The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 11

Time flew by swiftly, and the acquisition of Lishui Park was officially finalized. The Jing family received a 10 million yuan advance payment from the Ji Corporation along with ownership of floors 1 to 5 of the International Trade Tower.

Early in the morning, Jing Yuan counted the abundant balance in his bank card, feeling full of energy as he washed up and picked out his clothes.

Today was the annual gala of the Ji Corporation. He had promised to accompany Ji Yan, and last night, Chen Tian had sent over a row of custom-tailored suits for him to choose from.

The fabric of the suits felt luxurious to the touch.

Jing Yuan fiddled with them, wondering if he could just wear the jacket. After all, sitting in a wheelchair, no one would see the lower half of his outfit.

But the thought was fleeting.

Today, he represented Ji Yan’s reputation, so it was better not to play with fire openly.

Soon, the stylist arrived.

Jing Yuan had naturally good features—his skin was fair and smooth, with no visible pores, so he didn’t need makeup. The stylist simply trimmed his hair according to his temperament, styling it with a side part, which instantly gave him a gentle and well-behaved aura.

Jing Yuan looked down at the strands of hair scattered on the floor and asked the stylist, “Uncle, are you going to sell my hair?”

The stylist froze for a moment. “Young master, you’re overthinking it.”

“I often read in novels about impoverished protagonists who are so poor they have to sell their hair.”

The stylist forced a stiff smile. “Their hair must have been very long.”

“Oh.” Jing Yuan snapped out of his thoughts about those bizarre domineering CEO novels. He didn’t mean anything by it. He just wanted to ask the stylist if the hair could be sold and if he could get half of the money.

“What are you talking about?” Ji Yan pushed the door open and walked in slowly, bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

Jing Yuan turned to look.

Today, Ji Yan wore a low-key, deep black suit paired with a stylish gray overcoat that perfectly matched his demeanor, accentuating his tall and well-proportioned figure.

The stylist was somewhat intimidated by Ji Yan. Although he had long worked with high-society clients, every time he encountered Ji Yan, he couldn’t help but feel a chill.

However, Mr. Ji seemed to be in a good mood today, surprisingly gentle in his demeanor.

“We were discussing the buying and selling of hair.”

Jing Yuan stood up and casually picked up his jacket, preparing to button it.

Ji Yan didn’t say a word, stepping forward to stand beside him first.

“Let me help you with the buttons.”

“Okay, sure.”

Jing Yuan lowered his head, his gaze falling on Ji Yan’s slender, pale fingers.

The other’s movements were gentle, and he was standing very close.

Their breaths seemed to intertwine, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Jing Yuan stole a glance at Ji Yan but was quickly caught by his deep, calm eyes.

He immediately lowered his head again, thinking to himself, Why is Ji Yan taking so long to button this?

Ji Yan leisurely observed Jing Yuan’s fluttering eyelashes, a hint of calculation hidden in his eyes.

In his previous life, he had a mysterious business partner whom everyone referred to as Mr. X.

This Mr. X was a renowned figure in the overseas investment circle. Ji Yan’s ability to make a comeback was largely due to the second round of funding Mr. X provided.

However, by the time the Ji Corporation regained its glory, Mr. X held nearly as much equity as Ji Yan himself.

Strictly speaking, the Ji Corporation no longer bore the Ji family name.

Every night, this thought haunted Ji Yan, filling him with such deep obsession that he couldn’t sleep.

But just before his rebirth, he had uncovered something important. Back when the Ji family was in turmoil, it might have been the work of Mr. X. Mr. X had expressed interest in acquiring the Ji family’s business much earlier, but his parents had refused, which was why they decided to expand into overseas markets.

Now, he suspected that Mr. X was either connected to his parents’ car accident or the mastermind behind the company’s bankruptcy.

No matter how capable Jing Yuan had been in the past, he was still a weak man who grew breathless after just a few steps. The meticulous nature of those schemes made it hard not to suspect the involvement of a powerful mastermind behind the scenes.

If the mastermind truly was Mr. X…

The person in front of him should know about it, right?

Ji Yan finished buttoning his shirt, his hands moving to either side and resting on Jing Yuan’s slender waist. “Yuan Yuan, I’ve arranged to meet with an overseas client today. If we can secure this partnership, the company will reach new heights.”

Jing Yuan felt the warmth at his waist and lifted his obedient eyes.

You can say that all you want, but could you move your hands away?

“Of course. If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.” Jing Yuan adopted the demeanor of a considerate and caring partner. Although he couldn’t actually be of any help, he still seized the opportunity to show his loyalty.

Ji Yan curved his lips into a smile. “Good. When Mr. X arrives, you’ll accompany me to the negotiations.”

“Mr. X?” The name suddenly popped into Jing Yuan’s mind.

That name sounds so familiar.

“What? Do you know him?” Ji Yan maintained his smile.

