Chapter Seventy-Five: Must Leave Something Behind

  It's been a while since the incident, and although Ji Xin'an is still heartbroken, life must go on. After a brief period of depression, Ji Xin'an forced herself to pick up the pieces, training and practicing her shooting every day as usual, with no noticeable impact on her studies. To outsiders, everything seemed back to normal.

  But outsiders are still outsiders, and one's own parents are different. Although they often work overtime and are not at home, they will always be in contact with each other. Ji Xin'an's abnormality was finally discovered by them.

  The two of them returned earlier than usual today, just for Ji Xinan's matter.

  After dinner, Ji Xin'an quietly returned to her room to read a book. Ji Liang gave An Chuhong a signal with his eyes, and An Chuhong nodded knowingly, went to the kitchen to wash some fruit, and brought it into Ji Xin'an's room.

  Ji Xin'an heard the sound and turned around to see the fruit in her mother's hand, feeling a warmth in her heart. However, she still spoke to her in a spoiled tone, "Mom, I'm not a kid anymore, if I want something, I'll take it myself."

  "You're still a kid in my eyes, no matter how big you get. Eat first, there's plenty of time to read." An Chuhong smiled and put the fruit plate on the table, casually handing an orange to Ji Xin'an.

  "Mom, you might be the only parent who doesn't let kids read books before eating fruit." Ji Xin'an put down the book in her hand and sat on the bed, making room for her mom to sit together.

  "One must strike a balance between work and rest, after all, one can't just do nothing but read books. Besides, I trust my own daughter, even if she doesn't study, she'll still be the first." An Chuhong said proudly, since Ji Xin'an entered junior high school, her academic performance had never worried her, and she had even helped the family earn a big house, compared to other children, she was considered excellent, but there were always areas that required parental concern.

  "It seems that if I don't get first place in the future, I would really be letting you down." Ji Xin'an said with a smile, although her mother was telling the truth, but being praised like this still made her feel embarrassed.

  "You don't have to feel pressured, Mom was just casually saying that. Getting first place or not isn't that important." An Chuhong was really afraid that Ji Xianan would feel stressed from now on, so she quickly explained. "Actually, no matter what you do, as long as you're happy, it's fine. Even if one day your studies aren't good, it doesn't matter. All roads lead to Rome, there isn't just this one road to success."

  "Mom, thank you. Having parents like you is my pride." Ji Xin'an was moved by her mother's tolerance, she knew that her mom wasn't just saying it casually. She herself had never been a good student in her past life, but her mom had never put too much pressure on her, telling her that she must achieve something, only asking her to do her best. After starting work, she also didn't demand anything from Ji Xin'an like other parents did, as long as Ji Xin'an was happy, that was enough.

  "Silly child. What's the point of thanking me? Your life is yours, after all. If you're not happy or joyful, what's the use of meeting our expectations?" An Chu Hong gently stroked Ji Xin An's hair with her hand, seeing that her emotions were still in check, before speaking in a gentle tone, "An An, Mom thinks she's not an authoritarian parent. Once we know you've done something that doesn't meet our standards, we'll resolutely oppose it. We've always communicated with you as friends. I just don't know if you're willing to talk to me as a friend?"

  Ji Xin'an felt a pang in her heart, not because her mother had discovered her secret, but because she felt guilty towards them. They trusted and supported her so much, yet whether it was in her past life or this one, she had caused them to worry a great deal.

  "But after listening to mom's words, I still feel that since she asked, I couldn't hide it anymore. "Mom, I...I broke up with Yao Wenhuang."

  "What's wrong, weren't you fine?" An Chuhong also felt a sense of surprise when she heard this. It was only half a year ago that Ji Xin'an had sworn to truly like that boy, and based on her understanding of Ji Xin'an, the situation at the time didn't seem fake.

  "It was fine before, but..." Ji Xin'an lowered her head, unsure of what to say. This was something she had fought for herself, and now it seemed like this was how he would tell her mother that they had broken up, with such an indecent reason. She had sworn that he only liked her, without any other intentions.

  "What's going on? It's normal for the two of them to have some disagreements." An Chuhong stopped smiling and looked at Ji Xin'an, finally understanding where her unease came from. Although she had always thought that Ji Xin'an was too young to be in a relationship, she really wanted Ji Xin'an to break up with him, but she also knew that since Ji Xin'an said she liked him, it must be true love, and she didn't want her daughter to get hurt.

