The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 27

Jing Yuan hadn’t expected Ji Yan to buy a pair of jade pendants. His pupils slightly widened as he walked back to Ji Yan’s side.

Lifting his gaze, he obediently fixed his eyes on the peace lock, thought for a long moment, and hesitantly asked, “Ji Yan, your peace lock…”

Ji Yan’s voice was gentle. “What’s wrong?”

Jing Yuan murmured, “Compared to mine, which one is more expensive?”

Ji Yan’s expression stiffened, as though he needed a moment to process the question, before replying in a low voice, “They’re about the same price.”

“Oh… but your cord is black.” Jing Yuan’s focus was oddly specific.

His own cord was red, a bit too vibrant, but since his skin was fair, it still looked good on him.

Ji Yan saw right through him. “Do you want to swap?”

Jing Yuan chuckled sheepishly. “No need, mine looks quite nice too.”

As he spoke, Jing Yuan lovingly took out the peace lock again and glanced at it a few more times.

He really adored this gift.

After saying goodbye to Ji Yan, Jing Yuan returned to his room and wrote about receiving the gift in his diary.

His health had been improving lately. If he could boost his immunity and avoid frequent illnesses, he would be capable of living independently after leaving.

Clutching the peace lock, Jing Yuan gently closed his eyes.

The next day, Jing Yuan was awakened by Chen Tian.

Still drowsy, he only remembered after being reminded that he had agreed to go to the company with Ji Yan.

He hadn’t thought Ji Yan would invite him, especially to such an important business negotiation.

Yawning, Jing Yuan changed into a formal outfit and went downstairs to have breakfast with Ji Yan, who was waiting for him.

After their deep conversation the night before, the tension between Jing Yuan and Ji Yan had eased.

Jing Yuan nibbled on his toast, chatted casually with Ji Yan as usual, and then steered the conversation to the main topic.

“Ji Yan, since I’m going with you today, is there anything I can help with?”

Ji Yan handed him a soft-boiled egg. “Just stay by my side.”

Jing Yuan nodded and gulped down his milk.

Chen Tian naturally sensed the relaxed atmosphere during breakfast. While discreetly organizing Ji Yan’s briefcase, his eyes kept drifting to the peace lock Jing Yuan was wearing.

So, the jade Ji Yan bought was for Jing Yuan.

Did that mean the two of them were wearing matching couple accessories?

Chen Tian found Ji Yan’s intentions increasingly hard to decipher.

He had always believed that Ji Yan’s kindness toward Jing Yuan was merely superficial, not genuine. But the way Ji Yan had carefully selected the jade pendant yesterday didn’t seem like something one would do for a mere tool.

“If I’m by your side, what should I say? When you negotiate with them, do you have a goal in mind?”

Ji Yan replied, “Yes, I plan to sign a contract with them.”

“But aren’t they trying to harm you?” Jing Yuan sounded slightly confused. “Or do you have another plan?”

Ji Yan smiled at him. “Exactly. Since they’re trying to harm me, I can’t just sit back and take it.”

Hearing this, Jing Yuan silently agreed with Ji Yan’s reasoning. Since Ji Yan seemed so confident, there was no need for him to worry excessively.

After finishing breakfast, Jing Yuan obediently sat in the wheelchair and left with Ji Yan. Truth be told, he felt a bit guilty sitting in the wheelchair. Given his current physical condition, he didn’t actually need it to get around.

Fortunately, Ji Yan didn’t seem suspicious, which allowed Jing Yuan to relax.

“Yuan Yuan, how have you been feeling lately?” Ji Yan took Jing Yuan’s hand and turned to look at him.

Jing Yuan, wiping his cold sweat, said, “My health is alright, but I get dizzy and tired easily. Standing for long periods is a bit difficult.”

Ji Yan responded, “Mm, you still need careful nurturing.”

Jing Yuan smiled, his eyes curving. “That’s right. But don’t worry too much. I’ll do my best to get healthier and spend more time with you.”

Ji Yan lowered his gaze and chuckled softly. “Mm.”

Chen Tian, sitting in the passenger seat, secretly watched their every move in the rearview mirror.

Wow, have they already started making lifelong commitments?

…

Ji Corporation’s independent campus, located in the city center of Ningcheng, was built five years ago as their new headquarters. The imposing building was filled with a sense of technological sophistication.

This was Jing Yuan’s first-time visiting Ji Corporation. As Ji Yan pushed him through the spacious, bright lobby, he showed no signs of nervousness.