Jing Yuan racked his brains and suddenly remembered catching a glimpse of the so-called “Mr. X” in the comments section once.

At the time, a reader had commented:

[Although Ji Yan is the villain, he keeps getting betrayed—it’s heartbreaking. I even shipped him with Mr. X at one point!]

“I—I definitely don’t know him.”

Jing Yuan slowly took a small step back, avoiding Ji Yan’s intense gaze as he began to wrestle with his thoughts.

So, this business partner is a treacherous scoundrel.

In the end, he probably ends up stabbing Ji Yan in the back.

Should I warn Ji Yan?

Jing Yuan lowered his head, his fingers twisting together.

Ji Yan is the one who’ll torment me to death in the future.

If I rashly bring this up, what if Ji Yan doesn’t believe me or becomes suspicious?

Jing Yuan sat back in his wheelchair, his head aching.

It really is hard to be a good person.

And even harder to be a good person who can protect themselves.

Ji Yan observed every subtle movement Jing Yuan made. Without saying another word, he pushed the wheelchair and brought Jing Yuan to the venue.

…

Today’s event was less of an annual gala and more of a celebration for the Ji family’s 30th anniversary. Many industry peers and business partners were in attendance, and even several prominent figures from the overseas investment scene had seized the opportunity to discuss business with the Ji family.

The Ji family’s core business was shipbuilding, which had earned them an outstanding reputation internationally. Over the past decade, they had also ventured into real estate and other heavy industries, demonstrating the group’s immense potential for growth.

Ji Yan’s presence undoubtedly elevated the atmosphere of the gala, especially when everyone caught sight of Jing Yuan.

This wasn’t the first time Jing Yuan had been subjected to such stares. Seated in his wheelchair, he had long grown accustomed to ignoring them.

What others thought had little to do with him.

He crossed his legs and began to admire the grandeur of the banquet.

The opulent crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling was dazzling. Lifting his wrist, he leisurely shielded his eyes. Though his complexion still carried a sickly pallor, it couldn’t overshadow his striking beauty.

A few young masters and ladies from wealthy families on the left side of the room began whispering among themselves.

“I remember someone telling me the Ji family wasn’t happy about this marriage alliance. But looking at them now, they seem to get along quite well.”

“You all know Ji Yan’s temperament, right? Probably only the young master of the Jing family can tolerate it. My brother told me that when Ji Yan goes crazy, he can be quite twisted.”

“Well, he can endure it. Whether he’s happy or not, only he knows.”

The guests unanimously made way for Ji Yan, nodding and smiling as they raised their glasses in his direction.

It was said that the young master of the Ji family was ruthless enough to disown even his own kin. Though they feared him, they still had to exchange pleasantries.

Jing Yuan sat cross-legged in the wheelchair, looking relaxed and seemingly enjoying the ride Ji Yan was providing. He even thought it would be even cooler if he could wear a pair of stylish sunglasses.

Ji Yan didn’t linger long in the main hall and directly took Jing Yuan to the private banquet room.

Mr. X was waiting for them there.

When the door opened, the handsome and refined Mr. X nodded at them.

Jing Yuan was somewhat surprised because Mr. X didn’t look like the stereotypical cunning villain from traditional novels. Mr. X spoke very amiably and politely, and judging by his appearance alone, he seemed like a trustworthy partner.

“Hello, I’m Xander.”

Ji Yan said, “I’m Ji Yan, and this is my beloved, Jing Yuan.”

Xander extended a friendly hand to Jing Yuan. “What a lovely young man.”

Jing Yuan smiled sweetly. “What a clever gentleman.”

Xander was curious. “Why praise me as clever?”

Jing Yuan said innocently, “Isn’t it clever of Mr. Xander to be willing to cooperate with the Ji family?”

Xander chuckled. “You’re right.”

Ji Yan’s tone was calm. “Our Yuan Yuan rarely meets people due to his delicate health. If he says anything inappropriate, please forgive him.”

Xander replied, “No problem. I like partners like this.”

Ji Yan smiled faintly and took a seat with Jing Yuan.

The appetizers were served quickly. Jing Yuan, who always ate on schedule, was extremely hungry by then and even ate the leafy greens he usually disliked with relish.

Xander took the initiative to bring up the topic. “Actually, our family has always wanted to cooperate with the Ji family. I really like the new cruise ship you’ve developed this time. The 4 billion euro financing is no problem, but you’ll need to give me five percentage points as a return on investment.”

Ji Yan’s hand, holding the knife and fork, tightened imperceptibly, and a faint smile flickered in his eyes. “Mr. Xander, do you always split profits like this with your partners?”

Xander raised an eyebrow. “Pretty much.”

Ji Yan adjusted his glasses, masking the coldness in his gaze. “Your partners must be very accommodating.”

Xander raised his glass. “We share a very deep bond.”

Ji Yan pondered for a moment, unable to determine Xander’s true motives for cooperating with the Ji family.

