The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 32

Removing the Mask?

Upon hearing these words, Jing Yuan, hidden behind the mask, abruptly stepped back, only to have his wrist seized by Ji Yan as he tried to leave. No matter how hard he struggled, it was futile.

The commotion between the two quickly drew the attention of others. Their friends looked at Ji Yan with confusion, assuming the waiter had privately offended him.

Ji Yan’s grip wasn’t forceful; his fingertips still gently traced Jing Yuan’s slender, delicate wrist, while his eyes, brimming with tenderness, held a smile that was difficult for others to decipher.

Jing Yuan’s palms immediately grew clammy with sweat.

No one understood Ji Yan’s expression at that moment better than he did.

Ji Yan often looked at him with such affection, yet it always carried a hint of danger and unease.

He had worn his mask so securely—surely Ji Yan couldn’t have discovered him.

Ji Yan’s unusual behavior completely shattered the lively and relaxed atmosphere in the room. Chen Jifeng, ever amiable, recalled the previous incident where this “Ultraman” had accidentally stained Ji Yan’s suit pants.

To ease the tension, Chen Jifeng asked with a smile, “What, do you two know each other?”

Ji Yan’s voice carried a faint trace of laughter. “You could say we’re acquainted.”

Chen Jifeng nodded thoughtfully.

By now, Jing Yuan was utterly terrified.

If Ji Yan were to lift his mask, he would die of embarrassment on the spot.

A barrage of questions would inevitably follow.

For instance, why was he working at Manhe?

Wasn’t he supposed to be frail and sickly? Yet he seemed quite energetic while working.

Given Ji Yan’s sensitive and suspicious nature, he would undoubtedly grow suspicious.

The more Jing Yuan thought about it, the more frightened he became. Worried that this would ruin the hard-won harmony between him and Ji Yan, he suddenly began to cough.

His airways were sensitive. Anxiety or tension could easily trigger spasms, a chronic condition inherited from the original host.

This outburst, which might have otherwise gone unnoticed, now risked arousing Ji Yan’s suspicion.

The familiar voice echoed in Ji Yan’s ears, further confirming his suspicions.

A faint smile curled at the corners of his lips as he watched Jing Yuan with leisurely amusement.

Jing Yuan desperately covered his mouth, guiltily lowering his gaze.

While Chen Jifeng was still puzzling over the connection between Ji Yan and this Ultraman, Ye Xingran suddenly asked, “Brother Yan, is this fan of mine a friend of yours?”

Jing Yuan’s ears rang louder, and he coughed as if his lungs were about to give out.

Exhausted, he slowly sank to the floor, his other hand still held firmly by Ji Yan.

He tried to force himself to stop coughing but found it impossible to control.

Ji Yan paid no attention to Ye Xingran’s question.

Suddenly, he handed Jing Yuan a glass of water.

“Would you like a drink?”

Ye Xingran felt slighted and frowned. Meanwhile, Chen Bin and the others grew even more curious about Jing Yuan’s identity.

By now, Jing Yuan’s hair was damp with sweat, and his body felt weak. He sat obediently on the floor, weakly lifting his head.

When he saw the ordinary glass of warm water before him, his amber eyes flickered with confusion.

His nose tingled uncontrollably, and when he tried to speak, only a soft, whimpering sound escaped his throat.

He didn’t even know why he felt so aggrieved.

Perhaps it was the overwhelming fear of Ji Yan uncovering his identity, or perhaps it was the unexpected kindness of Ji Yan offering him water.

Their friends stared at Ji Yan in astonishment, their thick brows furrowing slightly, as if the scene unfolding before them defied all logic.

Just then, the girl beside Ye Xingran chuckled softly. “Could it be that President Ji has taken a liking to this boy?”

Ye Xingran paused. “Probably not.”

The girl stared at Jing Yuan’s mask: “Though I can’t see your face, your skin looks great—even fairer than mine.”

Ye Xingran remained silent, his gaze fixed on Ji Yan.

Ji Yan had been holding the glass of water for quite some time, but Jing Yuan hadn’t taken it. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but his throat was both itchy and sore, leaving him no mind to care about it.

