Chapter 92

Ji An had never imagined that, when faced with something like this, he could actually endure it so well. Even though his anger was about to overwhelm his mind, he still held tightly to the last shred of rationality.

“Just to be safe, let’s do a paternity test.”

“Alright.”

The head of the Mu family agreed without hesitation and quickly had his assistant make the arrangements.

The results came out that very night—Ji An was indeed the Mu family head’s biological son.

Once it was confirmed that the woman who had been treated that way all those years ago was truly his biological mother, bloodshot veins surfaced in Ji An’s dark eyes. At that very moment, the Mu family head’s warm and kind voice rang out beside him.

“Why don’t you stay with us for now? Would that be alright?”

To the Mu family head, aside from Ji An’s natural talent, what he valued most were the connections he brought.

Whether it was Ji Chenbiao, who had risen rapidly in recent years, or Mr. Zhou, who now held a significant place in the jade market—both were people the Mu family head could only dream of befriending.

One had raised Ji An as a foster father, the other had watched over him as a godfather. Now that Ji An had returned to the Mu family, even if just for his sake, they would surely lend a hand. That would be enough to help the Mu family get through this tough time more smoothly.

“Alright.”

Ji An nodded and agreed—this was something he had already discussed with his dad.

But during dinner that evening, as soon as the Mu family’s young master came back from outside and saw Ji An, his expression immediately darkened. He glared at the Mu family head and demanded:

“Dad, who is he? Why did you bring him into our home? I hate him! Kick him out right now!”

He remembered clearly—this was the person who had embarrassed him so terribly in front of so many people. Even now, when he went out, people still laughed at him.

When the Mu family head heard his younger son’s spoiled outburst, he hurried over to calm him.

“Xiao Hao, be good. From today on, he’s your older brother. You two need to get along, understand?”

It was the first time the Mu family’s young master had been met with resistance. Furious, he glared at the air and was about to throw a tantrum.

“I don’t want some brother! Get him out of here, right now, Dad!”

The Mu family head glanced over at Ji An. Fortunately, this child was older and more mature—he hadn’t taken offense to Xiao Hao’s words.

Ji An calmly picked up a chicken wing with his chopsticks and placed it in his bowl, seriously gnawing at the meat.

His dad had taught him—no matter what happened or where he was, filling his stomach was always the most important thing.

“If you don’t make him leave, then I won’t eat!”

Hearing Xiao Hao’s yelling and sobbing, Ji An’s appetite only improved. He picked up another piece of fish, chewing slowly and gracefully—his every move reflecting the fine education he had received growing up.

The Mu family matriarch, seated at the head of the table, watched this scene with dimmed eyes. She set down her chopsticks and helped coax her younger son.

As she led Xiao Hao upstairs, the Mu family head initially wanted to follow and comfort him too. But he belatedly remembered that Ji An was still here, and this was his first dinner back. Leaving now would be a bit too much.

“Your little brother is spoiled by me. He’s a bit arrogant—don’t take it to heart.”

“He doesn’t dislike you, really. He’s just not ready to accept your return. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him. This is your home too, and no one can drive you away from here.”

Ji An gave a polite tug at the corners of his lips and replied with grace:

“Of course. I won’t take it to heart.”

The longer Ji An stayed in the Mu household, the more he missed his dad.

Even though his dad always liked to tease him and laugh when he got flustered, that dad was his and his alone.

Maybe it was because his life had been too happy before, but this was Ji An’s first taste of how cold and warm people could be.

If he truly cared about his biological parents, then being treated like this on his very first day back would have been crushing.

Thankfully, he didn’t care.

Back in his room, he took out his phone to let his dad know he was safe and told him not to worry. Then he slipped under the covers and had a good night’s sleep.

Ji An had never expected that human nature could be so dark.

To the Mu family head, both his mother and his younger self were like livestock in the household—something to be abandoned at any time.

Now that he was willing to take him back, it wasn’t out of guilt or conscience, but because he saw the potential benefits that Uncle Zhou and his dad could bring.

Even Ji An, who had grown up at his dad’s side and was well-acquainted with the complexities of human nature, felt a chill down his spine in this moment.

He had excellent daily habits and got up early the next morning.

