The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 25.1

“Go take your medicine if you’re sick.”

Ji Yan coldly lifted his gaze, glanced down at Jing Yuan clinging to him like an octopus, and slightly furrowed his handsome brows. “Drive for me.”

“Yes.” Chen Tian’s awkward smile instantly vanished as he hurriedly helped Ji Yan carry Jing Yuan out of the car.

On the way, Chen Tian secretly observed Jing Yuan lying in Ji Yan’s arms, his mind buzzing with curiosity.

Having followed Ji Yan for so long, this was the first time he had misjudged the situation.

Wasn’t Ji Yan happy to be sleeping with Jing Yuan?

Pushing open the tall bedroom door, Ji Yan lifted the bed curtain and gently laid Jing Yuan down.

Jing Yuan, heavily intoxicated, sank into the soft pillow, his bright, moist eyes gazing dreamily at Ji Yan, as docile as a kitten waiting for its owner to pet it.

Chen Tian stole a glance at Ji Yan—the look in Jing Yuan’s eyes was so intense it could practically pull threads. It was hard not to suspect how quickly their relationship had progressed over the past few days.

Jing Yuan coughed lightly, reaching out to grasp Ji Yan’s wrist. His fingertips traced the other’s skin like a feather, his gaze still fixed and affectionate.

That diamond watch of his was really dazzling.

It must be worth a fortune.

Taking in the vivid scene before him, Chen Tian deliberately averted his eyes and prepared to excuse himself. “Mr. Ji, would you like me to fetch some hot water for you?”

Ji Yan responded with a simple, “Mm.”

Chen Tian asked again, “Do you need me to prepare anything else?”

Ji Yan glanced at him indifferently. “Anything else?”

Chen Tian hinted, “Just those things—”

Ji Yan tucked the blanket around Jing Yuan, his voice deep and stern. “If you don’t want to work here anymore, you can resign.”

Chen Tian immediately fell silent. “I’ll take my leave now. Call me if you need anything.”

…

After Chen Tian left, Ji Yan soaked a towel and looked at Jing Yuan. “Can you wipe your face yourself?”

Jing Yuan, nestled under the quilt, nodded obediently. “Mm-hmm.”

Emerging from the blanket, he knelt on the bed and began wiping his face and neck with the towel.

Once finished, he handed it back to Ji Yan. “Mission accomplished.”

Ji Yan tossed the towel into the basin and adjusted his posture to stand up. “Get some rest.”

“Is there a reward?” Jing Yuan placed his hands on his knees, lifting his damp eyes to gaze expectantly at Ji Yan.

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow slightly and sat back down in the chair. “A reward?”

Jing Yuan nodded, his sly eyes already calculating.

“What reward do you want?”

“Oh, your watch is really beautiful.”

Jing Yuan smiled, his eyes curving as he placed both hands on Ji Yan’s wrist, his slender, pale fingers stroking the watch strap.

“Thank you for the compliment.” Ji Yan nodded politely.

Jing Yuan pursed his lips. Seeing that the fish hadn’t taken the bait, he moved on to the next hint. “Can I wear it?”

Ji Yan replied, “Perhaps.”

Jing Yuan gently fiddled with the watch strap, his thick eyelashes fluttering slightly as he occasionally glanced at Ji Yan with a mix of anticipation, shyness, and boldness.

Ji Yan let him hold his wrist and linger for a long time before unfastening the strap.

“Clatter—”

The watch fell softly into Jing Yuan’s palm.

Tired, Jing Yuan crossed his legs and played with the watch. “How do I adjust the strap to make it shorter?”

Ji Yan said, “You’ll need tools for that.”

Thinking that the watch would have to be returned to Ji Yan, Jing Yuan shook his head. “No need, I’ll wear it like this for now.”

Even though the strap was too long, Jing Yuan lovingly slipped it onto his wrist, holding it tightly with his other hand, much like a kitten guarding its food.

Ji Yan calmly accepted the fact that the watch now belonged to Jing Yuan. “I’ll take my leave now. Get some sleep.”

“Hey—”

Jing Yuan quickly grabbed the hem of his clothes. “Aren’t you going to stay here and sleep with me?”

Drunk, Jing Yuan’s tone was even softer than usual. His amber eyes were misty, and his gaze was fixed entirely on Ji Yan.

