Volume 1, Chapter 27: You Cannot Mention That You Are Cheng Qian’s Husband

At the Ji residence, Cheng Qian was easily shown favor, with both the elder Mr. Ji and his son hovering around her. He Xue stomped her foot, her mood instantly souring.

In the second-floor study, Cheng Qian recounted what had occurred at Cheng Biologics.

Ji Nan was astonished. "Xiao Qian, are you saying that the new drug being researched by Cheng Biologics is intended to treat the condition of the Li CEO's younger brother?"

Cheng Qian nodded. "That's right. It was only because their drug showed results that they were able to secure tens of billions in investment from the Li Group."

Ji Nan adjusted his glasses, tapping his fingers lightly against the desk. "Xiao Qian, are you hoping to build upon this research to seek a new breakthrough? If we manage to find a treatment, would the Li CEO invest in us as well?"

Cheng Qian was taken aback. In truth, she wasn't seeking investment; she simply didn't want to see her mother-in-law suffer over this matter. Moreover, as a medical researcher, solving a complex medical mystery would be a validation in its own right.

Leaning nearby with his arms crossed, Ji Yichen watched Cheng Qian with his deep amber eyes, his expression lazy yet intrigued. He thought to himself, now that the conversation has reached this point, how much longer can she keep up the charade?

"Uncle Ji, even if we achieve a breakthrough, the Li family won't necessarily invest." Cheng Qian felt she was truly running out of ways to hide the truth.

Ji Nan said calmly, "We aren't currently lacking in funds; what we lack is technology."

Cheng Qian felt a sense of relief. Thankfully, Uncle Ji didn't press for the reason, and she took the opportunity to brush past it.

"Your parents halted this experiment years ago, which suggests the results weren't ideal back then. If you want to take it over and continue the research, I certainly support you." Ji Nan assumed that since technology had advanced and equipment was more sophisticated than it had been over a decade ago, Cheng Qian simply wanted to fulfill her parents' unfinished work and realize their wishes.

Ji Nan opened his computer and sent a file to Cheng Qian, then took several books on genetics and heredity from the shelf and handed them to her. "Xiao Qian, there have been many breakthroughs in genetic research. Work hard; perhaps you will see progress."

Holding the books, Cheng Qian felt the heavy weight of the responsibility on her shoulders. "Thank you for your help, Uncle Ji."

The books were heavy, so Ji Yichen immediately stepped forward. "Give them to me. I'll put them in your car for you."

"Thank you, Brother Yichen," Cheng Qian said gratefully.

Ji Nan had to head downstairs to attend to guests, so Ji Yichen carried the stack of books and followed Cheng Qian to her car. Cheng Qian opened the trunk, and as Ji Yichen stacked the books neatly, he rested one hand on the trunk door and looked down at her. "Why didn't you mention your marriage to Li Zhinan to my father?"

Cheng Qian said flatly, "There’s nothing to mention. Even if I did, it would only make Uncle Ji worry."

"Are you and your husband having problems?" Ji Yichen's sharp gaze had long since seen through everything.

Cheng Qian offered a bitter smile. "Brother Yichen, I don't consider you an outsider. I think I might be getting a divorce."

Ji Yichen's deep eyes flickered. "Oh," he said. "After the divorce, who gets the child?"

Cheng Qian’s fingers curled tightly. "I want to fight for custody, but it might be very difficult."

"Not just difficult—extremely difficult," Ji Yichen said, matter-of-factly. "First of all, he is a son, and the Li family has an entire legal team. If it goes to court, you have no chance of winning."

Cheng Qian’s pretty face turned pale; she knew, of course, how difficult it would be.

Ji Yichen smiled, joking, "Why not consider working on your relationship with him? That way, the child can have a complete family."

Cheng Qian was shocked at the suggestion. He had cheated; he was as filthy as trash. How could she ever have feelings for him?

"No matter how difficult it is, I will fight for him," Cheng Qian said, a spark of resolve in her clear eyes.

Ji Yichen asked with feigned coldness, "And if you can't win?"

Cheng Qian lowered her eyes. "I don't know. I haven't thought about it."

Ji Yichen watched her face, veiled in sorrow, looking fragile yet possessing an underlying strength. In the winter sunlight, she appeared pitiable.

