The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 24.1

The lop-eared rabbit appeared quite young, sniffing lightly at Jing Yuan’s palm, its soft fur smooth and warm.

After some hesitation, Jing Yuan placed the little rabbit back into its cage and timidly raised his eyes.

Ji Yan watched him, seemingly waiting for a response.

Jing Yuan raised his hand and traced an incredibly smooth heart shape in front of his eyes, adding a flirtatious wink for good measure.

“Thank you, Yan Yan.”

Ji Yan leaned leisurely against a pillar, his eyes behind the silver-rimmed glasses glinting with amusement. “Is that all?”

Jing Yuan, emboldened by the favor, replied, “You’ve already won my heart—isn’t that enough?”

Ji Yan straightened up and picked up the rabbit cage.

Jing Yuan immediately leaned forward to snatch it back. “Hey!”

Ji Yan said calmly, “This rabbit is half mine.”

Jing Yuan muttered under his breath, “Stingy.”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow. “Hmm?”

Jing Yuan quickly corrected himself, “Fine, it’s our rabbit.”

Only then did Ji Yan hand it over with satisfaction. “Let’s go. It’s time for lunch.”

Jing Yuan hummed in agreement, soothing the new pet in its cage while scanning the area for a place to eat.

Although this was the busiest part of the small town, the restaurants were modest in size and scale, and the food wasn’t particularly refined.

After a quick look around, Ji Yan suggested, “We could also go home to eat.”

Jing Yuan hugged the little rabbit. “Have you finished your business here?”

“Yes. Chen Tian took care of it.”

Jing Yuan’s stomach rumbled quietly as he glanced toward a noodle shop. “Can we go eat ramen?”

Ji Yan’s gaze lingered briefly on the sign at the entrance before leading Jing Yuan inside.

The shop offered a wide variety of noodles, and Jing Yuan, plagued by indecision, took his time with the menu.

Ji Yan’s order was simple: “One bowl of beef noodles.”

The server nodded and turned to Jing Yuan. “Has this gentleman decided?”

Jing Yuan hesitated. “I want both the beef noodles and the pork rib noodles. Which one is better here?”

The server smiled. “They’re both delicious. If you’d like to try both, you could share some with your friend. He ordered beef noodles.”

Jing Yuan stole a glance at Ji Yan. “Oh, then I’ll have the pork rib noodles.”

After adding a few side dishes and snacks to the order, Jing Yuan generously pulled a hundred-yuan bill from his pocket. “My treat today.”

Ji Yan lifted his gaze. “Thank you.”

Jing Yuan thought to himself, No need to thank me—just spare my life in the future.

Waiting for the food was rather dull.

Jing Yuan rested his chin in his hands, staring at Ji Yan, who stared back.

Feeling awkward, Jing Yuan broke the silence. “Yan Yan, when are you going back home?”

Ji Yan unwrapped the utensils and rinsed them with tea. “That depends on when my darling wants to go back.”

Jing Yuan cleared his throat softly. “I still need to work with the research team on developing new tea varieties. I probably won’t go back until the tea harvest season.”

The tea harvest usually took place in March.

But now, it was only early January.

Ji Yan took a sip of tea. “So, you’ll be staying here for two months.”

Jing Yuan lowered his eyes nervously. “Yeah. I don’t really want to, but if Yun Shui Jian wants to establish itself, we need unique tea varieties.”

Ji Yan countered, “Will you go home once the new varieties are developed?”

Jing Yuan mumbled, “Yeah.”

The teacup landed on the wooden table with a soft thud.

Jing Yuan hugged the little rabbit tightly, his expression tense.

Seeing his frightened demeanor, Ji Yan’s expression softened. “Yuan Yuan, why not have the research team come to Ningcheng? I’ll cover their accommodations and meals. Research can be done anywhere.”

Jing Yuan declined, “But the soil composition in Ning City is different from that in your city. It’s not very suitable for our experiments.”

Ji Yan’s voice was gentle: “I’ll have some soil transported from here and set aside a special experimental plot for you at home.”

Jing Yuan cautiously objected, “What about the climate characteristics?”

Ji Yan replied, “We can install greenhouses to simulate the temperature of your city.”

“This—” Jing Yuan had no further grounds for refusal and could only pretend to be considerate, saying, “That would be too wasteful of your money.”

Ji Yan said dotingly, “As long as you and I are together, money is not an issue.”

Jing Yuan forced a faint smile at Ji Yan, then gloomily stroked the rabbit while grumbling about him inwardly.

It seemed he would have to return to the Ji family after all.

