In the study.

When Grandpa Ji saw Ji Fuling, he pulled her aside and asked, "Fuling, can you tell Grandpa where you've been these past five years? I didn't ask you before when you were at the other courtyard, since Lao Ye and the others were there."

"Grandpa, actually I've been abroad for the past few years..."

Ji Fuling selectively recounted her experiences over the past five years, but did not mention the existence of the three children.

She didn't want the three children to appear in the Ji family for the time being, lest Ji Xinqi find out and go so far as to harm the children.

"Grandpa's health wasn't good. He got so agitated back then that he ended up in the hospital. Otherwise, you wouldn't have suffered so much and been living away from home for so many years..."

When talking about these things, Grandpa Ji felt heartbroken, feeling that he owed his granddaughter a lot.

He sighed and patted his granddaughter's hand. "Fuling, why don't you move back in? That way, Grandpa can see you more often."

"Grandpa, I live closer to my workplace now, so I won't move back. I'll come back to visit you often, and you can call me if you miss me."

Hearing Ji Fuling say this, Grandpa Ji didn't insist any further.

After chatting for a while, the grandfather and grandson decided it was time for the old man to rest.

After helping the old man lie down on the bed, Ji Fuling said goodbye and left.

Just as she stepped out of the Ji family's gate, she suddenly received a call from an unknown number.

After hesitating for a moment, Ji Fuling answered the call.

"Hello, may I ask who this is?"

"Fuling, is it really you? You've really come back to Yuncheng?"

A high-pitched female voice came from the phone.

Ji Fuling felt the voice sounded somewhat familiar, but couldn't quite place it. "Who are you?"

"It's me, Xia Yan! You've forgotten all your good friends after all these years? We used to play together every day!"

Xia Yan?

Ji Fuling then remembered who this person was, and a sarcastic smile suddenly appeared on her lips.

"Oh, it's Xia Yan. I'm sorry, we haven't been in touch for years, so I didn't recognize you at first."

"It's okay, it's okay."

Xia Yan spoke in a very generous tone, then changed the subject, "By the way, Fuling, some of my old friends heard you're back and want to see you and throw you a welcome-back dinner. I wonder if you have time now?"

Thinking of those so-called friends, Ji Fuling only felt ridiculous.

She naively thought those people were sincere towards her back then, but now, looking back, she realizes they were just hypocrites like Ji Xinqi.

On the surface, they treat her very well, but in reality, it's all for their own benefit. In their hearts, they would rather see her suffer and be unhappy.

Five years ago, when she called these people for help, they all avoided her and were eager to sever ties with her. Now they call her a good friend. Do they really think she's still as easy to fool as she was back then?

And how did Xia Yan find out so quickly after she just got back, and even have her phone number?

She absolutely refused to believe that no one had played a part in this!

But it's good to go and see; she's quite curious to see what kind of tricks these people can pull!

Ji Fuling sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. She said to Xia Yan on the other end of the phone, "You want to give me a welcome dinner, right? I happen to have some time. Give me your location, and I'll be there now."

"We're at a newly opened bar called Meise. I'll send you the address. Come on over, we're waiting for you!"

Hiding to the side, Ji Xinqi watched as Ji Fuling finished her call and put away her phone, a smug smile creeping onto her face.

Ji Fuling, it seems you haven't changed much since then, still so easily fooled!

This time, I want to see you die with my own eyes!

Meise Bar.

Ji Fuling arrived here twenty minutes later.

The bar was brightly lit, and music filled the air.

Xia Yan and the others sat around a booth near the corner.

The group kept glancing towards the door, waiting for Ji Fuling's arrival.

"Hey! Did you guys see that? That woman is so beautiful! Her face is stunning, and her figure is amazing too. She's practically my dream goddess!"

"You know what, this woman is really beautiful. When did such a beauty appear in our Yuncheng? I, the beauty magnet, didn't even know!"

"Wait a minute, why does that woman look so familiar?"

"She must be Ji Fuling!!"

Hearing her companion's words, Xia Yan turned her head sharply and saw a stunning figure walking gracefully from the doorway.

She looked closely and realized that the person was indeed Ji Fuling!

In fact, Ji Fuling has always been very beautiful. It's just that she used to have a gentle personality, and that carefree and innocent nature made her beauty non-threatening.

She still looks the same as she did back then, but her temperament is completely different. The natural charm in her every move, and the aloofness in her eyes, unconsciously draw people's attention.

Seeing how the once naive and easily deceived Ji Fuling had transformed into such a radiant woman, Xia Yan felt an intense surge of jealousy.

She turned and glared at her companions who were still chattering about Ji Fuling's beauty, and said irritably, "Have you said enough? Don't forget the plan for later. If you mess this up, let's see how you explain it to Xinqi!"

Upon hearing this, the others shut their mouths and all expressed their willingness to cooperate.

They were unaware that Ye Yunhong intended to break off his engagement with Ji Xinqi and were hoping to use Ji Xinqi to climb the social ladder and gain favor with the Ye family, so naturally they wouldn't disobey Ji Xinqi's orders.

As soon as Ji Fuling approached the booth, Xia Yan immediately changed her expression, smiling broadly as she stood up to greet her, affectionately pulling Ji Fuling along, "Fuling, it's been so long! We've all missed you so much!"

Ji Fuling dodged her hand, went straight to an empty seat, and greeted the others without showing any emotion, "Everyone, it's been a long time..."