Moreover, his wrist was still firmly held by Ji Yan.

Hearing Jing Yuan’s choked sob, a ripple of emotion stirred in Ji Yan’s previously calm eyes.

Releasing Jing Yuan’s hand, he furrowed his dark brows, a hint of indescribable worry in his expression.

“Are you okay?”

Jing Yuan had already composed himself. Shaking his head, he stood up.

Yun Shu, concerned about Jing Yuan’s condition, stepped closer and patted his back. “How are you feeling?”

Jing Yuan shook his head again, signaling that he was fine. He stole a glance at Ji Yan, then lowered his head and prepared to leave.

Just then, the manager in charge of the nightclub at Manhe personally wheeled in the dinner Xie Ling had ordered.

Spotting Jing Yuan standing closest, he called out, “Rose, come over and help me set the dishes.”

Jing Yuan, addressed as “Rose,” froze for a moment, instantly so embarrassed he could have dug a hole with his toes.

Xie Ling’s expression turned peculiar. “Rose?”

The manager paused briefly before smiling. “Yes, this is our new employee, Midnight Rose.”

“Midnight Rose.” Ji Yan was also drawn by the unusual name. He glanced thoughtfully at Jing Yuan and smiled faintly.

“That name is quite unique.”

Jing Yuan immediately curled his fingers, clutching the hem of his clothes tightly.

He was so mortified he could hardly breathe.

“That name of yours really is distinctive,” Xie Ling remarked sincerely. “The names of the employees here are all quite pleasant.”

Behind his mask, Jing Yuan smiled bitterly. He couldn’t decide whether to stay or leave.

Although the gathering was at a bar, the drinking was relatively tame, and they had planned to have dinner there.

This was the VIP room, where the table could be raised directly from beneath the wooden floor. The manager needed help.

Seeing Yun Shu and the others gathering around, Jing Yuan also stepped forward and crouched down to assist the manager.

Among them, Jing Yuan was the most slender and delicate.

Ji Yan watched Jing Yuan, with his thin arms and legs, working diligently, and suddenly called out, “Midnight Rose.”

Hearing that awkward name, Jing Yuan forced a stiff smile and slowly turned around.

Ji Yan pointed to the liquor in front of him. “Could you pour me a drink?”

“Of course,” the manager urged Jing Yuan. “Rose, go help Mr. Ji with his drink.”

Everyone in the room was watching Jing Yuan. Xie Ling teased, “Rose, can you take off your mask?”

Ignoring Xie Ling, Jing Yuan rolled his eyes behind the mask. After hesitating for a while, he finally returned to Ji Yan’s side and poured him a full glass of brandy.

Ji Yan looked at him. “Rose.”

Jing Yuan lifted his Ultraman mask. “…Huh?”

Ji Yan asked, “Why aren’t you drinking the water I prepared for you?”

Jing Yuan didn’t dare speak. He gestured toward his throat.

Ji Yan pretended not to understand. “Do you only drink warm water?”

Jing Yuan quickly nodded in agreement, hoping to brush it off.

There was no warm water here, and he assumed Ji Yan wouldn’t press further.

Ji Yan lifted his gaze, scanning the room. “Is there any warm water?”

Xie Ling looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “No. If you want hot water, go get it yourself outside.”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow slightly, picked up the glass, and walked out, leaving Jing Yuan standing nervously by the sofa, trembling.

He noticed that the others’ gazes seemed to imply they had uncovered some secret affair between the two of them.

Before long, Ji Yan walked in holding a cup. Xie Ling let out an exaggerated “Oh ho!” at the sight. “Ji Yan, did you take the wrong medicine today?”

Ignoring Xie Ling’s teasing, Ji Yan handed the cup to Jing Yuan. “It’s warm.”

Jing Yuan swallowed softly and accepted it with both hands.

He didn’t dare speak. After hesitating for a long time, he crossed two fingers and formed a heart gesture for Ji Yan in a new way.

Ji Yan sat back down on the sofa and asked the manager, “How old is Rose this year?”

The manager thought for a moment. “Twenty. He’s a university student with both good character and excellent grades.”

