The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 19

Ji Yan’s words felt like slaps, stinging Rong Qing’s face with humiliation.

Each sentence struck at the heart, not only shaming Rong Qing but also indirectly clarifying the nature of their relationship.

Before this, almost everyone had believed that Ji Yan was deeply infatuated with Rong Qing.

Of course, Rong Qing had played no small part in spreading these rumors.

Seeing the situation, the young master of the Ming family quietly distanced himself from Rong Qing.

After today’s events, it was clear that Ji Yan and Rong Qing’s relationship would likely sour in the future. He had heard from his father that after securing financing, the Ji Group would only grow stronger, and in time, Ningcheng would become entirely their stronghold. It was best not to associate too closely with Rong Qing.

Jing Yuan hadn’t expected Ji Yan to say such things. Like a small animal, he nestled against Ji Yan’s waist, his damp eyelashes trembling slightly, his expression filled with profound surprise.

Could Ji Yan really speak such tender words of affection?

Was this truly the ruthless, bloodthirsty antagonist he was supposed to be?

Jing Yuan coughed twice, petulantly pulling on his down-filled hat. After a moment’s thought, he replied with exaggerated sweetness, “Thank you, Yuan Yuan, for your unwavering love for me.”

Ji Yan looked down, observing the deliberately feigned affection in Jing Yuan’s eyes, and replied meaningfully, “You’re welcome.”

Even the experienced Chen Jifeng and Xie Ling were stunned by the scene. Their eyes met, both deeply curious about why Ji Yan’s attitude toward Jing Yuan had suddenly shifted.

Xie Ling whispered, “Do you think, given Jing Yuan’s usual antics, he might have gone so far as to bewitch Ji Yan?”

Chen Jifeng chuckled softly. “You might as well say Ji Yan committed murder in front of Jing Yuan.”

Xie Ling pondered this. “That really could be it!”

The brief interlude soon passed, and Rong Qing no longer had the face to linger. His two lackeys had already subtly distanced themselves from him. Shooting them a furious glare, he clenched his fists and strode away quickly.

With Rong Qing gone, the atmosphere at the scene was no longer awkward.

The nine of them quickly selected the guns they needed for the CS battle, put on their protective gear, and prepared for the game.

Jing Yuan naturally didn’t bother with the protective suit, clinging to Ji Yan like a little leech and unabashedly enjoying the other’s help in dressing him.

After Ji Yan’s declaration, the two seemed to have grown closer. As a member of the Blue Team, Jing Yuan stayed by Ji Yan’s side like a little shadow until the very last second before the game began.

In the first half-hour of the game, the two teams needed to reach their respective bases, a journey that would take about fifteen minutes on foot.

Jing Yuan carried his chosen simulated gun, carefully navigating the rugged, uneven terrain. His fair face, half-hidden under a camouflage cap, looked even smaller.

As the team captain, Ning Jin was very considerate of Jing Yuan’s physical condition. He said to Jing Yuan, “Xiao Yuan, you don’t need to run. If you encounter any enemies, just call my name.”

Jing Yuan gave an “OK” sign and thanked him gratefully.

The fifteen-minute hike was undoubtedly a challenge for Jing Yuan. Halfway through, his heavy camouflage suit was already soaked with sweat, and a fine layer of perspiration covered his forehead.

His damp eyelashes trembled slightly, his breathing growing increasingly labored. With each step, his feet felt heavier, and the strength to carry his gun seemed to be fading.

To keep himself going, Jing Yuan took two slices of ginseng from his pocket and placed them under his tongue. Only then did his pale face regain a bit of color.

“Ning Jin!”

At that moment, Xie Ling’s team approached from the opposite direction.

Ning Jin immediately signaled everyone to hide behind the nearest rocks and prepare for combat.

After receiving the signal, Jing Yuan cautiously crouched behind a rock, holding his gun, finally seizing the moment to catch his breath.

His position was well-hidden and secure, with enough space for him to secretly observe the “enemy.”

Casually raising a cluster of morning glories to conceal himself, Jing Yuan remained vigilant as he scanned the surroundings.

On the opposite side, Xie Ling raised his hand and smiled, saying, “We’re here to form an alliance with you.”

“An alliance?” Ning Jin clearly didn’t believe it. “How would that work?”

Xie Ling explained, “The game rules state that whichever team eliminates the king first wins.”

Ning Jin replied, “The premise is that whichever team eliminates the king first secures the victory.”

