When Qin Yuan walked in, Ji Dongyang was just bringing the pork ribs to the table. Their eyes met, and Qin Yuan froze for a moment, then looked at Zhou Yining.

Zhou Yining said, “Mom, this is Ji Dongyang.”

Qin Yuan frowned and said, “Of course, I know he’s Ji Dongyang.”

Qin Yuan had gone straight to the Zhou residence after getting off the plane and didn’t know about Zhou Yining and Ji Dongyang’s relationship yet. But seeing the current situation, there was no need to ask why he was here.

She just hadn’t expected her daughter to be with him.

Ji Dongyang was slightly stunned, too. He hadn’t expected Zhou Yining’s mother to be the famous photographer Joey. He was ten years older than Zhou Yining, and Qin Yuan wasn’t actually that much older than him. She looked too young; calling her “Auntie” was indeed a bit hard to say. Glancing at Zhou Yining, he realized she looked very much like her mother. Why hadn’t he thought of it before? After deliberating for a few seconds, he said, “Joey, hello.”

Zhou Yining looked at them. “You know each other?”

Ji Dongyang: “Mm. Some time ago, I was shooting an ad in the UK, and Joey was the photographer. We’ve collaborated a few times.”

Zhou Yining remembered his trip to the UK to shoot an ad and understood. She glanced at Qin Yuan. Qin Yuan put down her suitcase, walked to the dining table, and glanced at it. “The dishes look average.”

Zhou Yining snorted lightly. “Then you can go eat at a restaurant.”

Ji Dongyang said, “There’s still a vegetable dish. Wait a moment. Auntie, please sit first.”

Qin Yuan’s expression darkened. “You better call me Joey.”

Ji Dongyang smiled first, then said, “You are Zhou Yining’s mother; calling you Joey isn’t quite appropriate.”

Qin Yuan: “…”

Zhou Yining smiled. “I’ll go serve the rice.”

Ji Dongyang stir-fried the vegetables in the kitchen. Zhou Yining brought out the rice. Qin Yuan stopped her. “Come here for a moment.”

Zhou Yining knew she had something to say, so she followed her.

Qin Yuan walked to the living room, glanced at the empty wine cabinet, and the lingering scent of alcohol in the air. She stood by the window, lit a cigarette, elegantly exhaled a few puffs of smoke, and smoked half a cigarette before looking at Zhou Yining. She said, “He is ten years older than you.”

Zhou Yining didn’t make a sound. Qin Yuan said, “News about his family situation broke years ago. His parents’ use of drugs isn’t groundless. His family situation isn’t much better than yours. You shouldn’t be with him. You two aren’t suitable.”

Zhou Yining laughed softly. “So what? I love him.”

Qin Yuan looked at Zhou Yining. Her first collaboration with Ji Dongyang was eight years ago. From a photographer’s perspective, his looks and figure were indeed perfect, but his personality was too cold. Honestly, she didn’t think he was suitable for Zhou Yining.

“Not looking for that lighter anymore? Have you forgotten him?”

The year Zhou Yining first fell ill, she frantically collected various lighters, filling a whole box. There were things she wouldn’t tell her mother, but she would tell Mike, so Qin Yuan could only learn about them through Mike.

“He is the one.”

Qin Yuan lowered her hand, saying in surprise, “You’re saying that lighter man is Ji Dongyang?”

Ji Dongyang had already brought out the vegetables. His tall figure stood there, glancing over. Zhou Yining smiled at him. “It’s him.”

Qin Yuan understood now. She said nothing more and stubbed out the cigarette. “Did you take your medicine last night?”

Zhou Yining: “I did.”

Qin Yuan turned and walked over. “Let’s eat first. I’m hungry.”

Just as Ji Dongyang placed the chopsticks, they came over. The three sat together to eat, speaking little. After the meal, Ji Dongyang cleared the table, and Zhou Yining went to her room to call Alice.

This time, Zhou JiaHui had also exposed photos of Zhang Hui and Alice. All their relatives, friends, and former classmates now knew they were lesbian lovers. Zhang Hui and Alice’s parents already felt their relationship was shameful, worrying about being pointed at by relatives and friends. After the incident last night, Alice’s mother was hospitalized directly with high blood pressure.

Alice was packing her luggage, returning to China today.

Zhou Yining apologized to Alice. “This time, you and Zhang Hui got dragged into my mess.”

