The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 26

“Yuanyuan, what are you laughing at?” Ji Yan asked leisurely as he cut his steak. “You seem very happy today.”

Jing Yu, who had been addressed, paused for a moment before breaking into a bright smile. “Yes. Because we have a new friend at home. His name is Yun Shu, and he’s around my age. He can keep me company.”

Yun Shu tensed up instantly.

Although he had experience working in domestic service, he had never served such an affluent family before.

In his impression, families like these were very particular about etiquette and maintained strict hierarchies. How could the master of the house specifically mention him at the dinner table and even refer to him as a friend?

Yun Shu felt a bit intimidated by Ji Yan and quickly introduced himself. “Hello, Mr. Ji. My name is Yun Shu. I was chosen by Young Master Jing…”

Jing Yu had just reminded him that he absolutely must not mention to Ji Yan that they had met in a bar.

Nervously, he lowered his head. “Young Master Jing selected me from the domestic service company to work here.”

Ji Yan remained calm. “Alright.”

Yun Shu glanced at Ji Yan’s empty wine glass and cautiously stepped forward. “Let me pour you some wine.”

Ji Yan: “Thank you.”

Beside them, Jing Yu watched like an amused spectator.

Yes! Just like that!

If the two of them spent a few days together like this, wouldn’t feelings naturally develop?

Matchmaker Jing was very pleased with his masterpiece. Even the steak tasted better than usual.

“Yun Shu, Ji Yan likes lemon salmon. Could you prepare some for him?”

Yun Shu nodded. “Of course.”

As Yun Shu raised his hand, Ji Yan gently stopped him.

“You can go attend to other tasks. I can manage my own meals.”

Yun Shu bowed slightly. “Understood.”

Jing Yu watched with great interest.

They had only known each other for ten minutes, and Ji Yan was already showing concern. As expected, the protagonist shou had a fatal attraction for the main antagonist.

After Yun Shu left, Jing Yu began weaving his tale.

“I think you work too hard. Although Chen Tian takes care of your daily needs, he’s also half an assistant. There are always things in life that he might overlook. So, I specifically went to a domestic service company to find you a personal assistant. When you’re not home, he can chat with me. When you are home, he can help you with late-night snacks or ironing and folding clothes, so you can fully focus on your work.”

Ji Yan took off his wristwatch and poured Jing Yu a glass of juice.

“Which domestic service company did you hire him from?”

Jing Yu hesitated. “Um… I don’t remember the full name.”

Ji Yan smiled faintly. “It should be on the contract.”

Jing Yu feigned calm. “Alright, I’ll check and let you know later.”

Worried that Ji Yan might see through Yun Shu’s identity, Jing Yu decided to strike first. He deliberately played the victim, pretending to be hurt. “Yan Yan, are you not confident in the person I chose? Did I do something to upset you?”

Seeing Jing Yu on the verge of tears, Ji Yan raised an eyebrow slightly. “No, it’s just that I’m not used to Yuanyuan caring about me so much.”

Jing Yu looked like a delicate, helpless little white flower. “I’ve always cared about you.”

Ji Yan curled his lips. “But I’ve been away on business for so long, and you haven’t called or sent a single message.”

Jing Yu pursed his lips and retorted stubbornly, “I was afraid of disturbing your work. If I can’t help you, at least I shouldn’t hold you back.”

“So, Yuanyuan actually cares about me a lot.”

“Of course.”

Ji Yan didn’t respond but coughed lightly twice.

The temperature in Haishi had been fluctuating too much lately, and Ji Yan’s throat was feeling uncomfortable.

Remembering how unreasonable he had been a while ago, Jing Yu felt a pang of guilt. Eager to please, he served Ji Yan more food and refilled his wine.

“You’re always in my heart.”

Facing Jing Yuan’s attentiveness, Ji Yan suddenly grasped the wrist that was holding the chopsticks. His smooth fingertips slowly caressed it, his light brown eyes like bottomless lakes, impossible to read.