Downstairs in the living room, the Mu family head was already sitting there with a tablet in hand, apparently dealing with work.

Before returning, Ji An had learned from Uncle Zhou that the Mu family’s current situation was dire. The tightly furrowed brows and serious face of the Mu family head made that perfectly clear.

“An’an, you’re up early. What do you like to eat? Tell the chef, treat this place like your own home.”

Ji An could clearly sense that the man’s attitude toward him had warmed up even more than before. With a faint smile on his face, Ji An replied:

“I usually like soup dumplings and congee. Some cold dishes on the side would be nice too.”

“Alright. Butler, have the chef prepare that.”

Since he was going to be staying here for a while, he might as well make himself comfortable.

During breakfast, Ji An didn’t see the younger master. He wasn’t sure if it was because of the tantrum or if the Mu family head was worried they might clash and had simply kept him upstairs.

Ji An slowly spooned congee into his mouth. His calm and composed demeanor actually made the Mu family head—sitting opposite him—start to feel uneasy first.

“An’an, now that you’re back, you might not know the full situation. Our family… honestly only looks good on the surface. Internally, there are a lot of problems.”

Any other newly acknowledged child, eager to win their father’s approval, would have immediately taken this chance to shoulder the burden and leave a good impression.

But Ji An didn’t. He simply took another sip of congee and replied unhurriedly:

“It’s alright. Even if our family can’t stay the way it is now, I won’t mind our circumstances. Don’t worry—once I grow up, I’ll take care of you.”

He curved his lips into a shy smile, looking like a perfectly ordinary child yearning for his father’s affection.

That line did move the Mu family head, but it wasn’t the answer he was hoping for. After clearing his throat, he continued:

“It makes me feel bad to have you come back only to suffer with me.”

“It’s fine. I won’t suffer. I still have my dad.”

There was no way he was going to suffer alongside the Mu family. Not with his dad around—not in this lifetime.

The Mu family head was momentarily stunned by Ji An’s reply. He seemed to realize that using too delicate a tone wouldn’t work with someone this age, so he finally laid his cards on the table.

“Your adoptive father’s doing really well in his business. And your godfather too. If they’re willing to lend a hand, then even though you’re back with us, your life can still be just as good.”

Ji An didn’t agree right away. Instead, he hesitated a little.

Sensing his reluctance, the Mu family head continued to persuade:

“For your dad and godfather, helping out would be no more than lifting a finger. It won’t affect their own businesses at all. But for our family, it would be a life-saving gesture.”

Ji An kept his head down and silently ate, not responding. At this moment, the head of the Mu family seemed to grow a little anxious and suddenly slapped the table, startling him.

Seeing the unease in Ji An’s eyes, the Mu family head realized his tone had been too harsh and quickly tried to make up for it:

“Dad didn’t mean to be fierce with you, it’s just that I’ve been overwhelmed with business matters lately. It’s been really chaotic.”

“You’re not mad at Dad because of this, right?”

Ji An moved his lips and finally gave a soft “mm.”

What he really wanted to refute was the term “Dad.” To An’an, the word “father” carried a sacred weight—not just anyone could claim it.

Compared to the biological confirmation of a father-son relationship, what mattered more to Ji An was the meaning behind that title.

A father should take on responsibilities during a child’s upbringing—not just contribute a sperm.

“An’an, Dad knows you’ve just come back and might not feel much of a connection to our family yet, but you have to understand, no matter what, this is your home.”

“Mm, I know.”

“Think about it carefully, okay? Best to decide soon. If things go well at home, it’ll be better for you too, don’t you think?”

The Mu family head had dropped his imposing manner and tried to look like a humble, pitiful old father—someone who needed his child’s help in his twilight years.

But Ji An didn’t believe a word of it. If the Mu family did well, he wouldn’t be the one benefiting the most. He might not even get a sip of the soup.

“But my dad said that if I dare return to this house, he’ll stop acknowledging me as his son. My godfather and my dad are close. Would they really help me?”

Ji An voiced this question with a tone of apparent worry. The Mu family head had never considered this as something he’d need to worry about.

He could understand that Ji Chenbiao wouldn’t be thrilled to see the son he raised all these years taken away. But he didn’t expect Ji Chenbiao to be so ruthless as to say something like that.

