The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 33.1

Jing Yuan was completely caught off guard by Ji Yan’s sudden appearance, freezing in place. What made it even more unsettling was that Ji Yan had just taken a sip from the water bottle he had been drinking from.

The aura of the person beside him was overwhelmingly intense. Chen Yiming’s gaze fell on the dark diamond watch and he quietly shifted to the left.

Ji Yan glanced at him. “And this is?”

Chen Yiming: “Hello, I’m a new employee at Yun Shui Jian.”

Ji Yan lifted his eyes slightly and turned his attention back to Jing Yuan. “Good taste. I heard there were quite a few people here today that caught your eye.”

“Heard?” Jing Yuan shot a subtle glare at Chen Tian, who immediately coughed twice and lowered his gaze to avoid it.

Why was Ji Yan speaking with such a sarcastic tone?

Jing Yuan withdrew his accusatory stare and replaced it with a bright smile as he looked at Ji Yan. “Yan Yan, I just wanted Yun Shui Jian to become more popular among young people, so I hired some dancers.”

He thought to himself, he hadn’t done anything out of line, so why was Ji Yan acting like he’d caught him cheating?

Ji Yan smiled along with him. “Yuan Yuan, there’s no need to explain yourself to me. Your tea house is yours to manage as you please.”

Playing dumb, Jing Yuan ingratiatingly poured a cup of tea for Ji Yan. “The finest Peacock Thousand Feathers, worth a hundred per cup.”

Ji Yan’s gaze was indifferent, and he didn’t accept the tea.

“Aren’t you going to pour a cup for your new employee?”

Jing Yuan let out an “Oh” and flashed a crescent-eyed smile at Chen Yiming. “Yiming, you should try some too.”

Chen Yiming’s heart was pounding nervously.

The person beside him was probably Boss Jing’s boyfriend.

Couldn’t Boss Jing tell that his boyfriend was jealous?

How could he still dare to pour tea for him?

Drinking this tea would offend someone.

Not drinking it would too.

After weighing his options, Chen Yiming picked up the fresh tea and raised it to Jing Yuan. “Boss Jing, looking forward to working with you.”

Jing Yuan nodded cheerfully. “OK, the cost of this tea will be deducted in advance from your salary.”

“Pfft—”

Chen Yiming choked, staring at Jing Yuan in disbelief.

What kind of heartless boss was this?

Was it too late to back out now?

Jing Yuan curled his lips. “Just kidding.”

Chen Yiming: “…” That expression really didn’t seem like he was kidding.

With the contract already signed, Chen Yiming prepared to leave. Before going, Jing Yuan hesitated but ultimately decided to see Chen Yiming out, braving Ji Yan’s gentle yet piercing gaze.

He made up an excuse: “Yan Yan, Yun Shui Jian is quite large. I’m worried Yiming might get lost, so I’ll walk him out.”

Ji Yan’s voice was deep and gentle. “Alright.”

Soon, the wooden door closed.

Staring at the empty tea room, Ji Yan set his teacown on the table with a loud “thud.” The knuckles gripping the cup turned slightly white. A cold glint flashed in Ji Yan’s eyes as he murmured, “He’s here picking his favorites.”

Seeing Ji Yan like this, Chen Tian’s heart raced with anxiety.

If he had known, he wouldn’t have told Ji Yan.

“It’s not exactly picking favorites,” Chen Tian finally dared to speak after a long silence. “Young Master Jing just wanted to hire a few handsome guys who are good at dancing.”

Ji Yan’s cold gaze shifted to Chen Tian. “Which ones caught his eye?”

Chen Tian: “Brother Yiming.”

Ji Yan rubbed the teacup with his fingertip and suddenly let out a light laugh. “He called that person ‘Brother Yiming’?”

Chen Tian frowned. “Not exactly, but it was something along those lines.”

Ji Yan narrowed his eyes. “It seems he likes that type.”

Chen Tian clicked his tongue. “Probably. Ning Jin seems to be that type too.”

Mentioning Ning Jin made Ji Yan’s eyes grow even colder.

Meanwhile, Jing Yuan walked Chen Yiming to the parking lot and reminded him, “You’re currently working at Manhe, right?”

Chen Yiming: “Yes.”

Jing Yuan’s dark eyes flickered slightly: “You’re resigning—have you informed the owner of Manhe?”

Chen Yiming, assuming Jing Yuan was worried he wouldn’t report on time, reassured him: “I’ll join as soon as possible, don’t worry.”

Jing Yuan’s actual intention was for Chen Yiming to properly hand over his duties at Manhe before coming over. After all, Yun Shui Jian was still under renovation and wouldn’t be opening anytime soon.

Understanding his meaning, Chen Yiming nodded: “Alright.”