Just then, a waiter came over and asked, “Gentlemen, our restaurant has a new specialty. A single noodle that fills the entire bowl. Would you like a complimentary upgrade?”

Jing Yuan’s eyes lit up: “That kind of noodle symbolizes longevity!”

The waiter confirmed, “Yes.”

Jing Yuan said, “Thank you, we’ll both upgrade.”

The waiter replied, “Very well, it’ll be ready shortly.”

“Ah, wait—” Jing Yuan grinned sheepishly, leaning in mysteriously to whisper in the waiter’s ear, “Could you please ask the chef to make my noodle extra long?”

The waiter chuckled, “Of course.”

…

Two steaming bowls of noodles were soon brought to the table. Superstitiously, Jing Yuan told Ji Yan, “You have to eat it all in one go without breaking the noodle.”

Ji Yan was puzzled, “Why?”

Jing Yuan explained, “Only then can you live a long life.”

With that, he picked up the noodle with his mouth and chewed it carefully, like a little hamster, afraid of snapping it mid-way.

Watching Jing Yuan’s slightly comical posture, Ji Yan hesitated briefly but ultimately ate his noodles in a normal, leisurely manner.

Seeing that Ji Yan paid no heed, Jing Yuan secretly scoffed at his ignorance of such customs, then continued puffing his cheeks and struggling to eat his noodle.

Soon, a quarter of an hour passed.

Ji Yan, who had finished half of his noodles, wiped his mouth and glanced at Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan was still battling that single noodle.

It seemed the waiter had indeed passed on his request to the chef.

The noodle in the bowl was truly long!

But the thought of finishing the entire bowl to ensure a long life filled Jing Yuan with enthusiasm, and he happily continued eating.

However, when he was two-thirds through, he suddenly choked, and the noodle snapped with a “snap.”

Jing Yuan, cheeks still puffed, stared blankly at the broken noodle, tears welling up in his eyes.

Ji Yan frowned slightly, “What’s wrong?”

Jing Yuan mumbled around his mouthful, feeling wronged, “It broke.”

Ji Yan pressed his thin lips together and patiently consoled, “It’s just a symbol; don’t take it too seriously.”

Jing Yuan picked up the remaining noodle, still upset, “Looking at it this way, I’ll only live to sixty.”

At first, Ji Yan didn’t understand why Jing Yuan was so fixated on longevity, but considering the other’s health, he said softly, “As long as you take your medicine on time now, your health won’t be an issue.”

Jing Yuan held back his thoughts and sighed silently.

He couldn’t very well say, “The length of my life isn’t determined by my health, but by you.”

“Don’t cry.” Ji Yan’s fingers paused on a napkin for a few seconds before he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan sniffled and politely declined.

“I have a runny nose; I’ll dirty your handkerchief.”

Ji Yan chuckled, “You can just wash it clean for me.”

Jing Yuan inwardly scoffed at Ji Yan.

He knew it—Ji Yan wouldn’t be that kind-hearted.

After eating and drinking his fill, Chen Tian walked into the restaurant to pick them up and settle the bill. Jing Yuan stopped him: “Hey, I’m treating Ji Yan. I’ve already paid.”

The meal cost only 62 yuan. What a bargain to earn Ji Yan’s favor with this meal. No one was going to steal his chance to show affection.

Chen Tian paused for a moment, unintentionally glancing at the receipt, and said with a smile, “Young Master Jing is so thoughtful, knowing it’s President Ji’s birthday tomorrow and ordering longevity noodles.”

Jing Yuan, who had been scheming, widened his eyes instantly.

Ji Yan’s birthday?

He had no idea!

Noticing Jing Yuan’s surprise, Chen Tian understood and awkwardly lowered his head. “Let’s go.”

Throughout the journey, Jing Yuan kept stealing glances at Ji Yan. Finally, after getting into the car, he mustered the courage to ask, “Since it’s your birthday tomorrow, what kind of gift would you like?”

As he said this, Jing Yuan felt his heart bleed.

What if Ji Yan asked for something like a car? He couldn’t afford that.

A flicker of surprise passed through Ji Yan’s eyes before he turned to look at him. “Yuan Yuan wants to give me a gift?”

Though Jing Yuan inwardly screamed “no,” his face showed enthusiasm. “Of course, I should give you a gift for your birthday.”

Ji Yan’s expression softened. “I appreciate the sentiment, but there’s no need for a gift.”

Jing Yuan immediately broke into a smile. “That’s not right.”

Ji Yan replied, “It’s fine. I don’t want to celebrate my birthday.”

