Non-Humans Want to Fall in Love Too [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 19

“This flower does not suit you”

Seeing that the crowd around Shi Yan had thinned out, Father Ji and Old Cheng approached together. When the young man saw the two coming, a polite, faint smile appeared on his face. However, his gaze paused abruptly when it landed on Father Ji.

Father Ji was getting older. No matter how well he maintained himself, there were still many wrinkles on his face. His lifelong habit of remaining stern had left a deep furrow between his brows, but his features and face shape still bore a familiar resemblance.

61 suddenly popped up and reminded its Host, “Host, that is the mission target’s father!”

A flash of realization crossed Shi Yan’s eyes. He raised his glass and took a sip, using the movement of lowering his head to mask his eyes.

61 was puzzled. “Host, what are you hiding for?”

Shi Yan replied calmly, “I am not hiding; I am just thinking about what attitude to adopt.”

This was Ji Shijin’s father. Shi Yan was willing to show him respect, but he could not make it too obvious. He had just been impartially cold to everyone else; if he suddenly became warm toward Father Ji now, would it not clearly invite jealousy toward the Ji family?

While he was reflecting, Old Cheng had already led Father Ji over.

Old Cheng had a hearty personality. Meeting Shi Yan, he clinked glasses and let a compliment slip out. “We saw from the sidelines just now. Mr. Shi Yan handles this kind of occasion with such ease. You do not look like someone in your early twenties at all. You are truly young and promising, truly young and promising!”

The corner of Shi Yan’s mouth curved slightly as he lightly clinked his glass against the other man’s. “Thank you for the praise. I have just arrived, so I hope everyone will look after me.”

With the natural talent of the fox demon race, it was almost effortless for him to win someone over if he wished. A fox demon could make others feel a sense of goodwill with just a single thought. Although Shi Yan did not use this ability, the poise he unconsciously displayed was enough. Old Cheng suddenly felt that this young man truly suited his temperament.

He was not a timid person and appreciated ambitious young people like Shi Yan. He immediately took up the offer. “That is for certain! It is settled!”

Shi Yan nodded with a faint smile, then turned his gaze toward Father Ji. Before Father Ji could introduce himself, Shi Yan raised his glass first, his tone carrying a note of respect.

“President Ji, I have long heard of your great name.”

Flattered by such a compliment, even though he knew it was social pleasantry, a trace of a smile appeared on Father Ji’s face. “Mr. Shi Yan must be joking. What great name could I possibly have?”

Shi Yan shook his head slightly. “If one speaks of the leader of enterprises in Chengning, it must be the Ji family. While I was abroad, I heard of President Ji’s deeds and have indeed admired you for a long time. Today, I have finally met the man himself.”

His tone was calm, but the content was sincere, causing Father Ji to regard him with new eyes. Several gazes that thought they were hidden peeked over from the surroundings, secretly watching to see what kind of drama would unfold between this local tycoon of Chengning and the newly returned elite. To their disappointment, however, the two appeared to be chatting quite pleasantly.

Father Ji felt surprised by Shi Yan’s words, but it did not show on his face. He replied with a steady smile, “Mr. Shi Yan overpraises me. I am old now, and the Ji family has long been handed over to my son to manage. He happens to be around the same age as you. You two could chat; perhaps you might even become friends.”

The implication was clear: since Shi Yan had shown goodwill, the Ji family was also interested in befriending him, hoping the two families could communicate more and reach a cooperation. At the very least, they should not stand on opposite sides.

After news spread that Shi Yan had returned to the country to develop in Chengning, many people were secretly waiting to watch the Ji family’s downfall. With the Ji family occupying the top position in Chengning for too long and a rising star with a conglomerate background coming to snatch a piece of the pie, many were looking forward to a fight between them so they could benefit as bystanders.

Hearing Father Ji mention Ji Shijin, Shi Yan’s brows moved slightly. Just as he was about to speak, a commotion erupted at the entrance. Aside from that one person, Shi Yan could think of no one else who could cause such a stir among the crowd.

Everyone looked toward the sound. Upon seeing the newcomer, the expressions on their faces shifted, and they turned back to observe Shi Yan’s reaction. If Father Ji was not enough for them to anticipate a good show, then this President Ji Shijin, who controlled the Ji family and was at the height of his power, was the true local tycoon dominating the Chengning market.

