The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 28

Their conversation seemed to come to an abrupt halt.

Jing Yuan curled his fingers, unsure how to explain himself at the moment.

“Ji Yan, the signal here isn’t very good. I’ll call you back once I’m done.”

Using that as an excuse, Jing Yuan hung up the phone, his heart pounding wildly.

This time, he was done for. He had practically handed the evidence of his lie directly to Ji Yan.

When he returned to the back kitchen looking utterly dejected, Yun Shu asked with concern, “Jing Yuan, what’s wrong?”

Jing Yuan neatly placed the damp gloves back, lowering his thick eyelashes, clearly looking like someone who had done something wrong.

“I have something to take care of. I need to go home first.”

Yun Shu nodded. “Then take care on your way.”

Leaving Manhe, Jing Yuan tightened his down jacket and slowly walked along the roadside. Just then, he noticed a familiar white Rolls-Royce parked by the curb, as if he had seen it somewhere before.

No one was in the car, clearly having gone inside Manhe.

Jing Yuan got into a taxi and asked the driver to take him to the nearest Guomao Shopping Mall.

In a situation like today, there was only one solution.

…

As soon as Jing Yuan stepped through the gate of Yun Shui Jian, the lobby manager hurried over, looking as if he had something important to say. “You’re finally here.”

Jing Yuan had just spoken with the manager on the phone and knew Ji Yan hadn’t left yet, so he asked, “Where is he?”

The manager whispered, “After Mr. Ji found out you weren’t here, his expression turned very grim. He’s having tea with his assistant in the ‘Zhijun Hall.'”

Jing Yuan slowly let out a sigh of relief. “Alright, I’ll go find him.”

The interior design of Yun Shui Jian was inspired by the Tang and Song dynasties. Jing Yuan passed several indoor lotus ponds and arrived at the entrance of the “Zhijun Hall.”

A few seconds later, the sliding wooden door was slowly pushed open.

Jing Yuan poked his head inside, locking eyes with Ji Yan, who was sitting in the center of the tatami.

“Yan Yan, I’m back.”

Jing Yuan slowly took off his shoes and sat opposite Ji Yan with a smile.

Chen Tian was pouring tea for Ji Yan on the side. He glanced up at Jing Yuan’s flushed, cold-reddened cheeks and smiled. “Young Master Jing, are you done with your business?”

Jing Yuan replied, “Yes.”

Chen Tian handed him a cup of hot tea. “Your health hasn’t fully recovered yet. Try not to run around too much, lest Mr. Ji worry.”

Jing Yuan obediently nodded, looking at Ji Yan with a hint of guilt, lowering his head and rubbing his cold-reddened hands.

Since he had entered, Ji Yan hadn’t said a word, holding his tea with a calm expression, showing no extra emotion.

This time, it was Jing Yuan’s turn to feel uncertain.

“Yan Yan,” he called out to Ji Yan first, his attitude of admitting fault quite sincere. “I shouldn’t have lied to you. It’s my fault.”

Ji Yan, who had been sipping his tea, suddenly chuckled as he looked at him.

“Darling, I’m not blaming you. Don’t be nervous.”

Jing Yuan remained cautious, struggling to pull a deep blue box from his pocket and handing it to Ji Yan with both hands.

“Yan Yan, I also prepared a New Year’s gift for you. The reason I didn’t tell you earlier was because I wanted to surprise you.”

Ji Yan set down his teacup, opened the box, and found a men’s razor inside.

Jing Yuan raised both hands. “Surprise!”

Ji Yan’s lips curled slightly. “So, just now, Yuan Yuan was picking out a New Year’s gift for me?”

Jing Yuan looked sincere. “Yes!”

Among all the luxury brand stores, this razor was the cheapest. But it still cost him four thousand yuan, which pained him deeply.

Ji Yan said, “Thank you, I really like it.”

Jing Yuan relaxed, leaning on the tea table and propping his chin with his hands. “As long as you like it.”

“Have some tea to warm up.”

“Thank you, my dear Yan Yan.”

Jing Yuan stood up and unzipped his down jacket from top to bottom, his movements slightly clumsy.

Chen Tian, who was brewing tea, stared at this harmonious and affectionate scene in disbelief.

No way? Ji Yan actually believed Jing Yuan was out picking gifts?

How many days does it take to choose a gift?

Jing Yuan had been leaving early and returning late for several days in a row.

Jing Yuan’s fair skin made his slightly reddened hands stand out noticeably. Ji Yan instructed Chen Tian to borrow something to warm his hands and turned up the indoor air conditioning, all while quietly watching Jing Yuan.