Alice’s tone was relaxed. “It’s fine. Actually, my being with Zhang Hui isn’t some big secret. We don’t see some old classmates and friends anyway; they can say whatever they like. We don’t care. But you… Are you okay?”

Zhou Yining knew Alice was comforting her. She frowned. “I’m fine. Your parents’ side… how is your mom? I’ll go visit her with you later.”

“My parents only have me as a daughter. They used to think it was shameful. Thanks to you, my relationship with Zhang Hui is exposed. Honestly, I was dazed at first, but now I feel relieved. My parents just want a grandchild. I’ll do IVF later and get them a mixed-race baby.” Alice joked, changing the subject. “Last night, Dong-ge answered your phone. Was he at your place?”

Zhou Yining knew Alice didn’t want her to overthink, so she said, “Mm, he was here all night.”

…

On the other side, Ji Dongyang came out of the kitchen. Qin Yuan turned to look at him, pointing at the empty wine cabinet. “Do you know about her illness?”

Ji Dongyang: “I know.”

“Have you seen her have an episode?”

“I saw it last night.” Ji Dongyang recalled Zhou Yining’s appearance last night, his voice slightly deep. “I know what you want to say. In my eyes, she’s not a patient; she’s like a normal person. Even if she really is a mental patient, I still want her.”

Qin Yuan looked at him quietly. After a while, she stood up. “Good. Remember what you said.”

With that, she walked to the door, picked up her suitcase, and left.

When Zhou Yining came out of the room, Qin Yuan was gone. Ji Dongyang explained, “Auntie went back first.”

Zhou Yining always felt weird hearing him call Qin Yuan “Auntie.” She straddled his lap, smiling at him. “Actually, my mom is only 15 years older than you. Should I call you Uncle Dong…”

Ji Dongyang’s face darkened, staring at her.

Zhou Yining raised an eyebrow. “Forget it. I still prefer calling your name.”

Actually, Ji Dongyang liked her calling his name too. It made him feel the age gap wasn’t that big. In front of others, she always called him Dong-ge with a lilt in her voice. Once they were alone, she would hook her arm around his neck and call him Ji Dongyang. At night, deep in passion, softening her voice under him to call his name—that was the most moving.

Ji Dongyang held her soft, slender waist, stroking gently. “I have to go in a bit. Can you handle being alone?”

Zhou Yining lay on his shoulder. “Mm, I’ll be fine.”

Ji Dongyang turned his face, kissing her cheek, her ear, her neck.

Zhou Yining turned her face and kissed his lips.

It was unknown who started the fire, but their breaths attracted each other hotly.

Zhou Yining was pressed onto the sofa by Ji Dongyang.

A phone ringtone interrupted everything. Zhou Yining pushed him. “My phone is ringing.”

Ji Dongyang gave a low “Mm,” straightened up, and went to get her phone.

It was Wan Wei calling.

“I’m coming over now. Be there in ten-plus minutes.”

“Okay.”

Zhou Yining sat up, looking at him regretfully. “No time.”

Ji Dongyang had nothing to say for a moment. He went to the kitchen to pour a glass of water. After a while, he came back, picked up his phone and keys, and looked down at her. “I’m leaving.”

Zhou Yining stood up. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

It took less than half a minute to reach the door. Ji Dongyang leaned over and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Alright, go back inside.”

…

Wan Wei arrived very quickly. Zhou Yining poured her a glass of water. Wan Wei looked at her for a long time and asked, “Are you okay now?”

Zhou Yining disliked people looking at her with strange eyes. Her gaze was calm and cold. “I’m very normal.”

Wan Wei said, “Your mom called me just now. I didn’t expect your mom to be Joey.”

Zhou Yining said indifferently, “Who my mom is isn’t important, is it?”

Wan Wei smiled. “It’s important. She said she’ll handle this matter. As for how, she didn’t say. We’ll know at 10 PM tonight. Since that’s the case, let’s wait. Don’t get involved either. It’s best for you to remain silent right now.”

Zhou Yining didn’t speak. She couldn’t guess what Qin Yuan wanted to do.

Wan Wei analyzed, “Your dad has roughly told me about your situation. I’ve discussed a few strategies with the PR department. If your injury of someone was self-defense, then we can sue the other party for defamation. However, the other party is your sister. Your dad probably won’t agree to you suing her. He intends to reconcile while preserving your reputation. Besides, it concerns your family’s reputation; sisters fighting each other sounds bad if it gets out.”