“So, you went and hired me a personal assistant?”

“Mm-hmm!” Jing Yuan smiled understandingly.

Ji Yan toyed with Jing Yuan’s slender, boneless wrist, his cold, narrow eyes fixed on him. “Then I’ll thank you for your kindness.”

Jing Yuan lifted his round, clear eyes, looking like a beautiful Ragdoll cat. “You’re welcome.”

Ji Yan raised his thick eyebrows slightly and adjusted his glasses.

He had no idea how Jing Yuan had met Yun Shu, nor what Jing Yuan was scheming. But one thing was certain—Jing Yuan had deliberately arranged for Yun Shu to come to the house.

In his previous life, the clues Yun Shu had provided weren’t particularly valuable. Still, Ji Yan had done what he could to help Yun Shu’s two younger brothers with their education and ensured his paralyzed father received hospital treatment.

He had thought that in this life, he and Yun Shu would have no further connection, but an unexpected turn had occurred.

…

That evening, Jing Yuan was in high spirits, humming a little tune as he sat alone on the garden swing, digesting his meal.

Just moments ago, he had reminded Yun Shu to bring the pear soup simmering in the kitchen to Ji Yan’s study. Ji Yan had been coughing a lot lately, so Jing Yuan had specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare a lung-moistening, cough-relieving soup based on the prescription Director Li had given him.

Faced with such a gentle, kind, and considerate “little cotton-padded jacket,” he refused to believe he couldn’t heal Ji Yan’s heart.

Just as Jing Yuan thought his plan was flawless, Yun Shu came running out from the building. “Young Master Jing.”

Jing Yuan poked his head out. “I told you, call me Xiao Jing.”

Yun Shu, panting, said, “Mr. Ji is asking for you.”

Jing Yuan let out a surprised “Ah?”

What could Ji Yan want with him at this hour?

“Better hurry.”

Jing Yuan rose reluctantly. “Do you know why he’s calling me over?”

Yun Shu frowned gently. “I don’t know.”

Left with no choice, Jing Yuan trotted off obediently to see Ji Yan.

Ji Yan was handling documents. When he saw Jing Yuan timidly enter, he patted the chair beside him. “Come here.”

Jing Yuan clearly didn’t want to go over and tentatively asked, “Did you need something?”

Ji Yan looked up, capping his pen. “Nothing in particular.”

Jing Yuan nearly cursed out loud upon hearing that.

If it was nothing, why call him over?

He had worked so hard to create an opportunity, and now it had just vanished.

Ji Yan was truly frustrating.

Without Ji Yan’s permission, Jing Yuan didn’t dare leave. Besides, Ji Yan had gone out of his way to set a seat for him—it would be rude not to sit.

Like a timid kitten, he cautiously sat beside Ji Yan, his moist eyes darting around nervously.

“Thank you for preparing the pear soup.” Ji Yan stirred the spoon and held the bowl to Jing Yuan’s lips. “Want a taste?”

Jing Yuan frowned slightly.

He’d already had a small pot of it.

“Yan Yan, you have it. Your throat isn’t feeling well.” Jing Yuan’s eyes wandered as he asked, “How did you know I was the one who prepared it?”

Ji Yan took a sip. “Yun Shu told me. He said you were worried about me and repeatedly reminded him to bring it up while it was hot.”

Jing Yuan took a deep breath.

Now there was another name added to his list of frustrations.

“Then you have it. I’m going to bed.” Jing Yuan deliberately yawned, his eyes suddenly glistening with moisture as if he were extremely tired.

“Is Yuanyuan sleepy?” Ji Yan raised his hand, gently wiping away the tears welling in the corners of his eyes. “Our family gathering is in a few days. Would you like to accompany me?”

Jing Yuan, drowsy and squinting, replied in a soft, weary voice, “I haven’t been feeling well lately, so I might not have the energy to go with you. Why don’t you take Yun Shu along? He can take care of you anytime, anywhere.”

