The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 3

Ji Yan’s expression flickered with subtlety before he gave a hollow smile, calmly observing the flicker in Jing Yuan’s eyes. “Is that so?” he remarked.

Jing Yuan had no time to worry about how flimsy his lie sounded. He coughed lightly. “Yes, one must keep their word. What if heaven grows sorrowful one day and decides to take me back? Then you’d lose me forever.”

Gazing at the other’s tightly sealed lips, Ji Yan slowly shifted his focus from those sickly pale-pink lips.

After a moment of silence, he chuckled softly. “Mm.”

Seeing that Ji Yan showed no signs of anger, Jing Yuan cleverly waved his hand. “Be careful on the road.”

Ji Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, lifting his slender, pale wrist to adjust his glasses. He stared at Jing Yuan for a long while.

Jing Yuan didn’t dare move, that indescribable eerie feeling washing over him once again.

Ji Yan’s gaze always seemed to be probing into every part of him.

“Rest well,” Ji Yan said before his tall figure slowly retreated.

In the hallway, the butler, Chen Tian, followed closely behind Ji Yan.

He had witnessed Ji Yan personally pushing Jing Yuan to the restroom earlier and couldn’t fathom why Ji Yan’s attitude toward Jing Yuan had suddenly shifted.

As Ji Yan reached the elevator, he removed his glasses, squinting as he wiped them gently.

“Jing Yuan is part of my plan. Don’t let him catch on.”

Chen Tian’s furrowed brow instantly relaxed, understanding immediately.

He quickly responded, “Understood.”

Ji Yan put his glasses back on, casually slipping his hands into his pockets, his gaze turning cold.

Facing this person who had been utterly loyal to him in his past life, he saw no need for deliberate concealment.

“Keep a close watch on Jing Yuan’s every move. Report anything noteworthy to me.”

Chen Tian nodded. “Received.”

…

Only when the footsteps in the hallway had completely faded did Jing Yuan finally relax and take a proper look around his bedroom.

The bedsheets were incredibly soft, as smooth as a baby’s skin. The entire room was decorated in a French vintage style, with even the casually placed vases exuding luxury.

Marveling at the extravagance of the wealthy, Jing Yuan shifted slightly, wanting to get up and take a few steps. But the moment he exerted any effort, his body broke out in a cold sweat. His frail back was soon drenched, the fabric soaked through in an instant.

The original owner’s body was far too weak. Even if he wanted to recover and slip away, it would take at least half a year.

Exploring here and there, Jing Yuan found a phone under his pillow and began familiarizing himself with the original owner’s social circle.

It had to be said, while Jing Yuan had a wide network of contacts, his relationships were terrible.

After being sick for half a month, not a single person had reached out to check on him.

With nothing better to do, he searched for the address of the Manhe Club where the story’s protagonist, Yun Shu, worked part-time.

It wasn’t too far from his home—just a half-hour drive.

If he wanted to “coincidentally” run into Yun Shu at Manhe, he’d need to recover his health first. But there was one crucial condition—he couldn’t let anyone notice that he was getting better.

As the afternoon wore on, Jing Yuan grew sleepier and sleepier.

By the end, his energy had completely drained away.

When he suddenly woke up, he realized it was already dark outside. Unbeknownst to him, an IV had been inserted into his wrist, connected to a bag of medication he couldn’t identify.

Just then, Chen Tian entered the room, pushing a dinner cart. Jing Yuan didn’t recognize him and watched warily, his expression guarded.

Facing Jing Yuan, Chen Tian’s expression turned cautious as he recalled Ji Yan’s instructions before leaving at noon.

In the past, Ji Yan had disliked Jing Yuan, and Jing Yuan had been relatively restrained. Though he occasionally stirred up trouble in the Ji household, he had always been mindful of Ji Yan’s feelings.

Now that Jing Yuan had received Ji Yan’s feigned indulgence, wouldn’t he make sure no one had a moment’s peace?

Chen Tian sighed inwardly and nodded slightly. “Young Master Jing, this is your dinner. If it doesn’t suit your taste, I’ll have the kitchen prepare something else.”

Having slept all afternoon, Jing Yuan had regained much of his energy.

The nurse assigned to his care brought over a soft cushion and began arranging the dishes for him.

Jing Yuan noticed how cautiously everyone treated him, which was enough proof of how difficult the original owner must have been to serve.

The aroma of the food wafted into Jing Yuan’s nostrils.

It had to be said, the Ji family’s dinner was quite exquisite.

It was just too vegetarian.

Jing Yuan didn’t want to eat plain vegetables. His round, bright eyes scanned the bland white porridge, and he lifted his wrist to push it away. “Uncle, I can’t eat this.”

