The Pitiful Guy I Saved Is a Possessive Big Shot - Chapter 36

The possibility of choosing the Yu family had likely been blocked because of Jian Ren’s matter. In fact, it was already beyond Shi Yi’s expectations that the Jian family hadn’t stepped in to suppress them yet.

The young man driving also heard about this and stopped bringing it up. Instead, he asked, “Then how about working with the Li family first?”

“They’ve wanted to get into this for a long time. It’s a guaranteed money-maker. At the worst, we’ll make enough profit and then move abroad before things get messy. Let them fight it out for a few more years.”

Shi Yi looked down. The lights outside the car flashed across his face. Though they were warm colors, they cast deep shadows under his firm brow bone.

“The Li family wants to run a private operation,” Shi Yi said quietly.

Private meant profit. It also meant everything depended on money.

“We cannot cooperate on this.”

“You don’t want to?” The young man was curious. “I heard from my dad that the profit margin here is huge. So many people are lining up to work with the Li family.”

If the Li family’s plan succeeded, immense wealth would be within reach. Even the scraps falling from their table would be enough to keep a person wealthy for several lifetimes.

“Anyone who spends a few days in a ward for critical illnesses, watching people struggle even after half their costs are covered by insurance, could never agree to this,” Shi Yi said.

They were making money off human lives. Shi Yi closed his eyes slightly, his high nose bridge looking cold and sharp.

“Our paths are different; we cannot walk together.”

The young man was stunned and looked at him. In the flickering light, Shi Yi’s face was as cold as ever. He had always thought his friend was born to be the perfect businessman. He never expected him to say something like this.

The young man laughed. “The Li family definitely won’t guess that you rejected them for that reason.” But after laughing, he realized the danger behind it. “What do your parents plan to do? Are you sure about this?”

Though they couldn’t compare to the families in the capital, the Shi family was still the richest in Haicheng. To the outside world, the Li family had already started treating the Shi family as part of their own circle. Once you are labeled like that, it’s hard to get rid of it.

Shi Yi said calmly, “I can handle this myself. They will be kept out of it.”

He said it so casually that it shocked the young man enough to almost lose his grip on the steering wheel. He tried to stay steady but still accidentally hit the horn.

“Beep!”

The young man turned to him in shock. “You want to do this alone?”

Shi Yi didn’t explain further. He just said, “Watch the road.”

He could see his friend’s worry, but his mind was made up. He had already said more than he intended. He didn’t want his friend to worry too much.

“Anyway, don’t think about it,” Shi Yi added. “Didn’t you become a doctor precisely because you didn’t want to get involved in these things?”

When they reached the Jinmao Shopping Center, Shi Yi got out of the car. He saw his friend still looking like he wanted to say something. But Shi Yi didn’t say more. “I’ll buy you tea another day.”

Then, he went upstairs with his bodyguards.

The rooftop lounge.

The 360-degree high-rise sea-view restaurant was elegant and beautiful. At this moment, it was filled with clinking glasses and well-dressed guests. The cocktail party was hosted by the Shi family, and most of the guests were business partners. Although Shi Yi arrived a bit late, he was still greeted with warm welcomes.

Since Shi Ling and Madam Shi were there tonight, Shi Yi wasn’t the main focus. He just gave simple greetings to a few partners. However, given his status, it was impossible for him to stay low-profile. Soon, people started coming over to say hello.

The party had been going on for a while, and the guests were comfortable. Some started acting familiar.

“I heard the young master has been receiving many guests from the capital lately,” someone asked with a smile. “Is it because the Li family likes your company, Shiquan, and wants to work with the Shi family?”

The person spoke with an envious tone. “It’s so impressive! The Shi family won’t just be in Haicheng anymore; you’ll have a place even in the capital!”

Others nearby also looked on with admiration. Yet, the person they were looking at showed no joy. Instead, Shi Yi’s tone was colder than anyone expected.

“Shiquan is my company. It has nothing to do with the Shi family.”

As soon as he said this, that corner of the ballroom went silent. Shi Yi ignored it and said coldly, “Shimei is the Shi family’s company. I only own half of it.” He looked coldly at the man who started the topic. “The accounts must be kept separate.”

The man broke into a cold sweat under his gaze and nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes. Even family members should keep clear accounts.”

Only then did Shi Yi withdraw his pressuring gaze. After a few brief greetings, he left for the side hall. The remaining people looked at each other. Master Shi really was very calculating.

In a private box in the side hall, there were a few more guests. Shi Yi toasted with each of them. By the time he reached the last glass, he ran into Madam Shi, who had just rushed over. She greeted the guests and led her eldest son out.

They went to a lounge nearby. Shi Yi poured a cup of plain tea to rinse his mouth while his mother asked, “How was tonight?”

Shi Yi had no expression. “The same as usual. After they finished drinking here, they wanted more, so I sent them to Zui Xiange.”

Madam Shi shook her head. “I was asking about you.”

Shi Yi looked up. “Me?” He saw his mother’s expression and guessed what she meant. “You heard what I said just now?”

Madam Shi picked up the teapot and refilled his cup. After a moment, she sighed.

“Xiao Yi, I know what you’re thinking, but we are a family. We can’t be separated, and you shouldn’t have to worry about everything by yourself.” She gently touched her son’s arm, looking up at him. He was already a head taller than her, starting to protect her from the wind and rain.

“Xiao Ning’s condition is much better now, and we’ve set aside enough resources for him. Your father and I have thought about it—the worst case is just moving to a new place and living a normal life,” Madam Shi said softly. “That would be fine, as long as our family is together.”

She was too gentle, making losing their wealth and leaving their home sound like just an ordinary thing.

Shi Yi frowned. “Mom.”