How would Shi Yan behave? Would he show goodwill or declare war?

Father Ji’s hand holding the wine glass tightened. Before he could introduce his son to Shi Yan, he saw Shi Yan look as if he had seen something interesting. He put down his wine glass and walked to the side. Looking in that direction, he was heading exactly toward where Ji Shijin was located. Many people present held their breath, anticipating the drama to follow.

On this side, Ji Shijin presented his invitation and entered the venue. Before he could search for Shi Yan’s figure, he was met by his mother, who had spotted him first.

“Mother? Where is Dad? Did he not accompany you?” Ji Shijin looked at his glamorously dressed mother. Thinking about the many pieces of jewelry to be auctioned today, he guessed why his mother had come.

Mother Ji walked over in two steps, reached out to touch her son’s face, and said distressedly, “You haven’t come back to see me for so long. You’ve lost weight recently. I thought you would attend this kind of occasion, so I came to see you.”

“Of course, I haven’t forgotten the jewelry,” Mother Ji said with a smile. “Your father is paying. He said he would cover the bill no matter how expensive it is. Is there anything you like? I will help you get it.”

Never having seen someone kidnap her own son to coax her husband, Ji Shijin gave a helpless smile. “There is no need. Just decide on whatever you like. If Dad’s money is not enough, use mine.”

Mother Ji laughed, her mood very good. How could the Ji family be short of money? They could pull out any card and buy all the exhibits at this auction. Mother Ji was simply joking with Ji Shijin.

Today, Assistant Zhou came with Ji Shijin. Mother Ji knew him and also smiled as she greeted him. Then, she leaned slightly toward her son and said, “Your father is over there socializing. Why don’t you go find him?”

Ji Shijin paused, then shook his head. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly noticed the noise around him grew louder. He looked up in confusion, only to see Assistant Zhou beside him with an expression as if he had seen a ghost, staring blankly ahead.

Ji Shijin seemed to sense something and followed his gaze. A man in a tailored suit was walking slowly toward them. People around involuntarily moved out of the center path, watching as Shi Yan walked step by step toward the man in the wheelchair.

Shi Yan’s expression was cold, and Ji Shijin was accustomed to facing the outside world with indifference. People around looked left and right, and the same thought simultaneously rose in their hearts: These two must have had a grudge before.

Not only did outsiders think so, but Mother Ji, seeing Shi Yan walking toward them with a determined goal, showed worry. She tilted her head and asked in a low voice, “What is it? A-Jin, do you know him?”

Ji Shijin opened his mouth but did not know how to say it. He did not know Shi Yan’s plan. Was he coming over to greet him familiarly, or was he going to pretend he did not know him like a stranger meeting for the first time?

In just a few seconds, Shi Yan had arrived in front of him. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Shi Yan gave a light laugh. He proactively leaned down toward Ji Shijin and pulled the decorative flower from his chest pocket.

“This flower does not suit you. Let us change it for another.”

Before anyone around could be surprised, Shi Yan had already removed the brooch from his own chest. A shining purple gemstone was set on a clock-style brooch, which perfectly matched Ji Shijin’s light gray suit today.

Shi Yan stood up, but the purple gemstone remained on Ji Shijin. He turned the flower in his hand, seemingly thinking about how to handle it, looking as if he were about to insert it into his own chest pocket.

Ji Shijin looked up, the indifference on his face having already vanished. He sighed silently and reached out his hand to Shi Yan. “Give it to me. It is also not suitable for you to wear this.”

Shi Yan raised an eyebrow but obediently returned the flower. Standing up and noticing Mother Ji’s gaze nearby, he gave a slight smile and proactively reached out his hand to introduce himself.

“Hello, Auntie. I am Shi Yan, Ji Shijin’s friend.” Shi Yan paused imperceptibly as he spoke. Mother Ji did not notice, but Ji Shijin in the wheelchair looked up at him.

“Ah, hello.” Mother Ji was still a bit dazed, but she still reached out her hand to shake his. She blinked, looked at the handsome young man in front of her, then looked down at her son, as if she had just realized something. Her eyes widened slightly, shining with faint surprise.

“So you know each other! Just now, his father said he wanted to introduce you two,” Mother Ji laughed while covering her mouth.

