She headed straight for the dining room as she descended the stairs, and upon reaching the doorway, she saw everyone engrossed in eating. She stood at the entrance and greeted them, "Grandpa, Mom, I've arranged to go to school with a classmate for registration today. She called to say she's already on her way, so I'll be leaving first."
Having said that, she waved to everyone and turned to leave.
Lin Yanqin glanced at her, a calculating look flashing in her eyes, and spoke coldly, "This girl, when you get back later today, everyone will sit down together for breakfast to welcome your uncle home, are you that busy?"
It was clear she was trying to sow discord.
Everyone knew Grandfather valued Ji Chicheng the most, and this morning's breakfast was personally prepared by him after getting up early.
Everyone in the family was sitting there eating, except for her, which obviously meant she, as the niece-in-law, didn't value her uncle who had returned from abroad.
Suddenly labeled as someone who did not value her uncle, Ji Anning felt speechless; she had gone upstairs to change clothes with Grandfather's permission just earlier.
But she couldn't say this now, or else she would be accused of talking back to her aunt and disrespecting her elder.
She stood still, not saying a word.
Yang Yufang felt bad and wanted to explain for her, "Big..."
However, as she opened her mouth, before she could speak, a man's voice suddenly cut her off, "Big sister, are you excluding my fourth sister from our family now?"
The voice was clear and indifferent, emotionless.
Surprise crossed everyone's faces as they looked towards the owner of the voice, including Ji Anning.
Ji Chicheng was holding his knife and fork, leisurely cutting the freshly fried bacon, his attention entirely on the food on his plate.
It was as if he hadn't been the one to speak.
Ji Anning was slightly surprised and puzzled. Was her uncle helping her? Why?
Or was he merely stating a fact that their aunt, who was far away overseas, wasn't home, so today's meal couldn't be considered a gathering of the whole family.
Yes, that must have been his intention; it couldn't be to speak up for her.
Everyone was confused by Ji Chicheng's sudden intervention, when all of a sudden, the grandfather at the head seat spoke up, "Dinner will officially welcome Chicheng home."
His authority was absolute; once he spoke, no one dared to question any further.
Lin Yanqin had wanted to take revenge for her daughter, but with Ji Chicheng stepping in and Grandfather supporting Ji Anning, she begrudgingly let go of her intentions and glared at Ji Anning darkly, a vicious glint passing through her eyes.
There would be other days!
When one person is frustrated, another delights; with the grandfather backing Ji Anning, Yang Yufang was secretly pleased.
She put down her knife and fork, smiling slightly at Ji Anning, "Anning, won't you greet your uncle first?"