“You went out to pick a gift, so why are your hands so red from the cold? Was the heating in the mall not working?”

“It was hard to get a taxi, so I walked part of the way.” In truth, Jing Yuan’s hands had gotten cold while helping Yun Shu wash dishes, but he couldn’t say that outright.

Ji Yan adjusted his glasses and patted the seat beside him. “Come sit. I’ll warm your hands for you.”

Jing Yuan: “No need. Chen Tian will bring a hand warmer soon. I don’t want to pass the chill to you.”

Ji Yan didn’t insist further and smiled lightly. “Alright.”

A short while later, Chen Tian returned. Jing Yuan hugged the hand warmer, and he and Ji Yan had some snacks at Yun Shui Jian.

By the time they were ready to head home, it was already 9 p.m., not too late.

Jing Yuan, still unsatisfied after just having snacks, spotted a street food stall on the way home with Ji Yan.

The street was bustling with life. Jing Yuan pressed against the car window, cracking it open slightly, and the tantalizing aroma of barbecue instantly wafted into the car.

He glanced back at Ji Yan, unsure how to ask if they could stop for a late-night snack. He assumed Ji Yan would disapprove of the street food’s hygiene and urge him to eat at home instead.

Despite his hesitation, his craving overpowered his rationality.

“Ji Yan, I’d like to try some barbecue,” Jing Yuan pleaded softly.

Ji Yan looked up at the night outside. Wisps of white smoke rose from the food stall, dissipating into the air. Under a simple canopy, warm yellow lights glowed as lively crowds sat drinking and chatting.

He hesitated. “Street food isn’t healthy. Given your delicate health, you should eat less of it.”

Jing Yuan countered, “So, I can have a little, right?”

Ji Yan was taken aback. From the passenger seat, Chen Tian turned around. “Young Master Jing, if you’re hungry, we can have barbecue at home.”

“It’s so late! The chefs have already clocked out.”

Jing Yuan mumbled dejectedly, casting one last longing look at the food stall. “Fine, let’s go home.”

“Chen Tian, buy him some,” Ji Yan suddenly said. “In moderation—don’t get too much.”

Chen Tian was surprised. “Understood.”

Jing Yuan beamed with delight. “I’ll go with Uncle to pick. He doesn’t know what I like.”

Ji Yan: “Mm.”

With permission granted, Jing Yuan eagerly pushed the car door open and headed toward the food stall.

Chen Tian, who got out after him, glanced at Ji Yan. “Would you like anything, sir?”

Ji Yan: “No.”

After both had left, Ji Yan turned on the car lights and watched intently through the window as Chen Tian and Jing Yuan walked away.

“Xiao Liu.”

The driver: “Yes, Mr. Ji?”

Ji Yan: “Starting tomorrow, have someone follow Jing Yuan.”

The driver: “Understood.”

Half an hour later, Jing Yuan and Chen Tian returned with the food.

The street stall offered a wide variety, and Jing Yuan, being quite the foodie, had Chen Tian buy about fifteen or sixteen different items—grilled squid, fried skewers, stinky tofu, sizzling beef platters, crispy fried pork, you name it.

Clutching the warm late-night feast, Jing Yuan grinned brightly. Even through the dim car window, Ji Yan could see how content he was.

Sniffing the strong aroma of seasonings, Ji Yan lowered his head, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly. Chen Tian said to Xiao Liu, “Turn on the air purification system.”

Hearing this, Jing Yuan, who was holding his late-night snack, hesitated to open it. Instead, he tucked the paper bag closer to his chest, deciding to eat it only after getting home.

The interior of the business van was spacious, complete with a bar counter, dining table, and refrigerator. Ji Yan pressed a button, and a black table slowly rose.

Jing Yuan, clutching his snack, said obediently, “I’ll wait to eat until we get home.”

Ji Yan asked, “Won’t it get cold by then?”

Jing Yuan hugged it tighter. “I’m keeping it warm. It should be fine.”

The outermost layer of the paper bag was clean and wouldn’t leak oil, so Jing Yuan didn’t mind holding it close.

Ji Yan hesitated for a moment. “Aren’t you hungry? The air circulation system is on, so there won’t be any lingering smell in the car.”

Jing Yuan glanced around at the expensive interior, worried that if he dirtied the car, Ji Yan might make him pay for cleaning. He shook his head like a rattle-drum.

Chen Tian, sensing Jing Yuan’s concern, reassured him, “If the car gets dirty, we can just clean it. You should eat if you’re hungry.”

Jing Yuan began to waver. “Is car cleaning expensive?”

Chen Tian replied, “Not at all.”

Hearing this, Jing Yuan finally felt at ease and boldly opened the packaging.