“It’s the same thing,” Xie Ling said, tossing his gun aside to show his sincerity. “If we join forces to take down the king, our chances of winning will at least improve. Then, it’ll be up to each of us to see who can land the final blow and claim the kill.”

Ning Jin pondered for a moment before turning to ask the others for their opinions.

The stakes in this game were high. The losers would face the harsh penalty of swimming outdoors in winter for half an hour without clothes.

Neither Chen Jifeng nor Xie Ling wanted to lose. By teaming up to eliminate Ji Yan, their chances of winning would increase significantly.

Thus, Chen Jifeng said, “I agree to the alliance.”

Young Master Ming naturally followed the group: “+1.”

Xie Ling said, “Okay, let’s discuss our strategy first.”

Watching the group huddle together, Jing Yuan, who had been comfortably resting on the grass, thought, “???”

Hello? Is anyone remembering I’m here?

Aren’t they going to ask for my opinion?

After all, the person they’re scheming against is my fiancé, right?

Isn’t this plan a bit too sneaky?

Jing Yuan stayed silent, resting his head on his gun as he listened intently to the discussion.

Half an hour later, they finally finished their discussion and began to implement the plan.

They were still some distance from the team’s fortress. Having rested for half an hour, Jing Yuan felt somewhat recovered and quietly trailed at the back of the group.

The earlier conversation replayed vividly in his mind.

Holding his gun, Jing Yuan drifted into thought, feeling that Chen Jifeng’s strategy was particularly ruthless.

In short, the plan was to capture Ji Yan alive.

Although it was just a game, the thought of Ji Yan being cornered and outsmarted by everyone made Jing Yuan’s kind heart ache a little.

“Xiao Yuan, what’s on your mind?” Ning Jin deliberately paused for a few seconds, waiting for Jing Yuan, who had fallen to the back of the group. “Are you feeling unwell? Do you need me to carry your supplies?”

Jing Yuan shook his head. “Thank you, I’m fine.”

Ning Jin smiled. “That’s good.”

Chen Jifeng chimed in, “If you’re not feeling well, you can withdraw from the game early.”

Jing Yuan blinked. “Are you worried I’ll hold you back?”

Chen Jifeng chuckled softly. “I’m worried you might betray us.”

Though said in jest, the remark indirectly confirmed the suspicions and doubts the other three had about Jing Yuan.

As Ji Yan’s fiancé, there was always the risk that he might reveal their secret plan to Ji Yan.

Jing Yuan replied, “Oh.”

Chen Jifeng looked at him and added, “But even if you did tell him, Ji Yan might not believe you.”

Jing Yuan frowned slightly, wanting to argue but feeling there was some truth to the statement.

What if his “betrayal” was already part of the plan?

Jing Yuan couldn’t help but glance at Chen Jifeng. As Ji Yan’s close friend, Chen Jifeng undoubtedly understood Ji Yan better than he did. If he tried to warn Ji Yan, it was entirely possible that Ji Yan wouldn’t believe him.

So, Jing Yuan stopped overthinking it. “I’m not going to tell him.”

Chen Jifeng smiled. “That’s good.”

Young Master Ming chimed in then, “When we entered the rainforest earlier, did any of you notice the signboard nearby? It seemed to suggest that if we complete some kind of mission, we can get external support.”

Since the resort was entirely planned by Chen Jifeng, he was very clear about these matters.

He explained, “That mission is ridiculously difficult. No one can complete it.”

Young Master Ming, who had been eager to try, could only abandon the idea.

…

The sun soon set. The alliance between the two teams brought temporary harmony within the rainforest. Jing Yuan sat on a small rock under a tree, munching on nuts nonstop.

Seeing him take a thermos out of his supply bag, Young Master Ming said enviously, “If I’d known, I would have brought one too. It’s so cold.”

Jing Yuan asked kindly, “Do you want some?”

Young Master Ming looked slightly embarrassed. “No need… What’s in your thermos?”

Jing Yuan replied, “Kidney-tonifying soup.”

Young Master Ming: “…Oh, then you should drink it yourself.”

Jing Yuan curved his eyes, leisurely blowing on the steam rising from the bottle. It was as if they weren’t in a wild, overgrown rainforest but at a leisurely camping site.

Of course, he wasn’t the type to keep things to himself. He generously shared the nuts and ginseng from his backpack with everyone.

Only Young Master Ming, who received a handful of ginseng: “…” Eat it just like that?

