Unexpected Second Chance at Love

Chapter 1006: The Weight of a Promise

The drive to the Ji Mansion was peaceful.

Outside the car windows, the city was blanketed in white. Snow had fallen throughout the night, leaving a pristine layer of white across the streets, rooftops, and bare branches of the trees. The afternoon sun shone brightly against the clear blue sky, its golden rays glistening against the snow-covered landscape.

Despite the cold winter weather, the atmosphere inside the car was warm.

Ji Jingxu sat beside Yue Ling, occasionally glancing out the window.

After nearly three weeks of being confined to a hospital room, the familiar scenery brought a sense of comfort he had not realized he missed.

For the first time since his kidnapping, he was finally going home.

Lu Tian sat on Yue Ling’s other side, his hand resting naturally over hers.

Every so often, his thumb would brush across her knuckles, a small gesture that had become second nature to him.

Grandfather Ji volunteered to sit in the passenger seat and appeared to be in exceptionally good spirits.

He spoke about the preparations made at the mansion, reminding Ji Jingxu that his room had been cleaned and that the kitchen staff had prepared his favorite dishes.

"I told them to make everything you like," the old man said with a smile. "You’ve lost too much weight."

Ji Jingxu chuckled.

"Grandfather, if you keep feeding me like that, I’ll gain twice the weight."

"Good. Then I’ll know you’re eating properly."

Yue Ling glanced at her brother.

"Just don’t overdo it. Dr. Dong said you still need to be careful."

Ji Jingxu sighed.

"Sister, I’ve already left the hospital."

"That doesn’t mean you’re fully recovered."

"I know, I know."

Lu Tian faintly smiled at their exchange.

Grandfather Ji laughed.

For a brief moment, everything felt as it once had.

However, as the car continued toward the mansion, Ji Jingxu’s expression gradually grew thoughtful.

"Grandfather."

The old man looked at him.

"Hm?"

"Can we see Assistant Zhong when we get home?"

Grandfather Ji’s smile softened.

"Of course. I already had someone inform him that you’re coming home."

Ji Jingxu nodded.

Although he had been reassured that Zhong Yang was recovering well, he wanted to see the old man for himself.

Only then would he truly feel at ease.

By the time they arrived at the Ji Mansion, the household staff had gathered near the entrance to welcome them.

The mansion stood elegantly beneath the winter sun, its sprawling grounds covered in a pristine layer of snow. The pathways had been cleared, while the surrounding gardens remained untouched, their snow-covered branches glistening beneath the sunlight.

As the car came to a stop, Housekeeper Hu stepped forward and opened the door.

"Welcome home, Young Master."

Ji Jingxu smiled and stepped out.

"It’s good to be back."

Grandfather Ji stepped out from the passenger seat, followed by Yue Ling and Lu Tian from the other rear door, then Xu Long from the driver’s side.

When Ji Jingxu attempted to exit on his own, Yue Ling was quick on her feet to support him.

"Jie, I can walk."

"I know."

"Then why are you holding me?"

"Because the ground is slippery."

Ji Jingxu glanced at the cleared pathway that had been shoveled and salted before looking back at her.

He wisely chose not to argue.

Lu Tian watched the siblings with a faint smile before taking the travel bag from the car trunk.

The household staff greeted Ji Jingxu warmly as they entered.

Some had watched him grow up, and seeing him return safely brought visible relief to their faces.

"Young Master, welcome home."

"We’re glad you’re back."

Ji Jingxu thanked them with a smile.

Grandfather Ji watched the exchange, his eyes filled with warmth.

For weeks, the mansion had felt unusually quiet.

Now, with his grandson finally home, it seemed to have regained some of its former life.

Rather than heading straight to his room, Ji Jingxu insisted on visiting Zhong Yang first.

The assistant had been discharged from the hospital earlier and was recovering in a guest room at the mansion under Grandfather Ji’s arrangements.

When they entered, Zhong Yang was sitting near the window with a book in his hand.

The moment he saw Ji Jingxu, his eyes widened.

"Young Master!"

He immediately attempted to stand.

"Assistant Zhong, don’t get up."

Ji Jingxu hurried forward, but Yue Ling gently caught his arm.

"Slowly."

He nodded before approaching the elderly man.

Zhong Yang looked him over, his expression filled with relief.

"You’re finally home."

Ji Jingxu smiled.

"Yes."

Seeing Zhong Yang’s condition, his smile gradually faded.

Although the man’s complexion had improved, traces of his injuries remained. His movements were still somewhat restricted, and the fatigue in his face had not completely disappeared.

Ji Jingxu lowered his gaze.

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better, Young Master. There’s no need to worry about me."

A brief silence followed.

