The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 20.1

Jing Yuan couldn’t quite put his feelings into words at the moment.

Although he had never entertained any illusions about Ji Yan beyond survival and had only ever wanted to stay alive, hearing those words directly from Ji Yan still left him feeling somewhat unsettled.

So, Ji Yan had been acting all along.

But what was the purpose of Ji Yan’s performance?

Having crouched for too long, Jing Yuan’s legs began to ache. He quietly sat down, leaning against the outer railing of the bench.

He decided to keep listening.

“Mr. Ji, we’ve made some progress regarding Sand. He did have dealings with Mr. and Mrs. Ji, and the topic of discussion was an acquisition.”

Ji Yan’s gaze turned cold. “Yes, he wanted to swallow the Ji Corporation.”

“That’s right.” Chen Tian handed the documents to Ji Yan. “Sand clearly has an in-depth understanding of our group. I suspect someone might be leaking information to him.”

Ji Yan asked, “Do you think there’s a mole?”

Chen Tian replied, “Possibly.”

After a moment of thought, Ji Yan said, “If Sand is truly connected to my parents’ deaths, we’ll have to start with Jing Yuan.”

Chen Tian responded, “Yes.”

Hearing his own name, Jing Yuan’s eyes widened in shock. How could the deaths of Ji Yan’s parents be related to the original owner?

Could it be…?

Jing Yuan was now deeply worried that the Jing family had been involved in that car accident.

“Jing Yuan doesn’t remember the accident. I’ve had people look into his medical records from over a decade ago, and his father wasn’t lying.”

Chen Tian asked, “Did the doctors say how to help Young Master Jing recover those memories?”

At this, Ji Yan’s pupils slightly contracted.

“Through stimulation or sheer luck.”

Jing Yuan couldn’t process anything after that.

He had only one thought now: to escape from Ji Yan’s side as quickly as possible.

What did “stimulation” mean?

Could it mean reenacting the car accident?

Fueled by psychological stress, Jing Yuan’s entire body ached intensely. The crown of his head drooped slightly, mirroring his gloomy mood.

The two people talking behind him remained unaware of his presence.

Chen Tian frowned deeply. “So, we need to—”

He didn’t finish his sentence, leaving the last half hanging.

But Ji Yan clearly understood his meaning.

“His health is too fragile to withstand any rough treatment.”

Ji Yan looked up, his expression complicated as he gazed toward the window of Jing Yuan’s bedroom.

He had been grappling with this matter for over a decade; a little more time wouldn’t hurt. As long as Jing Yuan trusted him and stayed by his side, uncovering the truth was only a matter of time.

As for how to handle his relationship with Jing Yuan once everything came to light, Ji Yan hadn’t yet decided.

…

Inside the bedroom, Jing Yuan sat on the carpet, hurriedly packing his suitcase. If he didn’t escape now, Ji Yan’s methods could cost him his life. He had let his guard down earlier, deceived by Ji Yan’s facade of affection, and assumed Ji Yan wouldn’t move against him anytime soon.

But now, he wasn’t so sure.

The situation was far more complicated than he had imagined.

He had thought that after successfully pairing Ji Yan with the protagonist, he could make a clean exit. It seemed he had been too naive.

If he didn’t reveal the details of the car accident, Ji Yan would never let him go.

Scooping up the last coin from the drawer, Jing Yuan slung his backpack over his shoulder, sat on his suitcase, and rushed out in a frenzy.

Just yesterday, he had briefly thought Ji Yan was an angel.

Now, it was clear. The man was an out-and-out villain!

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Ning Jin stepped out. “Xiao Yuan, where are you going?”

Jing Yuan pressed his lips together. “To heaven.”

Ning Jin was momentarily stunned. “What?”

Jing Yuan hung his head dejectedly, driving his luggage cart into the elevator as he bid Ning Jin farewell, “Goodbye, hope we meet again if fate allows.”

