The Pitiful Guy I Saved Is a Possessive Big Shot - Chapter 13

The news that the young master of the Shi family was back on the operating table spread quickly.

The Shi family generally kept a low profile, but given their status in Haicheng, they were naturally the focus of much attention. When the young master finally made his first public appearance a few days ago, countless people had tried to dig up information on him. Now, before most had even caught a glimpse of him, he was back in the hospital.

Rumors began to fly everywhere.

“I heard the surgery was extremely dangerous this time. They don’t know if he’ll make it.”

“Huh? Didn’t they say he was completely cured just a while ago?”

“How could it be that easy? It’s a heart condition, after all—very delicate.”

“Exactly. Look at the news; so many healthy young people drop dead suddenly. Imagine someone with a congenital defect like him.”

“If the Shi family weren’t so wealthy, he probably wouldn’t have survived this long, right?”

“It’s not even just about the money. I heard that to guarantee blood for the surgery, the Shi family spent a fortune partnering with an overseas blood agency specifically to supply him.”

“You can prepare extra blood for surgery like that?”

“You didn’t know? Even for common blood types, blood banks are constantly low—that’s why they call for donations every day. If he has a rare blood type, it’s even harder to find.”

“True, especially for major surgeries like heart operations. They use a lot of blood. Many people can’t even schedule their surgeries because the blood banks can’t coordinate enough supply.”

“Their young master has surgeries all the time; he must use a massive amount of blood. No wonder they went to such lengths to find a blood bank. I heard it’s one in Macau?”

“The Shi family really puts their heart into this younger son…”

“Of course. Their medical business is probably all for him too.”

“Tsk, what about the older son? The business and their lives revolve around the younger one. Doesn’t the older son feel left out?”

“Who knows? It’s hard to say.”

While everyone was gossiping, the news of Shi Qingning’s surgery also reached Jian Ren.

Jian Ren had not been having a good time lately. His physical injuries hadn’t healed, and his heart felt like it had a hole in it. He still had nightmares, but what tortured him more now were his waking hours.

He could no longer find those clear eyes looking at him with focus.

A few days ago, Jian Ren had been searching for Shi Qingning like a madman. Then someone casually asked, “Does Young Master Jian still like him?” Jian Ren had frozen as if suddenly awakened, and stopped everything. After locking himself away for a day, he stopped sending people to the Shi family. He wouldn’t even allow anyone to mention the name.

Some people couldn’t stand Jian Ren’s volatile temper; they couldn’t be his “lapdogs” anymore and simply left. These silent disappearances weren’t few, and the circle around Jian Ren grew visibly smaller.

Jian Ren said nothing and remained cold. His remaining subordinates felt, for no clear reason, that a calm Jian Ren was even more terrifying than a violent one.

A few days later, things changed. The head of a famous medical group from the capital was coming to Haicheng. Many well-informed people sent their business cards early, hoping for a meeting. However, the head refused all appointments except for one person.

Jian Ren.

When the news broke, everyone realized that Jian Ren’s trip to Haicheng was likely to take over the North China agency for that medical group. Even if Jian Ren was only twenty-two and lacked a background in the field, his last name was Jian! The Jian family held shares in that medical group.

People suddenly remembered how valuable the “Yancheng Jian Family” brand was. Jian Ren’s reputation soared again, and he was back in the spotlight. Those who had run away were now filled with regret, while those who had been waiting on the sidelines rushed to show Jian Ren their favor.

But to everyone’s surprise, the “new and improved” Jian Ren made his first invitation to the Shi family.

Jian Ren knew very well that by reaching out to the Shi family now, he was handing over his leverage. He held resources that many in Haicheng dreamed of; even a few short-term tips on medical funds or high-tech stocks would be enough to make people flock to him.

But now, he was actively reaching out. He had no other thoughts. He just wanted to make things easier for that beautiful boy.

Ever since he heard that Shi Qingning was back in the hospital, Jian Ren had been suffering. He was certain that in Haicheng, no one could resist the massive gift he was about to offer.

Sure enough, a reply came from the Shi family soon after. Subsequently, Jian Ren and Shi Yi arranged a meeting to talk.

On the day of the meeting, Jian Ren only brought one secretary. To show he had no ill intent, he even chose a secretary who was frail and unthreatening.