In Jing Yuan’s eyes, Ji Yan had somehow transformed into a kind-hearted rich man, and he was quite eager to befriend him.

Ji Yan’s tone was slightly hesitant. “There’s only one bed here.”

Jing Yuan pointed to the sofa. “You can sleep there.”

At that moment, Ji Yan began to doubt whether Jing Yuan was truly drunk.

It seemed that even when intoxicated, Jing Yuan knew how to avoid putting himself at a disadvantage.

He glanced at Jing Yuan, leisurely sitting on the edge of the bed. “What? You invited me to stay, but you’re making me sleep on the sofa?”

Jing Yuan’s voice was obedient. “We’re friends, not a couple. We can’t sleep together—it might lead to pregnancy.”

Ji Yan was momentarily speechless, unable to come up with a suitable response.

Jing Yuan handed a pillow to Ji Yan. “Here.”

Ji Yan grabbed the pillow, tossed it back onto the bed, and showed no intention of sleeping on the sofa.

Seeing this, Jing Yuan frowned. “Since you don’t want the sofa, I’ll take the bed.”

Ji Yan seemed somewhat satisfied. “Fine.”

Two seconds later, Ji Yan processed what had just been said. He stared coldly at Jing Yuan, so angry that he laughed. “What did you just say?”

Jing Yuan looked innocent. “You agreed.”

Ji Yan’s expression hardened as he reached a hand toward Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan immediately shrank back, his neck retracting as he stared fearfully at Ji Yan. “Are you going to hit me?”

“Jing Yuan.” Ji Yan’s gaze lingered on the other’s slender, fragile neck before he gave up arguing. “Go to sleep. I’ll leave once you’re asleep.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes curved like crescent moons. “Okay, you’re such a good person.”

Ji Yan sighed helplessly and stood up, taking off his coat. “You’re the first person to say that.”

Jing Yuan swiftly removed his sweater and pants, slipping naked under the covers. “If you like, I’ll tell you that every day.”

Ji Yan’s tone carried a hint of menace. “If you’re not asleep in ten minutes, there’ll be consequences. Hurry up and sleep.”

Jing Yuan immediately closed his eyes. “Okay, don’t hit me.”

Ji Yan smirked. “If you can’t fall asleep, I will.”

Jing Yuan turned on his side, gazing at him pitifully. “Then, can you sing me a song?”

Ji Yan tilted his head, picked up a wooden stick used to prop open the window from beside the sofa, and lightly tapped it against his palm.

Jing Yuan trembled in fear and quickly burrowed deeper under the covers.

If he had known, he wouldn’t have asked Ji Yan to stay with him.

Ji Yan was scarier than a ghost.

As he mulled it over, Jing Yuan’s head grew heavy, and his eyes gradually closed. Soon, the room was filled with the sound of his steady, even breathing.

Ji Yan stared at the foot sticking out from under Jing Yuan’s blanket, then glanced at the clothes scattered on the floor. He sighed helplessly and pinched the bridge of his nose.

He realized there was one benefit to dealing with Jing Yuan.

It tested his patience.

Gently pulling the blanket to cover the thin foot, Ji Yan strode quietly out of the room on his long legs.

…

The next day, Jing Yuan was awakened by his alarm clock.

He reached out and felt around, his throat dry and scratchy, his head too heavy to lift.

Suddenly, he noticed someone standing by the bed.

Jing Yuan wrapped himself tightly in the blanket and cautiously observed.

The person stood with his back to him, buttoning his knit jacket one button at a time.

Just then, Ji Yan turned around, his tone casual. “Awake?”

Jing Yuan shrank timidly under the quilt, completely bewildered by the scene before him.

Early in the morning, why was Ji Yan in his room?

He lowered his gaze and grew even more nervous upon seeing the pile of messy outer clothes on the floor.

Looking down again, he found himself completely naked under the covers.

At that moment, Jing Yuan’s physical discomfort peaked.

Ji Yan had actually taken advantage of him last night!

Burying his face in the pillow, he felt like crying but had no tears. His sore, itchy, and painful nose made him wonder how Ji Yan had tormented him the night before.

Ji Yan observed the distressed Jing Yuan and seemed to realize something.

A mischievous impulse rose within him.

“Yuan Yuan, are you feeling unwell?” Ji Yan sat by the bed, his voice gentle and helpless. “Last night, you held onto me and wouldn’t let me leave. Do you remember?”