The car’s heating was turned up high, and the drive from Manhe to home was only about 30 minutes. Jing Yuan only opened the container of sweet and sour pork, picked up a piece with his chopsticks, and popped it into his mouth.

This was his first time trying sweet and sour pork. The tangy and sweet flavor was perfect for when he was hungry.

“Ji Yan, do you want a bite?” Jing Yuan offered out of politeness.

The chopsticks had already touched his mouth, so Ji Yan would surely decline.

“Sure,” Ji Yan said, looking at him.

Jing Yuan was visibly startled, instantly revealing his original intention. His lips twitched, and he masked his awkwardness with a smile. “Alright, let me get you a fresh pair of chopsticks.”

“This pair is fine,” Ji Yan said, leaning closer to Jing Yuan.

Holding the chopsticks, Jing Yuan pursed his lips in surprise. Since he had already used them, wouldn’t Ji Yan indirectly be tasting his saliva? He shook his head, trying to dismiss the odd thoughts, and fed the sweet and sour pork to Ji Yan.

“How is it?” Jing Yuan asked.

“Not bad,” Ji Yan replied.

Jing Yuan gave a perfunctory smile and was about to eat himself when he realized that Ji Yan’s lips had also touched the chopsticks.

He stared seriously at the sweet and sour pork, debating whether he should continue eating. If he started eating with his hands, would Ji Yan think he was disgusted by him?

They were already engaged, so sharing a pair of chopsticks shouldn’t be that hard to accept.

Ji Yan took in every nuance of Jing Yuan’s conflicted expression.

He chuckled, “Baby, why aren’t you eating?”

Jing Yuan forced a laugh. “I’m not that hungry anymore. Ji Yan teased, “Is it because you dislike me for using your chopsticks?””

“Of course not!” Jing Yuan declared his loyalty. “You’re my fiancé. I would never dislike you.”

Ji Yan said, “No need to force yourself. Personal hygiene habits should be respected.”

Jing Yuan glanced slyly at Ji Yan, trying to gauge his sincerity, then without further hesitation, picked up the chopsticks and devoured the sweet and sour pork.

As the saying goes, “A little dirt never hurts.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Ji Yan’s eyes as he watched Jing Yuan’s cheeks puff up with food. He lowered his gaze and said softly, “Eat slowly.”

Jing Yuan, holding the sweet and sour pork, nodded obediently. “Okay.” There’s soy milk in the thermos.” Do you want some?”

“Mhm, mhm.”

Ji Yan opened the bottle cap with one hand and handed it to Jing Yuan. “It’s not too hot.”

Jing Yuan held the meal box with both hands, teasing Ji Yan: “Can I feed you?”

Ji Yan stared at him, a slow smile curling his lips.

“Of course, you can.”

He inserted a straw into the soy milk and brought it to Jing Yuan’s lips.

Jing Yuan mustered his courage: “So obedient.”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow: “Just drink.”

Beside them, Chen Tian frowned deeply.

Was this an act or not?

…

There was only one day left until New Year’s Eve. The Ning family patriarch’s birthday had brought relatives together for a small gathering.

The patriarch was Ning Jin’s grandfather and had a deep friendship with Ji Yan’s maternal grandfather, which was why he had arranged for his youngest son to marry Ji Yan’s aunt, resulting in the birth of Ning Jin.

In the morning, Jing Yuan and Ji Yan arrived at the Ning residence.

Unlike the Ji family, the Ning family was a scholarly clan. Although the younger generation also engaged in business, the elders were all well-educated intellectuals.

Ning Jin’s father, however, was an exception. Instead of following his older siblings into the literary world, he had ventured into business. In recent years, his company’s financial strength had grown significantly, rivaling that of the Ji Corporation.

The journey to the Ning residence was short, so Jing Yuan didn’t use his wheelchair, seizing the opportunity to stroll with Ji Yan through the Ning family’s garden.

Ji Yan wore a white scarf paired with a long black coat, looking every bit the refined, melancholic noble when he wasn’t smiling.

Jing Yuan had to admit he was quite taken with Ji Yan’s looks.

As they passed the koi pond, Jing Yuan put on thick gloves and leaned against the railing, peering inside.

He was curious. In the frozen pond, were the delicate koi resting at the bottom or kept indoors?

Unable to see the bottom clearly, he took a step forward but was suddenly steadied by Ji Yan’s hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t fall in.”

Jing Yuan grinned. “It’s all ice. Even if I fell, I’d just land on the surface.”

Ji Yan glanced at Jing Yuan’s increasingly rosy lips and smiled faintly. “If you fell on the ice, someone would probably be bedridden for a month.”