The employees at Ji Corporation were all dressed formally. When they encountered Ji Yan, they nodded slightly and continued efficiently with their tasks.

Arriving on the sixteenth floor, where the CEO’s office was located, Jing Yuan surveyed Ji Yan’s office. Behind the desk hung an expensive oil painting.

“Would you like something to drink?” Ji Yan handed Jing Yuan an iPad. “Order from here, and the secretary will bring it over.”

Jing Yuan hugged the tablet, intrigued. “Why is your office set up like a café?”

Ji Yan sat at his desk. “It’s more efficient.”

Scrolling through the menu, Jing Yuan asked the question that concerned him the most: “I don’t have to pay for this, right?”

Ji Yan adjusted his glasses and narrowed his eyes. “Yuan Yuan.”

Jing Yuan, busy adding notes to his coffee order, replied without looking up, “Hmm?”

Ji Yan mused thoughtfully, “The way you act always makes me feel like I’m mistreating you.”

Upon hearing this, a faint pink blush spread across Jing Yuan’s ears. He hugged the tablet sheepishly.

Ji Yan continued, “Is the tea business not profitable?”

“No, it’s just that I’ve been researching new teas and acquiring more land recently. All my money is tied up in it.”

Jing Yuan had his own plans. His ambition wasn’t just to make the tea business profitable; he wanted to create a unique tea brand for Yun Shui Jian and promote it nationwide.

Even if he sold Yun Shui Jian in the future, he could make a fortune.

The coffee was soon brought in by a female secretary.

Noticing Jing Yuan in a wheelchair, the secretary was slightly surprised but spoke gently, “Your coffee.”

Just as Jing Yuan thanked her, Ji Yan interjected, “You’re on medication. It’s best not to drink coffee.”

Jing Yuan immediately deflated. “One cup should be fine, right?”

At that moment, Ji Yan, who had been staring at his screen, looked at Jing Yuan and the secretary. “Who was it that said they wanted to get healthier?”

Jing Yuan muttered in defense, “But I’ve never tried coffee before.”

Then, turning to the secretary with a pitiful expression, he asked, “Do you know what coffee tastes like?”

The secretary, glancing nervously at Ji Yan’s expression, replied stiffly, “I’m on medication too, so I haven’t tried coffee either.”

Jing Yuan’s face instantly turned green, while Ji Yan watched him with an amused, slightly mocking smile.

Reluctantly, Jing Yuan said, “Fine, I’ll have orange juice then.”

The secretary acknowledged and quickly left.

That whole interaction had been so uncomfortable.

Aren’t they a couple? Why do they talk like they’re in a palace drama?

Ten minutes later, Jing Yuan lay on the sofa, gulping down his orange juice.

At home, he could only drink freshly squeezed fruit juice, which he had long grown tired of. So, he wasn’t particularly excited about the orange juice, playing with it like a little kid as he drank.

Ji Yan, focused on his work, was distracted by the noise Jing Yuan was making.

Across from him, Jing Yuan was wrapped in a thick blanket, his sheer white socks loosely draped over his slender, pale ankles as he leisurely crossed his legs, exuding a relaxed, tranquil vibe.

Jing Yuan had deliberately chosen a low-neck sweater today, the peace pendant hanging loosely around his neck. A clear sign of how much he cherished it.

Ji Yan unconsciously set aside his work, his attention completely shifting to Jing Yuan.

When he was very young, he would sometimes go to his father’s company after school and witness scenes like this. Back then, his mother would lounge on the sofa, snacking as she waited for his father to finish work.

Ji Yan’s thoughts drifted, only snapping back to reality at the sound of a knock on the door.

“Mr. Ji, Mr. Li is here.”

“Mm, have him wait for me in the third conference room.”

Jing Yuan drowsily sat up at that moment, his carefully styled hair now tousled. He had woken up too early today and hadn’t caught up on enough sleep, leaving him feeling somewhat fatigued.

“Tired?” Ji Yan reached out and ruffled his hair. “Why not keep sleeping?”

Jing Yuan grew anxious at that. “You don’t want me to stay with you?”

Ji Yan, who had been battling a cold lately, replied in a slightly hoarse voice, “It’s up to you.”

Jing Yuan scrambled up immediately. “I’ll go.”

In the conference room, Mr. Li was dressed in a sharp suit, accompanied by his assistant and other company executives.

When Ji Yan wheeled Jing Yuan in, Mr. Li promptly stood up. “Mr. Ji, who is this?”