  "It's not just a small quarrel, I always thought he liked me for who I am, not because of my identity or wealth. But it turns out, apart from these, he had other intentions, pursuing me for such a reason. I also thought that being with him was happy, albeit dull, and that he was trustworthy. Now, however, I find that he doesn't even have the most basic moral principles. Suddenly, this relationship seems laughable to me." Ji Xin'an's heart still hurts like a needle whenever she mentions this matter, although it has been some time since it happened. But bringing it up again is like pouring salt on an open wound; however, when the wound opens up again, it also means that it will heal soon.

  "An An, are you sure the problem has really become this serious? Is it not just you kids fooling around?" An Chuhong also furrowed her brow upon hearing this, never expecting that it would involve a matter of character. If it truly was like this, then there was nothing more to say.

  Ji Xin'an nodded and didn't say anything more. She didn't want An Chuhong to know too much, so she wouldn't suffer along with her.

  "If that's the case, then it's a matter of personal integrity and there's nothing more to say. But since you've already made up your mind, what's still bothering you? What's the point of worrying about it every day? Are you thinking of getting back together with him?" An Chuhong could see that Ji Xin'an was not just simply heartbroken, but also deeply perplexed.

  "Of course not, things have already turned out this way, how could I still be with him? I just feel like I was really stupid. When you and dad opposed it at the time, I told you that I wanted a relationship without any external factors, saying he was the one who truly cared about me. In order to avoid regret in the future, I accepted him. You asked me to break up with him but I didn't agree back then. Now thinking about it, I really regret it."

  Ji Xin An really felt like she was stupid enough, a person already in her thirties. She had actually fallen for such a simple scheme and was so invested, if not for knowing the truth now, perhaps she would still be living like this.

  "An An, this is your first love. First loves are the most beautiful things in life, when you were together at first. We actually already guessed that you wouldn't be together for long, and my husband and I didn't strongly oppose it like other parents did. It was also as you said, we didn't want to leave any regrets in your life. Now even though you've broken up, you should have already experienced the beauty of love, so just treat your first love as a beautiful memory in your life." An Chu Hong didn't think she would be entangled with these thoughts, but she could understand Ji Xin An's feelings - having truly invested emotions for the first time and ending up with this result, no one could accept it.

  "I also thought that we would break up, maybe because of different ideals and eventually separate, or maybe because of various contradictions. In the end, we parted ways after a fight, but I never thought that we would part ways in such a situation." Ji Xin'an didn't expect her parents to think so much for her, leaning into her mother's arms, silently crying.

  "Now, now, it's pointless to dwell on why you broke up. Since you've already broken up, everything should look forward from here. If you really want to think about it, I don't believe the time you spent together was only this, there must have been some beautiful moments, take those as your only memories of your first love, forget the unpleasant ones, that way you'll truly do what you said, without any regrets." An Chu Hong gently patted Ji Xin An's back while smiling and comforting her, knowing she'd be fine after crying it out.

  "Uh-huh, I understand." Ji Xin'an nodded vigorously in An Chuhong's arms, "Mom, it's great to have you. After hearing what you said, I feel much better. You say I'm very sensible, and yet I still make you worry at my age." Ji Xin'an suddenly felt a pang of guilt towards them. Although this life was more affluent than the previous one in terms of economy, but in other aspects, she still caused them trouble.

  "It's only right that mom worries about you." An Chu Hong saw that Ji Xin An had taken her words to heart and also let out a sigh of relief. She was really afraid that Ji Xin An would think irrationally, because this matter would only lead to more sadness and wasn't worth it.

  "Mom, don't worry, I've let it go. I won't be sad about this thing again." Ji Xin'an lifted her head and wiped away the tears on her face. She had really let go. Actually, she herself understood these things, but just couldn't think clearly for a moment, and only lacked a way to vent. Now she had truly let go.

  An Chu Hong nodded in relief, and the matter was finally over.

  After talking to her mother, Ji Xin'an finally opened up and her life returned to normal. She couldn't always be so hung up on that one thing and look so heartbroken, which would only worry her family and make herself miserable.

  Ji Xin'an found that after choosing the science class, although the science classes in the second year of high school were not as easy to get good grades as the liberal arts classes, they were also not a difficult task for Ji Xin'an now.