But because the secretary was so weak, when they arrived at the hotel, the secretary couldn’t even push Jian Ren’s wheelchair. In the end, hotel security had to be called to point them toward a ramp to get into the lobby.

This small incident didn’t matter; on flat ground, Jian Ren was already skilled at operating his wheelchair. He arrived at the hotel before Shi Yi.

Jian Ren had researched Shi Yi extensively before coming. Unlike his past flings, he was seriously trying to understand everything related to Shi Qingning.

The Shi family started in medical equipment. The current valuation of Shimei Company was in the tens of billions. Although not public, its financial strength surpassed many listed companies. This was why the Shi family was the undisputed richest family in Haicheng.

As the adult first heir, Shi Yi had been involved in the family business for a long time. However, he wasn’t mainly in charge of Shimei Company, but rather a separate financial branch—more specifically, medical investment.

The Shi family was always a topic of gossip. Rumors said Shi Yi was in charge of these tasks only because his family wouldn’t let him go. With his proven ability and a degree from Wharton, Shi Yi could have excelled in the general finance industry. He would have been much freer than he was now.

Additionally, because the Shi family poured all their heart into the younger son, the outside world assumed Shi Yi wasn’t close to his family. He likely wouldn’t have much affection for the brother who was his sibling in name but took all the favoritism.

When Shi Yi arrived, the first look Jian Ren got of him deepened that thought.

This man was too cold.

Shi Yi’s face was like frost, and he carried a powerful aura in his long, deep black trench coat. Even the waiter guiding him felt the chill and stayed two steps behind him. Shi Yi walked over and sat down, his lips a straight, tight line without a hint of a smile. This made Jian Ren, who had put on a rare polite smile, feel that things might be difficult.

Jian Ren was even more worried. If even he felt Shi Yi was this cold, what did Shi Qingning have to deal with?

Thinking of this, Jian Ren felt the weight of his responsibility. Fortunately, he had enough chips, so he didn’t panic.

“Mr. Shi, I’ve heard much about you,” Jian Ren began steadily. “Let’s talk about how this cooperation will benefit the Shi family.”

Confident, Jian Ren immediately listed several fund names. Since Shi Yi handled medical investments, the information Jian Ren had on medical stocks was more valuable to him than to anyone else. Jian Ren even thought that if necessary, he could provide information long-term.

There were no other guests nearby. Though Shi Yi had chosen the hotel, Jian Ren had chosen the spot. He had booked the entire observation hall on the top floor. On this floor, they were the only guests at their table. Therefore, Jian Ren didn’t need to worry about being overheard. He threw out one piece of tempting news after another.

But before Jian Ren could finish his plan, he was interrupted by a cold voice.

“No need to talk about that yet.” Shi Yi’s expression was indifferent. “Why did you reach out to us?”

Jian Ren knew he would ask this and spoke openly. “I’m looking for a partnership for the sake of the young master of the Shi family. He and I have our own story. Though there were some bumps in the road, I want to continue with him.”

Jian Ren knew that Shi Yi cared most about profit. Being direct like this would actually make Shi Yi lower his guard. After all, both sides had clear goals and could get what they needed.

“I’m serious about him.” As he spoke, Jian Ren leaned forward slightly and laced his fingers. He watched the other man and spoke slowly and clearly. “So, for the Shi family, I will make the biggest concessions.”

The man opposite him had a sharp, cold gaze. Jian Ren suddenly felt a chill rise up his back. But he didn’t back down; he knew the other was testing him. And he had absolute sincerity.

While waiting for a response, Jian Ren glanced at the fish nearby. The scenery in this observation hall was unique; next to the table was a massive cylindrical seawater tank five meters in diameter. The tank was ten meters high, spanning three floors of the hotel and reaching down to the lobby. Through the glass, various beautiful fish swam freely. It was quite elegant.

To Jian Ren, however, they looked a bit plain. This was a northern city; no matter how much effort was put in, these fish couldn’t match the colorful beauty of natural tropical fish.

Thinking of the tropics, Jian Ren’s gaze softened. “It’s cold now. Once our cooperation is settled, I plan to take Xiao Ning to a tropical island for a vacation.” Jian Ren’s voice slowed down. “His health is poor; he needs to recover. A tropical climate is better for him and more relaxing.”

