The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 17

Jing Yuan was already seated in the car, holding a thermos cup. When he heard the term “baby,” he stared at Ji Yan as if he had seen a ghost, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.

Ning Jin, sitting beside Jing Yuan, also turned to look, a faint trace of surprise flickering in his eyes.

Ji Yan strode over on his long legs, stopping beside Jing Yuan, who had shrunk into a timid little quail.

“Didn’t Yuan Yuan say you wanted to make it up to me?”

Jing Yuan froze for a moment, then lowered his gaze and murmured, “Mm.”

Ji Yan’s eyes briefly lingered on Ning Jin’s face before he naturally took Jing Yuan’s hand. “Come down first. Let’s discuss how exactly you plan to make it up to me.”

He said this with a smile. To an outsider, it might have sounded like an intimate exchange between lovers.

Feeling the chill of Ji Yan’s hand, Jing Yuan wanted to refuse but didn’t dare. Instead, he offered Ning Jin an apologetic look. “Cousin Ning, you should go ahead. I need to talk to Ji Yan about something important.”

Ning Jin smiled amiably. “Okay.”

After Ning Jin left, the two of them stood in silence for a long while.

Jing Yuan was still holding Ji Yan’s hand. Sneaking a glance at Ji Yan’s expression, he guessed that the other man didn’t seem to like this cousin very much. Otherwise, why would he prevent him from going with Ning Jin?

“Ji Yan,” Jing Yuan called out softly.

Weren’t they supposed to discuss the compensation? Why wasn’t he saying anything?

Ji Yan looked down at him. “The sightseeing car will be here soon.”

Jing Yuan was surprised. “We’re not taking the car?”

Ji Yan gave a faint, ambiguous smile. “Doesn’t baby get carsick?”

Jing Yuan shrank his head. “Mm.”

Why didn’t you seem so considerate earlier?

A few minutes later, the two of them boarded the sightseeing car. Leaning against the handrail, bundled in a thick down jacket, Jing Yuan took the initiative to speak.

“It was my fault for standing you up that night. If you have any conditions or wishes, just name them.”

Ji Yan looked indifferent. “Just name them?”

Jing Yuan quickly added, “Within my capabilities.”

Ji Yan thought for a moment. “Yuan Yuan.”

Jing Yuan: “Yes!”

Ji Yan masked the seriousness in his expression, speaking in a light tone. “Do you remember the car accident you had when you were little?”

Jing Yuan answered truthfully, “I remember, but not much.”

Ji Yan: “If you ever recall it, could you tell me exactly what happened?”

“That incident is very important to me.”

Jing Yuan rarely saw Ji Yan speak so earnestly about something.

Though he didn’t understand the other’s intentions, he nodded firmly.

“Okay.”

Ji Yan looked at him, his deep eyes hiding complex emotions.

“Good boy.”

He raised his hand and gently patted Jing Yuan’s head.

Jing Yuan’s gaze was clear and innocent. He tilted his head slightly, rubbing against Ji Yan’s palm in response.

…

They soon arrived at their accommodation.

Their lodging was a standalone villa within the scenic area.

Chen Jifeng stood at the entrance, welcoming them inside. “So, the workaholic has finally decided to take a break?”

Ji Yan didn’t respond, only reminding Jing Yuan to keep up.

Sitting on his electric suitcase, Jing Yuan didn’t have to exert any effort. Holding onto the handle, he easily overtook them.

Watching Jing Yuan’s cheerful expression, Chen Jifeng asked in a low voice, “Did he insist on coming along?”

Ji Yan: “No.”

Chen Jifeng raised an eyebrow, prompting further explanation.

“I brought him here voluntarily.”

Chen Jifeng laughed in surprise. “Has the sun risen from the west?”

Ji Yan didn’t explain, only offering a faint smile.

The villa wasn’t occupied solely by Jing Yuan and Ji Yan. Other friends of Chen Jifeng and Ji Yan, such as Xie Lie, were also staying there.

“Your room is on the third floor, the one with the best lighting.” Chen Jifeng patted Ji Yan’s shoulder before heading off to greet his other friends.