Ji Yan’s dark eyes pondered briefly. “So young.”

Seeing Ji Yan’s interest in Jing Yuan, the manager gave him a meaningful look. “Rose isn’t in good health. He works part-time just to earn some pocket money and cover medical expenses.”

If Ji Yan were generous enough, hearing this would likely prompt him to give Jing Yuan a substantial tip.

Pretending not to understand, Ji Yan simply smiled gently. “How much does Rose earn in a month?”

Thinking he was being shy, the manager answered for him, “If he comes every day, around two thousand.”

Ji Yan glanced at Xie Ling. “Your club’s wages aren’t very high.”

Xie Ling was equally confused. He had seen the payroll for the club’s employees, and it wasn’t that low.

“Why is the pay so little?”

Faced with the boss’s pointed question, the manager forced a smile. “Rose has classes during the day and can only work a few hours at night, so his earnings are lower.”

“I see.” Xie Ling tilted his chin toward Ji Yan. “Don’t worry, no one’s bullying Rose.”

That statement added a layer of ambiguity to the atmosphere between Jing Yuan and Ji Yan.

Since the topic had come up, Ji Yan said thoughtfully, “Since Rose comes from a difficult family background and is an outstanding student, I’d like to sponsor him and help him complete his university education.”

Hearing this, Jing Yuan broke out in a cold sweat.

He quickly bowed and frantically waved his hands at Ji Yan.

Although the manager was curious why Jing Yuan wasn’t speaking today, he assumed it was due to a sore throat and chimed in, “Rose means that Mr. Ji is so kind-hearted, he doesn’t know how to repay you.”

Jing Yuan was stunned.

Their manager was truly wasted not becoming a mime director.

Ji Yan smiled. “Since Rose is so grateful, I’ll start sponsoring him from today onward. I’ll cover his monthly living expenses, and he just needs to report his academic progress to me regularly.”

The manager was even pleased and patted Jing Yuan’s shoulder. “See how good Mr. Ji is to you? Don’t disappoint his expectations.”

Jing Yuan forced a smile, feeling like crying but having no tears.

“Since it’s settled, here’s my business card.” Ji Yan handed it to Jing Yuan. “Remember to contact me.”

Jing Yuan nodded and tucked it into his pocket.

His colleagues who witnessed the scene looked on with envy.

An hour later, Jing Yuan excused himself, claiming a stomach ache, and slipped away quietly.

…

By 11 p.m., Xie Ling’s drinking party had ended.

Chen Jifeng walked alongside Ji Yan and asked casually, “That Rose—are you interested in him?”

Ji Yan had drunk quite a bit that night, and his thoughts were slow.

After a long silence, he asked slowly, “Why do you say that?”

Chen Jifeng slung an arm over his shoulder. “I feel like you look at him differently.”

Ji Yan smiled faintly. “How so?”

Chen Jifeng couldn’t quite put it into words: “Anyway, it’s very special. You must know what a rose looks like.”

Ji Yan’s driver was waiting up ahead.

He looked at Chen Jifeng with a faint, ambiguous smile: “To be honest with you, when he took off his mask in the bar, I really didn’t get a clear look.”

Chen Jifeng didn’t believe him: “Then why were you so proactive? Pouring hot water, offering financial assistance…”

Ji Yan slowly got into the car, leaving Chen Jifeng with only his back: “Maybe I’m just a philanthropist.”

Watching the car drive off into the distance, Chen Jifeng laughed and cursed under his breath: “If you’re a philanthropist, then there are no villains left in this world.”

—

By the time Ji Yan returned home, it was already midnight.

His room was on a different floor from Jing Yuan’s bedroom. As he passed Jing Yuan’s floor, he paused.

At this hour, the vast house was exceptionally quiet.

His footsteps unconsciously carried him to the door of Jing Yuan’s bedroom.

A faint light glowed from under the door.

Jing Yuan was still awake.

Ji Yan smiled to himself. It seemed Jing Yuan had been quite shaken by what happened in the private room earlier.

He leaned against the door and waited for a long moment before gently knocking.

“Who’s there?”

