Chapter 223

“Is she your disciple? The adopted daughter of the Jing family?”

Ross's Father watched Jing Yi being interviewed on the news. Having just won second place in the GT Super Cup, Jing Yi piqued his curiosity.

But what intrigued him even more was her identity as the adopted daughter of the Jing family.

Ross focused intently on the interview, his eyes brimming with amusement. “She’s a friend, not a disciple.”

Meanwhile, the reporter in the news asked Jing Yi about her relationship with Ross.

On the screen, Jing Yi smiled confidently, her dimples deepening on one side, making her look particularly charming.

“Our relationship? There are quite a few—friends, mentor, champion and runner-up. You can pick one.”

The mention of their final relationship left many reporters with sour expressions.

The GT Super Cup’s champion had always been from their country. Now, the second-place spot was suddenly occupied by Jing Yi, a female race car driver from Hua Country, who seemed eager to take the top position.

Many of the reporters were hardcore fans of Ross.

But seeing the Jing family members standing behind Jing Yi, and recalling Ross’s long-standing support for her, the reporters suppressed their urge to stir up trouble.

Ross's Father turned to his son, his sharp eyes gleaming.

Was this the “not a disciple” his son had mentioned?

Like Ross, Ross's Father had light blue eyes, though his were sharper and more calculating.

He suddenly said, “Have you taken a liking to her?”

If Ross were to marry her, it wouldn’t be a bad deal. The Jing family, Hengjing—no matter how he looked at it, his family wouldn’t lose out.

Ross’s expression darkened instantly. He smiled, regaining his usual elegance. His deep, affectionate gaze met his father’s, his lips curling into a charming smile.

“Father, you must know about her relationship with the CEO of Huarui Group.” So there’s no need to test me.

Ross’s lips curved upward. “That trick isn’t very clever.” Ross's Father snorted, his brows furrowing slightly, as if he found the whole thing distasteful. “Stop looking at me with that gaze. It’s disgusting!”

Ross’s smile grew even more pronounced, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mockery.

He leaned back, tapping his fingers idly on the sofa.

“Dear Father, instead of being disgusted by my gaze, perhaps you should worry about the market share Huarui has taken from us.”

Ever since Huarui Group got a new CEO, they’ve been unstoppable. While his family’s focus is on insurance and finance, they’ve still been affected—and not in a good way.

Ross's Father’s face remained stern as he stared at Jing Yi on the screen. “When will you fulfill your promise?”

Ross lounged lazily on the sofa. “I’ve said it before—I’ll take over the family business when I lose. And I haven’t lost yet.”

“Besides, you have several other sons, don’t you?”

Ross's Father’s lips pressed into a thin line. “They can’t compare to you. You’re my son.”

He had many sons, but only this one had brought in enough profit for the company and been groomed for the role for long enough.

He was his best heir!

Ross raised an eyebrow, his light blue eyes filled with even more affection. “Father, I’m truly touched.” Ross's Father’s brows furrowed even deeper. “Ross, what exactly are you dissatisfied with?”

Finding ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‍the conversation pointless, Ross averted his gaze and glanced at his watch, then stood up to straighten his sleeves.

His tone was devoid of emotion. “Father, you’re still young. I’ll step down and take over the company when the time comes.”

“But not now.”

Ross's Father finally seemed less displeased. Ross had never broken his promises, but there were still some things he needed to address. “Stay away from Henry and those like him. Don’t get involved with them.”

He had said this many times. He believed Ross was a smart man, and as a smart heir, he should know how to maximize his own interests.

But when it came to Henry and his ilk, his son always seemed to make poor decisions.

Ross’s light blue eyes sharpened momentarily before softening into a tender expression.

“Father, Jing doesn’t inherit the family business either.”

Yet his father had just suggested a marriage between them, all with that “for your own good” expression that was so infuriating.

Jing once said that he looked this way even when looking at a trash can. Didn’t his father know that?

Ross's Father was caught off guard by his son’s defense of those who had no claim to the family inheritance. His light blue eyes flashed with anger.

“But her background is the Jing family! Hengjing Group! And she’s connected to Shen Huaichu!”

Jing Yi’s identity was lacking, to say the least. Their family valued bloodlines above all else. Even if the Jing family was wealthy and prestigious, her status as an adopted daughter still made her a questionable match.

But her boyfriend was Shen Huaichu, and that changed things. Rumor had it that Shen Huaichu was deeply infatuated with her, implying he truly loved her.

If they could secure a relationship with her now, what better way to take down Huarui Group?

Besides, Ross had never been one to care much about relationships. What was he playing at now?

Ross chuckled, his light blue eyes sparkling with impatience. He said coolly, “Father, you’re really not interesting to talk to.”

“If you want me to take over the family business, stop bringing up such topics. I’m not in the mood.”

Henry, Jing—they were his friends. Hadn’t he already told his father that?

Why did he have to repeat himself so many times?

Ross's Father was furious. “You!”

Ross calmly cut him off. “If you’re dissatisfied with me, feel free to choose another heir to groom.”

His brothers would surely be eager to take over.

Ross's Father was livid but knew that none of his illegitimate sons could outsmart Ross. Besides, the CEO of Hengjing Group seemed to hold Jing Yi in high regard.

Given Ross’s connection to the Jing family’s adopted daughter, he couldn’t afford to let go of him.

Ross smiled mockingly, his light blue eyes still brimming with affection.

“So, Father, can you stop bringing this up?”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The phone rang, and Ross picked it up without answering immediately. He had to bid farewell to his dear father first.

“That’s it then. Don’t worry, Father, I’ll step down soon. I’m already tired of it. Also, don’t contact me this month. I’m a bit busy.”

Before his father could erupt in anger, Ross strode out of the white villa, not looking back.

He answered the phone. “Hello, Henry.”

Henry’s energetic voice came through the line. “Ross, get ready! We’re meeting at our usual spot. Jing finally shook off those pesky reporters!”

Ross’s lips curved upward, his light blue eyes looking particularly beautiful as some of the coldness around him dissipated.

“Alright, see you at the usual place.”