A Little Trick, the Scumbag Dad Can’t Hold the Knife After Understanding Love

Despite spitting it out promptly, the effects of the forty-proof alcohol still couldn't be underestimated.

Ji Nian practically slept like the dead, making up for all the exhaustion from her previous sleepless nights.

When she finally opened her eyes, she had no idea where she was.

The ceiling was completely unfamiliar, yet it carried a strange sense of familiarity.

She had no idea how long she'd slept, but when she slowly sat up, she realized she'd been changed into clean pajamas.

Once the haze in her vision cleared, she took a look around and realized—she was in the Ji Family's house.

And not just any room—it was her room.

But it wasn't the one she knew. This one hadn't been repainted or renovated. The cabinet filled with gifts from family and friends was missing, and the little chicken lamp Ji Tingzhou had made for her years ago wasn't tucked in the corner.

Though she didn't understand why she was in this room, Ji Nian quickly composed herself.

She hesitated slightly before opening the door.

After all, according to her original plan, she should have been staying in a hotel after her flight.

But just then, as if someone had calculated the exact moment she'd wake up, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," she responded instinctively.

For a fleeting second, Ji Nian thought the door would open to reveal the familiar figure she knew so well—someone who would gently smooth her messy hair with affection, carrying the comforting scent she always found solace in.

But the moment she saw an unfamiliar maid instead, the dazed expression on her face faded.

"You're awake."

The maid showed no surprise at Ji Nian's appearance, clearly having been briefed beforehand.

She led Ji Nian to the dining room for a meal.

Ji Nian had half-expected to run into Shen Qingtang, but there was no sign of her.

Hungry as she was, she didn't hesitate—she sat down and picked up her chopsticks without ceremony.

Once her stomach was satisfied, she turned to the maid and asked, "I'd like to see Mr. Ji. Do you know where he is?"

The maid nodded without another word and guided her there.

Ji Nian was led straight to Ji Tingzhou's study, where she found him not alone—Bruce and Zuo Yi were both present.

Compared to the Zuo Yi in her memories, this version of him looked noticeably older.

Clearly, the years of Ji Tingzhou's illness had taken their toll on him, with the burdens of managing the Ji Family weighing heavily.

When they saw Ji Nian, even though they'd seen photos beforehand, Bruce and Zuo Yi couldn't hide their astonishment.

One was shocked that the burns on her face had completely vanished in such a short time.

The other was stunned by how strikingly similar her features were to Ji Tingzhou's.

Ji Nian let them stare, casually waving at them.

Bruce's surprise quickly morphed into admiration—he must have already realized who was responsible for temporarily suppressing Ji Tingzhou's condition.

"Mr. Ji, there's something I need to discuss with you."

Hearing the formal address, Ji Tingzhou's eyelid twitched slightly.

"What, here to pay me back for the clothes?"

Ji Nian choked, remembering how she'd thrown up all over him earlier.

[Wasn't it you who made me puke?!]

You made me do it, and now you're complaining?

"I was just returning the alcohol to you," she retorted shamelessly.

Ji Tingzhou elegantly crossed his legs the other way, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. "And the cost of the liquor."

Ji Nian's eye twitched. "Do you have to pick a fight with me?"

He nodded, his gaze dripping with sarcasm. "Of course. After all, I'm not your father. Your father was nothing like me—just happens to share the same face."

Ji ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‍Nian: "……"

That line sounded way too familiar.

The other two exchanged glances, baffled by the cryptic exchange between what was clearly a father and daughter.

Given Ji Nian's past, they'd expected their relationship to be strained.

Yet now, it seemed oddly… close.

"Who's close with him/her?!"

The two of them snapped in unison, their identical emerald-green eyes—even the anger in them a perfect match—glaring at Bruce.

Bruce: "……"

Did I say that out loud?

Zuo Yi gave him a sympathetic nod.

His interruption, however, eased the tension.

Since he already knew, Ji Nian saw no point in hiding it. She looked straight at Ji Tingzhou. "I can't fully restore Wei Yang to how he was, but I can improve his current condition."

"I'll need to examine him up close."

At the mention of Wei Yang, Ji Tingzhou's cold demeanor faded into something more subdued.

After waking from the dream and realizing Ji Nian had somehow crossed over to this world, his first thought had been of Wei Yang.

Unlike himself, Wei Yang's condition fell squarely within Ji Nian's expertise.

"What do you want in return?"

Ji Tingzhou only considered it for a moment before agreeing.

He could disregard his own life, but not Wei Yang's.

Ji Nian had known he wouldn't refuse. Without hesitation, she rattled off an address.

Then, she handed him a drawing she'd made—a flower resembling a green plum blossom, yet distinctly different.

Bruce leaned in for a look.

"Huh, what kind of plant is this?"

Ji Nian explained, "It's artificially cultivated."

"You might find it at the address I just gave you."

Might being the operative word.

The differences between the two worlds were significant, and she wasn't sure if it still existed here.

Though she didn't know how Ji Tingzhou had learned about her abilities, she was betting he didn't know the exact ingredients she used for her medicines.

Sure enough, Ji Tingzhou showed no reaction to the drawing.

Still, he asked, "What do you need it for?"

With others present, Ji Nian kept it vague.

"Getting back depends on it."

Ji Tingzhou's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes.

"Your terms are accepted."

"Bruce, give her access to the lab. From now on, she'll oversee Wei Yang's treatment."

Bruce's blue eyes lit up like an excited husky's at the prospect of Ji Nian working in the lab.

A living, breathing genius among geniuses…

Though he only knew fragments about the situation in Country O, one thing was clear—this girl was anything but ordinary.

Why she'd hidden her abilities before wasn't his concern.

Bruce left to make preparations, and Zuo Yi followed.

Now, only Ji Tingzhou and Ji Nian remained in the room.

Ji Tingzhou studied her.

In the dream, he'd never seen her face, but he'd often heard people remark on their resemblance. He'd dismissed it as flattery meant to please that Ji Tingzhou.

But seeing her in Country O with his own eyes had made him realize just how exaggerated those claims of similarity truly were.

Even now, he still wasn't used to the child who shared the same face as him.

"Until Wei Yang's issue is resolved, you'll stay here."

Ji Nian nodded—that was only natural.

After a moment, she added, "In my room?"

Ji Tingzhou shot her a glance, as if asking, 'Where else?'