This statement surprised everyone in the car, especially Chen Tian. Just last year, Ji Yan had invited many friends for his birthday—why the sudden change this year?

Jing Yuan didn’t say anything more, as he clearly sensed the shift in Ji Yan’s mood.

Ji Yan was resistant.

He didn’t press further, holding the lop-eared rabbit and saying, “Alright then, let Little Gray Ball wish you a happy birthday.”

“Little Gray Ball?” Ji Yan looked at him.

Jing Yuan nodded. “Yes, it’s the new name I gave him.”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow and casually picked up a magazine to flip through.

Jing Yuan leaned in closer. “What do you think of the name?”

Ji Yan smiled gently. “Tacky.”

Jing Yuan immediately glared at him, hugged Little Gray Ball, and moved as far away from Ji Yan as possible, exuding an aura of “don’t bother me.”

Ji Yan exchanged a brief glance with Chen Tian before lowering his head again, quietly stealing glances at Jing Yuan out of the corner of his eye without saying another word.

…

That night, Jing Yuan pestered Chen Tian to help him set up a rabbit hutch. After placing Little Gray Ball inside, he began studying a guide on raising rabbits.

Chen Tian asked, “Are you taking him back to Ningcheng?”

Jing Yuan stroked the rabbit’s ears. “Of course.”

Chen Tian bowed. “Please rest now. I won’t disturb you any further.”

“Wait—” Jing Yuan suddenly called Chen Tian back. After hesitating for a long time, he hinted, “Uncle, do you know why Ji Yan doesn’t want to celebrate his birthday?”

Chen Tian shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Jing Yuan clearly didn’t believe him and pressed further. “Is it because Ji Yan told you not to tell me?”

Chen Tian explained earnestly, “I really don’t know. Last year, President Ji invited so many people for his birthday.”

Only then did Jing Yuan believe him, nodding thoughtfully.

Before going to bed, Jing Yuan took out his diary and recorded the events of the past two days.

Ji Yan was such a complicated person.

Even though he was clearly using him, he always made Jing Yuan feel that his affection was genuine.

So, what was Ji Yan after?

…

The next day, after making two rounds of inspections in the tea fields, Jing Yuan began discussing with Xiao Jiang Ji Yan’s plan to set up a tea field for him at home.

After hearing Jing Yuan’s words, Xiao Jiang’s eyes filled with envy. “President Ji is so extravagant. He must really love you.”

Jing Yuan gradually became immersed in Xiao Jiang’s constant praise.

“So, I really have no choice but to go back with him.”

Xiao Jiang persuaded him, “There’s no place more comfortable than home.”

Jing Yuan nodded, then bid an early farewell to the uncles busy working in the fields as he rode along on his electric wheelchair.

On the way back, Jing Yuan asked Xiao Jiang, “What kind of situation would make someone reluctant to celebrate their birthday?”

Xiao Jiang thought seriously, “Maybe something bad happened on their birthday.”

The fact that Ji Yan didn’t want to celebrate his birthday actually had little to do with Jing Yuan, but his curiosity got the better of him. He just had to figure it out. And his intuition told him that this matter might be related to him.

When they got home, Jing Yuan crept stealthily to the outside of Ji Yan’s room, peeking inside through the window.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind him.

“What are you looking at, Yuan Yuan?”

Startled, Jing Yuan turned to Ji Yan and said, “I just missed you.”

Ji Yan took his hand. “Then come inside.”

Behind Ji Yan’s back, Jing Yuan pouted reluctantly, but his voice remained sweet. “Why aren’t you working today?”

Ji Yan replied, “I just finished.”

“Oh.” Jing Yuan followed Ji Yan into the study. Looking at the neatly arranged computers and documents, he tentatively asked, “Yan Yan, can I ask you a question?”

Ji Yan looked up, thought for a moment, and said, “Mm.”

Jing Yuan’s gaze met Ji Yan’s deep, dark eyes. After hesitating for a long time, he murmured, “Do you want cola chicken wings or garlic chicken wings for dinner tonight?”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow. “Cola chicken wings.”

“Oh.” Jing Yuan lifted his hand to tuck the hair at his temple behind his ear, but his lively eyes, filled with unspoken thoughts, couldn’t hide anything from Ji Yan.

Jing Yuan touched this and glanced at that before focusing his attention back on Ji Yan. But even after staring timidly for a long time, he still couldn’t bring himself to ask the question.

What if he touched on a painful memory for Ji Yan? He’d be in trouble then.

Once Jing Yuan let go of the thought, he sat at the desk and observed Ji Yan’s office supplies. Ji Yan definitely had OCD and was a neat freak—almost everything was in black and white, arranged with perfect order.