Ning Jin remained utterly confused, “Where are you going?”

Before he could finish his sentence, the elevator doors slid shut.

Crouched in the corner of the elevator, Jing Yuan listlessly drooped his head, growing increasingly despondent.

Ji Yan didn’t like him at all.

Not only was he being used, but in the future, Ji Yan might even resort to extreme measures to force him to regain his memories.

Jing Yuan sniffled, pondering how to come up with an excuse to move out.

The tea shop was almost settled, so moving there wouldn’t be impossible. The only problem was the hazardous construction waste. Living in a world filled with formaldehyde and benzene would probably send him to an early grave.

But he didn’t have any extra money at the moment, staying in a hotel long-term wasn’t feasible, and if he went home, his parents and older brother would surely question his reasons…

Jing Yuan suddenly felt utterly adrift, just as he had before transmigrating into this book—without family by his side.

Just then, the elevator chimed as the doors opened.

Jing Yuan was about to drive his luggage out when he unexpectedly bumped into two familiar figures.

Recognizing the people across from him, he shivered.

Well, talk about a narrow escape.

Observing Jing Yuan’s current state, Ji Yan slowly stepped into the elevator, “Are you going out?”

Jing Yuan hunched his shoulders, looking small and helpless, like a lamb that had stumbled into a wolf’s den, “Mm, I want to leave.”

Ji Yan glanced at Chen Tian before leaning down and asking patiently, “Yuan Yuan, don’t you like it here? Do you want to go home?”

Jing Yuan didn’t dare look at Ji Yan, “No, it’s just… I miss my bed a little. I’m not used to staying here.”

Ji Yan smiled gently, “So that’s it.”

He turned leisurely, resting his hand on the handle of Jing Yuan’s luggage cart, and said to Chen Tian, “Tell Chen Ji Feng to find the same brand of bed from home and have it moved into Yuan Yuan’s room as soon as possible.”

Chen Tian nodded, “Understood.”

The elevator began to ascend slowly.

With every meter it rose, Jing Yuan’s expression grew more resolute, as if facing certain doom. When they reached the floor where their bedrooms were, Ji Yan pulled Jing Yuan’s electric luggage cart, step by step guiding him back to the bedroom.

Sitting atop the luggage, Jing Yuan felt his heart sink into despair.

As Ji Yan opened the door, he caught a glimpse of Jing Yuan’s expression in the full-length mirror ahead.

That look left him slightly puzzled, his relaxed mood tightening as he began to notice Jing Yuan’s unusual behavior today.

After getting off the luggage cart, Jing Yuan went nowhere, sitting alone in a corner of the sofa, lost in thought, completely devoid of his usual liveliness.

After a moment of contemplation, Ji Yan walked directly over to Jing Yuan.

Just then—

Jing Yuan subtly shifted away from him.

This instinctive reaction made Ji Yan pause.

Just yesterday, Jing Yuan had been so close to him—why was he suddenly so distant today?

“Yuan Yuan, you don’t seem very happy today.”

Ji Yan’s voice was soft as he removed his silver-rimmed glasses, his gaze fixed on Jing Yuan’s thin, frail back.

Hugging his knees, Jing Yuan mumbled in response, “It’s alright, I just miss home.”

Ji Yan kept one hand in his pocket, still not approaching, “If you miss home, I’ll take you back in a few days.”

Jing Yuan stole a sidelong glance at Ji Yan, his nerves still tense despite the distance between them.

If only he really had a home to return to.

Then he wouldn’t be so terrified.

“I’m tired, I want to sleep.” Jing Yuan rose from the sofa, lowering his head as he took off his jacket. From start to finish, he avoided making eye contact with Ji Yan.

In the end, he jogged back to bed, wrapping himself tightly in the quilt, leaving Ji Yan standing alone in the living room.