Chen Tian, who had just turned forty, twitched the corner of his mouth.

Then, with patience, he nodded. “What would you like to eat? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it.”

Jing Yuan pursed his lips, his expression pitiable. “Without Ji Yan here, I can’t eat.”

Both Chen Tian and the nurse froze.

In the past, although Jing Yuan had liked Ji Yan, he had never said such things. His way of expressing love had been limited to verbal threats and shouting.

Was the sun rising from the west today?

After a long silence, Chen Tian broke the stillness.

“Young Master Jing, Mr. Ji has important matters tonight. I’m afraid he won’t be able to come back to have dinner with you.”

Jing Yuan’s pitiful eyes dimmed slightly, the earlier liveliness vanishing instantly.

Frowning, his already pale face took on a tinge of melancholy, evoking an even stronger desire in others to protect him.

“Then… can I order takeout?”

Chen Tian’s lips twitched slightly. “Of course.”

Watching Jing Yuan’s immediate return to cheerfulness, he suspected that this had been Jing Yuan’s ultimate goal all along.

As night fell, the temperature in Ning City dropped sharply.

The New Year was only half a month away.

In the private lounge of the Cloud Club at Manhe Club, several well-dressed, dignified gentlemen were chatting and laughing.

Ji Yan held a cigarette between his fingers, his silent and serious demeanor starkly contrasting with the others.

The two men in front of him were named Xie Lin and Chen Jifeng, his few close friends.

When the Rong family had taken advantage of the Ji family’s misfortune, they had provided the utmost help.

At that time, Xie Lin had no real power in the Xie family. When he secretly helped Ji Yan, his elder brother found out and reported it to the Xie family patriarch, resulting in Xie Lin being sent abroad. In the years before Ji Yan’s rebirth, Xie Lin died in a car accident. Chen Jifeng didn’t fare much better. To help the Ji family counter the takeover, his own business suffered heavy losses.

This matter had always been a burden on Ji Yan’s heart, and it had also stripped away his last shred of kindness during his frenzied revenge.

Those who had harmed him had gotten what they deserved.

As painful memories resurfaced, Ji Yan’s expression turned grim, his pale skin unusually cold.

Under the bright, elegant chandelier, his lips were pale, and the complex sorrow between his brows quickly caught the attention of the other two.

Just then, Ji Yan’s phone vibrated.

He lifted his wrist, his face expressionless. “Just handle it cleanly. Don’t report such matters to me in the future.”

Xie Lin stared at Ji Yan.

Though Ji Yan had spoken calmly, without a hint of ferocity in his expression, it inexplicably sent a chill down Xie Lin’s spine.

He knew Ji Yan was solitary and not fond of talking, but today felt different.

“Ji Yan, is something wrong?”

“No, just trivial company matters.”

Chen Jifeng also looked at Ji Yan. “I feel like you’re preoccupied with something.”

Ji Yan raised his glass. “No.”

Chen Jifeng and Xie Lin didn’t press further. They clinked glasses with Ji Yan and began chatting about amusing anecdotes from their daily lives.

Xie Lin chuckled, “Ji Yan, Manhe recently recruited a few dancers with impressive skills. Should I have them come over to perform and lift your spirits?”

Manhe was a club under the Xie family’s management, renowned as one of the country’s top-tier high-end business venues. It was divided into several sections: The Cloud Pavilion for leisurely elegance, a vibrant and luxurious bar with a DJ club, and the Yuejing Huafu for business negotiations.

In Ningcheng, Manhe Club was most famous for its dancers. Not only were they exceptionally skilled in dance, but they were also versatile talents. Ordering a few tunes and enjoying a performance while sipping tea and chatting was sure to lift anyone’s mood.

At this mention, Ji Yan was reminded of Yun Shu.

In his previous life, he had first met Yun Shu at Manhe Club.

Back then, after extensive investigation, his assistant had informed him that Yun Shu was a witness to his parents’ car accident. At the time, he had grown quite close to Yun Shu—so much so that even Xie Lin and Chen Jifeng assumed he had feelings for her.

But back then, he hadn’t been in the mood to explain, solely focused on uncovering the truth behind his parents’ accident.

In this life, he had already memorized the key information Yun Shu had once shared with him, so there was no need to seek her out again.

“No need. I don’t feel like watching a dance.”

Ji Yan tilted his head back and downed the wine in his glass in one go.

Xie Lin, genuinely concerned about Ji Yan, asked with a smile, “Is Jing Yuan causing trouble again? I haven’t seen you smile all evening.”

At the mention of Jing Yuan, a shadow of gloom clouded Ji Yan’s eyes.

Chen Jifeng quickly interjected, “Don’t bring up that jinx.”