Then Ji Jingxu spoke quietly.

"I’m sorry."

Zhong Yang paused.

"Young Master?"

"You got hurt because of me."

His fingers tightened slightly at his sides as he stopped himself.

"I heard how badly you were injured. If I hadn’t—"

"Young Master."

Zhong Yang interrupted him gently.

"Please don’t say that."

Ji Jingxu looked up.

"What happened wasn’t your fault. The people responsible are the ones who should be blamed."

The older man reached out and patted his shoulder.

"What matters is that you’re safe."

Ji Jingxu’s eyes reddened slightly.

He had spent days worrying about Zhong Yang, wondering whether the man had suffered permanent injuries because of what happened.

Seeing him alive and recovering was a relief greater than he could express.

"Then you have to recover quickly too."

Zhong Yang smiled.

"Of course."

Grandfather Ji watched the exchange quietly.

Zhong Yang had served him faithfully for many years. He was more than an assistant; he was someone the old man considered part of the family.

Seeing both men safe made his heart swell with warmth.

After allowing them to speak for a little longer, he reminded Ji Jingxu that he still needed rest.

Only then did they leave Zhong Yang to continue his recovery.

As they returned to the main hall, Grandfather Ji suddenly turned toward Yue Ling.

"Ah Ling."

She looked at him.

"Yes, Yeye?"

"Come with me to the study. There’s something I wish to discuss with you."

Yue Ling paused.

Something about his tone made her heart sink.

His expression was gentle, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that she could not ignore.

Nevertheless, she nodded.

"Alright."

Lu Tian noticed the subtle change in her expression.

He gently squeezed her hand.

"I’ll take Jingxu upstairs."

Yue Ling looked at him.

Their eyes met briefly.

Without needing an explanation, Lu Tian understood that whatever Grandfather Ji wanted to discuss was something he wanted to share with his granddaughter privately.

"Take your time," he said quietly.

Yue Ling gave him a small nod.

She watched as Lu Tian accompanied Ji Jingxu toward the staircase before turning to follow her grandfather.

The study was warm and quiet.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the shelves filled with books and the antique furniture arranged throughout the room.

Beyond the glass, the snow-covered gardens stretched beneath the clear winter sky.

Grandfather Ji walked toward his desk and slowly lowered himself into his chair.

Yue Ling noticed the slight difficulty in his movements.

It was subtle.

Something most people would have overlooked.

But she had been paying closer attention to him ever since learning about his health.

The way he occasionally paused to catch his breath.

The slight tremble in his hands.

The fatigue that sometimes lingered behind his smile.

Things she had once dismissed as signs of aging now carried an entirely different meaning.

"Yeye, are you feeling alright?"

The old man looked up and smiled.

"I’m fine. Come, sit."

Yue Ling took the chair across from him.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Grandfather Ji looked at his granddaughter, his gaze lingering on her face.

He remembered when she was a little girl who would run into this very room, climb onto his lap, and insist that he stop working to spend time with her.

Now, she sat before him as a grown woman.

Strong.

Independent.

Someone who had built an entire world for herself despite everything she had endured.

A faint smile touched his lips.

Yet beneath it was a sorrow he could no longer conceal.

Finally, he released a quiet sigh.

"Ah Ling, I believe it’s time we talked about my health."

Yue Ling’s fingers tightened against her lap.

She had known this conversation would eventually happen.

It never did because they were so focused on Ji Jingxu’s recovery.

Still, hearing him say it made her chest ache.

"Yeye..."

The old man raised a hand.

"Let me finish first."

She pressed her lips together and nodded.

Grandfather Ji leaned back in his chair.

"I know you’re angry that I’ve kept it a secret from you. And I know I should have told you sooner."

He paused.

"But I didn’t want you to carry another burden."

Yue Ling lowered her eyes.

She remembered the day Ji Chu Hua had revealed his declining health to her.

It had been before Ji Jingxu’s kidnapping.

The news had struck her like a blow.

At first, she had refused to believe it.

Her grandfather had always seemed so strong. Even at his age, he remained the pillar of the Ji family, someone she had unconsciously believed would always be there.

Yet the truth was something entirely different.

She looked at him. Really looked at him.

For the first time, she noticed just how much age had caught up with her grandfather. The deep lines etched across his face, the weariness in his eyes, and the frailty he had tried so hard to conceal.

Her eyes filled with pain and guilt.

How had she failed to notice?

When had the man who had always stood so tall and strong become so fragile?

And how much had he suffered in silence while she remained unaware?

"Why didn’t you tell me?"

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Grandfather Ji looked at her with a pained smile.

"Because I knew what you would do."

Yue Ling could only stare at him in silence because it was the truth.