It was the first time Ji Yan had been left out in the cold. He gazed at Jing Yuan with a complicated expression. “Yuan Yuan, everyone is going on a picnic for a barbecue today. Would you like to join us?”

Ji Yan was well aware of Jing Yuan’s dietary preferences—he loved grilled food, especially barbecue. That was why he had specifically arranged the BBQ outing.

“I’m very tired. You all go ahead.”

Jing Yuan’s voice was muffled. His slender ankles, which had been visible by the bedside, disappeared under the covers as he seemed determined to shut himself off from the world.

Ji Yan stared thoughtfully at Jing Yuan for a moment but did not linger any longer. He turned and left.

In the hallway, Ji Yan summoned the kitchen supervisor.

“Did Young Master Jing ask for breakfast today?”

The supervisor shook his head. “No.”

Returning to his room alone, Ji Yan sat at his desk, crossing his long legs as he gazed out at the garden.

It was the same spot where he had spoken with Chen Tian earlier that morning.

Today, Jing Yuan was acting unusually out of character.

Ji Yan’s eyelid twitched slightly. His distinct knuckles tightened around the armrest of his chair as a suspicion began to form in his mind.

After a while, he called Chen Tian in.

…

After listening to Ji Yan, Chen Tian carefully recalled everything that had happened in the elevator.

“Young Master Jing didn’t seem the least bit surprised to see me.”

Chen Tian had just arrived that morning. Logically, Jing Yuan should have been shocked, but in the elevator, he had been unusually calm.

Ji Yan held a pen in his hand, his expression hesitant. “Mm.”

Chen Tian asked, “Should I check the surveillance footage?”

Ji Yan lowered his gaze. “Mm.”

While Chen Tian was away, Ji Yan sat alone at his desk, lost in thought. That morning in the garden, the topics they had discussed related to Jing Yuan were likely about the car accident and—

Ji Yan’s thick brows furrowed slightly, and he did not continue that train of thought.

Soon, Chen Tian retrieved the surveillance footage and handed it to Ji Yan. Watching Jing Yuan’s movements from that morning, the truth became clear.

Ji Yan’s usually steady eyes flickered slightly. He removed his glasses and pressed his right hand against his temple, a severe headache setting in.

Chen Tian analyzed, “Could it be that Young Master Jing was upset by what you said?”

Ji Yan remained silent, offering no response.

In Chen Tian’s impression, all of Jing Yuan’s gestures of goodwill toward Ji Yan had been an act. Could it be that Jing Yuan had been genuinely won over by Ji Yan’s charm and was slowly developing real feelings?

“You may go,” Ji Yan said.

Having been single for over thirty years, Chen Tian didn’t quite understand the complexities of love. Before leaving, he hesitated and said, “Boss Ji, Young Master Jing might have fallen for you.”

Ji Yan kept his eyes downcast and still did not respond.

If it were anyone other than Jing Yuan, Chen Tian might have tried to play matchmaker. But he knew Jing Yuan’s personality and was aware of his past behavior. Old habits die hard, so it was better to be cautious.

In the quiet study, the sound of a door slamming echoed.

Ji Yan adjusted his posture, leaning back in his chair and staring expressionlessly at the ceiling.

Yesterday, Jing Yuan had worried that he might be upset about being betrayed by a friend. Was Jing Yuan now feeling the same way?

Could it be that Jing Yuan truly had feelings for him?

His pale fingers tapped rhythmically against his leg as Ji Yan’s breathing grew heavier. His usually cold and stern expression was tinged with conflict.

After all, Jing Yuan had never harmed him.

But everything happening now was far beyond his plans.

Jing Yuan would probably never trust him again.

Ji Yan opened a cigarette case with one hand, took out a cigarette, and held it between his fingers.

…

Unbeknownst to him, it was already afternoon.

Jing Yuan hid under the covers, so hungry that his stomach felt like it was pressed against his spine.

Not long after, a slender arm emerged from under the blankets.