Ji Yan’s hand slowly dropped, resting on Jing Yuan’s neck.

“Yuanyuan always makes me feel like I’m an elderly person who can’t take care of myself.”

Jing Yuan looked at him innocently. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

Ji Yan gripped the back of Jing Yuan’s neck, leaning in with a gentle smile. “And you also make me feel like Yun Shu is someone you sent to keep an eye on my every move.”

“Yuanyuan, isn’t that right?”

Though Ji Yan’s grip wasn’t forceful, it was firm enough to keep Jing Yuan from breaking free.

Nervously, Jing Yuan pleaded, “Yan Yan, you’re hurting me.”

Ji Yan still didn’t let go, his gaze carefully studying every nuance of Jing Yuan’s expression.

“Yuan Yuan, don’t you trust me?”

“Of course, I do.” Jing Yuan hurriedly tried to prove his loyalty. “Everything I do is for Your Majesty’s sake! Please believe me!”

Behind his silver-rimmed glasses, Ji Yan’s eyes held a trace of contemplation.

After a moment, he released Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan, as if frightened, shrank back in his chair, his nose turning red as tears welled up and fell like golden beads.

Over the past few days, Ji Yan had been so kind to him that this sudden return to his true nature was almost too much for Jing Yuan to bear.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

With a red nose and a pitiful expression, Jing Yuan left in distress.

Only Ji Yan remained in the study.

Leaning back in his chair, he tilted his head slightly, realizing he had lost his composure.

He didn’t understand what Jing Yuan was trying to do.

But Jing Yuan had a god’s perspective, knowing far more than he did.

Jing Yuan had brought Yun Shu into their home, and Ji Yan couldn’t help but overthink it.

Still, seeing how frightened Jing Yuan had been just now, he knew he had truly scared him.

A troubled look crossed Ji Yan’s eyes as he wearily closed them.

…

A couple of days later, Jing Yuan received some bad news.

Yun Shu intended to resign.

The reason was simple: Yun Shu felt he couldn’t handle the job.

Ji Yan’s sensitive and aloof nature made Yun Shu extremely uncomfortable and stressed during their interactions.

Especially over the past two days, after arguing with Jing Yuan, Ji Yan exuded an icy aura that made even serving him tea a nerve-wracking task.

It was only then that Yun Shu realized this money wasn’t easy to earn.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that if he angered Ji Yan, he might be dragged away and dealt with.

On his fourth day working for the Ji family, Yun Shu grabbed his lunchbox and fled before dawn.

Seeing Yun Shu’s WeChat message gave Jing Yuan a headache.

Not only had he failed to bring the protagonist and Ji Yan together, but he had also worsened Ji Yan’s impression in the protagonist’s eyes. The chances of these two ending up together seemed even slimmer now.

In an attempt to persuade Yun Shu to return, Jing Yuan went to Manhe that evening, hoping to talk some sense into him.

It was the weekend, and Manhe had more customers than usual. The service department had brought in many part-time university students to help.

As the face of Manhe, Jing Yuan was highly favored. Li Mo, taking his health into consideration, had assigned him light duties.

Eager to get closer to Yun Shu, Jing Yuan picked up a tray and enthusiastically offered to help after finding him. When Yun Shu saw it was Jing Yuan behind the mask, he instinctively lowered his gaze. “I’m sorry, Xiao Jing, but I really can’t work at your house anymore.”

Jing Yuan followed Yun Shu like a shadow. “If you’re afraid of Ji Yan, you can just take care of me. I’m not in good health and need someone to look after me too.”

Yun Shu sighed, “Xiao Jing. Your family is so well-off, you definitely don’t lack professional caregivers. Why choose me? I appreciate your intention to take care of me, but I really can’t work at your house.”

Jing Yuan was on the verge of tears. “Can’t you reconsider?”

Yun Shu said sincerely, “I do want to earn money, but I’m not willing to take such a high salary at the Ji family without having anything to do.”