Jing Yuan, looking at the all-too-familiar, unctuous face, smiled. “I’m Mr. Ji’s boyfriend.”

“Fiancé,” Ji Yan corrected.

Mr. Li extended his hand. “Mr. Ji, I’ve long heard of your reputation.”

Ji Yan replied modestly, “You flatter me.”

Once seated, Mr. Li eagerly had his assistant hand the contract to Ji Yan, beaming as he said, “Building floating hotels at sea is an exciting and novel venture. I’m confident that once we open, tourists from all over the country will flock to them.”

Ji Yan picked up the document, his eyes scanning the pages.

Jing Yuan slowly leaned in, peering over Ji Yan’s shoulder to read along.

He mulled it over. Since Ji Yan had brought him along, surely he had some role to play, right? He couldn’t just be a pretty mascot, clueless when asked questions.

Noticing the little head peeking over, Ji Yan shifted the document between them, signaling for Jing Yuan to continue reading.

After about five minutes, Jing Yuan had a rough idea of their collaboration. Mr. Li was inviting Ji Yan to invest in his floating hotel project, which would be developed in four phases. Once all phases were complete, six luxury seven-star hotels would float in the sea off the coast of Ning City, with supporting facilities like amusement parks to be built gradually.

The project proposal was indeed enticing. If successful, the profits could sustain lavish lifestyles for generations.

Jing Yuan pursed his lips, deep in thought.

So, how exactly was Mr. Li planning to set Ji Yan up?

“Mr. Li, environmental concerns are a global priority these days. If we build a cluster of floating hotels, how do we address the issue of environmental pollution?”

Mr. Li’s assistant pulled up page 14 of the proposal. “We have a comprehensive environmental protection system in place. You needn’t worry.”

Ji Yan smiled faintly. “Not bad. I have another question.”

Mr. Li gestured for him to continue. “Please, go ahead.”

Ji Yan asked, “For the first phase, we’re contributing 20% of the funds, while you’re putting in 50%, yet profits are to be split evenly. Do you really think our board of directors would agree to such an unprofitable deal?”

President Li spoke earnestly, “As you know, our funds are far less substantial than those of the Ji family. The reason we offered you an extra three percent profit in the first phase was in the hope that, after making money, you could provide us with more support in the subsequent three phases of the project. After all, our company’s resources are quite limited.”

Hearing this, Jing Yuan suddenly understood.

This tactic seemed no different from a pig-butchering scam.

The only question was what method President Li would use to halt the floating hotel project during the subsequent three phases.

Ji Yan nodded, “Since you’re being so forthright, I won’t hesitate either. I can sign the contract for the first phase and the letter of intent for the remaining three phases right now.”

President Li smiled, “President Ji is a straightforward person. I’m determined to be your friend.”

“Wait.”

Ji Yan held the fountain pen but didn’t open it.

“My partner is very interested in the floating hotel, but his health isn’t great, and our home is in North City, which is an hour and a half away from the development site. If we could relocate the hotel to the waters near our home, would that be feasible?”

Upon hearing the request to change the location, President Li frowned.

Worried that Ji Yan might catch on, he quickly said, “The conditions of the waters over there aren’t very suitable.”

Ji Yan appeared troubled, “Yuan Yuan has been spoiled by me. Lately, he’s been pestering me to build a marine amusement park in the nearby waters. I was thinking that if we could move the floating hotel to North City’s waters, it would be a win-win solution.”

President Li gave an awkward smile, “If your partner likes it, you could purchase an estate nearby. Wouldn’t that solve the distance issue?”

“No.” Jing Yuan whimpered, clinging to Ji Yan’s arm, “All my friends are in North City, and there’s the tea plantation I’ve worked so hard to cultivate. It’s just starting to thrive—I can’t leave it.”

President Li forced an awkward smile, his expression strained.

“Yan Yan, I want the marine amusement park built near our home. Yan Yan, please, I’m begging you.”

In the blink of an eye, Jing Yuan began shedding golden tears, his reddened eyes looking pitiful and heart-wrenching.

Ji Yan’s fingers twitched slightly, though his expression remained calm.

He gently raised his arm and wrapped it around Jing Yuan’s waist, “Darling, don’t cry. I’ll think of something.”

Jing Yuan cried even harder, coughing from the emotional outburst. Soon, his palm-sized face flushed bright red.

Not only Ji Yan, but even President Li felt a pang of sympathy.

“Yan Yan, why don’t we build our own floating hotel in North City?”