Jing Yuan chuckled. “You’re right.”

“Ji Yan, Xiao Yuan, you’re here.” Ning Jin, accompanied by several men in suits, happened to pass by the lakeside.

Jing Yuan waved. “Cousin Ning.”

Ji Yan gave a slight nod in greeting.

Ning Jin was long accustomed to Ji Yan’s demeanor. He smiled gently at Jing Yuan. “Xiao Yuan, have you gained a little weight?”

Jing Yuan poked his cheek casually. “Yes.”

Ning Jin laughed. “I heard you opened a tea shop. I’ll stop by sometime to show my support.”

Jing Yuan replied, “No problem, it’s on the house.”

Ning Jin had matters to attend to and glanced at his wristwatch. “I should get going now. I’ll catch up with you later. Call me if you need anything.”

“Go ahead, Cousin,” Jing Yuan said, waving obediently.

Ning Jin gave Ji Yan one last look before nodding and leaving.

When Jing Yuan turned back to continue watching the koi, he noticed Ji Yan had grown quieter than before.

Hesitating for a moment, he finally asked, “Ji Yan, do you not like Cousin Ning?”

Ji Yan’s voice was calm. “No.”

Jing Yuan hadn’t expected such a straightforward answer. After a long pause, he ventured, “Can you tell me why?”

This question was difficult for Ji Yan to answer. The reason he disliked Ning Jin’s family was somewhat absurd.

It was just a gut feeling.

Although Ning Jin’s father, Ning Zhao, was widely regarded as a reputable and benevolent businessman, Ji Yan had always felt an inexplicable aversion to him.

Even as a child, he had sensed something hypocritical about Ning Zhao. But he had never spoken of it to anyone, as his parents had a very good relationship with Ning Zhao.

“Intuition,” Ji Yan glanced at Jing Yuan.

Today, he was wearing a pair of rimless glasses. His cold, deep-set eyes were fully exposed, making even the subtlest emotions more apparent.

Jing Yuan frowned deeply: “Hmm, then it’s understandable that you wouldn’t like him. Can’t blame you.”

Ji Yan had never expected anyone to genuinely agree with his “intuition,” thinking Jing Yuan was just trying to be clever and ingratiating himself. He chuckled, “Aren’t you quite fond of Ning Jin?”

Jing Yuan looked at Ji Yan in surprise: “I don’t like Ning Jin. I just think he’s very gentle. Ji Yan’s expression turned subtle: “Am I not gentle?””

“You—”

Jing Yuan flatteringly made a small heart gesture with his hands: “You’re even gentler.”

Naturally, Ji Yan didn’t believe Jing Yuan’s words and looked toward the distant pavilion: “That’s why I rarely collaborate with the Ning family.”

Jing Yuan had always felt that intuition was something quite mystical. “Books say that if you dislike someone upon first meeting, you shouldn’t try to get close to them. There must be something about them that makes you uncomfortable or resistant. So, I completely understand you.”

Ji Yan silently pondered this statement, lost in thought.

“Then what was your first impression of me?”

Jing Yuan’s bright eyes sparkled: “Such a handsome guy.”

Ji Yan looked thoughtfully at Jing Yuan: “Anything else?”

Jing Yuan: “That’s it.”

Although Ji Yan didn’t believe it, his mood improved considerably.

He was indeed quite curious about Jing Yuan’s impression and opinion of him. When he had read the diary before, Jing Yuan hadn’t written anything about it.

“Let’s go, it’s time to eat.”

“Okay.”

…

The Ning family’s luncheon was exquisitely prepared, with every dish meticulously crafted, paired with elegant names and antique tableware, treating dining as an ultimate form of enjoyment.

Jing Yuan’s sole goal was to devour the food—no matter how beautiful or expensive the tableware was, it held no interest for him. The pigeon in his bowl was tender without being greasy; he nearly cried from how good it tasted, hesitantly begging Ji Yan to have their home chef prepare this dish too.

Seeing how much Jing Yuan enjoyed the food put Ji Yan in a good mood. He abandoned hypocrisy and useless socializing to focus on eating with Jing Yuan.

While eating, Jing Yuan resembled a little hamster—especially when chewing vegetables, slowly rolling them into his mouth, quietly trying not to make any noise, yet managing to eat an astonishing amount in the blink of an eye.

Ji Yan even found watching Jing Yuan eat more interesting than chatting with others.

“Xiao Yan, how’s the company lately?” Old Man Ning looked at him kindly. “You seem to have lost weight from all the work.”

Ji Yan replied calmly, “Thank you for your concern. Everything is fine.”