The arm fumbled around, opened a drawer, retrieved some hawthorn candies, and brought them back under the covers.

Chewing on the sweet and sour hawthorn candies, Jing Yuan finally felt a little better.

Even when feeling down, he still had to fill his stomach.

After thinking it over for so long, he had come to a realization. Since he was of value to Ji Yan, Ji Yan definitely wouldn’t try to kill him. What if he fell and hit his head, becoming a fool? Who would Ji Yan extract useful information from then?

So, Jing Yuan wasn’t as scared as before.

Still, the incident served as a reminder: he must not be fooled by Ji Yan’s outwardly gentle and caring demeanor.

Ji Yan was extremely cunning—no angel by any means.

“Cough, cough…”

After starving for half the day, Jing Yuan felt dizzy and weak. His lips were paler than a few days ago, and he looked listless, as if he were covered in a sickly aura.

He forced himself to get out of bed and crouched in front of his suitcase, rummaging for snacks.

Sandwich biscuits, cheese egg rolls, tomato-flavored chips…

All the snacks had already been devoured.

Jing Yuan hung his head dejectedly and glanced at the wall clock.

Dinner was still a long way off, and since everyone had gone out for a barbecue, he had to venture out to find something to eat.

The first floor of the villa housed the dining area.

As Jing Yuan went downstairs, he caught sight of someone sitting in the living room.

The person on the sofa turned around upon hearing footsteps. “Xiao Yuan, didn’t you go to the BBQ?”

Jing Yuan smiled at Ning Jin. “No.”

Ning Jin was quite a good person—always friendly toward him.

“You don’t look too well,” Ning Jin said, standing up with concern. “Do you need me to call a doctor?”

Jing Yuan shook his head. “No need. I’m just a little hungry.”

Ning Jin headed toward the dining area. “The chefs took all the ingredients and went out with everyone for the BBQ. It’ll probably be a while before anyone can cook.” He rolled up his shirt sleeves and washed his hands at the sink. “How about I make you something simple to eat?”

Jing Yuan felt bad troubling Ning Jin and hurried over. “No, it’s fine. Are there any instant noodles in the kitchen? I can just boil some.”

“Try to avoid eating that kind of stuff,” Ning Jin said with a gentle smile. “Do you like hand-pulled noodles?”

Jing Yuan nodded blankly. “Yeah.”

“Go rest. It’ll be ready in half an hour.”

Just like that, Jing Yuan was ushered by Ning Jin to the living room to watch TV. Before long, a steaming bowl of beef noodles was ready.

The beef, of course, wasn’t stewed by Ning Jin himself. He had found some Wagyu beef in the fridge—exceptionally tender and flavorful.

Jing Yuan was ravenous. He blew hastily on the noodles, then held the bowl, slurping up the broth and noodles noisily.

Ning Jin watched him with a warm smile. “Take your time.”

Jing Yuan’s cheeks were stuffed full, leaving him no time to reply. He simply nodded and, in the blink of an eye, finished the entire large bowl.

Although it was winter, the room was warm. After finishing the noodles, a light sweat dotted Jing Yuan’s nose, and his damp eyes were filled with contentment.

Ning Jin smiled. “Want more?”

Jing Yuan grinned sheepishly. “No, thank you, Cousin.”

Ning Jin nodded and stood up to clear the dishes. Though Jing Yuan wasn’t in the best health, he could still manage washing dishes. He trailed after Ning Jin like a little helper, eagerly pitching in.

Ning Jin was very observant. Watching Jing Yuan bustling about, he asked, “Why didn’t you go to the BBQ with Ji Yan today?”

Jing Yuan mumbled, “I was tired from playing yesterday.”

Although the reason was quite valid, Ning Jin still sensed Jing Yuan’s despondency. He didn’t press further. After tidying up the kitchen, he chatted with Jing Yuan in the living room.

