The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 30.1

This was the first time Ji Yan had explicitly confessed his feelings to Chen Tian.

Though surprised, Chen Tian didn’t show much of a reaction. Perhaps Ji Yan’s affection for Jing Yuan had long been evident, and he had already been prepared for it.

The room remained silent for a long time.

Chen Tian asked quietly, “What should we do next? If we just wait for Young Master Jing to regain his memories, who knows how long that will take.”

Ji Yan continued to gaze straight ahead.

“First, investigate the people in the video. Then, we wait.”

Chen Tian opened his mouth slightly. “Understood.”

After Chen Tian left, Ji Yan sat alone on the sofa, reminiscing about the time he had spent with Jing Yuan. He couldn’t quite define the exact nature of his feelings for Jing Yuan, but there was no doubt that being with Jing Yuan made him happy.

He liked having Jing Yuan by his side.

Removing his glasses, he closed his eyes wearily and suddenly received a WeChat message from Ning Jin.

[Ji Yan, what happened today was Ning Sui’s fault. Another day, I’ll bring him personally to apologize to Xiao Yuan.]

Ji Yan stared at the message unhurriedly.

[No need.]

After replying, he sent a screenshot to Jing Yuan.

After all, he had declined the apology on Jing Yuan’s behalf, so Jing Yuan had the right to know.

However, Ji Yan wasn’t sure how Jing Yuan would react to the screenshot.

It wasn’t impossible for Jing Yuan to soften upon seeing Ning Jin’s personal apology.

Time ticked by as Ji Yan stared at his chat history with Jing Yuan, waiting for a reply.

Jing Yuan was lying on his bed, munching on chips while binge-watching a drama.

After receiving the screenshot, he thought for a moment before replying to Ji Yan, “I’ll follow your arrangement.”

Ji Yan’s lips curved into a smile. “Mm.”

…

Time flew by, and soon the greenhouse Ji Yan had built for Jing Yuan was bustling with activity on the land behind the Ji family estate.

Several agricultural experts invited by Yun Shui Jian accompanied Jing Yuan to survey the soil quality, environment, and temperature. Their goal was clear: to cultivate tea leaves with a richer and more aromatic flavor than the 1801 Peacock Thousand Feathers.

Peacock Thousand Feathers currently had a market price of 4,000 yuan for 150 grams. Its flavor was naturally sweet with a hint of smokiness, making it highly popular among tea enthusiasts.

Jing Yuan planned to make the newly cultivated Peacock Thousand Feathers the first product under the Yun Shui Jian brand. He intended to promote it initially in tea houses, and if the response was positive, he would expand by opening branches nationwide, ensuring that the new tea variety was exclusively sold at Yun Shui Jian to retain customers.

Of course, the process from research and development to market launch might take a year or even longer. By then, he might have already parted ways with Ji Yan.

Nevertheless, given the relatively amicable relationship he currently shared with Ji Yan, Jing Yuan was confident they could part on peaceful terms.

Of course, this was just his optimistic assumption.

Outwardly, he still needed to maintain the appearance of being frail. With Ji Yan’s sharp intuition, he was no match for him.

As for Man He, although he had already found Yun Shu, he decided to drop by occasionally.

Recently, he had submitted a transfer request to Li Mo, hoping to work as a server at Man He’s tea house to learn their operational model.

Li Mo had been very accommodating and readily agreed to help him with the application. If all went smoothly, he would be able to start working at the tea house in a couple of days.

Of course, he had also promised Li Mo that he would help out at the nightclub during his free time, as his colleagues there were quite fond of him.

–

Working in the greenhouse was quite laborious, so Jing Yuan could usually only supervise for a few hours, leaving the rest to Chen Tian’s subordinates.

One day, while Jing Yuan was jotting down notes from the research team’s discussions in his small notebook…

The time was three in the afternoon. He had just woken up, his bleary eyes still dazed as he struggled to memorize the professional terms.

At that moment, the person beside him quietly shifted their steps. Jing Yuan didn’t notice, yawning repeatedly until his head was gently ruffled.

He glanced back and, upon seeing Ji Yan, broke into a radiant smile. “Yan Yan, why are you off work so early today?”

The greenhouse was warm, and Jing Yuan wasn’t dressed heavily—just a knitted cardigan draped over his shoulders and a beige scarf wrapped around his neck. His small, delicate face was half-buried in the scarf, and when he smiled, his eyes curved slightly, resembling a beautiful, elegant Ragdoll cat playing with its owner in the afternoon sun.

Ji Yan loved seeing Jing Yuan smile. He leaned in gently and said, “A friend is visiting today, so I came back early.” As he spoke, his thumb brushed against Jing Yuan’s chin, his expression relaxed and clearly in good spirits.

Holding his notebook, Jing Yuan obediently let Ji Yan pet him, eliciting envious glances from the colleagues on the research team nearby. Not only were the two a perfect match in looks and well-off in family background, but their relationship was also exceptionally loving.