“She is not my sister,” Zhou Yining said.

Wan Wei glanced at her. “Regardless, this counts as your family’s affair. The Heart Knot was initially invested in by your dad, and later shared with Shen Yanjun and Lu Xiao. Standing from the company and crew’s perspective, it’s not good to offend them.”

Wan Wei had already inquired. Zhou Yining’s parents divorced right after she was born. She had heard of Joey; if she took action, she definitely wouldn’t have scruples. That would make things much easier.

Zhou Yining guessed Wan Wei’s thoughts. “Then let’s wait for 10 PM.”

…

Ji Dongyang drove the car to Lu Xiao’s company, and Lu Xiao drove him back to the hotel. On the way, Lu Xiao asked, “Everything okay?”

Ji Dongyang leaned back in the seat with his eyes closed. “It’s fine.”

“I asked about Zhou Yining before, but I didn’t find out about her illness and the shooting incident. That matter should be a secret, right? You say Zhou JiaHui leaked it? That girl is really ruthless. Doing such a thing to her own sister—truly lived long enough to see anything.”

Ji Dongyang opened his eyes and smiled faintly. “Indeed, lived long enough to see anything.”

Lu Xiao tutted a few times. “A few days ago, Zhou Lihui wanted to continue matchmaking Zhou JiaHui and me. Honestly, I really don’t think much of her.”

“Still thinking about Zhou Yining?” Ji Dongyang asked out of the blue.

“Yeah, thinking about her quite a bit.” Lu Xiao joked, “But me, I’ll poach anyone’s corner, but I won’t poach yours.”

Ji Dongyang chuckled low. “You can’t poach her anyway. Don’t waste your effort.”

“…”

Approaching the hotel, Lu Xiao said, “Your parents can’t sit still inside anymore. Every time I go, they treat me like I’m transparent, just saying they want to see you.”

Ji Dongyang looked slightly weary and whispered, “After wrap. I’ll go over with you.”

Back in the hotel room, Yang Xun and A Ming came over quickly. Yang Xun asked, “Didn’t get photographed, right?”

Ji Dongyang opened his computer, clicked on Weibo, and entered Joey’s homepage. Her cover image was the back view of a little girl running away crying. The background was black. The little girl wore a white fluffy dress, her soft hair loose, wiping tears with the back of her hand as she ran. Her small hand was exposed to the lens, glistening with tears. If you looked closely, you could even see a few pearl-like droplets falling in mid-air. What kind of event caused a little girl to have such a sorrowful back view?

Eight years ago, he saw Joey’s photography exhibition in Hong Kong. That year, this photo won Joey an international award.

Yang Xun leaned over. “What are you looking at?”

Ji Dongyang stared at the photo, already certain. The little girl in the photo was Zhou Yining.

“This photo is a classic. Joey became famous over ten years ago relying on this photo. Later, I heard this was her daughter.” Yang Xun said, “Why are you suddenly looking at this photo? I remember you don’t usually like browsing Weibo.”

Ji Dongyang said, “The little girl in this photo is Zhou Yining.”

Yang Xun and A Ming’s eyes widened simultaneously. Yang Xun sighed, “You’re saying Zhou Yining is Joey’s daughter?”

Ji Dongyang: “Mm.”

Yang Xun was silent for a few seconds. “This just got interesting.”

At 10 PM sharp, famous photographer Joey posted a long Weibo.

Joey stated she was the ex-wife of the chairman of a listed company in S City and had a daughter. That daughter was Zhou Yining, who was put on Weibo trending yesterday, called a psycho and murderer by everyone. Joey’s words were calm yet sharp, detailing the emotional entanglement with Zhou Lihui and Xia Yun back then, and in what kind of environment Zhou Yining grew up to become ill. Yes, she said “ill”; she wouldn’t admit her daughter was the “psycho” netizens called her.

Joey admitted she wasn’t a competent mother, letting her daughter call a mistress “Mom” for seven years. Her worldview and values were twisted from a young age. She bore half the responsibility for her daughter’s illness.

But her daughter had always been kind. As for the shooting incident, there was a record with the UK police; it was self-defense.

Immediately after, Joey’s studio issued a lawyer’s letter on Weibo, stating they would pursue the rumor-monger Zhou JiaHui and various media companies that published false exposures.