  While ensuring that her studies were not neglected, Ji Xin'an spent most of her time designing 'Utopia' and often went back and forth between construction sites.

  If according to Ji Xianan's personality, these things she would have thrown to others and wouldn't do them herself, after all they are not her favorite things, always having to distinguish between primary and secondary.

  But after entering the second year of high school, she felt that time was pressing, and there were only two years left before taking the college entrance examination. Once she left, it would be impossible to have this opportunity again, so in this matter, she showed her unusual diligence.

  Moreover, she also wants to prove herself in this matter, and has been busy for several years. These things were just talked about or started by her but handed over to others, and there was never a thing that she personally completed or led.

  Now at least this project is planned by her, she wants to see it grow all the way and finally hand it over to others after completion, which will also give a sense of accomplishment.

  Moreover, Ji Xin'an has always wanted to wait until the construction is completed and then develop villas here, so that her parents can move in. She designed this place with great care, turning the foul ditch of years ago into the most beautiful place in the city.

  Ji Xin'an is now fully devoted to this matter, and whenever she suddenly comes up with inspiration, no matter what time it is, she will go to discuss with Zheng Fei. Zheng Fei is also a workaholic. He follows her completely, no matter what time it is, as long as it's about the project, he'll be there at her beck and call.

  Besides Zheng Fei, Song Jiangliang was the happiest about Ji Xin'an's performance. He understood her best and had a hard time getting her to write two songs in the first place.

  When I first came to the construction site to check on the progress, I bumped into Ji Xin'an and was surprised for a moment. "An An, this is truly a rare sight, you lazy ghost actually taking the initiative to come and help?"

  Ji Xin'an burst out laughing after hearing this, it seems that what he had done before was indeed correct. Song Jiangliang still had some resentment, "I didn't realize my mistake earlier, so I came to make contributions to the company, hoping you can forgive me."

  "I know I was wrong before, and it's not hard for you to forgive me. If you want my forgiveness, then don't stay here, there's Manager Zheng covering for you, with or without you, it doesn't make a difference. Come back to the company with me and write a few more songs, coincidentally, our new artist next month is still missing one song for their album, you are much more important there than here." Song Jiangliang had always admired her songwriting skills, of course, he wouldn't let go of any opportunity, if Ji Xin'an could write a few more songs, it would be like picking up money.

  Before Ji Xin'an could express her opinion, Zheng Fei was already fed up. "Who says she's not needed here? She's our chief designer now, and I've already emptied my brain of all the ideas I had. If we want to come up with something new and surprising, it's all up to Ji Xin'an now. If you take her away, I'll stop working." Looking at Zheng Fei's expression, if Song Jiangliang really took Ji Xin'an away, he might just fight him to the death.

  "It's not that serious, isn't everything already planned out? If Ji Xin'an returns to the company and writes a couple of songs, and helps launch a few new artists, then I'll be able to increase investment for you. You want to expand the mountain villa, don't you? It'll be easy then." Song Jiangliang saw Zheng Fei come out in opposition, knew he couldn't force the issue, and could only use sweet talk, even resorting to bribery.

  "No need, I have enough money now and I don't want to expand anymore. What I lack is creativity, especially Chi Xin'an's creativity." Zheng Fei glared at him, refusing his bribe, not giving in an inch, determined not to let him go.

  "You two can stop arguing, Song Ge. I won't go to the company anymore. I only know those few songs, and now my talent is exhausted. Even if you want me to write more, I won't be able to come up with anything. The company is already on the right track, so it's not like they still need a half-baked composer like me.

  Besides, this 'Peach Garden' project was my idea, and I want to participate in the entire plan. At least when I leave, I can see what it looks like in the end, or if it really succeeds later on, I can bring people here and tell them that I also participated in the design of 'Peach Garden'.

  Ji Xin'an smiled as he looked at the bustling construction site before him. This was the most meaningful thing he had done since his rebirth. Compared to copying a few songs, this was on a completely different level. If it succeeds later on, who knows if it will change history."

  "Are you leaving?" Both of them looked at Ji Xin'an in surprise and asked simultaneously, then glanced at each other and spoke together: "Where are you going?"

  "It's leaving, but not now. In two years, I'll be graduating from high school and won't I have to leave then?" Ji Xin'an smiled lightly, intentionally speaking ambiguously to mislead others.