Jing Yuan, guilty as a thief, wrapped himself tightly in his blanket and asked warily.

Hearing the vigorous voice from inside, Ji Yan felt somewhat relieved—at least his health hadn’t been affected.

“It’s me, Yuan Yuan.”

Rustling sounds came from inside the room.

After tidying up, Jing Yuan called out in a loud voice: “Yan Yan, you can come in now.”

Ji Yan pushed the door open, still wearing the same suit he had on in the private room that evening.

Jing Yuan instinctively averted his gaze and asked softly, “Yan Yan, what brings you here?”

Ji Yan walked toward him, his long, straight legs coming into view.

“I just got home. It’s been a while since I last saw you.”

Jing Yuan thought back carefully and realized their last conversation was over a bowl of wontons.

That was when Ji Yan had asked if he would be willing to marry him.

Wrapped in his cotton blanket, Jing Yuan’s dark eyes slowly scanned him: “Where have you been so late?”

Ji Yan’s gaze fell on the business card Jing Yuan had tried to hide.

A smile tugged at his lips as he answered candidly: “I went to a bar.”

Jing Yuan pursed his lips: “Oh.”

“And you? Where did you go?” Ji Yan glanced leisurely at the clock on the wall. “I heard from Chen Tian that you also just got back not long ago.”

Jing Yuan masked his guilt: “Yeah, I went to the tea shop.”

Ji Yan smiled knowingly and gently took Jing Yuan’s hand: “The New Year is almost here. Rest well at home these next few days. If time permits, I’ll take you to Finland to see the Northern Lights. We can celebrate the New Year there.”

“See the Northern Lights?” Just the name piqued Jing Yuan’s interest. “We’re going abroad? I’m afraid I might not be able to handle a long flight.”

“I can arrange a private flight with plenty of rest stops for you.” Ji Yan raised his hand and gently brushed aside the stray hairs at Jing Yuan’s temple. “I have 12 days off for the New Year. I can spend more time with you.”

In the past, Jing Yuan had only read about the Northern Lights in domineering CEO novels. Due to his frail health, the original host had never traveled abroad, let alone embarked on a winter trip to see the Northern Lights—an activity that could easily lead to illness.

He tightened his blanket: “So we won’t be celebrating the New Year here?”

Ji Yan: “No. We’ll have the reunion dinner with Grandpa and the others on New Year’s Eve, and then we can set off.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes curved into a smile: “Really?”

Ji Yan: “Why would I lie to you?”

Jing Yuan: “I’ve never been abroad in my life.”

Ji Yan: “This time, I’ll make it happen for you.”

After agreeing with Ji Yan to go to Finland, Jing Yuan was so excited he couldn’t sleep all night. With only a few days left until the New Year, he had to hurry and apply for his passport before the staff went on holiday.

As for the funding matter discussed in the private room.

Jing Yuan decided to play the little turtle and not call Ji Yan.

Ji Yan was busy with work, and perhaps he would forget about it in a few days.

—

The next day, Jing Yuan went with Chen Tian early in the morning to apply for his passport. Afterward, he had Chen Tian drop him off at Yun Shui Jian to prepare for the dancer auditions.

According to the HR manager’s report, there were fifteen applicants for the dancer positions. After screening by several managers, only seven remained.

It couldn’t be helped—Jing Yuan demanded both looks and temperament, as well as a good figure. Such dancers were hard to find.

In the quiet tea room, Jing Yuan sat cross-legged in the center, embarking on his first-ever job interview as an employer.

Chen Tian knew he was interviewing staff but didn’t know they were dancers. When he saw one after another of these poised, elegant, classically dressed male gods walk in, he was utterly stunned.

The scene reminded him of a grand imperial consort selection.

He coughed lightly. “Young Master Jing.”

Jing Yuan: “Hmm?”

Chen Tian: “Are the requirements for Yun Shui Jian’s staff this high?”

Seeing his misunderstanding, Jing Yuan smiled. “They’re not staff; they’re dancers, all outstanding graduates from top universities.”

Chen Tian was bewildered. “Why are you hiring them?”