When they reached the bedroom door, Jing Yuan pulled his suitcase along, craning his slender neck as he leaned against the doorframe, peering left and right. The room was warm, and without the bulk of his down jacket, Jing Yuan appeared especially thin and delicate.

After all, Jing Yuan was only a 22-year-old young man who loved vibrant colors. The candy-colored brooch pinned to his overalls was adorably cute, adding a lively touch to his overall demeanor.

The two pounds he had recently gained seemed to have settled entirely on his bottom, especially noticeable when he bent over—the plump, petite curve faintly visible beneath his overalls.

Ji Yan watched him from behind. “Why aren’t you going in?”

Jing Yuan straightened up nervously. “Oh.”

Truthfully, he was checking whether the room was a suite. Unfortunately, there was only one oversized round double bed.

Though Jing Yuan had a small appetite, his metabolism was fast. At home, he ate frequent small meals, never missing morning tea, afternoon tea, or late-night snacks.

Having only eaten breakfast so far, his stomach was starting to growl.

He pulled a nut from his pocket, chewing on it as he sat cautiously on the edge of the bed, studying Ji Yan.

He was calculating the likelihood of angering Ji Yan if he suggested sleeping in separate rooms.

Ji Yan could sense a pair of furtive eyes fixed on him. Kneeling on one knee to open the suitcase, his gaze suddenly met Jing Yuan’s, and he slowly curved his lips into a smile. “What’s on your mind?”

Jing Yuan lowered his eyes guiltily. “Nothing.”

Ji Yan took off his jacket, revealing a slightly fitted black shirt underneath. As he hung up his coat, his strong, well-defined chest muscles were faintly visible through the smooth, soft fabric.

Afraid of getting an eyeful, Jing Yuan quickly averted his gaze, fishing a few slices of ginseng from his pocket and popping them into his mouth.

After organizing his own luggage, Ji Yan offered, “Do you need help with your suitcase?”

“No need.” Though Jing Yuan was hungry and tired, he didn’t dare trouble Ji Yan. Besides, his suitcase wasn’t exactly “clean.”

Ji Yan didn’t press further, instead stepping directly in front of him and leaning down leisurely. “Shall we go eat first?”

Jing Yuan instinctively leaned back, supporting himself with his slender arms, avoiding eye contact. “Sure.”

Ji Yan made no move to step away. Instead, he reached out to adjust Jing Yuan’s brooch, his gaze sweeping over his neck as he smiled gently, like a predator surveying his territory. “Let’s go.”

He wrapped an arm around Jing Yuan’s waist, helping him to his feet.

Jing Yuan knew Ji Yan had a thing for his body and couldn’t help worrying about how he would get through the night.

Ji Yan had already unfolded the wheelchair. “Do you want to sit?”

Jing Yuan hesitated for a moment. “Alright.”

It was just a shame—he had dressed so nicely today, and sitting in a wheelchair felt like a waste.

…

Downstairs in the dining room, Chen Jifeng had already seated his friends. Seeing Ji Yan finally arrive, pushing Jing Yuan in the wheelchair, he teased, “We just agreed—the last one to arrive has to drink three glasses as a penalty.”

Ji Yan glanced at him coolly. “You drink them for me.”

Chen Jifeng chuckled and signaled the kitchen to start serving.

Everyone present was a close friend, so no introductions were needed. However, this was Jing Yuan’s first official meal with the group.

Naturally, Ji Yan’s friends weren’t fond of Jing Yuan. Xie Ling whispered to Chen Jifeng, “Why is he here?”

Chen Jifeng replied, “Ji Yan brought him along.”

Xie Ling looked as if he’d seen a ghost, utterly baffled.

Seeing an empty seat next to Ning Jin, Jing Yuan cheerfully wheeled himself over in his wheelchair. Perhaps because Ning Jin had a gentle demeanor and treated him well, he was quite willing to talk to him.

Ji Yan’s gaze lingered briefly between Jing Yuan and Ning Jin before he calmly pushed Jing Yuan’s wheelchair to another spot, seating himself between the two.

He explained lightly, “This is where the dishes are served. Stay further away to avoid getting burned.”

Jing Yuan was touched by the other’s thoughtfulness. Although he found Ji Yan’s expression a bit odd, he still playfully made a heart gesture toward Ji Yan in front of everyone at the table. “Thank you.”