Jing Yuan looked up dazedly, his eyes swollen from a hangover. “I wouldn’t let you leave?”

Ji Yan lowered his gaze. “Mm.”

Jing Yuan clearly didn’t believe it. “How could I not let you leave? And even if I didn’t, you’re so strong—you could’ve just walked away.”

Ji Yan looked at Jing Yuan’s reddened eyes with reluctance. “You were crying and begging me not to go. How could I bear to make you sad?”

Jing Yuan let out a choked sob and buried his face back into the pillow, his shoulders trembling as he cried.

He didn’t believe it!

Not a single word!

How could he have initiated anything?

It must have been that scoundrel Ji Yan taking advantage of the situation.

“Yuan Yuan, don’t cry.” Ji Yan chuckled softly, gently stroking his back. “Your health isn’t great to begin with. If you keep this up, you’ll get sick.”

Jing Yuan sniffled. “So, you just took advantage of me for free? We’re not even married yet. How are you any different from a robber?”

The amusement in Ji Yan’s eyes deepened. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have stayed to keep you company.”

“I don’t want to hear it, I don’t!” Jing Yuan petulantly covered his ears, then suddenly noticed something heavy on his wrist. Wiping his tear-filled eyes, he coughed. “What’s this?”

Ji Yan pursed his thin lips. “Payment.”

Jing Yuan stared in disbelief. “You think a single watch is enough to buy me off?”

Ji Yan gently smoothed his hair. “Twenty-five million.”

Jing Yuan nearly fainted, clutching his fragile heart with a frown. “How can it be that expensive? If I sell it, will it still be worth over twenty million?”

Ji Yan: “It should be. I just bought it two months ago.”

Jing Yuan wiped the watch with the corner of the blanket, carefully tucked it under his pillow, and glared at Ji Yan. “Don’t think a watch can erase the harm you’ve done to me.”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow. “Then what should I do?”

Jing Yuan issued an eviction order. “Leave first. I want some quiet.”

Without explaining further, Ji Yan cooperatively stood up. “Alright. Our high-speed train is at three this afternoon. If you’re not feeling well, we can cancel.”

Jing Yuan ignored him, completely refusing to communicate.

The bedroom door clicked shut softly.

Jing Yuan got up, limped over to pick out a clean set of clothes, and carefully stored the wristwatch like a treasure.

After all, he’d traded his body for it.

Even if he was angry with Ji Yan, he still had to keep the goods.

A dull ache between his legs made walking even more difficult. Leaning against the wall, it took him a long time to make it to the bathroom to wash up.

He wondered if Ji Yan had applied any medicine for him.

In the cheesy domineering CEO novels he’d read, the top would always gently and patiently apply medicine for the bottom afterward. At times like that, the bottom would be shy and adorable, wrapping their arms around the top’s neck and whispering sweet nothings.

Jing Yuan felt dizzy and cursed his own carelessness.

He was no longer pure.

He had been thoroughly used by Ji Yan.

It took Jing Yuan a long time to change his clothes and come out.

After a night of torment, he was starving. Sitting on the bed, the more he thought about it, the more wronged he felt. He had suffered so much, yet there wasn’t even anyone to bring him breakfast.

Fuming, Jing Yuan wheeled himself out in his wheelchair to find something to eat.

Meanwhile, Ji Yan had just instructed the kitchen to prepare brunch, specifically requesting light and mild dishes.

Jing Yuan happened to overhear this and entered the room with a sullen expression.

Chen Tian, noticing Jing Yuan’s resentful look, greeted him warmly with a “Good morning.” To his surprise, Jing Yuan responded with only a faint reply, completely devoid of his usual liveliness.

Chen Tian instinctively glanced at Ji Yan, only to find him unperturbed, leisurely sipping his tea with an air of contentment.

Jing Yuan was the type to push his luck. In the past, he had acted subserviently around Ji Yan, mainly out of fear for his life. But now, Ji Yan was the one at fault, and Jing Yuan could fully embrace the demeanor of a victim.

“Ji Yan, I’m thirsty.”

After a night’s sleep, Jing Yuan’s lips were terribly dry, and his throat felt scratchy and hoarse, making him uncomfortable.

Ji Yan looked up. “Would you like some tea?”

Jing Yuan lifted his chin. “Do you even need to ask?”

Chen Tian, who was organizing documents nearby, flinched, nearly dropping what he was holding.