Xie Lin nodded, “Right, let’s just drink.”

It wasn’t until late at night that Ji Yan, enduring a splitting headache, slowly got into the car to return to the Ji family estate.

The car felt stuffy, so he rolled down the window, loosened his collar, and closed his eyes, savoring the chill of the cold wind rushing against his chest.

If it weren’t for the fact that Jing Yuan responded better to softness than force, leaving him no choice but to adopt this approach, the first thing Ji Yan would have done upon being reborn was to make Jing Yuan suffer tenfold the pain he had endured.

In his previous life, even though the Ji family had regained its glory, the truth about his parents’ accident remained unresolved. Jing Yuan had refused to speak until his dying breath, all to torment him.

Ji Yan suddenly lowered his gaze and let out a faint, bitter laugh, his clenched fists cracking audibly.

In the blink of an eye, the Maybach pulled up beside the Ji family estate.

“Mr. Ji, Young Master Jing seems to be waiting at the entrance.”

Though Ji Yan hadn’t drunk much, the winter night was shrouded in mist, blurring his vision and making it difficult to recognize the figure at first.

The bitter scent of whiskey lingered in the air as he stepped out of the car, his long legs carrying him forward. What greeted him was the sight of Jing Yuan bundled up tightly in thick winter clothing.

Chen Tian stood beside Jing Yuan’s wheelchair and nodded respectfully to Ji Yan.

Seated in the wheelchair, Jing Yuan was wrapped in a heavy down jacket. Since he had only recently recovered from a serious illness, his caregiver had advised against him going out, but he had insisted. They had no choice but to help him into a warm knitted cap.

Jing Yuan’s slender frame was almost swallowed by the cozy winter attire, leaving only his delicate, palm-sized face visible, along with a pair of bright, expressive brown eyes filled with anticipation.

In the hazy winter mist, the scene warmed the heart, and even the driver couldn’t help but steal a few extra glances.

Seeing Ji Yan approach, Jing Yuan struggled to lift his arm and called out, “Ji Yan.”

Ji Yan’s expression remained neutral, one hand tucked into his pocket as he replied in the gentlest tone he could muster, “Are you here to pick me up?”

Jing Yuan’s eyes sparkled faintly, “Yes.”

Ji Yan responded softly, “Thank you.”

Jing Yuan hadn’t had time to acknowledge the gratitude when, upon spotting the person behind Ji Yan, he softly added, “And the blue-clothed brother too.”

“Who?” Ji Yan was slightly puzzled.

Just then, a crisp voice rang out from behind them.

“Hello, Hungry? We deliver.”

Ji Yan turned his head to see a bulging bag now nestled in Jing Yuan’s arms, his gaze falling upon the cheerful and lively delivery guy.

Ji Yan’s lips parted slightly in surprise.

Jing Yuan smiled contentedly. “Thanks for the delivery.”

“You’re welcome. Remember to give me a five-star rating!”

The delivery guy scratched his head sheepishly, unable to resist stealing a couple more glances at Jing Yuan.

This doll-like young man was truly handsome.

Like a movie star.

Ji Yan watched their cheerful exchange with a slightly scrutinizing look.

Jing Yuan had always looked down on people in service industries, finding fault with everyone. Why the sudden change today?

After the delivery guy left, Jing Yuan hugged the takeout closer and politely said to Chen Tian, “Uncle, could you please push me back?”

Chen Tian, who had just turned forty: “…”

“I’ll do it.” Ji Yan reached out and took hold of Jing Yuan’s wheelchair handles.

“Thank you.” Jing Yuan covered his collar with one hand, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

The Ji family estate was vast. It took about ten minutes to get from the gate to the main entrance.

Jing Yuan wasn’t cold; aside from feeling somewhat weak, he was fine.

He had spent nearly an hour selecting this takeout.

Not for any particular reason, it was just that he was allergic to too many foods and couldn’t eat most things.

Ji Yan walked very slowly, deliberately pausing when they passed the fountain.

The fountain was under construction, with a four-to-five-meter-deep pit dug beneath it. Especially at night, the bottomless hole looked particularly eerie.

At that moment, Jing Yuan’s wheelchair came to a gentle stop right at the edge of the pit.

Ji Yan’s voice was low, his slightly lowered glasses obscuring his eyes and making his expression hard to read. “Chen Tian, finish the fountain as soon as possible.”

Chen Tian: “Understood.”

Ji Yan continued to gaze into the fountain pit, his eyes inadvertently falling upon the crown of Jing Yuan’s head.

Jing Yuan’s hair was light brown, fine and soft—just like its owner, fragile and easily broken.