At that moment, Xie Ling came running back excitedly from not far away, eagerly gesturing to everyone.

Exchanging glances, the group immediately hid at the edge of a depression about twenty meters away, preparing to surround Ji Yan.

Jing Yuan’s task was to act like a weed, while Xie Ling was responsible for luring Ji Yan over under the pretense of forming an alliance.

Ning Jin, worried that Jing Yuan might run too slowly, came over and crouched down. “Xiao Yuan, I’ll carry you on my back.”

Jing Yuan hesitated for a moment before politely declining.

Twenty meters—he could manage that on his own.

After a long wait, Jing Yuan, hiding at the edge of the depression with a trumpet flower on his head, heard the sound of Ji Yan and Xie Ling talking.

He didn’t dare move, his gaze fixed intently on the depression, unable to imagine what expression Ji Yan would have later.

Surprise? Or speechlessness?

Or perhaps disappointment and sadness?

Xie Ling’s voice grew closer as their footsteps approached.

“After forming an alliance with us, we’ll lure Jifeng and the others over first, then take them all down in one go.”

“Mm, that works.”

Jing Yuan secretly opened his eyes, sensing Ji Yan getting closer and closer. When Xie Ling coughed three times, they would all raise their guns and aim at Ji Yan simultaneously.

Although Jing Yuan was lazy and always eyeing others’ possessions, he still felt somewhat resistant to such underhanded tactics.

If this weren’t a game but reality, and the people closest to Ji Yan were truly scheming against him like this, it would be no wonder if Ji Yan turned dark.

For a moment, Jing Yuan’s inner saintly compassion overflowed.

Ji Yan had grown up without parents, so wasn’t it natural for him to become such a twisted person? Still, Jing Yuan didn’t find Ji Yan particularly twisted; sometimes, he was even quite gentle.

If it weren’t for the fact that having the same name and surname was too much of a coincidence, he would have suspected he’d mistaken the villain.

“Let’s go a bit further. I think that spot is more suitable.” Xie Ling patted Ji Yan’s shoulder. “Let’s check out the depression.”

Ji Yan was completely relaxed, without a hint of caution, trusting Xie Ling entirely as they walked toward the depression. The ease of it far exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Jing Yuan noticed that Chen Jifeng, hidden behind a rock nearby, had already adjusted his gun and was aiming at Ji Yan.

Meanwhile, Ji Yan was chatting and laughing with Xie Ling, his gun already taken away by Xie Ling under some pretext.

For some reason, Jing Yuan suddenly felt a tightness in his chest.

He truly disapproved of this ambush tactic.

Suddenly, Jing Yuan stood up, his sunflower hat bobbing: “Ji Yan, run!”

Ji Yan glanced up calmly, then swept his gaze around. Figures rose from the higher ground surrounding them, guns aimed at him.

In a panic, Jing Yuan tossed his own gun to Ji Yan and shakily positioned himself in front of Ji Yan. “What’s so impressive about an ambush? If you’ve got guts, face him one-on-one.”

Chen Jifeng smiled gently, his gaze lingering on the two. “I knew you might warn Ji Yan, but unfortunately, you were a step too late.”

Jing Yuan glanced at Ji Yan’s composed expression and realized the other showed none of the disappointment or heartbreak he had expected.

Damn it! This was probably just a game between close friends, and he was the only one who’d taken it seriously, acting like some self-righteous savior!

In chaotic times, it really does make sense to eliminate the do-gooder first.

Jing Yuan gave up entirely: Go on, kill me.

Suddenly, Ji Yan’s cool hand gently grasped his.

He looked up to see Ji Yan wearing a chillingly gentle smile. With one hand, Ji Yan raised his gun, calmly observing the crowd.

“Your plan is far too crude.”

Abruptly, the rustle of footsteps echoed from behind them.

Chen Jifeng turned to find themselves completely surrounded by a circle of tall, imposing figures wearing masks.

When Xie Ling realized what was happening, he confronted Ji Yan angrily, “You bastard, Ji Yan, you played me?”

Ji Yan chuckled and pulled the trigger. “If I didn’t play you, how could I catch you all in one net?”

As the last word left his lips, a yellow liquid pellet struck Xie Ling squarely in the chest, right over his heart. Ji Yan’s eyes darkened, a faint smirk curling his lips. “Why are you all standing around? Get moving!”

Within seconds, the entire hollow erupted into battle.