“You and your adoptive father have years of emotional bonds—there’s no way it’s really like that. Don’t worry.”

“If he gets angry about it, just tell him you’re only staying here temporarily. Although Dad would hate to see you go, he knows your adoptive father raising you all these years wasn’t easy either.”

To get Ji Chenbiao’s help, the Mu family head would stop at nothing—he was even willing to say things like this.

“After all, you’re not blood-related. If he’s a little heartless, that’s understandable. But I’m different. No matter what you do, as your father, I’ll always forgive you.”

Ji An didn’t reply. To show sincerity, the Mu family head even had the villa cleaned up for a grand welcome ceremony that evening to officially announce Ji An’s identity.

Ji An didn’t know the details, but what he did know was that the last time he beat that brat in a bet, the sore loser flipped a table—this time, he did it again when the Mu family head made the announcement.

At the banquet, Ji An saw his dad. He hadn’t had many emotional fluctuations in all these days, but the moment he saw his father, he suddenly felt extremely wronged. Pouting, he softly said:

“Dad… when can I go home?”

He didn’t like the Mu family—not even a little. No matter how luxurious and beautiful it looked, in Ji An’s heart, it didn’t even compare to that tiny house they used to live in.

“In at most a week, I’ll take you home.”

Maybe it was just something all parents do, but even though it hadn’t been that many days since he’d dropped him off here, Ji Chenbiao looked at his son and felt like he’d gotten thinner—like he’d been suffering.

“I don’t like it here. The way he looks at me, it’s all calculation.”

Ji An whispered that, and the funny thing was, that man really thought he was hiding it well.

Or maybe it was because Ji An was still so young that the man didn’t take him seriously—thought he was like any kid who could be won over with a piece of candy.

“You’ve suffered.”

After saying that, Ji Chenbiao noticed the Mu family head was looking their way and immediately switched to a sour expression, raising his voice slightly:

“Did you forget what you said before? Now that you’re back, don’t call me Dad anymore!”

As soon as the Mu family head heard that, he hurried over to smooth things over.

“Come on now, Boss Ji, you’re not that young anymore. Sure, you’ve done well in your career, but when it comes to being a father, you’ve still got a lot to learn.”

“Children are a lifelong debt. How can you disown your child over a small thing like this? I know you’re probably still upset about that incident, but don’t take it out on the kid.”

Ji Chenbiao almost laughed out loud. Him? Upset? Taking it out on his child?

Maybe he hadn’t done many things right in his life—he’d been a rebellious son, and he hadn’t protected his sister, who died so young. But when it came to being a father, his conscience was clear.

Ji An glanced at the Mu family head, then at his own dad. His conflicted and hesitant look made the Mu family head vaguely realize that his actions were putting the child in a very difficult position.

But he didn’t feel much pity—he was still thinking about how to achieve his goal as quickly as possible.

“An’an, I’m going to check on the guests. Have a good talk with your dad, okay? Don’t bottle things up. There’s no grudge between father and son that lasts overnight.”

After saying that, he gently pushed Ji An’s shoulder, nudging him toward Ji Chenbiao, then turned and walked away.

He was a father too, so he knew very well that in most cases, a parent couldn’t stay hard-hearted in front of their child.

And he had no qualms about using that parental instinct to manipulate another father.

After he left, Ji An and Ji Chenbiao went to the balcony. Ji An shrugged helplessly and asked:

“Dad, will you get married someday and give me a little brother or sister?”

These past few days at the Mu family, he’d had a taste of what it’s like to have a little brother. If he actually cared about any of it, he would’ve been so mad he could jump a few feet high.

At his age, Ji Chenbiao was already an old bachelor. He’d been too busy fixing things in the past to think about marriage, and even now that things were better, he still wasn’t thinking about it.

That said, it was something he’d probably consider in the future.

“I can’t give you a clear answer about marriage yet. But as for kids—no, you won’t have any little brothers or sisters.”

No matter how many years he’d lived in this mountain city, deep down Ji Chenbiao was still a man who’d walked out of a backward village.

He didn’t dream of marrying some young wife. He just wanted to find someone around his age to spend the rest of life with.

