On their way home, Ji Shiyou and Ming Yue's car exploded, flames soaring into the sky, burning fiercely.
Because the road section was remote, with few passing vehicles and pedestrians, there wasn't even a single person to call for help.
Only a black Audi without license plates, parked in the distance, stopped.
Seeing the car in the inferno, already deformed and falling apart, it turned around and drove away.
"My dear grandson, my dear granddaughter-in-law!"
Three hours later, in the old Ji family mansion, an aged voice rang out.
It was Madam Ji. She had just received notification from the police.
They said that Ji Shiyou and Ming Yue's car had exploded, causing a fire.
They were burned to ashes, along with the car. The police had traced the traffic surveillance along the road, confirming it was Ji Shiyou's vehicle.
Based on the evidence at the scene, it was preliminarily judged that both had perished.
Upon receiving the call, Madam Ji immediately fainted. As soon as she woke up, she let out a wail.
"Mother, please accept your grief. Since it has happened, we must accept it.
The deceased are gone, and the living must carry on. We still need to handle the funeral arrangements for Xiaoyou and his wife.
After all, our Ji family is a prominent one.
Even though the bodies are burnt to nothing, the funeral must be conducted with splendor.
Please rest well, Mother. Leave these matters to Xiaogong to arrange.
Let him represent the Ji family in issuing the obituary, facing the media, and stabilizing the company.
However, you must give him a title so he can legitimately speak on behalf of the Ji family.
I think it would be best if you first convened a board meeting and announced Xiaogong as the successor to Xiaoyou, taking over as President of Ji's Group.
This way, he will have the proper authority, making things more convenient for him to handle and to properly arrange the funeral for Xiaoyou and Ming Yue."
Today, by a rare chance, all members of the Ji family were present. Even the elusive Ji Dechun had returned.
They were gathered around Madam Ji's bed. Zhao Xinning, with a look of grief, occasionally wiped her eyes.
She appeared to be heartbroken as she suggested to Madam Ji, her words seemingly reasonable.
"I'll beat you to death, you slut who talks nonsense! If you dare to speak another word, this old woman will tear your mouth apart.
My dear grandson has great fortune and a long life, and Ming Yue is even more of a lucky charm.
The police are only suspecting, do you understand?
They say there were no bodies of the two at the scene, which means they are not dead.
If you want to see them alive, you must see their bodies. Without bodies, they are not dead.
Don't think I don't know your little intentions. Perhaps this accident is related to you.
I'm going to the scene to find my dear grandson and my dear granddaughter-in-law. All of you, get out.
"Mother, look at what you're saying. I know you dote on your grandson and can't accept this, so you're speaking out of turn.
Xiaoyou is your grandson, and he is also my biological son. Who would harm him?
What Xinning just said is not wrong. The news of Xiaoyou's death in a car accident has already spread throughout the capital.
If you don't believe Xiaoyou is dead, then wait for the official investigation results from the police before holding the funeral.
But the company cannot wait. Someone must step up now to take over the company and stabilize the situation for the Ji family.
I don't have the ability, but Xiaogong does.
At this critical moment, it's time for him to do something for the Ji family."
Ji Dechun was called back by Zhao Xinning via phone after the old lady fainted.
Upon learning that Ji Shiyou and Ming Yue had perished in the fire, his first thought was: who would take over Ji's Group?
He was self-aware and knew his own limitations, recognizing himself as a freeloader.
When Old Master Ji passed away, his wife took over the company. After his wife died, his son took over.
Now that his son was dead, he thought of his other son. As long as it didn't interfere with his eating and drinking, it was fine.
Therefore, he strongly agreed with Zhao Xinning's words. The company must not collapse, otherwise, his good life would be gone.
"Villain, since when have you become so concerned about company matters?
Did someone instigate you to say this? The Ji family belongs to Xiaoyou and Ming Yue.
You wish to covet it? That's a fantasy.
This old woman tells you, you'd better pray that Xiaoyou and his wife are alright.
Otherwise, this old woman will donate the Ji family and not leave a single cent to you."
Madam Ji glanced sideways at her unpromising son, then looked disdainfully at Zhao Xinning, Ji Shigong, and He Ling standing by the bed.
She instinctively disliked these three, as she felt no familial connection with them.
"Old man, don't push your luck.
Now that your short-lived grandson and that country bumpkin are dead, and you're already halfway into the coffin,
if you cooperate, you can continue to live as Madam Ji for a few more years.
If you don't cooperate, we'll tell the outside world that you're old and couldn't handle the shock, and died of a sudden illness. No one will suspect a thing."
Madam Ji's words provoked Zhao Xinning, and her true colors were immediately revealed.
She walked towards Madam Ji on the bed fiercely, a vicious glint in her eyes.
"Zhao Xinning, what are you doing?"
Ji Dechun saw Zhao Xinning grab a pillow from the bed and press it towards Madam Ji's face.
He immediately realized what Zhao Xinning intended to do. Although he was dissolute, she was his own mother.
He instinctively rushed forward, pulling Zhao Xinning away.
He slapped her and shielded his mother behind him.
"Bitch, how dare you lay hands on my mother? Get out! From now on, you are no longer a member of the Ji family."
This was possibly the most manly moment of Ji Dechun's forty-odd years of life.
Even he felt how tall and imposing his image was.
Although he was a playboy, neither academically nor militarily accomplished,
he at least wouldn't disregard filial piety and watch his mother be murdered.
"Ji Dechun, think clearly. As long as this old immortal is alive, we will get nothing."
Zhao Xinning's left cheek swelled rapidly from the slap, but she still tried her best to persuade Ji Dechun.
"Shut up! She is my mother. No matter what, I cannot let anyone harm her.
I have not contributed a single effort to the Ji family's fortune.
Even if Mother donates everything and gives me not a cent, I have no complaints.
You venomous woman, I already told you, get out, quickly get out!"
Ji Dechun was not swayed. He cursed Zhao Xinning and drove her away.
"Ji Dechun, if you remain stubborn, don't blame me for being ruthless and not showing mercy.
Shigong, take action. Since he's opposing us, let's get rid of him too.
Then, you will be the sole heir of the Ji family, and no one will be able to contend with you for the Ji family's fortune!"
Seeing that Ji Dechun was not cooperating, Zhao Xinning hardened her heart and said with a sinister expression.
"You dare? You insidious bitch, instigating your son to kill his father.
I am his father. By doing this, you will make him unrighteous and lose his humanity.
Hahaha, Xiaogong, will you kill me? I am your biological father?"
Ji Dechun seemed to hear a huge joke. He looked at Ji Shigong and asked with a laugh.
However, his expression quickly changed, as Ji Shigong walked towards him with a sinister look.
His eyes held a beast-like glint. He couldn't believe that a son would attack his father in this world.
He cursed loudly, but his body, weakened by alcohol and women, was no match for the young and strong Ji Shigong.
He was subdued in a few moves, and Ji Shigong didn't just want to control him.
His strong hands clamped around his neck.
Zhao Xinning and her daughter-in-law also walked towards Madam Ji on the bed with sinister smiles.