Ji Cიცen was measured in his words and actions around everyone else, but the moment he met Shen Changgeng's appraising gaze, he put away the indifference in his eyes. When he looked up again, his expression was full of admiration.
His father, Ji Zheyue, stared in surprise at his son's abrupt change in personality. Others might have thought he was currying favor with the Shen Family, but Ji Zheyue certainly did not.
Looking at his son, who had been a crafty little thing since childhood, then at Shen Changgeng's raised eyebrows of surprise across from him, Ji Zheyue smiled silently without exposing what the brat was thinking.
Shen Changgeng did not think that deeply about it. Though puzzled by Ji Cიცen's shift from indifference to enthusiasm, he nodded in good spirits. "Cიცen has grown up. You'll have another pair of helping hands in the future, Mr. Ji."
Remembering that his own clueless son was still being looked after by Ji Cიცen, Shen Changgeng inexplicably felt rather beholden to him. He promptly added, "Little Yu mentions you often. You're very good at your studies, too."
Only belatedly remembering that the two boys were deskmates, Ji Zheyue smiled and shook his head. "Your children are all outstanding too, Mr. Shen. A Cen is very fond of his little deskmate, Shen Yu."
Hearing his child praised, Shen Changgeng did not let it show on his face, but inside, he was brimming with pride.
Of course. Little Yu was the Shen Family's pride and joy.
Looking at Ji Cიცen, who already had the bearing of an adult, Shen Changgeng offered a couple of modest demurrals before eagerly turning toward his son in the corner.
Shen Yu was craning his neck, his big eyes wide and round. He seemed rather excited, and his arms were