This scene was undoubtedly shocking in the eyes of Ji Yan’s friends. Xie Lin tugged at Chen Jifeng’s sleeve. “What’s going on between them?”

Chen Jifeng replied thoughtfully, “I can’t quite figure it out either.”

Soon, the dishes began to arrive one after another.

Jing Yuan had many allergens, and the incident with the hydrangeas had taught him a lesson. He had stayed up all night memorizing all of the original host’s allergens, afraid that he might accidentally meet his demise.

At home, the meals were always prepared according to his needs, but here, most of the dishes were off-limits for him.

Finally spotting a dish he could eat—vinegar-braised pigeon—Jing Yuan obediently waited for the rotating table to bring it to him.

At the table, the young master of the Liu family had brought his child along. The child wanted to try the spiced frog legs, so Chen Jifeng deliberately stopped the rotating table.

Jing Yuan, dizzy with hunger, lowered his slightly damp, curly lashes and stared longingly at the pigeon.

Just then, Ning Jin stood up and picked up two pieces of pigeon with his chopsticks.

“You must be hungry, Xiao Yuan. Have some first.”

Reaching across Ji Yan, he handed the dish to Jing Yuan.

Ji Yan, who had been picking out food for Jing Yuan, paused with his chopsticks.

Jing Yuan’s eyes suddenly lit up, looking at Ning Jin as if he were a superhero.

After thanking him, he puffed out his cheeks and chewed the pigeon meat, closing his eyes in delight at the taste.

At some point, the direction of the air conditioning had shifted, gently lifting the stray hairs on his forehead.

Although the hairstyle the stylist had given him last time was undeniably handsome, the hair at the front was a bit too long and always fell over his eyes.

Worried that his hair might interfere with his meal, Jing Yuan took a hair tie from his pocket and tied back the strands covering his eyes. His head was small and round, making him look like a little apple at first glance.

Ning Jin’s gaze remained fixed on Jing Yuan’s face, his smile warm. “Would you like a few more pieces?”

“Thank you, Cousin, but I’ll help myself,” Jing Yuan declined politely.

Jing Yuan had always been exceptionally good-looking since childhood. Even if Xie Lin and the others hadn’t seen him before, they had heard about it. But they had always assumed Jing Yuan’s beauty was bold and striking. Today, however, they realized that wasn’t the case.

Jing Yuan’s demeanor was gentle and well-behaved. Though he carried an air of frailty, his personality was lively.

Xie Lin remarked, “Why do I feel he’s not as intimidating as the rumors say?”

Chen Jifeng replied, “We’ve only been with him for a few minutes.”

Xie Lin took another look, growing even more curious.

Just then, Ji Yan calmly stood up and headed to the restroom.

His expression was indifferent, but his gaze was complex and puzzled.

He wondered: If Ning Jin truly liked Jing Yuan, why hadn’t he pursued him back then?

While washing his hands, Ji Yan suddenly noticed Ning Jin’s reflection behind him.

Ning Jin remained as gentle as ever. “Grandfather misses you. Make time to visit him.”

Ji Yan leisurely dried his hands with a handkerchief. “You like Jing Yuan.”

Ning Jin showed no sign of tension. “Yes.”

Ji Yan looked up, his dark gaze fixed intently on Ning Jin in the mirror: “Keep your thoughts to yourself. If anything happens to you, Grandfather will be heartbroken.”

Ning Jin’s expression shifted subtly: “I thought you didn’t like him.”

Ji Yan smiled at his reflection: “I do like him—so much that I can’t help myself.”

Ning Jin stared at the unsettling smile on Ji Yan’s face in the mirror, his expression turning serious: “The Jing family has lost its value now. Logically, you could break off the engagement. If you don’t want to marry—”

“I do.”

“Of course, I do.”

Ji Yan’s voice rose slightly as he adjusted his silver-rimmed glasses, smiling politely.

Ning Jin seemed somewhat incredulous: “Have you two settled the marriage?”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow: “I haven’t told him yet.”

Just then, the sound of wheelchair wheels echoed at the bathroom entrance.

“I know now.” Jing Yuan peeked around the tiled wall, watching the two with a furtive, curious gaze.