A Little Trick, the Scumbag Dad Can't Hold the Knife After Understanding Love-Chapter 289

After the meeting concluded, nearly everyone's face bore exhaustion, yet their eyes gleamed with an almost feverish intensity, as if injected with adrenaline.

Manager Huang observed their expressions and thought it was perfectly normal.

Every person present had been a standout among their peers in their youth—pride was only natural.

But humans are most vulnerable to comparison. Even if you don’t consciously dwell on it, every failure inevitably brings to mind that one person who outshines you.

And in those unconscious moments of self-measurement, confidence is gradually worn away, until you can no longer stand back up.

If a simple meeting like today’s could crush someone, then this industry really wasn’t for them.

"Was everything just now a dream…?"

The person beside him promptly pinched his arm and adjusted his glasses coolly. "No."

Though his tone sounded composed, his gaze was equally dazed.

"Then what on earth was that? No matter how you look at it, it’s just too unbelievable… How old did the boss say she was again? Fourteen?!"

"Yeah, still a middle schooler. Didn’t you see her uniform?"

"She must’ve memorized a script or been coached by the big boss beforehand. If that was all improvised, I might as well quit life."

"Obviously, this isn’t some novel. But even so, having that kind of presence and eloquence at her age is insane."

"If I could be young again, I’d want to be like that. New brains really do work better."

"Am I the only one who noticed how much she looks like the big boss? Especially her eyes—I couldn’t even meet her gaze. And her speaking style was eerily similar too."

As the team’s chatter veered into dangerous territory, Yang Huayu cleared her throat.

Instant silence.

Scanning their faces, Yang Huayu mused that, for now, the boss’s daughter didn’t seem like the kind of troublemaker often seen in other companies.

Ji Nian’s performance had been surprising, but not shocking.

She’d seen geniuses before.

Miss Ji was certainly no ordinary child—no surprise, given she was Ji Tingzhou’s daughter.

But genius was as far as it went.

The real monster she’d encountered was that kid who’d concocted miraculous potions at a young age.

...

"Take care, Miss."

Manager Huang watched Ji Nian stride away, her steps quick and her face showing no trace of fatigue. Truly a child prodigy—still energetic after the meeting, rushing back to class.

The moment the car door closed, Ji Nian’s posture collapsed, and she sprawled across the seat. "I’m exhausted…"

Today’s meeting wasn’t her only goal.

Though she was Ji Tingzhou’s daughter, Ji Nian knew many dismissed her due to her age.

With Ji Tingzhou overseeing things, she didn’t need to handle everything personally. But this time, she’d come to assert her authority—to ensure her words carried weight, not brushed off as a child’s whims.

Wei Yang leaned over from the front seat and patted her head affectionately. "You did great."

He handed her a pack of shrimp crackers as a reward for juggling school and business at her age.

"The boss already took over—why does he still make you handle things?"

Ji Nian shook her head weakly. "Cut him some slack. He’s just desperate to retire."

After dropping her off at school, Wei Yang watched her disappear inside. Just as he turned to leave, his casual gaze sharpened like a hawk’s, locking onto a spot down the street.

But the intersection he stared at was empty.

Frowning, he signaled the others in the car. They swiftly moved to investigate.

...

Exams were approaching, and the classroom’s usual lax atmosphere had tightened. freewēbnoveℓ.com

He Xiang glanced worriedly at Ji Nian in front of him.

In class, she was laser-focused. The second the bell rang, she’d collapse onto her desk, breathing evenly, undisturbed even by the warning bell. Yet the moment class started, she’d snap awake, eyes fixed on the teacher.

She must be exhausted, rushing back just before afternoon classes.

As He Xiang stood, he noticed his deskmate, Lu Jinghuai, was also napping.

Slacking off before exams.

Ji ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‍Nian’s deskmate was absent, so He Xiang didn’t take the seat. Instead, he took her cup and brewed her some tea.

Even geniuses got tired. His grandmother used to make him rock tea when he was sleepy. But now that she was ill, he had to brew his own.

The moment the bell rang, Ji Nian jolted awake like a wind-up toy.

Her returning deskmate stared in awe.

Now that was impressive.

Ji Nian noticed her cup had been moved. Lifting it, she found it full, the aroma of tea wafting up.

She took a grateful sip and turned to He Xiang at the back.

The moment she looked his way, he reacted, watching as she mouthed, "Thanks."

Fueled by his tea, Ji Nian mustered the energy to approach Lu Jinghuai after school.

Under their classmates’ curious stares, the two walked off together.

Shen Qingtang couldn’t help but glance at He Xiang.

"Little Crown Prince’s dad and Ji Nian’s dad are old business partners. I overheard them talking about work stuff."

He Xiang remained expressionless. The afternoon light cast gold across his sharp features but couldn’t penetrate the depth of his eyes.

"If he can help her, that’s good."

Shen Qingtang winced.

Oh, He Xiang. That’s such a second-lead thing to say.

At least he didn’t seem aware of his own feelings. Maybe he’d grow out of it.

Gu Xiuyuan was the same—she’d thought he’d end up liking Ji Nian, but over time, his feelings had somehow morphed into fatherly concern.

"Hopeless."

Gu Xiuyuan, still in the student council, rubbed his nose.

"Who’s talking about me…?"

...

This negotiation went smoother. Ji Nian had brought her team, and Lu Jinghuai’s people had just arrived in China that afternoon. They’d planned to rest at the hotel and talk tomorrow, but they insisted on meeting immediately.

Yang Huayu and the lead from the Lu side exchanged bright, practiced smiles.

Ji Nian knew they were old rivals.

Every collaboration, these two teams faced off.

Because of that, Ji Nian didn’t bring her usual commanding presence, leaving it all to Yang Huayu.

Lu Jinghuai stayed silent too, letting the two sides duel with veiled hostility.

Just as the Lu team gained an edge over Yang Huayu, they turned to see their young master peeling shrimp for Ji Nian.

"……"

Ji Nian was a little embarrassed.

She’d been listening intently to the discussion when a piece of shrimp suddenly appeared at her lips.

Well, she couldn’t resist.