Madam Shi patted him. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Your father and I are still here.”

Shi Yi took a low breath. “I know.”

“We talked before. Your father is on a business trip and negotiated a new deal with people from Macau,” Madam Shi said. “Who knows what the future holds.”

As soon as he heard “Macau,” Shi Yi’s brow twitched uncontrollably. He couldn’t help but remember the incident from this morning. He slowed down his speech, saying every word clearly: “The Bai family of Macau?”

Madam Shi nodded.

“…”

Shi Yi had always had reservations about working with the Bai family, but he didn’t argue with his mother here. He checked his watch. “Has Xiao Ning gone home?”

“He’s there,” Madam Shi said with a smile. “He’s staying home for the weekend.”

Shi Yi said, “Then I’ll head back first. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay, go get some rest. Be careful on the road.”

Traffic was a bit heavy. When Shi Yi arrived home, it was already 9:15 PM. The lights were on, and the housekeeper hadn’t left yet. Seeing Shi Yi return, she brought out a bowl of warm hangover soup.

“The young master specifically told me to cook this. He said you might need it when you get back.”

Shi Yi took the bowl and asked, “Where is he?”

“In the study,” the housekeeper said cheerfully. “The tutor is here, and he’s still asking questions.”

Shi Yi nodded. He was about to ask about the other person when he heard footsteps on the stairs. He looked up and saw Bai Yexi walking down alone, without Shi Qingning.

Shi Yi slowly put down the porcelain bowl. He said calmly to the housekeeper, “You may go now.”

Once the housekeeper and the bodyguards had left the living room, Shi Yi turned and walked to the study on the first floor. This was where Shi Yi occasionally worked. It was filled with his belongings and books, and the decor was simple and cold, matching his personality. Also, it was very soundproof.

Bai Yexi walked in a step behind him. As if he knew the drill, he closed the door behind him. He still had his usual indifferent expression, while Shi Yi had already cooled down from his anger this morning. For a moment, even though there were two people in the room, it felt colder than when it was empty.

Finally, Shi Yi spoke distantly. “Please.”

Two chairs stood facing each other across the desk. Shi Yi spoke of business first. “I appreciate the Bai family’s interest.” Even if Shi Yi wasn’t excited about the partnership, he knew that without this new path, the Shi family’s situation would be much harder.

Shi Yi said dryly, “It must have been hard for the second young master of the Bai family to travel all the way to Haicheng to study with my brother.”

When Shi Qingning first wanted to live with Bai Yexi off-campus, Shi Yi had strongly opposed it. How could they let someone of unknown origin stay with him? At the time, Madam Shi had convinced him by revealing Bai Yexi’s identity.

Though that didn’t clear any of Shi Yi’s suspicions. Given the boy’s status, he could only treat him as a distinguished guest. But what kind of guest sleeps in the host’s bed?

Shi Yi looked at the silent boy in front of him, his words cold and clear: “However, there’s no need to bring feelings into business.”

Bai Yexi looked up, his mismatched green eyes looking cold in the night. Yet when he spoke, there was no coldness. Instead, it was as if he was agreeing with Shi Yi. “Those are two different things.”

Shi Yi frowned. He didn’t think they meant the same thing. Before, he had been too busy to look after his brother. Not until he walked in on them this morning. He felt it was necessary to make things clear.

“Mr. Bai, my mother said you are helping because my brother once saved you. I won’t ask how someone of your status could be saved by a sickly child. But if that really happened, there is no need to go to such lengths to pay him back.”

Bai Yexi’s gaze fell on a framed photo on the desk. It was a family photo from when Shi Qingning was little, being held by Madam Shi and smiling sweetly. Bai Yexi’s eyes softened. He listened to his own heartbeat and said softly, “I haven’t paid him back yet.”

Shi Yi’s jaw tightened. After a moment, he said, “Xiao Ning has always been kind-hearted. He was weak since childhood and rarely went out, but on the few times he did, he indeed helped people. He has saved children being bullied, beggars being chased away, and he has even brought people home.”

So, Bai Yexi shouldn’t think he was special. Even if that “rescue” the Shi family didn’t remember actually happened, it didn’t mean he was uniquely favored. Shi Qingning would even give a second look to a stray dog on the street.

“There were two people he brought home before, maybe more,” Shi Yi said calmly. Just like the current Bai Yexi. And helping doesn’t always lead to a good result. “The first person stole cash meant for groceries and was kicked out. The second person stole jewelry from the house and was sent to the police station—”

As Shi Yi spoke, he suddenly heard a calm voice. “It wasn’t jewelry.”

Shi Yi frowned. “What?” He was trying to warn him that they didn’t want to bring another wolf into the house. He never expected to hear Bai Yexi say—

“It wasn’t jewelry. It was commemorative coins.”

Shi Yi’s pupils shrank, and his heart pounded. He understood, yet he felt he must have heard wrong. “…What did you say?”

Bai Yexi’s expression remained calm. His eyes finally moved away from the photo of little Shi Qingning. His voice was deep and steady.

Bai Yexi had known for a long-time what kind of person he was. “That person thought the coins were pure gold and more valuable, so he left the jewelry behind.” And then he was successfully kicked out. Those two were naturally bad; their true colors showed at the first sign of temptation.

But Bai Yexi also knew his own faults. In the end, he was rotten to the core, utterly despicable.

Living this life again, Bai Yexi had tried so hard to control himself and not bother him. He was restrained, calm, and stayed away. He even used blood draws to keep suppressing himself. But he still couldn’t do it. He couldn’t stand the idea of anyone else being saved or staying by Shi Qingning’s side.

Just thinking about it made him go mad with jealousy. He had met an angel. He wanted that angel to have only his name written on him.

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