Jian Ren’s lips curved into a soft smile. “I have a diving license. I can teach him how to swim and how to relax.”

The tall, thin assistant who came in with Shi Yi listened and couldn’t help but peek at Shi Yi several times. Why wasn’t President Shi agreeing yet? The assistant had heard of this Jian Ren—he was someone Shi Qingning had provoked. Shi Qingning had already caused so much trouble for the family; this time, by some stroke of luck, he had finally brought some benefit.

What was President Shi hesitating for? The assistant frowned secretly, wanting to urge Shi Yi to nod. Sometimes, even he didn’t understand what President Shi was thinking.

Like the report he gave on the way here today. “President Shi, the Second Young Master contacted the head of Shimei without permission and ruined that deal with Dexin.” The assistant had sounded displeased then. “It was fine when he stayed in his place, but now he’s meddling in company affairs…”

Shi Yi, who was reading files in the back seat, suddenly looked up. The assistant jumped in surprise.

“Without permission?” Shi Yi’s voice was very cold. “He is the heir to Shimei. Never mind contacting someone; even if he wanted to sell the company…” The man’s tone didn’t change, but his words felt heavy. “A contract he signs would take effect immediately.”

The assistant was left speechless and shut his mouth. After that, anything he tried to say was ignored. Even now, the assistant was still shaken and didn’t dare to advise him directly. But he made a mental note of this. He thought bitterly: When I get back today, I’ll report all of this to the Li family! Can the Shi family defy the Li family of Yancheng?

As the assistant planned, he didn’t expect that Shi Yi, who had been offered a long list of tempting conditions by Jian Ren, would not agree. Instead, he suddenly opened his phone.

The screen lit up, and a video started playing.

“Isn’t there a pool over there? Why don’t we throw him in?”

“Look at him. He probably won’t even cry on the spot.”

Opposite him, Jian Ren’s face changed instantly. His own voice was coming from the phone.

“Don’t let him out too fast.”

—This was the video of Jian Ren and his followers encountering the young master of the Shi family before he fell unconscious last month.

“This…” Cold sweat broke out on Jian Ren’s forehead.

Before he could make an excuse, the cold man sitting opposite him reached out and grabbed his collar.

“You’re serious about him?” Shi Yi’s gaze was murderous, his voice cold as a blade. He was a very calm person, but now the veins on the back of his hand were bulging.

With a clatter, Jian Ren’s wheelchair was tipped over, and he was hauled up by the collar! Although Jian Ren wasn’t as tall as Shi Yi, he was a full-grown man. With all his weight suddenly pulling on his collar, he almost choked.

“St-stop… ugh…” Jian Ren grabbed Shi Yi’s hand desperately, his face turning red from lack of air. He could faintly hear his secretary screaming, but the next second, he was drowned out by a louder noise.

BANG!!

Jian Ren was slammed hard against the seawater tank by Shi Yi. The pain actually made his senses sharper; Jian Ren heard every word Shi Yi said.

“His body is so weak that a temperature below 15°C can trigger heart palpitations.” Shi Yi’s words were frozen, his eyes bloodshot like a demon. “In -4°C weather, you pushed him into a fountain and wouldn’t let him out.”

For a moment, Jian Ren felt he would truly die here. “I’m sorry! I was wrong… wrong… I’ll reflect!” He didn’t even know what he was saying.

But the pain made him hear Shi Yi’s words. Shi Yi was saying, “Then I’ll help you reflect.”

“Ah, AHHH…!!”

Jian Ren was dragged away by the collar. His legs hadn’t healed yet; they were limp and weak, dragging across the cold floor and scraping against the edges of the steps. He couldn’t struggle at all. Shi Yi lifted him onto a high platform as if lifting a heavy bag of trash.

Jian Ren’s back hit a hard wall, and then he felt a vibration beneath him. Amidst a humming sound, something nearby began to slowly open.

“Three minutes.” Shi Yi’s voice was more frightening than the unknown. “You trapped him in the pool for three minutes.” Shi Yi looked down at him like he was looking at a dead thing covered in flies. “There’s a breathing mask inside. There’s enough oxygen for three hours.”