Had the sun risen from the west today?

Jing Yuan actually dared to speak to Ji Yan like that.

Was this the same Jing Yuan who usually fawned and acted obediently?

Ji Yan, however, showed no anger. Instead, he poured Jing Yuan a cup of hot tea. “Green tangerine pu’er—it helps with hangovers.”

Jing Yuan stared at the steaming tea, his delicate brows furrowing. “It’s so hot. How am I supposed to drink it?”

Ji Yan’s light brown eyes fixed on Jing Yuan’s unapologetic expression, his thin lips pressed together in silence.

Worried that Ji Yan might lose his temper, Chen Tian quickly stepped forward. “Young Master Jing, let me cool it for you.”

Jing Yuan raised a hand to stop him. “No, I want him to do it.”

A faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered in Ji Yan’s narrow eyes before he lowered his head and slowly brought the teacup to his lips.

“I’ll blow on it for you.”

“Hmph.” Jing Yuan thought to himself, that’s more like it.

After Jing Yuan finished his tea, the kitchen staff brought out the meal.

As expected, it was a light and nutritious breakfast.

Jing Yuan nibbled on shrimp dumplings, occasionally shooting disdainful glances at Ji Yan. If the gap between their strengths weren’t so vast, he would have made Ji Yan pay dearly.

Ji Yan, on the other hand, had a good appetite and ate more than usual.

Jing Yuan, however, had little appetite and only managed two shrimp dumplings and a few spoonfuls of porridge.

Ji Yan asked gently, “Yuan Yuan, are you feeling unwell?”

Jing Yuan replied with a resentful expression, “Don’t you know whether I’m feeling well or not?”

Ji Yan understood. “Then rest well today.”

Jing Yuan put down his chopsticks and wheeled himself away indignantly.

Chen Tian watched Jing Yuan’s audacious retreat, utterly baffled by the act the two were putting on.

If Ji Yan hadn’t kept him up all night reviewing contracts, he might have thought something had happened between them.

…

After a day of rest, Jing Yuan returned to Ningcheng with Ji Yan.

The journey’s bumps and exhaustion nearly drained Jing Yuan’s energy. Just like on the way there, his face was pale, his heart felt heavy and raced uncomfortably, and he barely made it home.

Over the next two days, the servants at the Ji household noticed something strange. The usually well-behaved and cautious Young Master Jing had suddenly changed, frequently picking on Ji Yan.

Everyone knew what kind of person Ji Yan was.

Even more fantastical was that Ji Yan actually allowed Jing Yuan to bully him, even patiently coaxing Jing Yuan with a gentle temper.

This surreal drama played out for almost three days, much to everyone’s amusement. They were practically ready with peanuts and melon seeds to enjoy the show.

However, Jing Yuan had become even more wary of Ji Yan than before. Whenever Ji Yan returned home, no matter what he was doing, Jing Yuan would quickly wheel himself away in his wheelchair, moving as fast as an athlete.

Only when he couldn’t escape would Jing Yuan reluctantly engage with Ji Yan, exchanging a few perfunctory words.

Ji Yan seemed to relish the situation. Occasionally, he would visit Jing Yuan in the evenings to discuss matters like the acquisition of the Lishui Park project. But each time, Jing Yuan remained on high alert, as if he wished he could don a suit of armor before meeting Ji Yan.

One evening, Ji Yan returned home unusually early and had dinner with Jing Yuan.

“Yuan Yuan, the Haishi branch will open in a few days. I need to go on a business trip.”

Though Jing Yuan wasn’t particularly fond of Ji Yan, he still said, “Have a safe trip. Take good care of yourself.”

Ji Yan suggested, “Do you want to come with me?”

Jing Yuan’s thoughts immediately went in the wrong direction. “No.”

What if they had to share a room during the trip? What if Ji Yan lost control and pounced on him? His legs had just started to feel a little better these past few days. He had no intention of walking back into the wolf’s den.

Ji Yan calmly raised his glass. “Alright.”

…

In the blink of an eye, Ji Yan took the earliest flight out, leaving only Jing Yuan and Chen Tian in the airport lobby.

A heavy snowstorm raged outside, and the weather was bitterly cold.

Even wrapped in a thick down jacket, Jing Yuan’s cheeks were flushed red from the cold, and he huddled in his wheelchair like a little chick.