Midway through their conversation, Jing Yuan suddenly asked, “Cousin, what kind of person is Ji Yan in your eyes?”

Ning Jin fell silent for a moment before replying slowly, “My cousin’s family background is rather unique. He’s been sensitive since childhood and finds it hard to trust others.”

Jing Yuan, sitting cross-legged with his chin resting on a shark-shaped pillow, asked, “What else? Any other aspects?”

Ning Jin smiled. “Other than that, he’s fine. I’ve noticed you two seem to get along quite well.”

Jing Yuan chuckled wryly and scratched his head. “It’s alright, I suppose.”

Ning Jin handed him a peeled grapefruit. “Let’s not talk about him anymore. Try some fruit.”

Jing Yuan replied cheerfully, “Sure!”

Upstairs on the second floor, Ji Yan had been standing there for a long time.

He had witnessed every interaction between the two.

Jing Yuan seemed completely at ease with Ning Jin, just as he had been with Ji Yan not long ago.

A sudden pang of panic surged within him. He feared that Jing Yuan would drift away from him entirely in the future.

Reason told him that the root of his worry was the fear that the truth behind his parents’ car accident would never come to light. But deep down, he knew there might be other reasons as well.

As Jing Yuan prepared to return to his room to rest, Ji Yan cast him a deep glance before turning and heading back to his own room.

This feeling was unsettling.

It was as if his beloved cat had been lured away by an outsider.

…

Late at night, Jing Yuan sat on a rocking chair by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the stars.

He had forgotten to bring his diary on this trip, so he hadn’t been able to jot down all the disdainful thoughts he had about Ji Yan—what a pity.

After taking seven or eight different medications, Jing Yuan leaned back like an old man, leisurely rocking in his chair with one leg crossed over the other.

His daily medication expenses were no small sum. A rough estimate put it at around thirty to forty thousand a month.

If he were to leave now, he wouldn’t even have the money to buy his medicine. All his funds were tied up in the tea business, and he still owed Ji Yan over six million.

Jing Yuan sighed bitterly, cursing the wretched capitalists.

With no money left, he might as well go to Manhe and sell liquor.

Just then, a series of “whooshing” sounds came from the flowerbed downstairs, instantly illuminating Jing Yuan’s dark balcony.

Colorful fireworks soared into the sky, reaching their peak before lighting up the night as bright as day.

This was Jing Yuan’s first-time seeing fireworks.

He leaned against the window, his clear eyes brimming with delight, completely captivated by the dazzling display in the night sky.

A long, long time ago, he had read many novels where the male lead would set off fireworks for his beloved.

But he had never seen them in person.

He had only drawn the imagined fireworks in his diary, dreaming of the day he would regain his freedom and enjoy more beautiful sights.

Jing Yuan slowly sat down on the balcony, propping his chin in his hands, wondering who could be setting off fireworks so late at night.

Only after the last firework faded away did he spot the figure standing in the garden below.

Could it be Ji Yan?

A strange feeling washed over Jing Yuan.

Why would Ji Yan set off fireworks so late at night?

Was he trying to play the part of an old-school domineering CEO pursuing his crush?

He glanced around, searching for Ji Yan’s supposed love interest.

Just then, Ji Yan, standing in the garden, suddenly looked up. Startled, Jing Yuan, who had been leaning against the window, quickly waved his hands and pretended to be diligently cleaning the glass.

“Yuan Yuan, would you like to come down?”

Ji Yan called out to him.

While cleaning the window, Jing Yuan slowed his movements, his bright eyes filled with wariness and unspoken thoughts, like a kitten assessing danger. He remained silent for a long time without responding.

Ji Yan took out a star-shaped firework, the kind children often play with, from his pocket and waved it at Jing Yuan. “Want to play?”

Jing Yuan’s expression instantly brightened with anticipation, yet he still didn’t reply.