A porcelain-white fountain pen caught Jing Yuan’s attention.

It was engraved with the initials “WX,” clearly custom-made.

The pen had a retro and elegant design, with a French phrase carved into the body and even the clip meticulously engraved with beautiful patterns.

Jing Yuan wondered, who was this “WX”?

Could it be a gift from Ji Yan’s ex-boyfriend?

Come to think of it, Ji Yan was already 26. Even if he was aloof and hard to get along with, he must have had some romantic experiences.

Maybe this pen was a gift from some sweetheart.

“What are you looking at?” Ji Yan, who had changed into a loose white V-neck sweater at some point, sat down gently beside Jing Yuan.

“Your pen is really beautiful,” Jing Yuan complimented.

Ji Yan nodded, his cool gaze seemingly glued to Jing Yuan, making him feel quite uneasy.

“I should go. You’re busy.” Jing Yuan stood up, ready to slip away.

“Wait—” Ji Yan reached out and grabbed Jing Yuan’s slender wrist. “I’m done working. You can stay a bit longer.”

Jing Yuan twisted his wrist, still held firmly by Ji Yan, and sat back down.

Ever since transmigrating into the book, the two of them had rarely chatted for so long, let alone in Ji Yan’s room.

Afraid of the awkwardness, Jing Yuan deliberately tried to make conversation.

“Your pen is really beautiful.”

Ji Yan leaned lazily in his chair, watching him. “You already said that just now.”

Jing Yuan scratched his head uncomfortably, his gaze lingering on the two letters “WX” engraved on the fountain pen.

“Ji Yan, have you ever had a boyfriend before?”

Ji Yan suddenly raised his hand, gently tucking the stray strands of hair behind Jing Yuan’s ear. “Yuan Yuan, are you concerned about this?”

Jing Yuan hurriedly explained, “No, I was just asking casually. It’s a way to get to know you better.”

He squinted his crescent-shaped eyes and curved his lips into a smile.

Ji Yan crossed his long legs, his eyes sweeping over Jing Yuan’s slender, delicate neck before settling on his pale, faintly colored lips.

“And what about you, Yuan Yuan? Is there someone you like?”

Jing Yuan shook his head. “No.”

Ji Yan’s gaze returned to the fountain pen. “That was a token of love my father gave to my mother.”

“It’s really beautiful,” Jing Yuan said, reaching out to lightly tap it.

Ji Yan removed the pen cap, revealing the golden nib. “Look, there’s a portrait of my mother engraved here.”

“Oh?” Jing Yuan immediately leaned in obediently, his eyes sparkling with delight. “The craftsmanship is exquisite.”

Ji Yan relaxed his expression, a soft look in his eyes. “Mm.”

Jing Yuan pursed his lips. “Your parents must have been very romantic people.”

Ji Yan asked, “Why do you say that?”

Jing Yuan stared at the portrait on the nib. “Isn’t it proof enough to engrave the person you love on a pen you carry with you all the time?”

Ji Yan nodded. “Mm.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes inadvertently fell on Ji Yan’s work calendar, reminding him once again of the birthday issue. He wasn’t just curious. If he could help Ji Yan work through some of his psychological struggles, it might also be a chance to earn some goodwill.

“Yan Yan,” Jing Yuan said nervously, placing his hands on his knees and tilting his head to observe Ji Yan. “Why… why don’t you want to celebrate your birthday?”

The question seemed to catch Ji Yan off guard.

Had Jing Yuan been hesitating since he entered the room because of this?

“You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to,” Jing Yuan said, lowering his eyelashes. “Not having to buy you a gift would save me money anyway.”

Ji Yan tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his eyes fixed on Jing Yuan. He rested his arm on the back of Jing Yuan’s chair and leaned in slightly. “Yuan Yuan wants to know the answer?”

Jing Yuan blinked. “I’m concerned about you.”

A subtle smile played on Ji Yan’s lips. “Then I’ll tell you. Come a little closer.”

Jing Yuan was already almost surrounded by Ji Yan. Moving any closer would bring them far beyond a normal personal distance. Yet, curiosity spurred him to inch forward slowly until his ear was just two centimeters away from Ji Yan’s lips.

Ji Yan whispered softly, “Because at my birthday party, someone close to me destroyed me. The people I trusted turned their backs on me and treated me like a stranger.”

He spoke these words lightly, but they struck Jing Yuan’s heart like a heavy blow, an indescribable bitterness welling up in his eyes.

Ji Yan smiled. “So, I decided I never want to celebrate my birthday again.”