Chapter 321

Ji Fei was momentarily stunned, unable to make sense of the situation.

【No bad memories, just an instinctive resistance to going back?】

The whole family shared Ji Fei's thoughts.

Qin Yan said, "Actually, we’re not sure if there’s truly nothing, or if his memories have just become blurred."

Even though the Qin family had a close-knit relationship, suspecting them was a painful ordeal. Qin's Father and Qin's Mom had secretly investigated due to Qin Xian's reactions.

However, whether it was the surveillance footage from that time or the testimonies of former household staff, everything proved that everyone in the family treated Qin Xian well—whether it was the stern Grandpa Qin, the doting Grandma Lv, or other relatives living in the house.

Being smart and handsome, his siblings had initially adored him, making him the center of attention.

Even Grandma Lv’s daughter, who was studying abroad and had no blood relation to them, would always spend time with Qin Xian whenever she returned, helping him with his studies. When she discovered Qin Xian’s psychological issues, she actively offered her support, deeply concerned.

The findings from the investigation left Qin's Father and Qin's Mom with no choice but to stop suspecting their family. They could only assume that returning to Y City might have triggered Qin Xian’s trauma of being abandoned by his parents.

Qin's Father and Qin's Mom felt guilty, so they never forced Qin Xian to go back. In fact, they stopped mentioning it altogether, forming an unspoken agreement. They would simply return themselves to celebrate the birthdays, and that was it.

However, the relatives back in their hometown still cared deeply about Qin Xian.

The reason Ji Fei hadn’t gone in the first two years was that the relatives in the hometown had heard about the truth behind Qin Xian and Ji Fei’s marriage and were very disapproving of her. They were protective and didn’t want to see Qin Xian suffer such an injustice, believing that Qin's Father and Qin's Mom had once again let Qin Xian down.

Since Qin Xian wasn’t coming back, they didn’t need to see Ji Fei either.

But this time, the rest of the Qin family had enthusiastically invited Ji Fei.

The drastic change in attitude was entirely due to Qin Xian’s doting behavior toward his wife, which had already spread through the Qin Corporation. How could the rest of the Qin family not know about it?

Because they loved Qin Xian, they naturally wanted to see the new lady of the house.

Qin's Father and Qin's Mom were eager to show her off, as Ji Fei had truly brought out the best in Qin Xian.

However, Qin Xian couldn’t bear to be apart from Ji Fei now, especially with the whole family returning to Y City. They were hesitant and thought it might be better to wait until the wedding to bring everyone over.

They also had a small concern: while the extended Qin family couldn’t hear Ji Fei’s thoughts, what about the immediate family?

Ji Fei’s peculiar situation was still unclear, so it was best not to involve too many people.

At this point, the Qin family naturally wanted to consult Ji Fei’s opinion.

Ji Fei’s mind was completely occupied with Qin Xian. She seemed to finally understand why Qin Xian had been emotionally reserved and indifferent at first, seemingly uninterested in others’ affairs but quietly helping behind the scenes—introverted and silent. So that was it.

Ji Fei’s heart ached intensely, and she suddenly wanted to hug Qin Xian.

When the Qin family asked for her thoughts, Ji Fei replied directly, "Wherever my husband is, I’ll be there. I refuse to be apart from him."

She declared it with exaggerated determination, just as Qin Xian arrived at the doorstep and overheard her.

Qin Xian blinked, frozen at the door, his face flushing red. He coughed lightly and finally said, "I’ve told you, if you want to accompany me to the company, it wouldn’t be a distraction."

Ji Fei: …

The Qin family, realizing Qin Xian hadn’t heard the earlier conversation, breathed a sigh of relief. They couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time—these two were feeding them dog food again.

Of course, Qin Xian wasn’t that oblivious. He had also noticed that the rest of the Qin family was planning to return to Y City.

He remembered Grandpa Qin’s birthday. Every year, he sent gifts and occasionally video-chatted with the old man, but he simply couldn’t bring himself to go back.

Thinking of that place, Qin Xian’s emotions were now much calmer, but if asked whether he wanted to go, the answer would still be no.

However, thinking of Ji Fei, his heart tingled with warmth. Such an occasion would be the perfect opportunity to take Ji Fei with him.

Just as Qin Xian was unusually indecisive, Grandpa Qin called.

Qin Xian was handling documents when the phone rang. He smiled and said, "Fei Fei, can you answer the phone for me?"

Ji Fei, who was indeed accompanying him at work and browsing online entertainment gossip, picked up the phone.

Before she could speak, she heard a hoarse, aged voice on the other end. "Qin Xian, are you not planning to attend this old man’s birthday banquet again?"

Ji Fei was momentarily stunned but quickly responded politely, "Hello, Grandpa Qin. This is Ji Fei. Please hold on, I’ll pass the phone to Qin Xian."

The other end seemed surprised, but Ji Fei, not wanting to engage in small talk with an unfamiliar elder, quickly handed the phone over.

Qin Xian, recognizing the voice, took the phone and said, "Grandpa."

Grandpa Qin sounded intrigued. "Was that your wife just now? You’re together during work hours? And you let her answer your phone? Seems the rumors are true."

Though Grandpa Qin’s tone sounded lighthearted, his speech was somewhat labored, and the background noise included the sound of a breathing machine.

"Fei Fei is accompanying me at work. Grandpa, why are you calling…"

Ji Fei watched Qin Xian cautiously as she heard Grandpa Qin’s slightly deeper voice on the other end. "This year is my ninetieth birthday. The gathering of relatives and guests will be the most complete and largest ever. As the current head of the Qin family, shouldn’t you and the lady of the house make an official appearance?"

Qin Xian’s eyes flickered as he glanced at Ji Fei.

Ji Fei shrugged, indicating she didn’t mind.

【I don’t care about making an appearance. If Qin Xian doesn’t want to go, then we won’t. Everything else is irrelevant.】

Qin Xian felt a warmth in his heart and couldn’t resist pulling Ji Fei into a one-armed hug, savoring her presence.

Not hearing a response, Grandpa Qin continued, "I know my body well. I’m not sure if I’ll have the chance to host another birthday banquet next year. I want to take this opportunity, while I’m still around, to support you, stand by your side, and pave the way for you…"

Grandpa Qin’s intentions were indeed well-meaning. Among all his descendants, Qin Xian was the only one who received a personal call from him, and it was delivered in such a persuasive tone, entirely due to Qin Xian’s unique circumstances.

After all, Qin's Father had retired early, and Qin Xian, at such a young age, had taken charge of the vast Qin Corporation. While his capabilities were undeniable—he had even elevated the company to new heights—his lack of experience often led to some people causing trouble.

Grandpa Qin wanted to use this occasion to let everyone meet face-to-face and ensure that the Qin family, both now and in the future, remained loyal. After all, human hearts were unpredictable. While the current generation might be fine, who knew what ambitions the next might harbor?