The game was thrilling and intense, with Chen Jifeng, Xie Ling, and the others fully immersed in the excitement. Even Young Master Ming, who wasn’t particularly athletic, shrieked and grinned from ear to ear, thoroughly enjoying the game.

Amid the chaos of howls and yells, Jing Yuan hunched his small frame, warily scanning his surroundings, terrified of being targeted.

Ji Yan was terrifying.

Truly a villain!

He even began to feel a belated fear. If he hadn’t stepped forward earlier, Ji Yan would surely have made him pay once they got home.

Just then, Ji Yan released him, hooking a finger into the sensor suit on his chest and gently smoothing it out.

“Why did you suddenly betray the team?”

Jing Yuan stiffened his neck. “I believe in fair and honorable competition!”

Ji Yan chuckled softly, the coldness in his eyes gradually softening.

“Oh?”

Jing Yuan added, “Of course, it was also my love for you that guided me.”

Ji Yan’s expression shifted subtly. He lifted a hand and lightly pinched Jing Yuan’s chin. “Is that so?”

Jing Yuan nodded. “And I was afraid you’d be too sensitive, disappointed in everyone.”

This statement left Ji Yan silent for a long moment. A flicker of imperceptible surprise crossed his usually calm face.

“Being betrayed by friends… doesn’t feel good,” Jing Yuan muttered under his breath, afraid Ji Yan would mock him for his do-gooder attitude.

After a long pause, Ji Yan took Jing Yuan’s hand again and cast a leisurely glance at their disheveled friends. “We’ll head back first. See you all at the pool tomorrow, no excuses.”

As Jing Yuan followed Ji Yan, he asked slyly, “Do I have to swim in the winter?”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow. “If I put you in the water, would you even survive?”

Jing Yuan pouted. “But our team lost.”

Ji Yan replied, “That bet only applies among our group of friends. It has nothing to do with you.”

Jing Yuan turned back to sneak a glance at everyone and kindly suggested, “It’s so cold out. Making them swim in winter might make you seem unfeeling if they get sick.”

From these words, Ji Yan detected a different undertone.

“What? Are you worried about them?”

Jing Yuan proposed, “How about we just charge each of them ten million as a safety fee instead?”

Ji Yan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled ambiguously. “That could work too.”

Jing Yuan asked excitedly, “You agree?”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow slightly. “Even if we get the money, you won’t get a share.”

Jing Yuan immediately puffed out his cheeks in frustration.

…

That night, when Jing Yuan returned to his room, he was utterly exhausted. If he hadn’t spent so much time lying on the grass earlier, he might not even have bothered to take a bath.

Soaking in the bathtub, Jing Yuan began to worry.

There was only one bed.

Did that mean he would have to share it with Ji Yan tonight?

But when he stepped out of the bathroom with a troubled expression, he realized he had overthought it. After ordering a meal for him, Ji Yan had gone to rest in the adjacent room, leaving the large bed entirely to him.

After taking his medicine and finishing his meal, Jing Yuan hugged his pillow and quickly sank into the bed.

He recalled the smile Ji Yan had worn earlier while standing in the hollow.

Since he had crossed over into this world, Ji Yan had always smiled at him, but today’s smile felt different somehow.

Ji Yan seemed genuinely happy.

Probably because he loved him so much.

Lost in these thoughts, Jing Yuan quietly drifted off to sleep.

He didn’t wake until the next morning when sunlight fell across his face.

Ji Yan’s room was right next door. After washing up, a drowsy Jing Yuan pushed the door open and went to look for him.

He had no idea what the day’s plans were.

And he was really hungry.

He knocked on the door for a long time, but Ji Yan didn’t answer. Wandering aimlessly, Jing Yuan suddenly spotted two familiar figures in the garden at the front of the villa.

Why was Chen Tian here too?

Sneaking around like a little dog, Jing Yuan took a detour, hoping to surprise them. His slender, thin frame was completely hidden by the two-meter-tall greenery, and his footsteps were nearly silent.

He quietly approached Ji Yan from behind, drawing closer to them—

“Today, I heard President Chen and the others talking about last night. Young Master Jing really does treat you well. If it’s genuine, it’s quite touching.”

“Oh?” Ji Yan’s expression was indifferent.

“Yes, everything is under your control.”

Ji Yan relaxed his arm on the chair’s armrest, a hint of laughter in his voice. “It seems I’ll have to act even more in love with him from now on, so he becomes even more convinced that my feelings for him are real.”

The smile on Jing Yuan’s lips quietly faded.