If Xander had ulterior motives, Ji Yan could naturally negotiate.

But if Xander was genuinely interested in the Ji family’s potential, he would never concede on the five percentage points.

If the deal fell through, the Ji family would lose this opportunity to establish a foothold internationally.

“Ji Yan.” A pitiful voice sounded beside him at that moment.

Ji Yan looked at Jing Yuan. “Hmm?”

Jing Yuan batted his innocent eyes. “With only five percentage points, we’d earn so little. How will you afford to buy me a sports car then?”

A flicker of surprise crossed Ji Yan’s eyes, as if he had guessed something.

Jing Yuan didn’t want Xander to cooperate with the Ji family, but he didn’t want to make it too obvious, so he focused on haggling over the price.

“Mr. Xander, Ji Yan still has to support the family. After distributing the five percentage points among the shareholders and setting aside some for the elders, my allowance would be even smaller.”

Jing Yuan looked utterly dejected. “Could you raise it a bit?”

Xander said gently, “Five percentage points is already my limit.”

Jing Yuan put on a willful demeanor. Though his lips were slightly pale, his cheeks flushed with a faint pink—clearly from anger.

“Ji Yan, let’s just drop the collaboration with Mr. Sand and find someone else.” Jing Yuan clung to Ji Yan’s arm like an affectionate kitten, rubbing his head against it.

He knew the remark was incredibly impolite. If the deal fell through, he could always excuse it as an attempt to drive up the price. But if Ji Yan distanced himself from Sand from then on, he might later come to appreciate Jing Yuan’s good intentions.

Ji Yan hesitated briefly, then raised his hand to ruffle Jing Yuan’s hair. “Alright, as you wish.”

Sand, hearing this, froze momentarily, his polite smile barely holding up. The fish was about to take the bait—how could Ji Yan dare to give up the chance to collaborate with him?

Sand smiled calmly. “Mr. Ji, won’t you reconsider?”

Ji Yan replied seriously, “Three percent—that’s my limit.”

Sand retorted, “Three percent is impossible.”

Ji Yan set down his knife and fork. “In that case, I can only wish you a pleasant evening. Excuse us.”

Seeing Ji Yan give up, Jing Yuan was overjoyed. He cheerfully turned his wheelchair, ready to leave with Ji Yan. His steak remained untouched, and he wondered if he could take it to go.

Observing their resolute stance, Sand’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. After a few seconds of thought, he quickly conceded, “Fine, you win.”

Ji Yan halted and exchanged a glance with Jing Yuan in the wheelchair. The other’s round eyes were filled with astonishment.

A slow smile curved Ji Yan’s lips as he turned back to Sand. “Agreed.”

…

After finalizing the preliminary details with Sand, Ji Yan took Jing Yuan along to make an appearance in the main hall of the banquet.

Jing Yuan had eaten so much that he couldn’t sit comfortably in his wheelchair. He walked slowly beside Ji Yan, using the opportunity to aid his digestion.

He stole glances at Ji Yan. In the end, Ji Yan had still collaborated with Sand. But from the looks of it, they had likely secured a fantastic deal.

Jing Yuan let out a satisfied burp, his lips now a healthier shade of pink than before dinner.

A breeze seemed to have picked up outside. The chilly wind slipping through the window cracks tousled Jing Yuan’s soft hair, and he suddenly coughed twice, his brow furrowing tightly.

Ji Yan glanced over at the sound. “Are you cold?”

Jing Yuan shook his head. “Not cold.”

Ji Yan said nothing more and continued walking at his pace.

As they passed the grand piano in the center, a melodious piano piece was drawing to a close, and the entire hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.

By the time Jing Yuan realized someone had been performing, the young pianist had already risen confidently and nodded in his direction.

“Young Master Jing, I heard you once held a solo performance at the Vienna Hall. Would you honor us today and let us witness your talent?”

Jing Yuan looked puzzled. Was he being addressed? Did the original host know how to play the piano?

Before he could recollect, the young pianist approached him enthusiastically, gesturing for him to take the stage.

The applause thundered instantly, with countless guests watching him intently.

Jing Yuan’s face turned pale as he immediately looked toward Ji Yan. This was not the time to play the piano!

Ji Yan seemed to understand what he was nervous about but made no move to decline on his behalf. Instead, he wore an expression of mild amusement, as if enjoying the spectacle.

Jing Yuan even detected a hint of schadenfreude in his gaze. Hadn’t he just rendered a great service? How could Ji Yan be so ungrateful?

Truly, the great villain had no heart!

Pressed by the stares of the crowd, Jing Yuan took weak, hesitant steps onto the piano stage. Although the original host could play the piano, he wasn’t confident he could perform on the spot.

His delicate brows slightly furrowed in distress as he shot another glance at Ji Yan.

Surprisingly, Ji Yan responded at that moment.

In a voice only the two of them could hear, he said, “Does Yuanyuan want to beg me?”