After the Breakup, My Ex-Boyfriend’s "White Moonlight" Became Obsessed With Me - Chapter 13
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- After the Breakup, My Ex-Boyfriend’s "White Moonlight" Became Obsessed With Me
- Chapter 13 - I Misjudged Him
He Ran could not stand He Yu’s flamboyant behavior, so he simply chose to ignore him. Picking up a glass of wine from a waiter’s tray, he began making casual small talk with several CEOs who had come over to greet him.
Before long, another small commotion broke out behind him. He Ran turned around to look.
It was Yin Zheng.
Yin Zheng was still dressed in a white suit today, though the style was slightly more casual. His long hair was tied back with a simple pale green ribbon, resting naturally over his chest. This unique look quickly drew everyone’s attention. Those who did not recognize him huddled together and whispered, while those who did stepped forward to strike up a conversation.
He Ran took only one look before withdrawing his gaze.
Among the group He Ran was with, a plump middle-aged man spoke up. “The Yin family has been making quite a stir lately.”
A shorter man added, “Haven’t they? I heard they have acquired several companies in a row. They are really riding a wave of momentum right now.”
Another tall, thin man remarked, “Years ago, their family was a prominent, high-ranking clan in Jinghai. Later, they moved their headquarters to the United States. It has only been a few years; how are they back already?”
A man with stubble on his chin sneered, “What else could it be? They probably could not cut it abroad anymore.”
The tall, thin man frowned. “Lower your voice. He is coming over.”
Just as He Ran was listening with interest, a hand unexpectedly landed on his shoulder. He reflexively turned around and found himself face-to-face with a man whose complexion was as fair as jade.
The owner of that face was beaming with smiles. “It has been a few days, President He. You are looking as sharp as ever!”
He Ran brushed his hand off and replied coolly, “Likewise.”
Yin Zheng continued to smile. He glanced at the others nearby and asked, “What are you all chatting about so happily? Tell me too, so I can share in the joy.”
The tall, thin man quickly chuckled and replied, “Oh, it is nothing. Just some idle gossip, haha.”
The plump middle-aged man chimed in, “I have long heard that the eldest young master of the Yin family was a man of great talent. Seeing you today, you truly are young, capable, and of extraordinary character!”
The shorter man followed suit. “Indeed, indeed! President Yin, let me toast to you. If there is a chance, let us cooperate and make a fortune together.”
Yin Zheng pursed his lips and smiled thinly. “Easy to say, easy to say!”
Only the man with the stubble looked pale and remained silent since Yin Zheng’s arrival. Yin Zheng gave him a fleeting glance out of the corner of his eye. Though he did not say a word, it sent a chill through the man’s entire body.
At that moment, the man deeply regretted his earlier comment. Given his status, he absolutely could not afford to offend Yin Zheng. Although the Yin family’s main base was still overseas, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. As long as their foundation in Jinghai remained, a comeback was only a matter of time. Only those with narrow vision would speak insolently at a time like this.
After a few more rounds of flattery, the group made excuses and slipped away, fearing Yin Zheng might settle scores later. In an instant, only He Ran and Yin Zheng were left.
He Ran had no intention of reminiscing and was about to leave when his arm was grabbed. He said calmly, “Let go.”
Yin Zheng smiled and teased, “Do you really want to avoid me that much?”
“I think I made myself very clear the other day.”
Yin Zheng countered, “Yes, you made yourself clear. But I did not agree to it!”
“You” He Ran looked at him speechlessly, seemingly surprised by how thick-skinned he was.
Yin Zheng continued, “Besides, there are no irreconcilable conflicts between us. Why must you always avoid me like I am the plague, President He?”
“No irreconcilable conflicts? You have the nerve to say that?” He Ran asked in disbelief.
Yin Zheng took a sip of his wine and finally told him the truth. “I have no relationship with Ji Yang at all. If I had to put a label on it, we are just childhood playmates.”
He Ran sneered, “You expect me to believe that?”
Yin Zheng shrugged. “Believe it or not, I have no reason to lie.”
“If that is the case, why did Ji Yang not explain himself to me at Linfeng Villa that day? And I clearly saw on his clothes” He stopped mid-sentence.
Yin Zheng seemed to know what he was thinking. His eyes flashed with a hint of mischief. “Oh? If you are referring to his clothes being stained, that was just yogurt I accidentally spilled.”
He Ran was stunned. “Are you telling the truth?” His brow furrowed. “Did I misjudge him?”
“That is not necessarily true.” Yin Zheng smiled, his voice warm and gentle. “But you will have to ask him that yourself.”
He Ran pondered for a moment and was about to head out when Yin Zheng stepped forward to block him. “Are you sure you want to leave now?” He tilted his chin, signaling He Ran to look behind him.
Following his gaze, He Ran saw a spirited elderly man slowly descending the spiral staircase, supported by several people. It was Jin Zhengxiong, the patriarch of Fount Investment, accompanied by his children and grandchildren.
Jin Zhengxiong was eighty years old today, and this banquet was held specifically for his 80th birthday. Since the guest of honor had appeared, it would be inappropriate to leave now. He Ran pushed Yin Zheng aside and stepped forward with the crowd to offer his greetings.
Jin Zhengxiong belonged to his grandfather’s generation. He had served in the military in his youth and entered the business world after retiring due to an injury. In those days, he was a formidable figure in Jinghai whom no one dared to cross. As he aged, he handed the company over to his sons and retired from the business scene. Perhaps because he had been away for so long, his intimidating aura had softened, replaced by the kindliness of an elder.
Jin Zhengxiong had been talking to several executives. When he spotted He Ran, he smiled and said, “Xiao Ran is here too? I have not seen you in quite a while.”
He Ran replied with a smile, “Happy birthday, Grandpa Jin! How has your health been lately? It was my fault for not visiting sooner; I hope you will not hold it against me.”
“It is the thought that counts.” Jin Zhengxiong teased, “My health is perfectly fine. There is no need for you youngsters to worry about me every day.” Then he asked, “By the way, how is your elder brother doing abroad?”
He Ran replied, “Brother is doing well. He called me a few days ago to remind me that your birthday was coming up and told me not to forget to come and wish you well.”
“You are all filial children. Unlike my own sons and grandsons, who only know how to make me angry all day.”
Jin Zhengxiong’s eldest son, Jin Jiarong, supported his arm and laughingly protested, “Dad, you are wronging us. When have we ever made you angry?”
His five-year-old grandson, Jin Heyu, pouted unhappily. “Grandpa is lying. You said Heyu is the most obedient.”
Jin Zhengxiong quickly leaned over to pinch the boy’s cheek, smiling dotingly. “Yes, yes, our Heyu is the most obedient. Grandpa was not talking about you; I was talking about your father.”
The second son, Jin Jiaming, complained, “I have been wronged! When did I upset you?”
Jin Zhengxiong huffed, “Hmph, I am talking about you. You upset me every day. Take this birthday banquet, for example; I told you not to throw one, but you insisted. You do not listen at all.”
Beside them, Jin Jiarong nodded with a smile. “Yes, yes, whatever you say is right, Dad.”
The other grandchildren were all smiling as well. Only Jin Jiaming looked dejected.
He Ran intervened, “This is all out of the filial respect from my uncles. Grandpa Jin, do not misjudge them.”
Jin Zhengxiong glanced at his second son, a smile appearing on his face as he nodded. “Well, I suppose they are quite filial.”
Jin Zhengxiong was only speaking in jest; he knew his own family best. Although they were a large household, they lived in harmony. Fathers were kind and sons were filial. They lacked the scheming and infighting found in other prominent families.