Having children at that age was risky—he couldn’t gamble his future wife’s life on the chance of having another child.

Besides, he already had a child. Dadan was his real son.

“You don’t like having a little brother or sister?”

“No, I don’t. The Mu family’s little brother is so annoying. He says annoying things and does annoying things. He yells all the time and has no manners.”

Ji Chenbiao could understand why Dadan acted the way he did. A kid who’d known since childhood that he wasn’t ordinary would definitely have a bigger temper than most.

Being full of himself from a young age—it would only hurt his growth.

But someone who only treats a child as a tool to be used could never truly care for them. Even the youngest son he claimed to dote on most openly—he only truly loved himself.

Before long, a servant came over to invite Ji An to join them, saying that the head of the Mu family wanted to introduce him to his business partners.

Ji An said goodbye to his father. For the sake of what Uncle Zhou had promised, even though he was extremely reluctant, he had no choice but to play along for now.

He had no emotional connection with the mother he had never spent a single day with, but she had brought him into this world. There was a bond and blood tie between them that couldn’t be cut off.

Uncle Zhou and his father didn’t have to take such a big risk to do this, but Ji An knew clearly how much of it was for his sake. That was all the more reason he couldn’t let them down.

In the past, Ji Chenbiao had always liked bringing his son along, letting him see the world during business dealings.

So when Ji An appeared on stage in a suit today, quite a few guests recognized him, and many started whispering below. They said the Mu family was unbelievably lucky—just as trouble hit, they managed to find such an outstanding illegitimate son.

Many who liked to watch drama were also eyeing Ji Chenbiao’s expression in the crowd.

They were curious—after raising a child for so many years, now that the child had reconnected with his biological father, how would Ji Chenbiao react?

He stood there, holding a wine glass and sipping with his head down, no trace of emotion on his face—in fact, he looked outright grim.

But when they thought about it, it was understandable. After all, he’d raised him for so many years.

What they didn’t know was whether, for the child’s sake, he would help the Mu family through this crisis.

The prominent families in Myanmar were strange—xenophobic on one hand, but also eager for internal conflict. Many were waiting for the Mu family to fall so they could grab a slice of the pie. Ultimately, it was all about profit.

Families that had survived here long tended to have some ties with each other, allowing them to maximize benefits.

If Ji Chenbiao had other children, people wouldn’t be having such strange thoughts now. But he didn’t—just this one, adopted and raised alone.

If Ji Chenbiao was willing to help, then Mr. Zhou—who had close ties with him—would likely step in too. If the Mu family could partner with both of them, any underhanded intentions from before would have to be shelved.

The Mu family head was feeling triumphant at the banquet, as if he could already see his glorious future ahead.

That night, back home, he even told the butler to prepare some gifts. Tomorrow, he planned to visit Ji Chenbiao with Ji An to express gratitude for raising the child all these years.

The next morning, the Mu family head arrived at the small villa Ji Chenbiao had bought in Myanmar, bringing Ji An and his youngest son with him. After setting down the gifts, he introduced:

“Boss Ji, this is my youngest son. Very well-behaved and obedient—he can already judge jade at such a young age.”

He was clearly very proud of that last bit. Ji Chenbiao gave only a brief glance before looking away.

Little Hao had always been adored wherever he went. This was the first time he’d been treated so indifferently, and he was immediately irritated, his brows furrowed and face sour.

Seeing this, the Mu family head gave his shoulder a slight push, face cold.

As his father still held some authority, even if Little Hao was unhappy, he didn’t dare show disrespect like before.

“Mm. So, is there something you came for today?”

Ji Chenbiao sat across from them as a servant came to pour tea. The Mu family head liked tea, and after taking a sip and realizing it was good, his smile grew wider.

“I just thought—you’ve worked so hard raising An An all these years. Out of gratitude and propriety, I should bring him along to thank you personally.”

“I know the bond between you two can’t be severed in a day or two. And since you don’t have any other children, I thought… we could keep the child’s surname the same, just let him continue taking your name.”

He said this as if he were making some major concession.

In Myanmar’s elite circles, allowing a child to keep the surname of someone with no blood relation was indeed quite the sacrifice.

