I went up the steps.

Lu Jingchen, who had always been expressionless, showed his face and twitched the corners of his mouth, as if he was amused.

"Chief, do you want to go back to the camp?" The driver Xiaoguan turned around cautiously and asked for instructions.

"If you don't want to go back, go to Xikang Hotel." He had already closed his eyes. The driver and guard Xiaoguan hurriedly responded . When starting the car, he could n't help but said: "Is this Ji Hongming's daughter... from outside?" 

Out of the park. 

-Xu Zhi's impression of Lu Jingchen was not a good one, but it did not reach the level of hostility. At most, he was just a stranger who was not pleasant to meet for the first time. 

She quickly forgot about this man until he appeared at home with Ji Yuan at the family dinner not long after. 

Tan Jingzhen, who had always been cold and arrogant, showed rare enthusiasm. She had people prepare sumptuous dishes and stood up to greet him in person. Xu Zhi's understanding of the importance of this person has reached a new level. 

"It's a rare time for you to come here. Eat more and let Yuanyuan take you out for a walk later." 

"It's too troublesome for Ji Yuan." Lu Jingchen said. 

Tan Jingzhen smiled and said that he had seen someone else. 

Xu Zhi kept his head down and said nothing, as if he was an outsider. 

Ji Hongming, who had been silent, opened his mouth, but it was directed at her: "You have only been in Nanjing for a few days, and you haven't gone out for a walk, have you? Go with them later to get familiar with the surrounding environment." 

Xu Zhi put down his chopsticks in surprise. Look at him. 

Ji Hongming had already lowered his head to eat, as if he just said a very ordinary thing. 

Tan Jingzhen's expression changed again and again, becoming a little ugly. 

The opportunity she specially created for the two of them to be alone was destroyed with such an understatement. Ji Hongming's meaning was already obvious. One is a biological daughter and the other is an adopted daughter. It is obvious which one is more important. 

The Lu family is a well-known family in Beijing. Although Lu Jingchen's father has made a modest achievements in Nanjing, but his family background is profound, he himself has a bright future, so he is really a good match. 

The Tan family's heirs have withered over the years, and there are few capable people. It is increasingly declining. She urgently needs a good and helpful marriage for the family. 

After dinner, the awkward threesome begins. 

Ji Yuan probably had something to say to Lu Jingchen and kept peeking at him. Perhaps because she was nearby, he couldn't hold back what he said. 

Xu Zhi didn't mean to be a light bulb. She said she was tired and they should go play, and then found a nearby chair to sit down. 

Ji Yuan also pretended to avoid greeting her with a few words, but he couldn't suppress the excitement in his eyes. 

Xu Zhi thought it was funny and didn't expose her: "You go ahead." 

In order to avoid Ji Hongming asking more questions, she deliberately walked out for more than an hour before going back. 

Unexpectedly, Ji Yuan came back early, his eyes full of frustration. 

"He said he had a meeting and left as soon as he left the compound. He asked Xiaoguan to bring me back." There was grievance in his voice. 

Ji Yuan is a very simple girl, with emotions and sorrows all on her face. 

Xu Zhi secretly sighed that this person was so incomprehensible to the style, and smiled and comforted her.

Ji Yuan asked curiously: "Sister, have you ever liked anyone?"

Xu Zhi was stunned for a moment, feeling confused for a moment.

There seemed to be a cold spring breeze blowing through my heart. The warmth suddenly turned cold, and the smile on my lips faded.

But she quickly regained her composure and said with a smile, "Yes."

Ji Yuan had a gossipy look on his face: "Are you handsome?"

"Handsome." Xu Zhi said with a smile.

"Brother Jingchen is as handsome as him?"

"Each one has his own merits, not the same style."

Ji Yuan wrinkled his nose: "I don't believe it, he is definitely not as handsome as brother Jingchen."

Xu Zhi couldn't laugh or cry, thinking she had someone growing on her love brain.

In fact, she and Fei Nanzhou didn't have any interactions at all during that time. His name is also quite famous in Nanjing.

As an outsider, he can quickly establish himself, make friends with powerful people from all walks of life, and handle all kinds of complex interpersonal relationships in an orderly manner. He is by no means an ordinary person.

Xu Zhi also heard what Tan Jingzhen said in private when he was playing cards with others. The company he worked for was also fierce in internal strife. Lu Jingchen's father united with several directors to put pressure on him. However, they all failed and lost their money from Moon River. project.

Others thought he was a fool, but they didn't expect him to be a fierce tiger.

There are even rumors that if he works here to the top, he will be promoted back to Beijing. He may be on next year's list. Lu Zhengsheng will naturally not work. The two are now fighting fiercely. Lu Jingchen doesn't care. First, he and his father have no relationship. To deal with it, the second is that he is from the military region himself and does not understand these twists and turns, let alone get involved.

"This Lu Zhengsheng, it's really not helpful. He loses to a young man, and he's like a chicken and a dog every three days." At the mahjong table the day before yesterday, a lady joked with a smile.

"The son I gave birth to is really good. It's rare for a bad bamboo to produce good bamboo shoots."

"I had a bad reputation when I was young, but his ability is first-class. He is exactly the same as the one in your family. He is a good match." Another person. The wife looked at Tan Jingzhen with a smile.

Tan Jingzhen's face changed slightly, she got up and said she went to the bathroom.

After they left, the lady next to her pushed her arm: "Don't talk nonsense, some people don't want to hear it."

The lady was puzzled: "What's wrong?"

"You don't understand this? This girl didn't get it from her belly. "She came out. Isn't it a slap in the face if you praise her?" He pouted again, "Her precious adopted daughter is not as good as this real lady in terms of education and work. She was already sulking, so she pointed at her. This marriage has saved the day."

The lady understood and hurriedly covered her mouth to show that she would stop talking nonsense.

"Sister." Ji Yuan's voice recalled her thoughts.

Xu Zhi came to his senses in a daze and smiled gently at her: "What's wrong?"

"What are you thinking about? Brother Qing?" The little girl's evil smile was not as quiet and gentle as usual.

Xu Zhi laughed and did not answer.

Only in front of her did she feel calmer, because Ji Yuan was the only person in the family who would not put any psychological pressure on her.