When it was time to leave, Jing Yuan noticed Ji Yan standing behind the wheelchair, ready to push him back. He looked up and said, “Ji Yan, I’d like to walk back. I’m tired of sitting.”

Ji Yan nodded and extended his hand to him. A gesture that needed no explanation.

A hint of shyness flickered in Jing Yuan’s expression as he placed his hand in Ji Yan’s, and the two walked away side by side.

This wasn’t the first time Ji Yan had held Jing Yuan’s hand, but today, he clasped it firmly and tucked it into his pocket.

Jing Yuan stared at Ji Yan, unsure what the other was thinking.

“Ji Yan, I’ve been trying hard to recover my memories. I’ve been dreaming about the past these past few days, but they’re still just fragments.”

Jing Yuan dutifully reported his progress.

Ji Yan remained calm. “Make sure to rest. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Okay.” Jing Yuan was pleased to hear this. The less Ji Yan rushed him, the more it proved he was safe.

By now, he was willing to believe that Ji Yan wouldn’t hurt him over this matter. Perhaps, through repeated validation, he felt even prouder that he hadn’t misplaced his trust.

“Since friends are coming over, is there anything I can help prepare?”

“Leave it to Chen Tian. Your only job is to eat.”

Passing by the dining room, Jing Yuan noticed the household staff were already busy, with even the table decorations—candlesticks and floral arrangements—already in place.

Jing Yuan was more than happy to take it easy.

He asked Ji Yan, “Who’s coming tonight?”

Ji Yan replied, “Ji Feng, Xie Lin, and a few high school classmates who’ve returned from abroad.”

It was the first time Jing Yuan had heard Ji Yan mention the word “classmates.” Curious, he said, “You must be very close.”

Ji Yan answered lightly, “We get along well.”

—

After waiting all afternoon, Ji Yan’s friends arrived as scheduled. Xie Lin and Chen Ji Feng were frequent guests at the Ji residence and didn’t need special treatment. They lounged comfortably on the sofa in the reception room as if they were at home.

“Chen Bin, Xing Ran, please have a seat. Ji Yan is probably busy but will be here soon.”

The man addressed as Chen Bin adjusted his glasses. “Alright. Ji Yan, the workaholic. He’s probably buried in work again.”

“You should try to persuade Yan Ge more often. Working like this long-term isn’t good for his health,” Ye Xing Ran remarked.

Chen Ji Feng raised an eyebrow. “You’re the one who cares about him so much. When he gets here, you can tell him yourself.”

Ye Xing Ran smiled gracefully. “I wouldn’t dare.”

Chen Bin teased, “If you don’t dare, the rest of us certainly won’t.”

Ye Xingran raised his wine glass when he suddenly heard footsteps nearby.

Ji Yan and Jing Yuan had just come up from the wine cellar after selecting some bottles. Seeing their friends already seated, they casually nodded. “We’re here.”

Chen Bin teased, “We’ve been here for a while, but couldn’t find the hosts.”

Ji Yan replied, “We went to pick out wine for you.”

Chen Bin caught sight of the Romanée-Conti tightly held by Jing Yuan and let out a surprised laugh. “Looks like we’re honored guests if Ji Yan’s willing to bring out this treasure he’s been hoarding for so long.”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow slightly and took the bottle from Jing Yuan’s arms.

“Yuan Yuan, let me have it.”

“Okay.” Jing Yuan had been extremely careful, afraid that this six-figure bottle of wine might be damaged in his hands. Only when Ji Yan had a firm grip on it did he dare to let go.

Ji Yan chuckled softly. “Why so nervous?”

Jing Yuan thought to himself, how could he not be nervous? If it had fallen while in his hands, he could never afford to replace it.

Ye Xingran had been watching Ji Yan the whole time. Noticing that Ji Yan hadn’t looked his way, he asked, “So this must be Young Master Jing?”

Jing Yuan looked up and met Ye Xingran’s gaze.

Ji Yan’s friend was remarkably handsome. Just from his demeanor, he carried an artist’s aura, and his fashion sense was impeccable.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he looked like a major celebrity.

“Yes, this is Jing Yuan,” Ji Yan introduced him to Chen Bin and Ye Xingran.

Ye Xingran extended his hand proactively. “Hello Jing Yuan, I’m Ye Xingran, Ji Yan’s classmate of sixteen years.”

Jing Yuan politely shook his hand and sat down beside Ji Yan.

This was a gathering among old classmates. His role was simply to be the lucky charm.

“Xingran, have you finished filming your movie?” Chen Jifeng raised his glass and clinked it with Ye Xingran’s.

“It’s done. My next film will start production domestically,” Ye Xingran replied, his smile revealing faint dimples on his cheeks. He seemed like a gentle and intelligent young man.

Xie Ling asked, “Are you planning to develop your career in China now?”

Ye Xingran explained, “I have three films scheduled to shoot in China. If the response is good, my agency will arrange for me to focus my career here.”