"You would put everything aside for me. Your work, your responsibilities, perhaps even your own happiness."

He said with a small smile, shaking his head.

"You’ve already endured too much, Ah Ling. I didn’t want you spending your days worrying about an old man."

"You’re not just an old man."

Her response came immediately.

Grandfather Ji fell silent.

Yue Ling’s eyes had begun to redden.

"You’re my yeye."

Her voice trembled.

"You’re my family. My only blood left."

The old man’s heart tightened when she choked back a sob on her last sentence.

He understood the meaning behind her words.

Although Ji Jingxu was her younger brother in every way that mattered, and she loved him as her own family, they did not share the same blood.

Yet that had never made him any less precious to her.

He reached across the desk and gently took her hand.

"I know, child."

"Then you should have told me."

A tear slipped down her cheek.

A tear she had been trying so hard to keep from falling.

"I would rather worry about you than find out from someone else that you’re sick."

Grandfather Ji lowered his eyes.

He knew she was right.

He had convinced himself that keeping his illness hidden was an act of protection.

But seeing the pain in her eyes, he understood that his silence had hurt her in a different way.

"I’m sorry, Ah Ling."

For a long moment, neither spoke.

Then Grandfather Ji released a heavy sigh.

"The doctors have done what they can. My condition has continued to decline, and at my age, there is only so much treatment can accomplish."

Yue Ling stared at him.

"How much time?"

He hesitated.

"Ah Ling..."

"Yeye, please."

Her voice trembled.

"How much time do you have left?"

Grandfather Ji looked at her for a long moment before finally answering.

"Not much."

The words were quiet.

Yet they struck her harder than anything else he could have said.

Yue Ling felt her chest tighten.

She had found out he was ill.

She had found out his condition was worsening.

But knowing and hearing him acknowledge that his remaining time was limited were two entirely different things.

Her vision blurred.

She quickly lowered her head, trying to regain control of her emotions.

Grandfather Ji watched her with aching eyes.

"This is also why I’ve been pushing you to take over Ji Corps."

Yue Ling slowly looked up.

The old man continued.

"I know you’ve never been particularly interested in managing the company. You have your own career and responsibilities, and I understand that."

He paused.

"Fate, H-International, An Qing, and De L’amour. Each one already demands so much of your time and attention."

He gave a faint, helpless smile.

"Sometimes, I wonder how you manage to oversee them all while still finding time to take care of everyone around you."

Yue Ling remained silent.

"To ask you to take on Ji Corps as well..."

He shook his head.

"I know I’m asking too much of you."

"Yeye, I—"

"Let me finish, child."

He gently squeezed her hand.

"I know it isn’t a small responsibility. Ji Corps has countless employees, subsidiaries, and business dealings that require constant attention. Adding it to everything you already oversee would only increase the burden on your shoulders."

His expression grew solemn.

"But Ji Corps is something I’ve spent most of my life building. I cannot bear to see it fall into the wrong hands after I’m gone."

Yue Ling understood what he meant.

"Ji Chu Hua."

Grandfather Ji nodded.

"That girl has never understood what it means to carry the responsibility of this family. Her ambitions are greater than her abilities, and I have seen enough of her behavior to know that I cannot entrust Ji Corps to her. Especially not after learning she was the one behind Jingxu’s kidnapping."

His gaze darkened.

"If she gains control, everything I’ve worked for could become nothing more than a means to satisfy her own desires."

At the mention of Ji Chu Hua, a cold glint flickered across Yue Ling’s eyes.

The image of her cousin standing beside Ji Jingxu’s hospital bed, pretending to be concerned, resurfaced in her mind.

The carefully arranged worry.

The false affection.

The audacity of standing before the very person she had helped place in danger.

Yue Ling’s fingers tightened.

Grandfather Ji did not notice.

"I’ve thought about this for a long time. I’ve considered other arrangements, but no matter how I look at it, you’re the only person I can trust to protect what this family has built."

He paused.

"Not simply because you’re capable, but because I know you would never use Ji Corps for selfish reasons."

Yue Ling looked down at their joined hands.

"So that’s why you kept asking me."

Grandfather Ji nodded.

"I wanted to make sure the company was in safe hands before I leave."

His voice softened.

"And there is no one I trust more than you."

Yue Ling’s lips trembled.

"Yeye..."

"Don’t misunderstand me, child. I don’t want you to feel obligated simply because I’m dying."

He gave her a faint smile.

"I only wanted you to understand why I’ve been so persistent."

Yue Ling lowered her head.

For years, she had thought her grandfather was simply being stubborn about the succession.

Now, she understood.

He had not been trying to force another responsibility onto her.

He had been trying to settle the future of the family before his time ran out.

And he had been doing it alone.