Jing Yuan: “To attract customers. Increase foot traffic and make big money.”

Chen Tian fell silent and quietly observed.

“Boss, the third candidate just graduated this year and is a minor influencer on Douyin with 100,000 followers.”

Jing Yuan: “What’s his expected salary?”

Manager: “40,000 per month.”

Although this number was hard for Jing Yuan to accept, the moment he saw the candidate in person, he was overjoyed.

“40,000 it is, hire him.”

The manager was wide-eyed, signaling with his eyes: Aren’t you going to negotiate?

Jing Yuan sipped his tea and sighed. “How vulgar.”

Manager: “But there are still many candidates after him. Shouldn’t you consider them all together?”

Jing Yuan: “You can never have too many handsome guys. We can take them all.”

Jing Yuan’s usual image in everyone’s minds was that of a total penny-pincher. Spending 40,000 to hire a dancer was simply insane.

After the candidates left, the manager was about to advise against it when Jing Yuan said, “The contract states that he must use his account to regularly promote Yun Shui Jian’s dance performances to attract more customers.”

The manager suddenly understood. “Brilliant!”

Jing Yuan wasn’t very satisfied with the next few candidates.

Either their facial features were too sharp and unsuitable for classical attire, or they lacked the ethereal charm needed to attract fans. Some just didn’t have the right vibe to make customers want to come back for their performances.

There was only one candidate left.

Jing Yuan leaned against the tea table, resting his chin in his hand, wondering if it was because of the approaching New Year that many people had already gone home.

What disappointed him was that the guy he had tried to poach from Manhe hadn’t shown up.

He had even specifically instructed the lobby manager to risk getting beaten up by distributing flyers at the entrance of Manhe Teahouse, but it had yielded little result.

Just then, a familiar face walked in, jolting the nearly asleep Jing Yuan awake.

Chen Yiming had come!

He had actually managed to poach from Manhe.

Chen Yiming didn’t know Jing Yuan. Upon learning he was the boss, he respectfully bowed and began explaining his achievements and awards in the dance industry.

Jing Yuan was visibly very pleased, flipping through Chen Yiming’s resume while fantasizing about Yun Shui Jian becoming wildly popular.

It had to be said, Chen Yiming’s qualifications were indeed exceptional—he seemed like a natural classical dancer. Even dressed in an ordinary trendy T-shirt, he couldn’t conceal his ethereal, graceful aura.

Chen Yiming’s expected salary was 50,000 per month, higher than the previous candidate, and he didn’t have the backing of a social media following.

Jing Yuan stroked his chin. “Yun Shui Jian has its own short video account. We can offer you 50,000 a month, but you’ll need to collaborate with us to build a dance-focused account. Of course, the account ownership will belong to us.”

Chen Yiming had previously registered a few accounts on short video platforms, but without exception, none of them gained any traction. If he joined Yun Shui Jian, he could increase his visibility without having to manage the account himself—why not take the opportunity?

Thus, Chen Yiming readily agreed.

Just as Jing Yuan was happily signing a letter of intent with Chen Yiming, a newly hired staff member at the door announced, “Boss, there’s one more candidate.”

Jing Yuan was in the middle of a pleasant conversation and had no time to entertain anyone else. Besides, the manager had already informed him that all scheduled interviews were completed. This last candidate was either late or hadn’t made an appointment—the manager could handle it.

So, Jing Yuan said, “Have someone else conduct the interview. I’m accompanying Yiming with the contract signing.”

The manager was also puzzled, as only a few candidates had been scheduled for interviews that day.

“Boss, this candidate says he wants to see you.”

“See me?” Interrupted, Jing Yuan frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair in the tea room and muttering under his breath, “Which candidate is it? Is he attractive and well-proportioned? Is he handsome?”

Chen Tian seemed to have guessed something and remained silent.

Before the staff could respond, the final candidate invited himself in, pushing open the door to the tea room.

“I wouldn’t dare to judge my own appearance, but what does Boss Jing think of me?”

Ji Yan leisurely sat down beside Chen Yiming, picked up the half-finished cup of tea by Jing Yuan’s hand, and took a sip.