Watching Yun Shu’s resolute back, Jing Yuan drooped his head and slowly leaned against the marble wall.

He had handled this matter poorly.

Not only had he offended Ji Yan, but Yun Shu was also unwilling to go to the Ji family again. The only person Ji Yan could ever fall in love with had been torn apart by him.

Jing Yuan felt deeply guilty. It seemed the story had become even worse because of him.

He crouched on the ground, unsure how to change the current situation.

Just then, a burst of laughter erupted from the private room behind him.

Following that came the teasing voices of several middle-aged men.

Jing Yuan had no interest in them and stood up, ready to leave.

“I’ll tell you this right now—just based on Ji Yan…”

Suddenly, Jing Yuan heard a familiar name.

He quickly and stealthily pressed himself against the door of the private room, but he couldn’t make out what was being said.

With many guests and staff coming and going, Jing Yuan worried his eavesdropping would be exposed. After noting the room number, he hurried away.

Ten minutes later, a young man dressed as a bunny police officer appeared in the hallway with light, nimble steps.

Standing at the entrance of the private room, Officer Jing lowered his head and looked at the exquisitely crafted swan fruit platter, his heart aching at the cost.

He had paid for the fruit platter out of his own pocket, all for the chance to go inside and hear what everyone was saying.

Don’t ask why he was wearing a bunny police officer outfit.

It was the only set in the changing room that he could barely fit into. The other men’s outfits were all too loose, practically exposing his backside.

Entering the private room, Jing Yuan did his best to blend in, pitching his voice as he said, “This fruit platter is a gift for our esteemed VIP guests. Please enjoy.”

No one inside paid him any attention and continued their conversation.

“Are you sure Ji Yan will take the bait on this project?”

“Of course. I’ve already set it up through a mutual contact. We’re just waiting for Ji Yan to sign the contract tomorrow.”

“A mutual contact? President Li, you really have connections.”

Jing Yuan placed the fruit platter on the coffee table and noticed several empty bottles lying on their side to the right. Seizing the opportunity, he picked them up one by one, intending to take them away.

“Once Ji Yan signs the contract, we’ll give him a little taste of success. Then, when he increases his investment, we’ll pull the net tight and make sure he loses everything he has.”

“I’ve already made arrangements with certain departments. Even if the project itself is clean, I’ll make sure there are problems!”

Inside his bunny head, Jing Yuan frowned slightly, not understanding why the other party would use such a mutually destructive strategy.

Holding the last bottle, he didn’t dare linger any longer and carefully backed out of the room.

“Waiter, bring five more bottles of Royal Salute whiskey.”

Jing Yuan nodded. “Right away.”

After leaving the private room, Jing Yuan didn’t waste any time. He asked a colleague to place the order and returned with five bottles of whiskey.

The topic seemed to have reached its end, and the men stopped discussing it. Jing Yuan opened each bottle one by one and prepared to leave.

“President Li, if you set a trap like this for Ji Yan, won’t you suffer losses too? After all, it’s supposed to be a win-win cooperation.”

President Li, sitting in the center of the sofa, sneered, “What are the losses from Ji Yan compared to the big money that’s coming later?”

“Then we’ll thank President Li in advance for your support!”

“Hahahaha.”

The room was thick with the mingled stench of alcohol and smoke, making it almost unbearable.

Jing Yuan was in a hurry to leave and slammed into the doorframe with a thud. The pain made him groan, and his eyes welled up with involuntary tears.

There was still an hour left until the end of his shift. Injured, Jing Yuan obediently sat in front of the equipment, playing music while his mind raced with the information he had just overheard.

Why did these people want Ji Yan dead?

Could they be Ji Yan’s old enemies?

Given Ji Yan’s ruthless way of handling things, it wouldn’t be surprising if he had enemies. But Jing Yuan had a feeling that this matter wasn’t so simple.

The person who had connected President Li with the others was the most dangerous. If he wasn’t mistaken, Ji Yan trusted that person deeply.