Shi Yan turned his head and saw Father Ji, who had just arrived and heard Mother Ji’s last sentence. A look of surprise was also hard to hide on his face at this moment. In his mind, the conglomerate young master who had just made a high-profile return to the country and was ready to show his skills had nothing to do with his son. Yet, the two of them were talking familiarly in front of so many people, clearly appearing to have a good relationship.

This truly stunned those who secretly wanted to watch the drama. The conglomerate young master who came to Chengning to open up a new market and the most prestigious Ji family in Chengning could not only avoid being on opposite sides but, looking at this situation, there would likely be no shortage of cooperation opportunities in the future.

Shi Yan smiled at Father Ji. “Uncle, there is no need for you to introduce us. Shijin and I already knew each other; we just haven’t had the chance to pay a visit yet.”

Ji Shijin was caught off guard hearing the name “Shijin” from his mouth. His expression suddenly became somewhat unnatural, which he quickly masked when Father Ji’s inquiring gaze looked over. He hurriedly explained to Father Ji, “Dad, we just met a short while ago. I haven’t had the chance to tell you yet.”

Father Ji nodded as if he had realized something. Shi Yan stood to the side, smiling without speaking, quietly watching as Ji Shijin followed the lie he had told. However, Father Ji knew this was not the place to discuss it. After hearing Ji Shijin’s brief explanation, he dropped the subject and looked at Ji Shijin with a “the child has grown up” expression.

Ji Shijin saw something slightly wrong in his father’s expression and was about to step back warily, but he was blocked by Shi Yan next to him and had to listen to Father Ji’s subsequent words.

Father Ji looked at him with a face full of affection and said, “Xiao Jin, since you and Mr. Shi Yan are friends, you two chat. I will accompany your mother to look at the exhibits.”

Before Ji Shijin could answer, Father Ji looked as relieved as if he had dropped a hot potato. He coaxed Mother Ji to follow him away. Mother Ji looked at her husband, then looked back reluctantly at her son and the tall man beside him, waving her hand. “You two chat well. Xiao Jin, remember to come home and see me when you have time.”

After they left, Shi Yan said in a low voice, “Your parents have a very good relationship.”

Ji Shijin froze, not expecting Shi Yan to care about this. He replied, “Yes. The outside world thinks that large families like ours have many schemes and conflicts, but my family members have always had a very good relationship. Relatives are all developing in their respective industries and do not meet often, but family affection does not disappear.”

Shi Yan smiled silently. “Yes, very good.”

He said “very good” twice. Ji Shijin did not know the meaning behind it. Seeing the rare smile on Shi Yan’s face, he was momentarily dazed. But he quickly came to his senses and pinched his palm hard, warning himself not to lose his composure in front of Shi Yan. He did not dare let Shi Yan perceive his feelings. Otherwise, if he were disliked, he would likely never see him again. How could a demon who had lived for a thousand years and was free to come and go stay for a tiny human and be willingly confined?

“What is wrong? Is your body uncomfortable somewhere?” Shi Yan suddenly reached out. Ji Shijin did not have time to avoid it and was grabbed by the wrist, his breath hitching.

Shi Yan perceived his tension. His movements hesitated for a second, then he said in a low voice, “Do not be nervous; I am just checking your body.”

Ji Shijin lowered his eyes. It is just checking my body; he should not hear my inner thoughts.

He submissively extended his wrist. A faint red beam of light emerged from Shi Yan’s hand, entered Ji Shijin’s body through the point of contact between their skin, and came out after a while, vanishing back into Shi Yan’s palm.

Shi Yan held that wisp of demonic energy and thought quietly. There was no problem with the body; only the heart rate was a bit fast, but it was not caused by illness; it was related to mood. He studied it carefully in his heart, then came back to his senses and said to Ji Shijin, “There is no problem with the body, but the heartbeat is a bit fast. Remember to keep a pleasant mood and do not bottle things up.”

Knowing that he had not discovered anything, Ji Shijin felt a hidden sense of disappointment while also feeling relieved. He clenched his fingers emptily, withdrew his wrist from Shi Yan’s hand, calmed himself, and said, “Okay, I understand.”

Their interaction was not hidden at all. They held hands and talked in low voices on the grass where people come and go, being seen by everyone. Different thoughts arose in each person’s heart.