But Ji Chenbiao didn’t react the way the Mu family head expected. As far as he was concerned, the boy should take his surname regardless of what anyone said.

For the sake of their plan, Ji Chenbiao didn’t show much disdain. He simply asked in a calm tone:

“So, what’s your condition?”

Businessmen talk straight. This was the line the Mu family head wanted to hear most. With a smile in his eyes, he replied slowly:

“Our Mu family has run into some trouble recently. If you’re willing to lend a hand, that would be ideal.”

“Just me?” Ji Chenbiao asked as he held his teacup.

The Mu family head smiled even wider and continued:

“If your friend is willing to help too, that would be even better.”

He might as well have just said directly: he wanted both Mr. Zhou and Ji Chenbiao to help.

“Boss Ji, you know I’m the boy’s biological father. No matter how many years you’ve raised him, it can’t compare to the bond of blood.”

When Ji An heard that, he nearly stood up in anger. Ji Chenbiao beat him to it, lightly kicking his leg under the table, signaling him to hold steady.

Ji Chenbiao knew what kind of person his son was.

If the boy he’d worked so hard to raise all these years could be swayed by a few words from his biological father, then he’d accept it, however bitterly.

Seeing the slight flush in Ji Chenbiao’s face, the Mu family head felt even more certain.

It seemed his guess had been right. Using this matter as leverage, Ji Chenbiao would surely agree.

“I can help you,” Ji Chenbiao said after a deep breath, feigning patience stretched to its limit. “But I can’t guarantee anything about Mr. Zhou. We’re just friends.”

The Mu family head knew when to stop pushing. Besides, his original goal had always been Ji Chenbiao.

Whether Mr. Zhou stepped in or not wouldn’t change the outcome. If he did, it would just be a welcome bonus.

“I have no ill will toward you, Boss Ji. I’m also truly grateful that you raised An An to this age. If possible, I hope we can get along well from now on.”

With the air of a victor, the Mu family head stood up, straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, then slightly bowed and extended his hand:

“Pleasure doing business.”

That smug expression made Ji An clench his fist tightly at his side, his lips trembling in anger—until he caught sight of his father.

Ji Chenbiao gave him a nearly imperceptible shake of the head. The Mu family head was extremely cautious. It wouldn’t be easy to fool him.

They’d worked hard to get this far. It was best to succeed this time, or he’d grow suspicious—and pulling it off later would be much harder.

“Well then, I’ll be taking my son home for now. Boss Ji, if you really miss the child, just let me know. I’m not an unreasonable man. I’ll let An An come stay with you for a few days.”

Having pulled this off, the Mu family head was clearly in high spirits—borderline arrogant.

Ji Chenbiao’s face darkened visibly. The boy he had raised now needed someone else’s permission just to “come home”? How could he not be angry?

Although he was angry, Ji Chenbiao still personally saw them off at the door. Before leaving, the Mu Family Head didn’t forget to finalize their cooperation.

“Boss Ji, about that collaboration—just wait a bit, my secretary will come see you tomorrow to go over the details. I’m sure you won’t let me down, right?”

Ji Chenbiao laughed in sheer frustration and replied,
“Of course.”

That evening, back at the Mu residence, the Mu Family Head had the butler prepare an extravagant dinner. Nearly everything on the table was what Ji An liked to eat, and he kept putting food on Ji An’s plate throughout the meal.

It was the first time Ji An had enjoyed such treatment since returning to the Mu household with the family head.

Xiao Hao was very upset that his father was treating someone else so well. After making a fuss, he ran upstairs crying. The nanny said he refused to eat anything out of spite.

But the Mu Family Head had no energy left to care about an unruly child today—his mind was consumed by the joy of his impending comeback.

“An’an, you’re truly Daddy’s little lucky star. It was the right choice to come back. In this world, there’s no bond stronger than blood, do you understand?”

“I do. In this world, only Daddy treats me the best.”

Ji An’s eyes were slightly lowered. His long, curled lashes gave him a pitiful look, softening even the heart of the Mu Family Head.

“It’s good you’ve come home. Don’t worry, I’ll treat you well. We’re a family. Your younger brother is capable and promising too. In the future, the two of you should help each other. That’s the only way to make the Mu family flourish, understand?”