After all that mental turmoil, Jing Yuan felt completely drained. He slumped over the table, propping his chin in his hand, his expression troubled and conflicted.

Should he tell Ji Yan about this?

But how could he explain how he’d gotten the information?

If he didn’t tell him…

What if Ji Yan went bankrupt one day and ended up sleeping under a bridge?

Of course, he could always tidy up a room at Yun Shui Residence to take Ji Yan in and return the money and watch Ji Yan had given him.

But if Ji Yan went bankrupt, wouldn’t the trade building the Jing family had invested in also go down the drain?

That was his parents’ retirement security.

Jing Yuan, like a boneless little snake, wore a look of deep worry on his handsome face, exuding an aura of sheer misfortune.

With the tea business as an excuse, Jing Yuan no longer had to sneak into the house through the backyard. He could now enter through the front door openly.

As he passed Ji Yan’s room, he noticed a sliver of light seeping through the crack under the door. Ji Yan was probably still awake.

Jing Yuan remained conflicted, unsure how to explain himself.

Over the past couple of days, the two of them had barely spoken. Suddenly starting a conversation would feel awkward.

Even though it was Jing Yuan who had been avoiding Ji Yan.

After lingering outside the door for a while longer, Jing Yuan trudged dejectedly back to his own room, deciding to take a bath first.

He was exhausted today and needed a good, relaxing soak in hot water.

The pitch-black bedroom was suddenly flooded with light. As Jing Yuan went to pick out his pajamas, he noticed a light-blue gift box on the table.

He immediately let go of the pajamas and hurried over.

An elegant white rose adorned the blue-and-white silk ribbon. When he opened it, a card came into view.

Jing Yuan unfolded the card. The handwriting was sharp and graceful, with a single line written boldly:

[To Jing Yuan: A Small New Year’s Gift]

It was signed by Ji Yan.

Jing Yuan eagerly tore open the wrapping and found an exquisitely colored jade peace buckle inside.

He immediately held it up to his neck and rushed to the bathroom mirror to try it on.

The peace buckle symbolized auspiciousness and represented safety throughout the four seasons.

Ji Yan had clearly put thought into this gift.

Jing Yuan didn’t know if Ji Yan was apologizing, but he loved the gift.

He was a simple person—he liked gold and jade.

Soon, the thoroughly bribed Jing Yuan made up his mind. He hurried off to find Ji Yan and tell him everything.

At first, Ji Yan was surprised to see Jing Yuan. Over the past few days, Jing Yuan had been avoiding him, and their relationship had nearly frozen over. Ji Yan, burdened by his own unresolved feelings, hadn’t tried to coax Jing Yuan back.

But today, he had come to a realization.

Although Jing Yuan loved to act and half of what he said might be false, he had never done anything to harm him.

So, regardless of Jing Yuan’s initial intentions, the likelihood of malice was slim.

That day, Jing Yuan had clearly been frightened.

Chen Tian mentioned that Jing Yuan hadn’t been eating much these past few days, appearing listless and despondent all day long.

Ji Yan wondered if he had gone too far.

Today was the Minor New Year. Seizing the opportunity, he picked out two jade peace buckle accessories for Jing Yuan and himself, hoping they would both be safe and healthy.

After hearing Jing Yuan’s words, Ji Yan fell into deep thought.

He did indeed have a contract signing scheduled with Li Boshan tomorrow, and aside from internal staff, the matter had been kept completely confidential from the outside world.

Worried that Ji Yan might question how he obtained the information, Jing Yuan began fabricating a story: “I overheard it by chance when they were drinking tea at Yun Shui Jian.”

Ji Yan furrowed his brows tightly, still skeptical of Jing Yuan’s explanation.

After a long silence, he asked, “You saw them, didn’t you?”

Jing Yuan, like a little quail, nodded obediently.

“Do you remember what they looked like?” Ji Yan pulled up several photos on his iPad and turned it toward Jing Yuan. “These are some of Ningcheng’s most prominent entrepreneurs. Can you pick out the ones who came to your place for tea?”