Jing Yuan had a sudden inspiration, his damp eyes sparkling with a smile.

President Li quickly interjected, “That won’t do, President Ji. We’ve already shown you our project proposal. If you build your own floating hotel, it wouldn’t be in line with industry norms.”

Ji Yan’s brow furrowed with concern, “But if we invest our money in your project, we won’t have enough left to build a marine amusement park for Yuan Yuan.”

Jing Yuan started throwing another tantrum.

President Li looked anxious, “How about this, President Ji? I’ll contribute some funds toward the marine amusement park you’re building for Young Master Jing.”

Ji Yan seemed momentarily puzzled, “Do you still have the funds for that?”

President Li gritted his teeth, “Yes!”

Ji Yan expressed some concern, “But I can’t guarantee that this project will be profitable for you. The risks are quite high. You should reconsider.”

President Li seemed to have made an all-or-nothing decision, “No problem, I can provide the funds!”

This time, Jing Yuan finally broke into a sweet smile, turning to Ji Yan and saying, “Yan Yan, President Li is such a good person.”

Ji Yan patted the back of his hand, “Indeed. I just wonder how much President Li is willing to invest.”

President Li feigned generosity: “Whatever you invest, I’ll match it.”

Ji Yan turned his head: “Go draft the contract.”

Assistant: “Received.”

After President Li left, Jing Yuan felt a great sense of accomplishment holding the perfectly structured water park contract.

Ji Yan gazed at the suddenly lively Jing Yuan and teased: “Not crying anymore?”

Jing Yuan retorted disdainfully: “That was an act, couldn’t you tell?”

Ji Yan hadn’t actually expected Jing Yuan to suddenly cooperate with him. His main reason for bringing Jing Yuan along was to make President Li believe they were a loving, harmonious couple.

Otherwise, his subsequent plans couldn’t proceed smoothly.

“Ji Yan, what’s your next move? What’s the purpose of having him fund the water park construction?”

Ji Yan spoke slowly: “Using his own methods against him.”

As they left the conference room, Ji Yan pushed Jing Yuan’s wheelchair, preparing to go for a meal.

Jing Yuan leaned his head back at this moment, looking up at Ji Yan from below, his forehead accidentally brushing against Ji Yan’s suit: “How was my performance this time?”

Ji Yan pondered for a moment, then leaned forward with his arms braced on the wheelchair, bringing his face mere centimeters from Jing Yuan’s.

“Not bad.”

Jing Yuan’s ears grew warm, his gaze tinged with embarrassment. He wanted to lift his head but worried about bumping into Ji Yan’s face, leaving him completely flustered.

The secretary happened upon this scene while approaching with documents for Ji Yan to sign, quickly retreating and turning away.

She had previously heard colleagues say the chairman and his fiancé had an unhappy relationship – a typical wealthy family marriage arrangement – and everyone had lamented the drama of wealthy families. But seeing this now, those rumors were clearly nonsense; these two obviously had a very good relationship.

“Just empty words.” Jing Yuan avoided Ji Yan’s face, carefully lifting his head from the other side while muttering incoherently: “Cheapskate.”

Ji Yan straightened up again, staring thoughtfully at Jing Yuan’s reddened earlobes with a faint smile.

At noon, Jing Yuan was picked up by Chen Tian to rest at home. Before leaving, he secretly glanced at Ji Yan, the words he wanted to say that morning remaining unspoken. He had originally thought about asking for a reward, but it seemed there was no opportunity now.

…

After his afternoon nap, Jing Yuan ate a few bites of food before heading to Manhe by car.

When Yun Shu saw Jing Yuan arrive for work, he instinctively avoided him and went to other colleagues. The rejected Jing Yuan felt immensely disappointed, sitting listlessly in his designated spot on the stage, pursing his lips.

Li Mo, who was adjusting equipment, glanced at him and tossed him a bottle of Wangzai milk: “What’s wrong today? Did your professor scold you?”

Jing Yuan replied lazily: “No.”

Since Jing Yuan had arrived early today, the nightclub’s lights were brighter than usual. Li Mo examined Jing Yuan and smiled: “You’ve been looking better lately, more lively too.”

Jing Yuan: “Oh.”

Li Mo glanced at Yun Shu in the distance and asked curiously: “Seems like you’re quite interested in him.”

Jing Yuan rested his chin in his hand: “I want to make friends.”

Li Mo said casually: “Take some advice from your ge – the workplace isn’t for making friends.”