Given Jing Yuan’s current physical condition, if the wheelchair were to plunge into the pit below, he probably wouldn’t be able to get up for a year.

Just then, an east wind blew, slipping right through Jing Yuan’s collar. Unable to withstand the chill, Jing Yuan immediately shivered and curled into a tight ball, his lips noticeably paling.

That slight movement caused the wheelchair to roll forward a little with the wind.

Half a meter more, and it would have fallen in.

Chen Tian immediately clenched his right fist, his eyes fixed on Ji Yan’s shadowed gaze in the night.

The wheelchair continued to inch forward.

He wasn’t sure if Ji Yan intended to pull it back.

Jing Yuan, holding the takeout in both hands, was carefully examining the dishes. Even if he realized he was about to fall, he wouldn’t know where the brakes were.

By the time he reacted, the wheelchair was already teetering at the edge of the pit.

He glanced down, his lips growing even paler.

His heart raced chaotically, his throat tightening until he could barely breathe.

Just as he prepared to struggle to his feet, the wheelchair stopped in time.

Jing Yuan’s breathing quickened. In the relief of his narrow escape, he turned to find Ji Yan holding the wheelchair handles.

His eyes instantly reddened.

Unable to hold back, a soft sob escaped his throat.

Neither Ji Yan nor Chen Tian had ever seen Jing Yuan cry like this.

In the wind, tears welled in Jing Yuan’s eyes, threatening to fall but not quite. His slender, frail body trembled intensely. At a glance, he looked like a lonely, helpless little creature, weeping in grievance.

Ji Yan gazed at him, his eyes filled with hesitation.

After a moment, he gently crouched down.

“I’ve got you, don’t be afraid.”

Jing Yuan’s nose was already red from crying, his voice faint and choked: “Ji Yan.”

These two words carried a hint of intimacy and coquettishness.

Ji Yan hesitated for a moment, then remembered his purpose and slowly drew closer: “I’m here.”

Jing Yuan complained, aggrieved: “The scallions.”

Ji Yan frowned: “Hmm?”

Jing Yuan continued to explain: “I specifically told the shop not to add scallions. But they still put a lot on my chicken wings.”

Ji Yan’s gaze immediately grew complex, and he stood up without a word.

Jing Yuan went on tearfully: “Bad review.”

Ji Yan’s lips twitched slightly, his face cold as he continued to push Jing Yuan.

Back in the room, Jing Yuan was so tired he could barely sit up straight. But tempted by the prospect of dinner, he eagerly set out the chicken wing pot and prepared a bowl and chopsticks for Ji Yan as well.

Ji Yan, exhausted from the day, couldn’t be bothered to deal with Jing Yuan. Adjusting his mood, he coaxed him gently: “You eat first. I’m going to the study to work.”

Jing Yuan casually handed him a piece of candy: “To boost your blood sugar.”

Ji Yan looked at Jing Yuan’s pale palm and slowly raised his eyes: “How did you know I like this?”

Jing Yuan hid the surprise in his eyes.

He didn’t know.

It was just a freebie from the shop.

“As long as you like it,” Jing Yuan said with an ingratiating smile, as docile as a kitten: “Good night.”

Ji Yan tightened his grip on the candy: “Good night.”

Once Ji Yan left, Jing Yuan couldn’t wait to dig in.

By now, the numbness he had felt upon waking in the morning had faded, and he was much more agile than before.

Jing Yuan moved his feet gently, his posture reminiscent of someone with eight years of cerebral thrombosis, as he searched for his phone to play some music.

He had been terrified earlier at the pit.

Luckily, Ji Yan had been kind enough to pull him back in time.

Passing by the full-length mirror, Jing Yuan took another look at his frail body in the reflection.

Though he couldn’t engage in strenuous exercise yet, perhaps some gentle movements could help him recover?

Like yoga, for instance.

The original owner had studied dance for a few years to improve his weak health and still remembered a few yoga poses from memory.

In front of Jing Yuan stood a coffee table.

Facing the mirror, he slowly placed his hands on it.

There seemed to be a pose in yoga called the downward-facing dog.

Recalling the key points of the pose, he gently lifted his hips, his oversized sweater sliding forward along his pale waist.

In an instant, a small patch of his slender waist appeared enticingly white, bathed in the light of the crystal chandelier like precious porcelain.

Jing Yuan continued to tighten his back, raising his hips as he tried to strengthen his legs.

He glanced in the mirror and noticed that his butt was quite perky and nicely rounded.

Completing the set of movements didn’t seem too difficult.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on his pale forehead.

Jing Yuan was ready to eat.

Just then, the unclosed bedroom door was gently pushed open by the wind.

Ji Yan, who had returned, appeared at the doorway, his gaze complex and puzzled.