Jing Yuan waved his hand: “Hope you resign soon.”

Chen Yiming: “…Alright.”

—

After seeing Chen Yiming off, Jing Yuan clasped his hands behind his back and slowly made his way toward the VIP room in the backyard of Yun Shui Jian.

Ji Yan, that tyrant, was still there, and Jing Yuan wasn’t sure how to handle him. He didn’t know what was wrong with Ji Yan either—probably staying up late every night, hormonal imbalances making him so irritable even in the dead of winter.

As soon as he stepped into the tea room, Ji Yan, seated nearby, slowly lifted his gaze: “You’re back.”

Jing Yuan smiled: “Yes.”

Ji Yan was grinding tea leaves, his deep voice tinged with a hint of mockery: “Yun Shui Jian must be quite spacious, for you to get lost.”

Jing Yuan continued playing dumb: “Yes, it’s huge.”

In truth, Yun Shui Jian was far smaller than Manhe—not even as large as the Ji family’s flower garden.

Ji Yan’s feigned smile froze instantly.

Staring at Jing Yuan’s carefree expression, the tea-grinding tool in his hand scraped against the container, producing an unsettling noise.

Jing Yuan covered his ears delicately: “Darling, my ears hurt.”

Ji Yan lowered his gaze and handed the ground tea to Jing Yuan: “Is it suitable for brewing in this state?”

Jing Yuan stole a glance at Ji Yan, feeling torn: “This tea is quite expensive, Yan Yan. You’re being a bit wasteful.”

Peacock Feather tea was worth a fortune.

Ji Yan was puzzled: “The tea didn’t spill on the table.”

Jing Yuan hesitated: “What I mean is, you didn’t grind it properly. It’s undrinkable now.”

Ji Yan didn’t know how to brew tea and was clueless about grinding tea leaves—such a waste.

Ji Yan stiffened slightly, his eyes immediately lowering.

Chen Tian broke into a cold sweat. Wasn’t Jing Yuan usually quick-witted? Why was he adding fuel to the fire on a day like this?

He hurriedly tried to smooth things over: “President Ji doesn’t usually drink tea. He only started grinding it because he heard Young Master Jing say the tea was delicious.”

Ignoring Chen Tian’s attempt to defuse the situation, Jing Yuan muttered on: “But before grinding the tea, you need to roast the leaves first, then slowly grind them in a stone mill.”

Chen Tian desperately signaled him with his eyes: “But President Ji’s version should still be drinkable, right?”

Jing Yuan stroked his chin, frowning: “It’s drinkable, but the flavor will be much worse.”

Ji Yan set down the tea-grinding tool and looked up at him: “In that case, this tea—”

“I’ll teach you how to fix it.”

The tea room was designed with reference to Song Dynasty tea tables, where guests could remove their shoes and sit cross-legged on the mats.

Jing Yuan stood up, knelt on both knees behind Ji Yan, and gently placed his right hand over Ji Yan’s wrist.

Enveloped by the sudden softness, a flicker of surprise crossed Ji Yan’s silent eyes.

Jing Yuan was practically leaning against his back.

“These tea leaves aren’t too coarse; we can pick them out and roast them. Then, we’ll grind the remaining leaves finer and mix them together.”

His slender, delicate hand slowly guided Ji Yan’s, the touch soft and smooth.

“When we grind the tea, we mustn’t rush. If you see larger tea leaves, guide them toward the center.”

Jing Yuan was feeling a bit tired and gradually leaned against Ji Yan’s shoulder. As he spoke, Ji Yan could catch a faint, sweet fruity scent.

Chen Tian had initially been worried that the two might get into an argument, but now it seemed he was just an unnecessary presence.

If anyone knew how to handle things, it had to be Jing Yuan.

Judging by the expression on their Mr. Ji’s face, he was clearly already lost in a tender embrace.

“Did you change your perfume?”

Ji Yan was thoroughly enjoying the process of being “taught” by Jing Yuan. His expression gradually softened as he let Jing Yuan lean his full weight against him.

Jing Yuan shook his head. “I didn’t wear any perfume. I just drank some juice.”

Ji Yan tilted his head to look at him. “It smells really nice.”

They were already close, and with Ji Yan turning his head, their faces were now inches apart.

Jing Yuan hadn’t yet noticed the change in Ji Yan’s gaze as he looked at him. He continued earnestly, holding Ji Yan’s arm as if teaching a kindergarten child.

“See, just grind it into an even powder like this.”

Ji Yan nodded, then glanced up at Chen Tian, signaling for him to leave.

Chen Tian: “…”

Should he just lock the door and be done with it?

With the third wheel gone, Ji Yan shifted slightly. Jing Yuan, who had been leaning on his shoulder, wasn’t prepared and stumbled, nearly falling onto the mat.