Ji Yan’s eyes dimmed as he sat on the bench, gazing at Jing Yuan. “I know you like fireworks, so I prepared a lot especially for you. Yuan Yuan, don’t you want to come down and play?”

Finally, Jing Yuan responded this time.

“It’s too cold outside. I’m afraid I’ll get sick.”

Ji Yan lit a star-shaped firework. “If you wear thick clothes, you won’t feel cold.”

Watching Ji Yan play, Jing Yuan couldn’t resist the temptation.

In the end, desire overcame reason. He bundled up in his down jacket and hurried downstairs.

Along the way, the ground was littered with spent firework casings.

Jing Yuan eagerly approached Ji Yan. “Are there any more?”

Ji Yan pointed to the side. “They’re all over there.”

Jing Yuan was so excited that when he ran down, his scarf was casually draped over his shoulders, forgotten and now hanging messily. His little face was flushed red from the cold.

He eagerly grabbed a pair of star-shaped fireworks, lit them by the flame, and then raised them high into the bright, clear night sky.

“Your scarf isn’t wrapped properly.”

As Ji Yan stepped toward him, Jing Yuan immediately dodged away.

Jing Yuan muttered, “I’m not cold.”

Ji Yan stood still, his gaze fixed on Jing Yuan’s scarf, which was about to fall to the ground. His expression grew serious.

“Yuan Yuan, did I do something to upset you?” Ji Yan asked directly, looking straight at Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan averted his eyes. “No.”

“Really?” Ji Yan pressed.

“Mm,” Jing Yuan replied, deliberately turning his back to Ji Yan. “Why are you asking so suddenly?”

Ji Yan remained where he was. “Maybe I’m overthinking it.”

The fireworks in Jing Yuan’s hands quickly burned out. He took two more and crouched on the ground, watching the sparks burst from the flames.

Ji Yan walked over to him. “Yuan Yuan.”

Jing Yuan looked up at him. “What’s wrong?”

Ji Yan pursed his lips. “Nothing.”

Jing Yuan lowered his eyes. “Then I’m going back to sleep.”

Ji Yan reached out, as he usually did, to take Jing Yuan’s hand, but this time, he grasped nothing but air.

Jing Yuan seemed nervous, his words stumbling. “I’ll go first.”

“Mm,” Ji Yan withdrew his gaze. “Remember to close the window.”

Jing Yuan looked up toward his bedroom. Earlier, while watching the fireworks, he had opened a window for a better view.

It seemed Ji Yan had noticed even that.

“Thanks, I know,” Jing Yuan waved, bundled in his down jacket like a little penguin, swaying as he disappeared into the night.

Ji Yan stared in the direction he had left, lost in thought for a long time.

None of the carefully prepared words he had intended to say tonight had been spoken. Jing Yuan was far more resistant to him than he had imagined.

…

After staying at the resort for a few nights, Jing Yuan returned home with Ji Yan.

Throughout the journey, Jing Yuan kept his distance from Ji Yan, silently admiring the scenery outside. He was usually very talkative, chattering nonstop on the way there. But today, he was unusually quiet—so much so that even the driver noticed something was off.

Ji Yan remained calm and didn’t bring it up.

Once they arrived home, he quietly observed Jing Yuan’s hurried movements.

Chen Tian approached with concern. “Mr. Ji, about Young Master Jing…”

Ji Yan said, “I need you to do something for me now.”

Chen Tian nodded and leaned in. “Please go ahead.”

In Jing Yuan’s bedroom, the safe had already been opened.

He carefully inventoried all his valuable belongings, packed them into his suitcase, and prepared to leave at any moment.

But as Jing Yuan sat on the edge of the bed, he began to worry whether his deliberate distancing might provoke Ji Yan’s displeasure.

Although Ji Yan wouldn’t harm him directly, employing some subtle means to torment him would be effortless.

At present, he lacked a particularly appropriate excuse to leave this place. The slightest misstep could easily arouse Ji Yan’s suspicion and resentment.