"That Ji Xi..."
Ji Nian rinsed her mouth, forcibly suppressing her thoughts before organizing them again.
[He’s very likely also a product of technology.]
That’s why the data inside him was so abnormal.
Still, Ji Nian felt something was off—it didn’t seem that simple.
"Why didn’t you mention this earlier?"
She wiped the water from her lips and stepped out.
System: […………Forgot.]
None of this had appeared in the original novel. It was something the author had mentioned while discussing the character Ji Tingzhou. The system, having spent too much time with Ji Nian—days filled with eating, drinking, and watching dramas—had grown sluggish in retrieving information.
"Do you know what butterflies love doing most in the air?"
System: [?]
Ji Nian smirked coldly. "Fluttering."
System: […………]
Though she hadn’t actually gagged, Ji Nian still felt a bit nauseated and decided to go downstairs for some juice.
But as soon as the elevator doors opened, she ran into Zhiliao.
Her expression was as indifferent as ever, though upon closer inspection, she seemed exhausted. Only when her gaze landed on Ji Nian did it soften slightly.
This time, however, before either could speak, Zhiliao’s eyes flickered downward, pausing as if she’d noticed something.
Confused, Ji Nian followed her gaze and looked down.
The first thing that caught her eye was the white sock soaked in blood.
A crimson line trailed down the pale curve of her leg, staining the fabric a vivid red.
Ji Nian belatedly looked up, meeting Zhiliao’s gentle smile. Her voice was soft, carrying a faint note of joy as she said, "Congratulations, Ji Nian. You’ve gotten your period."
Ji Nian let out a small "Hmm."
Then, beaming, she rushed forward and hugged Zhiliao.
Zhiliao embraced the girl, patting her back as she asked if she felt any discomfort.
Ji Nian shook her head. "No, I’m fine."
Back in her room, Ji Nian changed her clothes while Zhiliao fetched sanitary pads for her.
Bending down, Zhiliao explained in a quiet voice how to use them properly and shared other important things to keep in mind during menstruation.
Some of it Ji Nian already knew; some she didn’t.
Watching Zhiliao’s tender expression, Ji Nian was suddenly reminded of her past life.
Back then, she’d been twelve. At school, her stomach had cramped unexpectedly, and she’d thought she needed the bathroom. But when she pulled down her pants, all she saw was red. The sight had terrified young Ji Nian—she’d thought she was dying.
No matter how mature or composed she was, she’d still been just a child. Alone in the stall, she hadn’t been able to hold back her tears.
Eventually, an older girl had heard her crying and, after learning what happened, gathered her friends to patiently teach Ji Nian how to use a pad. They reassured her that this wasn’t a fatal illness but a normal part of growing up.
Later, Ji Nian realized why some of her classmates had started whispering in secretive little groups.
‘Are you still wearing training bras?’
‘Have you gotten yours yet?’
‘Why haven’t I started developing? Is something wrong with me?’
‘Don’t worry, my mom says girls develop anytime between ten and eighteen. You’re normal.’
Back then, long separated from her birth mother, Ji Nian had only listened in confusion, not understanding what they were talking about.
Ji Nian swung her legs lightly.
Now, she didn’t envy them anymore. Long before this, her school had held health classes, and the family doctor had given her an early rundown.
Besides, there was no need for shame or fear about menstruation.
Because there would always be someone happy for your growth, ready to guide you through it all.
"We should throw a celebration, Zhiliao-jie. Now, Dad has to come back, right?"
Ji Nian grinned mischievously.
When Shen Qingtang had gotten her first period, they’d called the whole family together to celebrate.
Now that it was Ji Nian’s turn, Ji Tingzhou had no excuse not to return.
Zhiliao nodded firmly. "Yes, I’ll make the arrangements. It’ll be lively."
Before leaving, she suddenly reached out and ruffled Ji Nian’s hair, murmuring, "No matter what happens, we’ll protect you. Don’t be afraid."
"Do whatever you want—boldly."
Ji Nian blinked.
For a moment, it felt like Zhiliao had seen right through her. But in the next instant, her expression was flawless again, as if the exhaustion Ji Nian had glimpsed earlier had been an illusion.
If this was how the Ji family bloodline was, then wasn’t it only natural that Ji Tingzhou—who’d inherited most of it without any genetic screening before birth—had hidden issues?
Ji Nian even wondered:
Had he already known something would go wrong someday? Was that why, over the years, he’d grown increasingly inactive, focusing more on his health?
She didn’t dare dwell on it...
News of Ji Nian’s first period spread quickly through the Ji household. The staff congratulated her with smiles, and those close to her even prepared small gifts.
Shen Qingtang, who’d been away at a convention, flew back immediately, chatting excitedly with Ji Nian for ages before boarding her plane.
That evening, Lu Jinghuai called with updates on her investigation.
"Yu Miao—after graduating from St. Blue Psychiatric Medical Institute ten years ago, he became a private physician for a certain influential figure."
"According to my sources, he was recently spotted buying an iced Americano at Café 24 on Yangzhou Road."
Coincidentally, that was right along the route to the Ji family estate. Sёarch* The NovelZone.fun website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
"You’re saying my father hired him?"
At the mention of "psychiatric," Ji Nian sat up in bed, still holding her dog, and raised an eyebrow.
Maybe she’d guessed right after all.
...
"Mr. Ji, there’s a young man surnamed Ji here to see you."
The stewardess mustered her courage and called Ji Tingzhou.
Having just vented his rage, leaving the room in shambles, Ji Tingzhou sat with his head bowed, one hand pressed to his temple as if his skull might split open at any moment. His eyes were bloodshot, making it hard to tell if he’d even registered the voice in his ear.
The enormous house stood empty.
After smashing the walls to pieces and realizing his self-control was slipping further, Ji Tingzhou—horrified to find his bloodlust now overpowered even his obsessive cleanliness—had ordered everyone to leave.
"Mr. Ji?"
The stewardess called again, softer this time.
She knew something of what went on here. The occasional violent crashes often startled her.
But since this was a therapeutic retreat, it wasn’t unheard of for the owner to have… issues. Her job was just to keep the staff’s mouths shut.
"Tell him to get lost."
Just as she thought he wouldn’t answer, the earpiece transmitted the man’s voice—slightly deeper than usual, but otherwise perfectly calm.