Jian Ren’s eyes widened. He suddenly guessed what was humming open. “No, you can’t…”

Shi Yi ignored him. He repeated the boast Jian Ren had made earlier. “Aren’t you very good at diving?”

The top entrance of the seawater tank was opened completely. Shi Yi held Jian Ren like a dead dog and kicked him directly into the ten-meter-high giant fish tank!

With a splash, Jian Ren fell straight into the blue tank, startling the fish.

Three minutes. This time, Shi Yi was making Jian Ren pay back three hours. If there were a next time, Shi Yi would make Jian Ren regret it for three lifetimes.

Shi Yi walked down from the platform. The only source of noise had been thrown into the tank. The observation hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The dining table had been overturned while dragging the man, and the phone playing the video had hit the floor hard, stopping the video.

Shi Yi stepped over the screen, treading on Jian Ren’s face, which was cracked like a spiderweb.

The stunned assistant finally moved his eyes. That phone… Before he could recover from the shock, he heard the voice that sounded like a demon to him.

“Stay here and watch for three hours, then your job is finished. Tomorrow, go to HR to settle your pay and leave.”

The assistant’s eyes widened. “I…” He was so panicked he almost bit his tongue, arguing frantically to save his job, even revealing his identity. “I can’t be fired! I’m from the Li family!”

Shi Yi paused slightly. He turned back, showing no surprise, and just looked at the assistant. That look made cold sweat pour down the assistant’s face.

“Do you think they will cut off cooperation with the Shi family because of you, or will they fire you for the sake of the Shi family?” Shi Yi’s voice was flat, and his expression had returned to its usual coldness. “There are extra breathing masks in there. If you can’t watch him properly, you can go in and watch closely.”

After saying that, the man left without looking back.

Outside, the sky was dark. A cold wind blew, sweeping dry leaves across the ground. Shi Yi strode out of the hotel and got into the black Bentley waiting at the curb. Once he sat in the back, the car started silently and moved smoothly.

Shi Yi closed his eyes. The flickering streetlights outside cast shadows on his cold face but failed to add any warmth. In the front were two men in black suits. Unlike the people following the younger Master Shi, they were silent and sat with straight backs.

Finally, the man in the back spoke. “Where is Sun Ming?”

The man in the suit said respectfully, “He is guarding the Little Master.”

Shi Yi was silent for a moment. “Go to the hospital.”

“Yes, sir.”

The hotel wasn’t far from the municipal hospital. Fifteen minutes later, Shi Yi arrived at the ward area. The hospital lights were somewhat cold. Shi Yi went straight to the special VIP ward on the upper floor. His polished black leather shoes clicked in the quiet corridor. When he reached the door, he suddenly stopped.

There was a glass pane in the door. Through the glass, Shi Yi saw the scene inside. He didn’t see his brother sleeping in the hospital bed. Instead, he saw a thin, long-haired boy leaning over, one hand braced on the far side of the bed, completely covering the person on the bed.

Because of gravity, the boy’s ink-black long hair fell down, the cold, smooth strands acting like a dark silk fence, trapping the boy on the bed like a cage.

Shi Yi’s gaze turned cold, and his brow twitched. He burst into the room without knocking.

BANG!

The door was pushed open hard. Without the soundproofing, a familiar soft voice came through clearly. “Just get a little closer; don’t worry about squishing me…”

Shi Yi frowned. The noise at the door caught the attention of those inside. From behind the long-haired boy, who hadn’t stood up yet, a curious little face peeked out.

“Brother!” The one calling out happily was Shi Qingning on the bed. He didn’t forget to say to the person beside him, “There, your silver chain is on now.”

“…” Shi Yi narrowed his eyes, his gaze falling on the long-haired boy as he slowly stood up. The boy turned his head; his eyes were a cold green, and his aura was indifferent.

Looking at him made Shi Yi feel very annoyed. The frustration in Shi Yi’s chest hadn’t faded yet, and he glared at the boy.

Suddenly, he heard a low, cold voice.

“Big Brother.”

Shi Yi: “…”

Who is your big brother?

Shi Yi exhaled, about to speak, when his gaze suddenly froze. He looked at Shi Qingning and frowned. “Why is your collar area so red?”