  "Hey, you scared me. Isn't it just going to college, using a few years of time? Look at you now, still just a high school student, and you already have this kind of career. Going to college is just a formality for you, are you still going to take a diploma and look for work everywhere?" Song Jiang let out a sigh of relief in her heart, what she said earlier really did scare her. Although now Ji Xin'an's role in the company isn't very big, he still plans to wait until Ji Xin'an graduates before publicly revealing her and Zou Ze's identities and making a comeback.

  "After going to college, I may really have to leave and even if I come back, I won't stay for long. At that time, where I go will not be up to me." To be honest, Ji Xin'an still can't bear to part with everything here, but since the decision has been made, there's no use regretting it, so she came here to do everything one last time, and when the time comes to leave again, there won't be any regrets.

  "Why, it's already developed so well here, aren't you satisfied? Want to change places and start again? Where do you want to go, I'll help you." Zheng Fei also knew that Ji Xin'an had shares here, so he was even more surprised. However, he admired Ji Xin'an very much, and surprisingly didn't even ask where she wanted to go before offering to follow her together.

  "This probably won't work. I've already decided to take the military academy exam, and once I become a soldier, how can you help me? And when the time comes, it's up to the troops to assign me where to go. I'll have to go wherever they send me, and it won't be easy to come back." Ji Xin'an mentioned these things and smiled again, now this is the only thing that can make her happy.

  "When are you going to come back? How can that be, this company has your shares. And this place, don't you care about it anymore?" Song Jiang almost jumped up. If it were really like she said, Qi wouldn't be able to return until he retired. That would take many years, and such a large company would have to be left in the hands of one person to manage, and his plans couldn't possibly come true. If he just went back to university, people might not forget An Xin's name after a few years, but after so many years, even if she agreed to return to the Jianghu later, everyone would have long forgotten who she was.

  "Of course, it's all up to you now. Later on, I'll just have to collect my dividends and that's it. I've heard that a soldier's salary is very low, so my future life will be relying on you." Ji Xin'an said pitifully. What she said was the truth, she had already gradually gotten used to high consumption. The army's meager salary would not be enough for her to spend, and if she were to change her habits, it would really be a bit unbearable. But with these shares as a foundation, thinking about the future life, it can achieve ideals and have so much money to spend, such a life is truly perfect.

  "You're really something... It seems you've already calculated everything, and it seems I'm destined to be eaten to death by you." Song Jiang Liang looked at her with a helpless expression, it seemed he was destined to have a life of hard labor.

  "Hehe, when I leave, I'll make sure everything is arranged properly. And Zou Ze won't be joining the army; he's going to take the music academy exam. By then, you'll have another talented artist under your wing, which should be enough to heal your wounded heart." Ji Xin'an looked at Song Jiangliang with a knowing glance, aware of what he was thinking. She herself wouldn't be able to return to the entertainment industry, so she could only package Zou Ze and sell him to Song Jiangliang.

  "This is still a consolation prize, but you can't be a soldier for life. As long as the company doesn't go bankrupt, I'll wait for you. Sooner or later, I'll make you a top-notch singer. Don't worry if people will remember or not, I believe that with your talent and my promotion and packaging, it's definitely going to work." Song Jiangliang still felt that she was wasting her gift and talent by not being a singer.

  "Alright, if one day I really come back, I'll definitely let you help me release a few more albums, and make China red again." Ji Xin'an just said it casually, her aspirations were not in this area, so she wasn't too concerned about it, but who can predict what will happen?

  Song Jiang could only smile bitterly. Although he said so, he didn't know when it would be possible to go, but seeing Ji Xian's persistence, he couldn't oppose it anymore.

  Zheng Fei, who had not interrupted the conversation, smiled complacently. "An An, don't worry, two years is enough time for us to build this place into the best tourist destination together."

  "Of course, this is our goal." Ji Xin'an said confidently.

  "No matter if you go to college or join the army, you'll always come back, right? We'll leave the best room for you, and whenever you return, you can stay there." Zheng Fei said with a smile, this time it wasn't a joke, but a promise. From then on, no matter how full 'Paradise' was or whether it was peak season, the only room on the top floor of the villa would never be rented out to guests, regardless of how many people came or how much money or power they had, it was reserved for one person alone.

  Ji Xin'an smiled and stopped talking, just looking expectantly at the construction site in front of her, thinking about what it would look like when it was finished.