It was only then that Jing Yuan realized Ye Xingran was indeed a celebrity. He discreetly searched Ye Xingran’s name on his phone and was surprised to find that the other had starred in several Hollywood films and was quite famous.

“Yan Ge, how have you been lately?” Ye Xingran turned his attention to Ji Yan. “Work pressure must be heavy, right?”

Ye Xingran often heard friends talk about Ji Yan’s situation. Over the past two years, since Ji Yan took over the group, he must have been extremely busy.

Ji Yan smiled. “Not bad at all.”

Ye Xingran returned the smile. “That’s good to hear.”

Jing Yuan was still engrossed in reading about Ye Xingran’s news. Last month, Ye Xingran had been rumored to be dating a talented Hollywood director, sparking widespread speculation among netizens.

While catching up on the gossip, Jing Yuan wasn’t particularly interested in the details—he just wanted to see whether the so-called talented director was handsome or not.

Ji Yan turned his head and caught Jing Yuan in the act of browsing gossip.

“Yuan Yuan.”

Jing Yuan looked up guiltily. “Hmm?”

Ji Yan curved his lips. “What are you looking at?”

Of course, Jing Yuan couldn’t tell the truth. He put on an admiring smile and said, “I just found out Xingran is a big star.”

Chen Bin teased, “That’s heartbreaking, Xingran. Little Jing didn’t even know who you are.”

Ye Xingran smiled warmly. “Maybe Little Jing doesn’t pay much attention to the entertainment industry.”

Jing Yuan awkwardly rubbed his nose.

He really didn’t follow entertainment news much, especially since Ye Xingran was active in Western circles.

“Yuan Yuan hasn’t been well lately and only recently started feeling better. He’s just beginning to have time to catch up on entertainment news,” Ji Yan said, taking Jing Yuan’s hand and placing it on his own lap. “Let’s go, time for dinner.”

Chen Jifeng was the first to rise. “Let’s go, time for some Romanée-Conti.”

Jing Yuan felt deeply grateful to Ji Yan for helping him save face, trailing after him like a devoted shadow while clinging to his arm.

Ye Xingran followed behind, observing the pair with a hint of puzzlement in his eyes.

After they were seated, Chen Jifeng suddenly remembered something.

“Have you all heard? The young master of the Ning family got into trouble at a bar last night and got beaten up.”

Xie Lie shot him a glance. “Ning Sui?”

Chen Jifeng nodded. “Yeah, Ning Jin’s cousin. Must’ve had too much to drink at the bar last night—publicly harassed the girlfriend of the Zhao family’s second young master and even insulted her with foul language. Got a proper beating from Young Master Zhao, heard his head got busted open on the right side.”

Chen Bin looked surprised. “No matter what, they’re both respectable figures. How could they resort to hitting the head?”

“Who knows.” Chen Jifeng treated the incident as gossip to entertain the group. “The Zhao family has never cared for reason, with influence in both legal and underground circles. The Ning family probably won’t dare make a fuss.”

Xie Lie sneered. “Ning Sui had it coming. He’s always relied on Ning Zhao’s influence to act arrogantly. Ning Jin has cleaned up his mess more than a few times.”

Chen Jifeng shook his head with a laugh and turned to Ji Yan. “Did you hear about this? Has Ning Jin asked for your help?”

Ji Yan replied indifferently, “No.”

Chen Jifeng looked puzzled. “That’s strange. You have some connection with the Zhao family patriarch. They should’ve asked you to mediate.”

Almost everyone at the table turned their gaze toward Ji Yan.

Including Jing Yuan’s wide, curious eyes.

Ji Yan remained unperturbed. “The Ning family hasn’t contacted me.”

“How odd.” Chen Jifeng muttered before changing the subject and steering the conversation elsewhere.

Jing Yuan chewed on crab meat, his bright eyes shifting guiltily. If Ji Yan was on good terms with the Zhao family, then the bar incident yesterday might have been…

Jing Yuan didn’t dare speculate further.

If it really was Ji Yan’s doing, then he was indeed shrewd and resourceful.

And unforgiving.

Still, at the end of the day, it was to stand up for Jing Yuan. Ning Sui’s father had indeed been arrogant—his son harassed someone and got his head busted open, so he could hardly blame others.

“Yuan Yuan.” Ji Yan called Jing Yuan’s name softly.

Jing Yuan puffed out his cheeks, his guilty expression plain to see.

“Don’t eat too much crab—it’s cold-natured.” A gentle smile touched Ji Yan’s lips.

Jing Yuan nodded obediently, moving his chopsticks toward the leafy greens beside him, taking a large bite and stuffing it into his mouth.

Ji Yan reached out and ruffled his hair.

“So well-behaved.”

Jing Yuan responded with an innocent smile.

Well-behaved, my foot.

I can’t eat all that delicious seafood now, wuwu.

To outsiders, their interaction was clearly a display of affection.

Though Chen Jifeng found Ji Yan’s change in behavior strange, he didn’t comment, simply assuming Ji Yan had been bewitched by beauty.