Jing Yuan nodded and stepped closer to examine the photos carefully.

Drawing from his memory, he accurately identified Mr. Li and the two people who had been flattering him.

Holding the photos, Ji Yan understood the situation clearly.

Over the past month, these three companies had repeatedly expressed goodwill, hoping to establish a partnership.

Being highly cautious, Ji Yan had only accepted the collaboration offer from Li Boshan’s company and was prepared to sign the contract tomorrow.

What puzzled him, however, was that his decision to collaborate with Li Boshan wasn’t due to any intermediary connections. It was purely based on an evaluation of the completion rates and profitability of Li Boshan’s projects over the past year.

So, who exactly was the “acquaintance” Li Boshan had referred to?

Seeing Ji Yan lost in thought, Jing Yuan whispered, “I won’t disturb you any further then.”

Ji Yan looked up and noticed Jing Yuan repeatedly rubbing the area below his left arm.

“What’s wrong with your arm?”

Jing Yuan told the truth: “After eavesdropping on their conversation, I ran off in a hurry and accidentally bumped my arm against the doorframe.”

Ji Yan’s expression shifted. “Let me see.”

Jing Yuan tried to hide it. “No, it’s fine.”

Observing Jing Yuan’s reddened eyes, Ji Yan could tell he had been crying earlier that evening. He stood up directly, walked over to Jing Yuan, and gently took hold of his thin arm. Carefully rolling up the sleeve, he revealed a shocking bruise.

Ji Yan’s expression softened, like a feather gently landing on a long-still lake.

“I’m sorry you got hurt because of this.”

“It’s okay, it doesn’t hurt much.”

Jing Yuan withdrew his arm, using his slender, pale fingers to pull the sleeve back down. When he looked up, he smiled. “Do you believe what I said?”

After a moment of silence, Ji Yan replied, “I believe you.”

Jing Yuan’s anxious heart finally settled. He raised his hand and pulled out the jade peace buckle hidden under his collar to show Ji Yan.

“I really like it. Thank you.”

Jing Yuan’s smile was pure, much like the delicate jade—free of any impurities.

He genuinely liked it and was sincerely grateful to Ji Yan.

Even though Ji Yan had been harsh with him a few days ago, in Jing Yuan’s mind, one thing didn’t cancel out the other. He still wanted to express his gratitude for the jade.

Gazing into Jing Yuan’s clear eyes, Ji Yan lowered his gaze. “I shouldn’t have been so harsh with you that day. I was too extreme. The things I’ve been through—you might not fully understand. Given the current situation, I tend to be cautious with any strangers.”

Jing Yuan responded generously, “I forgive you.”

Ji Yan looked up. “Alright.”

Jing Yuan was very close to him. After the two had cleared up their misunderstandings, he tugged at his collar, lowered his head to fiddle with the jade pendant a couple of times, and then tucked it back into place.

From Ji Yan’s perspective, he could catch a glimpse of Jing Yuan’s fair, slender collarbone and the scenery further below.

He deliberately averted his gaze. “It’s getting late, you should go to bed.”

Jing Yuan was also relieved to have restored his friendship with Ji Yan.

He tentatively asked, “What are you planning to do about the contract signing tomorrow? Do you need my help?”

Ji Yan asked curiously, “How do you plan to help?”

Jing Yuan replied innocently, “I haven’t thought it through carefully, but I’m quite good at dealing with cunning minor characters.”

Ji Yan finally smiled. “I might consider inviting you.”

Jing Yuan turned around and waved at him. “I’ll head off then, good night.”

“Wait—” Ji Yan called out to him as he watched Jing Yuan’s retreating figure.

Jing Yuan carelessly lifted his lips. “What’s up?”

Ji Yan said slowly, “I forgot to tell you—I also bought a jade pendant, just like yours.”

He pulled out the peace knot from inside his collar.