The Mu Family Head seemed to be lost in his own fantasy, visibly emotional, as if he could already see the Mu family becoming the top clan in Myanmar under the hands of these two boys.

Ji An obediently nodded and responded softly,
“I understand.”

“Good boy.”

The next day, the Mu Family Head sent his assistant to discuss the cooperation with Ji Chenbiao—bringing Ji An along.

Calling it “cooperation” was putting it nicely. In truth, it was Ji Chenbiao—whose business was already thriving—being asked to prop up the collapsing Mu family. And the contract’s terms were heavily skewed in the Mu family’s favor.

Even Ji An, who had only observed a bit from being at his father’s side, could tell how unfair the so-called contract was.

After reading it, Ji Chenbiao slammed the contract down on the table, crossed one leg over the other, and asked with a careless smile,
“What’s this? You think I’m some kind of idiot?”

The assistant broke out in a cold sweat at those words. Forcing a stiff smile, he explained,
“This… this was personally arranged by our family head. I’m just following orders, so please don’t take it out on me.”

Of course he knew how lopsided the contract was. He’d agonized over it before leaving the office, wondering if he’d be kicked out as soon as he presented it to Boss Ji.

But he was just a regular employee—how could he dare question his boss?

Only when the family head handed him the newly reclaimed illegitimate son did he vaguely realize the plan: to use the child as leverage to pressure Boss Ji.

“Our family head hopes you can give an answer within three days, since we’re in a bit of a rush.”

“He also said… if you don’t respond in time, you might never see your son again in this lifetime.”

Even as he said it, the assistant found himself unable to lift his head.

Ji Chenbiao let out a laugh of disbelief, lit a cigarette, and said slowly,
“Your family head’s not afraid I’ll just refuse to recognize this son of mine?”

“He said… you wouldn’t do that.”

And he was right. Ji Chenbiao wouldn’t. That’s why the man had the audacity to exploit this point so shamelessly.

When Ji Chenbiao had discussed this with Mr. Zhou, he already knew—they were deliberately preying on human greed. Still, he hadn’t expected that greed could run this deep.

Disguised as a collaboration, they were really just clinging to him like parasites. No wonder Mr. Zhou had looked the way he did when Ji mentioned he might not help.

Indeed, there wouldn’t be a second sucker like him.

“Fine. I agree. Pass a message to your family head for me—whatever promises he made, I hope he keeps them.”

As Ji An was leaving, he gave his dad an “OK” sign behind his back.

They had finally reached this point. Not a second longer did he want to stay in that place!

After hearing the good news from his assistant, the Mu Family Head was so overjoyed he even got drunk celebrating. He just knew the heavens hadn’t forsaken him—he’d found a way out in his darkest hour!

Mr. Zhou had stayed in Myanmar the whole time and was stunned when he heard what happened, double- and triple-checking that someone could really be this greedy.

Once everything was confirmed, they proceeded with their prearranged plan.

The Mu Family Head had to provide an initial sum as seed money to launch a project, but afterward, it would be Ji Chenbiao who’d have to keep pouring money in—with almost zero return.

Worse yet, he was so greedy he thought he had complete control over the child. He didn’t leave himself any way out, laying out an enormous scheme.

Half a month into implementation, when Ji Chenbiao still hadn’t done what he’d promised, the Mu Family Head began to get anxious and invited him to the house.

Before he arrived, the Mu Family Head specifically spoke to Ji An.

“Son, Daddy knows you’re a good boy, so listen carefully, okay? If your dad refuses to agree, then you’ll threaten him with suicide.”

“Don’t worry, the hospital’s nearby. Daddy won’t really let you die—it’s just to scare him.”

When Ji An saw the madness in his eyes, he refused to believe his words. He seriously doubted that if the threat failed, this man wouldn’t actually want him dead.

But on the surface, he remained obedient, nodded, and said,
“Okay.”

Soon after, Ji Chenbiao arrived. He and the Mu Family Head immediately started arguing. After a while, the assistant brought Ji An in. The Mu Family Head gave him a look, signaling him to go through with their plan.

Ji An calmly walked over, sat down next to his father, crossed his legs, and asked with an innocent face,
“What are you looking at me for? Got a twitch in your eye?”