Though feeling discouraged, Jing Yuan continued watching Yun Shu intently. When Yun Shu went to the back kitchen to work, Jing Yuan hesitated for a moment before following him.

He wasn’t sure if he should still proceed with his original plan, since Yun Shu clearly seemed resistant to him.

But becoming friends with Yun Shu shouldn’t be a problem. Maybe he’d even get a chance to see the main love interest.

When Yun Shu saw him approaching again, he lowered his gaze: “Xiao Jing.”

Jing Yuan didn’t mention their previous unpleasantness and offered help instead: “Do you need help washing the glasses?”

Yun Shu thought for a moment, then shook his head in refusal.

He couldn’t understand why a young master like Jing Yuan, who had always lived in luxury, would come to work at Manhe. The water was so cold, and Jing Yuan’s health was poor—it wouldn’t be good if he ended up making him sick.

Jing Yuan was thick-skinned. Despite being rejected, he still rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward to help. With such a large pool of wine glasses, how long would it take Yun Shu to wash them all by himself?

Listening to the splashing of water beside him, Yun Shu pursed his lips. “Xiao Jing, let me handle this alone.”

Jing Yuan remained enthusiastic. “I’ll help you.”

After washing for ten minutes, Jing Yuan’s back and waist began to ache. The kitchen wasn’t warm, and the draft from the window made him shiver. He inhaled the cold air and coughed twice.

Yun Shu frowned. “Xiao Jing, can I ask you a question?”

Jing Yuan grinned. “Go ahead.”

Yun Shu: “Your family is so well-off. Why did you come to work at Manhe?”

Jing Yuan was momentarily speechless, hesitating as if he wanted to say something but held back.

Yun Shu noticed Jing Yuan’s discomfort and sighed. “I shouldn’t have asked you that.”

“Sorry,” Jing Yuan said.

Yun Shu shook his head with a smile. “No need to apologize to me. It’s your privacy, after all.”

Just as Yun Shu finished speaking, Jing Yuan’s phone rang.

Jing Yuan, who was in the middle of washing the cups, took off his gloves. When he saw the caller’s name, his eyes flickered with guilt, and he subtly turned away from Yun Shu.

“Yan Yan, my dear, what’s up?”

Chen Tian, who was nearby, wished he had ears that hadn’t heard such a sweet term of endearment.

Ji Yan’s voice was gentle. “Where are you?”

Jing Yuan put his hands on his hips and began fabricating a story. “I’m at the tea shop. I’ve been exhausted these past few days.”

Chen Tian chimed in, “It’s true. Young Master Jing comes back very late every day.”

Ji Yan nodded thoughtfully and said into the phone, “I have less work today and wanted to take you out for dinner. Are you free tonight?”

Chen Tian saw through the situation but didn’t point it out. Ji Yan had clearly left work early on purpose and only called after returning home to find Jing Yuan absent.

“You’re asking me out to dinner?”

Jing Yuan was shocked by Ji Yan’s unprecedented behavior.

But thinking about the tacit cooperation they had shared that morning, he felt that Ji Yan inviting him to dinner wasn’t entirely unreasonable.

Glancing at his watch, Jing Yuan realized it was too late to rush back to the tea shop. His tone carried regret. “Ji Yan, the tea shop is really busy today. I can’t go to dinner with you.”

He actually really wanted to go.

Ji Yan would surely take him to a fancy restaurant. Although the Ji family’s chef was top-notch, eating the same food every day could get boring. Not long ago, he had seen in a magazine that a four-Michelin-star restaurant had opened in Ningcheng, and he was quite eager to try it.

“What are you busy with?” Ji Yan pressed.

Jing Yuan began to improvise. “Just busy with new product stuff. I’ve been holed up at Yun Shui Jian for days now.”

“You’re working so hard, yet you still helped me with the acting?” Ji Yan chuckled softly, sounding in a good mood. “It’s fine. I’m already at the tea shop. I’ll come find you first.”

“Ah… you… you…”

Jing Yuan stammered, but before he could finish, Ji Yan ran into the lobby manager of Yun Shui Jian on the other end of the line.

“Take me to Jing Yuan,” Ji Yan said.

The lobby manager looked at the two men in front of him, puzzled. “Mr. Ji, are you looking for the boss? He hasn’t been here for several days. He’s probably busy with other matters.”

The faint smile on Ji Yan’s lips vanished.

Jing Yuan panicked like a drenched quail.

Even though they weren’t together, he could sense something terrifying in the air.