A few minutes later, Ling Xi stood anxiously outside the study.
He took several deep breaths before working up the courage to knock. But the moment his knuckles touched the door, it swung open a crack on its own.
"Xiao Xi?"
Ji Shize's voice came from inside. Ling Xi cautiously pushed the door open. "Uncle Ji, it's me."
Ji Shize beckoned to him. "Come in."
Ling Xi closed the door behind him and walked over to the desk. "Uncle Ji, you're still up this late?"
Ji Shize looked at him with a meaningful smile. "I'm not the only one still awake."
Ling Xi missed his meaning and thought he was referring to him. "I was about to go to bed, but I hurried downstairs when I got your call."
Then he glanced uneasily at Ji Shize. "Uncle Ji, did you need something from me?"
Ji Shize noticed his tension and chuckled. "Sit down first."
Only after Ling Xi sat down did Ji Shize speak, unhurriedly. "How have you been getting along with Xiao Ting since you came back?"
The moment he finished speaking, Ling Xi gripped his own fingers. "I, I..."
"Don't be nervous. I'm not asking to blame you." Ji Shize paused, then simply changed his question. "How about this: tell me whether you've noticed any changes in the relationship between the brothers lately."
Ling Xi lowered his head slightly. Ji Yanzhi's cold, cutting words resurfaced in his mind, and he bit his lip.
"I think... his older brother has changed a lot."
"Oh?" Ji Shize grew interested. "How has he changed? Be specific."
Ling Xi raised his head, his sadness plain in his eyes. "I think his temper has been getting worse, and he's become more extreme. Even when he misunderstands someone, he won't let them explain. All