As Cheng Qian walked back toward the living room, a deep male voice called out from behind her: "If you can't win, will you continue to live a life with him where you are together in body but apart in spirit?"

Cheng Qian stopped in her tracks and turned back to look at Ji Yichen. He was looking at her earnestly, waiting for her reply.

"Perhaps," Cheng Qian felt a throbbing in her head. The child was her Achilles' heel; she had already lost her parents, and she did not want to lose her child as well.

A shadow of gloom flickered across Ji Yichen's brow.

"Mr. Ji, lunch is ready," He Xue said, greeting them with a smile.

Ji Yichen said indifferently, "Thank you for your help. It’s truly a nuisance not having a woman in the house."

Upon hearing this, He Xue wondered if he was hinting that she had the potential to be the lady of the house. "Mr. Ji, I can do anything. If you need help around the house in the future, you can always come to me," she immediately offered.

Ji Yichen’s gaze suddenly shifted past He Xue to Cheng Qian, who had just entered the living room. "I hate to keep troubling you," he said distractedly.

With that, Ji Yichen strode into the living room with his long legs. He Xue did not miss the look Ji Yichen had just given Cheng Qian, and she felt a sense of alarm. Could it be that in Ji Yichen's eyes, Cheng Qian was the candidate for the future mistress of the house? Her heart was instantly filled with rage and jealousy. She glared at Cheng Qian with hatred, who was currently being seated beside Ji Nan.

He Xue was deeply worried. Ji Nan seemed to treat Cheng Qian like a daughter; if she wanted to marry into the Ji family as a daughter-in-law later, wouldn't it just be a matter of a single word from him?

"Cheng Qian, you are such an eyesore," He Xue thought, clenching her fists in annoyance.

At the amusement park, Li Zhinan stood by the slide, wearing a mask, watching his son play happily. He had brought his son since 8:30 in the morning, and after two hours, the little guy wasn't tired at all, though Li Zhinan’s own legs were aching from standing.

"Xiao Ye, shall we stop playing? Daddy will take you to have lunch," Li Zhinan gently coaxed.

"No!" the little boy refused, shaking his head.

Li Zhinan had no choice but to accompany him a while longer. Just then, Cheng Yan called.

"Zhinan, I’ve obtained Dr. Qiao’s itinerary. Are you free? Let’s meet him together," Cheng Yan asked, her voice filled with anxiety.

"I am currently... at an amusement park," Li Zhinan replied.

"Are you there alone with Xiao Ye?"

"Yes, Xiao Ye insisted on playing here, so I had no choice but to bring him." Li Zhinan sounded helpless.

"I’ll head over there. Send me the address," Cheng Yan said softly.

Half an hour later, Cheng Yan arrived with a bag of small toys. "Xiao Ye, my sweet baby, do you remember who I am?" she asked, approaching with a radiant smile.

"Mom... no, not Mommy." As the little boy recognized people, his intelligence was growing, so he was clear that the person in front of him was not his mother.

"I'm not Mommy. You can call me Auntie Yan Yan," Cheng Yan gently reminded him.

"Auntie Yan Yan..." Xiao Ye noticed the small toys in her hand and immediately cheered.

Cheng Yan seized the opportunity to pick him up. "How about Auntie takes you to eat something delicious? Would you like that?"

Xiao Ye nodded immediately. "Yes, please."

Seeing that his son was finally willing to leave the crowded area, Li Zhinan breathed a sigh of relief.

"Zhinan, let's talk in the car. This Dr. Qiao is highly accomplished in radiation therapy and genetic research, and he has also participated in the design and research of precision instruments. For our company, he is a rare and invaluable talent. Regardless of what it takes, we must recruit him," Cheng Yan’s gentle voice carried a tone of serious determination.

Li Zhinan nodded. "It seems we really need to recruit him properly. However, Ji Nan’s Seed Research Institute is coming on strong and is supported by several foreign medical firms. Will Dr. Qiao choose us?"

Cheng Yan was also worried about this. She frowned, analyzing the situation: "That’s why we must get a head start. But the argument my cousin had with him abroad will likely influence Dr. Qiao’s choice. He is a very proud man, and my cousin’s lack of tact during their argument will certainly have created a rift."

A flicker of concern crossed Li Zhinan's handsome face.

"So, you're saying I shouldn't mention that I'm married to Cheng Qian?" Li Zhinan said quietly.