Shiguang Media’s official blog reposted Joey and her studio’s Weibo posts, stating their stance was consistent with Joey’s.

Soon after, Joey and Zhou Yining’s names hit the trending search, sparking heated discussion.

“Some people might not know Joey. Let me educate you. Joey is an internationally famous photographer who has photographed many international superstars, including the sky-high handsome ad photos Dong-ge shot in the UK recently. 15 years ago, she won an international award with a photo of a little girl’s back view, becoming famous in the photography circle. She once said the girl in the photo was her daughter. You can Baidu it or check her Weibo homepage directly. That little girl is Zhou Yining.”

“Can I scold Joey? If she didn’t want the child, why give birth to her? Zhou Yining is truly unlucky to have such parents! My heart aches just watching!”

“Same desire to scold Joey, and that scumbag dad too. Married a mistress, had a daughter with the mistress, mentally abused the young Zhou Yining. Now the mistress’s daughter is intensifying it, using cyber violence to hurt Zhou Yining. I don’t know what to say anymore, just sympathy and heartache!”

“Except for Zhou Yining, the whole family is scum. What else can I say?”

…

The direction of public opinion completely turned.

Soon, someone dug up Zhou JiaHui’s personal information: frequenting nightclubs, hugging and acting intimately with different men. Netizens followed the trail to her Weibo, which was full of photos showing off designer brands and superiority. Netizens also discovered she was a die-hard fan of Ji Dongyang, reposting every news item related to him.

Ji Dongyang’s fans said, “Having such a fan is simply a disgrace to my Dong-ge!”

Zhou JiaHui’s Weibo was full of curses.

Ji Dongyang’s personal Weibo had always been calm. Past 10 PM, for the first time ever, he liked Shiguang Media Studio’s latest Weibo post and reposted it.

Yang Xun didn’t have time to stop him, clutching his forehead and cursing, “You want to be on trending too?”

Ji Dongyang closed Weibo. “Zhou Yining is an artist from the same company, Shiguang Media, and we’re in the same crew. Fans will understand.”

Understand my ass! Yang Xun was anxious.

Sure enough, the fans exploded.

Fortunately, other big-name artists in the company and the main cast of The Heart Knot all reposted it, so it didn’t cause a huge disturbance.

The next day, Shiguang Media submitted litigation materials to the court.

Suing Zhou JiaHui for defamation.

Zhou Yining gained the understanding and sympathy of netizens. Regarding her playing herself in The Heart Knot, netizens expressed they would definitely go to the cinema to support it and were especially looking forward to her performance in the movie.

Overnight, Zhou Yining gained over a million fans.

Wan Wei was very satisfied with this win-win result. “Your mom really went all out for you this time, even exposing her own husband’s affair personally.”

Zhou Yining glanced at her. Qin Yuan was a woman with extremely strong self-esteem. Her marriage to Zhou Lihui was a stain on her life. Perhaps back then, she felt giving birth to her, this daughter, was also a stain, so she didn’t take her away.

That long Weibo post last night was indeed very unexpected.

She also knew Qin Yuan had wanted to make it up to her all these years, and Zhou Lihui too.

But what Zhou Lihui couldn’t do, Qin Yuan could. She was much more ruthless than Zhou Lihui.

…

Qin Yuan opened the door and glanced at Zhou Lihui standing at the entrance. “Something the matter?”

Zhou Lihui looked at her. “Can I come in to talk?”

Qin Yuan made way. “Please.”

Zhou Lihui followed her in. Facing her back, he said wearily, “I’ve seen the lawyer’s letter. Can you drop the lawsuit for my sake…”

Qin Yuan acted as if she heard a joke, turning her head to look at him coldly. “Drop the lawsuit? Do you think that’s possible?”

Zhou Lihui knew it was impossible, but no matter what Zhou JiaHui did wrong, she was his daughter; he couldn’t ignore it. Most importantly, he didn’t want to clash head-on with Qin Yuan. Even if he did, he might not win. This time, it was the Qin family, Shiguang Media, and Qin Yuan standing against him.

He had no chance of winning.

Zhou Lihui said, “JiaHui is my daughter after all. Xiao Yuan, can you, for my sake…”

“No.” Qin Yuan interrupted him. “Zhou JiaHui is your daughter, but what does that have to do with me? She bullied my daughter, so I want her to pay it back. If you want to blame someone, blame Xia Yun for giving you a brainless daughter.”

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