Ji Changmin, an experienced businessman, knew only too well that delays could spell trouble. So, after a brief reshuffle of the company's internal affairs, he immediately held a press conference.
"Welcome, everyone, to this press conference of the Ji Group. There are two main things to address today. First, the Ji Group is far from bankrupt. Our company's capital flow is perfectly normal. It was just some people making unfounded speculations and exaggerating the situation."
A sharp - tongued journalist immediately asked, "Are you implying that the reports from major financial media recently were all wrong?"
Ji Changmin deflected the question smoothly, "I'm not really sure about those reports. But sometimes, the truth can get distorted as it spreads."
Another journalist inquired, "Then what's the second thing you mentioned, Mr. Ji?"
Ji Changmin smiled slightly and said firmly, "The second and most important thing is that Ji Xiaoli is my daughter. As a father, I will defend her honor to the death. I will hold accountable every act of injustice against my daughter, including but not limited to online slurs and insults. The legal department of the Ji Group is always on standby."
A journalist with ill intentions remarked, "Are you saying that anyone who goes against your daughter is a bad person?"
This was a tricky question. If Ji Changmin agreed, he would surely push Ji Xiaoli into the spotlight. If he disagreed, it would be like slapping himself in the face.
Ji Changmin remained calm, "Sir, please pay attention to my previous statement. I only said that I would hold accountable every unjust act. As a father, isn't this what I should do?"
The journalist tried to pick more faults, "Since you protect your daughter so much, what's your take on the rumor that your daughter is a kept woman?"
Ji Changmin was taken aback.
What kept - woman rumor? He really hadn't heard of it.
He had been so busy with work that he had no time to pay attention to his daughter's gossip.
But Ji Changmin reacted quickly. In front of the cameras, he spoke in an official and cautious tone, "If it's true, I will respect an adult's private life. If it's false..."
Boss Ji just smiled without saying a word, and a cold glint flashed behind his glasses.
If anyone dared to spread rumors about his daughter behind her back, they'd better watch out.
Even so, after the press conference, Ji Changmin couldn't help but take out his phone and search for news about his daughter.
He was shocked by what he found.
Ji Changmin discovered that Ji Xiaoli had been on the hot - search list so many times. She was practically a hot - search regular.
The two most popular topics were one about her keeping a rich second - generation playboy and the other about her alleged affairs with a young actor.
Ji Changmin's hand trembled as he scrolled down...
Ji Xiaoli was deeply touched after watching the edited replay of the press conference today.
Ji Changmin's implicit protection in his words made her feel the mountain - like love of a father.
So, after finishing her work at the company, she rushed home immediately.
But when she got home, she noticed that Ji Changmin seemed hesitant to say something.
Ji Xiaoli's heart skipped a beat. "Dad, what's wrong?"
His stare made her a bit nervous.
It felt like being caught having a puppy - love by her parents.
As it turned out, her premonition was right.
Ji Changmin sighed, "Xiaoli, I know I shouldn't meddle, but..."
Ji Xiaoli had a bad feeling.
There was always a twist after every "but".
"But young people should know how to be moderate," Ji Changmin adjusted his glasses. "Dad understands that you young people have your own ideas, but it's better to keep your love life simple."
Ji Xiaoli finally understood. Her dad must have seen her gossip news somewhere and was starting to act like a worried father.
She explained with a mixture of amusement and helplessness, "Dad, those news are all fake. Your daughter is still single."
Ji Changmin was still skeptical and added, "Don't worry, Dad is not a prude. If you really like a few people, our Ji family can afford to support them."
It would be better if it could be kept a bit more low - key, though.
Hearing this, Ji Xiaoli was speechless.
This sounded so familiar.
Her mom seemed to have said the same thing. Truly, birds of a feather flock together. Their thinking was so in sync in this regard.
"Dad, you're overthinking. I really have nothing going on with Zheng Nanfeng and the others."
Just then, the door suddenly opened.
Wei Yanlan came in with Zheng Nanfeng. "You two are both here. Perfect. I ran into Nanfeng on the way today. Let him have dinner with us."
Zheng Nanfeng called out obediently, "Uncle," and then kept looking at Ji Xiaoli longingly.
Ji Xiaoli had a bad feeling. She turned around and, as expected, caught her father's look.
See, you said there's nothing between you two.
Ji Xiaoli thought, Fine, now I can't clear my name even if I jump into the Yellow River.
...
Maybe because of this, after dinner, Wei Yanlan and her husband insisted that Ji Xiaoli see Zheng Nanfeng off.
Ji Xiaoli was confused. "Why do I have to see him off?"
Am I not your precious daughter anymore?
And he lives just across the street. What's there to see off?
Wei Yanlan gave a gentle but firm smile. "Xiaoli, he's our guest. Just help us see the guest off."
With that, she pushed the two out of the door.
Ji Xiaoli had no choice but to go out with Zheng Nanfeng.
Since his confession, Zheng Nanfeng had been a bit of a handful.
He always tried to hold her hand or give her a kiss.
At first, Ji Xiaoli would firmly reject him, but as time went by, she just ignored him.
The same thing happened today. As soon as they stepped out of the door, Zheng Nanfeng naturally took her hand.
Ji Xiaoli said, "Fine, I'm too lazy to scold you."
If she did, Zheng Nanfeng would surely give her that shameless, accusing look.
They walked quietly to Zheng Nanfeng's door. Ji Xiaoli said calmly, "Okay, I'll go back now."
Zheng Nanfeng suddenly said, "Wait!"
Ji Xiaoli was puzzled. "Huh?"
Before she could react, Zheng Nanfeng cupped her face and kissed her.
Ji Xiaoli's pupils dilated. She was about to explode.
Zheng Nanfeng was experienced. He quickly pulled back and retreated to a safe distance, showing his big white teeth with a smile.
"A goodbye kiss. See you, Xiaoli!"
Ji Xiaoli thought, Oh my god, this guy is getting more and more of a hooligan.
She wiped her mouth hard and then went home helplessly.
She was used to it anyway.
What she didn't notice was that there were several people standing beside the bushes not far away.
And coincidentally, someone instinctively took a photo of the moment she was force - kissed.
Ji Xiaoli didn't know at this moment that this photo would put her on the hot - search list again.