Old Man Ning recognized Jing Yuan and knew about Ning Jin’s secret crush on him. Seeing Ji Yan and Jing Yuan getting along well brought him comfort. If Ji Yan treated Jing Yuan poorly, Ning Jin would be heartbroken too.

After the meal, Ji Yan was personally invited by Ning Zhao to discuss matters regarding the Lishui Park project.

Left to his own devices and bored, Jing Yuan decided to go outside to continue watching the koi fish.

In the quiet study, Ning Jin was also present. Besides Ji Yan, there were several other relatives of the Ning family.

Ning Zhao had heard about Ji Yan acquiring Lishui Park a month ago and was surprised, which was why he had invited him over.

“Xiao Yan, Lishui Park is in a remote location. Why are you building a commercial plaza there? Uncle heard that the original planned site for the commercial plaza is near where a trade zone will be established. Wouldn’t that mean you’re losing a significant amount of money?”

Sitting on the sofa, Ji Yan smiled leisurely: “Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I have my own plans.”

Ning Zhao held her tea, blowing on it gently. “It’s not because of the Jing family’s young master, is it? I heard you bought their factory and gave them several properties in the Trade Building.”

The other relatives present were stunned by this information.

Ning Jin stared at Ji Yan in disbelief, unable to fathom that he would do such things for Jing Yuan.

Ji Yan picked up his coffee, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Uncle Ning, that falls under my personal affairs. If you called me here just to interrogate me about these matters, I don’t think there’s any need to continue.”

“Xiao Yan, how could this be an interrogation?” Ning Zhao, worried he might misunderstand, handed him a pre-prepared document. “This is the proposal for establishing a special trade zone near the original site of the Trade Building. If you’re willing to listen to my advice, you could relocate the Trade Building back before major construction begins.”

Ji Yan didn’t even lift his eyes, still focused on his coffee. “No need, thank you.”

Ning Zhao smiled awkwardly. “Alright, you must have your own plans.”

To ease the tension, Ning Jin handed Ji Yan a project proposal. “This is a new project I’m overseeing for the group. If you’re interested, you can join.”

Ji Yan adjusted his glasses with a hand. “Mm.”

Though he agreed, he made no move to take the document.

Ning Jin’s hand, still hovering in the air, slowly lowered. “Dad, I have some matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave now.”

Ning Zhao looked at him affectionately. “Alright, don’t overwork yourself.”

…

Meanwhile, Jing Yuan was watching the koi fish in the pavilion. The Ning family’s estate appealed to his aesthetic sensibilities; if he ever became wealthy in the future, he would build a garden just like this.

Normally, he would be taking his afternoon nap at this time. His body clock kicking in, Jing Yuan grew increasingly drowsy, unable to stifle his yawns.

As he rested his chin on his hand and looked up, he caught sight of a middle-aged man with a hunched back on the other side of the lake.

The man was chipping away at the ice, likely to increase the oxygen levels in the water for the fish.

Jing Yuan stood up quietly, observing the man with curiosity.

The person before him appeared quite aged, dressed in clothes that suggested he was a gardener or landscaper, covered in dirt.

The man worked diligently, soon breaking a hole in the ice. The koi fish, which had been resting at the bottom of the lake, quickly gathered around.

Finally seeing the koi up close, Jing Yuan grew excited, watching the water’s surface with keen interest and preparing to take a photo.

The sun was particularly strong at that moment. Finding his down jacket cumbersome for work, the man casually rolled up his sleeves.

That simple, unintentional action made Jing Yuan’s heart skip a beat.

On the man’s right arm was a terrifying tattoo of a snake.

For some reason, Jing Yuan’s body began to tremble uncontrollably. His heartbeat quickened, and he felt as though he could hardly breathe.

Struggling to regulate his breathing, he withdrew his phone, only to catch a glimpse of the man’s face as he looked up.

In an instant, a sharp, intense pain shot through his head.

On the right side of the man’s face was a scar.

The face was all too familiar, yet he couldn’t recall where he had seen it.

Clutching his head, Jing Yuan broke out in a cold sweat from the pain. He hunched over, squatting down, barely able to hold himself up.

So familiar, so familiar…

Along with the tattoo, he was certain he had seen this before.

Beads of sweat, large as peas, trickled down the side of his face. Gripping the pavilion’s railing, he breathed heavily.

Fragmented memories flashed through his mind—a dense forest, a blood-stained rock, and that horrifying tattoo.

Forcing himself to stand, Jing Yuan instinctively wanted to seek Ji Yan’s help. But as he lifted his head, he realized the man across the lake was staring back at him with a chilling gaze.