Ji Yan grabbed his wrist with one hand and steadied his waist with the other. “Are you okay?”

As Jing Yuan looked up, he met Ji Yan’s gentle, deep gaze. Whether it was real or not, he seemed to have grown accustomed to such intimacy with Ji Yan.

“I’m fine.”

That little incident was quickly brushed aside.

A while later, the room was filled with the aroma of tea.

Jing Yuan poured a cup for Ji Yan and scratched his head. “By the way, I haven’t asked you yet—what made you come looking for me here?”

Although he suspected it was mostly Chen Tian who had tipped him off, he still wanted to hear Ji Yan’s thoughts.

Ji Yan’s expression remained calm, the faint smile that had just surfaced fading slightly. “What, are you upset that I ruined your fun?”

Jing Yuan grinned playfully.

“Look at you, thinking the worst of me! I was just thinking that if you come here to see me often, I should prepare a private room just for you.”

Ji Yan raised an eyebrow slightly. “Private?”

Jing Yuan gestured with his hands. “I’ll put a sign on the door that says ‘Reserved for Ji Yan.’”

Ji Yan narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly. “Alright.”

“But I thought you might write ‘Reserved for Jing Boss’s Beloved’ instead.”

Jing Yuan inwardly clicked his tongue.

So cheesy.

“Sure, whatever makes you happy.” Jing Yuan picked up his glass, grinning as he clinked it with Ji Yan’s.

Ji Yan curved his lips. “Deal.”

—

Time flew by, and the New Year was just around the corner. Since that night at Manhe when Ji Yan had caught him, Jing Yuan hadn’t gone back.

The reason he had gone to Manhe in the first place was to find Yun Shu. Now that Yun Shu had been located, there was no need to return and risk running into Ji Yan again, which could lead to unnecessary complications.

In two days, most of the staff at Manhe would be heading back to their hometowns for the New Year. At noon that day, Jing Yuan arrived early, bringing plenty of gifts as farewell souvenirs.

Seeing Jing Yuan’s generosity and his intention to resign, Li Mo assumed that Ji Yan had provided him with financial support, allowing Jing Yuan to focus on his studies. Though he felt a bit reluctant, he was also happy for him.

“You, as soon as you have a little money, you don’t know how to save.” Li Mo frowned, a cigarette dangling from his lips. “Why did you buy so much fruit? It must have cost a fortune, right?”

Jing Yuan handed him a large gift box of nuts, smiling. “I picked this out especially for you. You’re the only one who gets this.”

In Jing Yuan’s eyes, the most practical things were always food. So, he picked out a fruit basket for each of his colleagues, along with some New Year’s gift boxes.

Li Mo sighed. “Ji Yan is a complicated person. Even though he’s sponsoring you, you still need to be careful. What if he’s after your looks?”

At that, Li Mo didn’t continue.

Jing Yuan should understand the implications well enough.

If Ji Yan wasn’t after something, why would he specifically choose to sponsor him?

Jing Yuan reassured him, “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of myself.”

Li Mo nodded and patted his shoulder. “Come visit when you have time.”

Jing Yuan replied, “OK.”

At this hour, Manhe didn’t accept guests, so Jing Yuan took the opportunity of delivering gifts to chat with Yun Shu in the backyard.

“Yun Shu, what’s your real name?”

Jing Yuan lowered his head, shelling nuts, his tone tinged with melancholy. “In case I run into you on the street someday, I’d at least like to be able to greet you properly.”

Yun Shu said, “My name is Li Yixuan.”

Jing Yuan handed him a pecan. “I’ll remember that.”

Yun Shu was actually reluctant to part with Jing Yuan too, but he had known from the start that they lived in different worlds. When it came time to say goodbye, he didn’t feel particularly sad.

“Will you marry CEO Ji?” Yun Shu suddenly asked.

Jing Yuan shook his head. “No. It’s an arranged marriage between our families. We’re engaged, but we won’t actually get married.”

“You don’t like him?” Yun Shu leaned slightly to the side, his hands resting on the wooden bench.

Jing Yuan hesitated. “Although my relationship with Ji Yan has improved, there’s no romantic love between us.”

Yun Shu said, “But I think CEO Ji really likes you. That day in the private room, did he recognize you? Otherwise, why would he specifically choose to sponsor you?”

Jing Yuan frowned. “I’ve thought about that too. But if Ji Yan really knew I was working here, he wouldn’t have let it slide so easily. He might’ve exposed me that very night. Yet, after he went home that day, he even said he’d take me to Finland to see the Northern Lights.”

“Wow, Finland to see the Northern Lights?” Yun Shu seemed genuinely interested, his eyes full of longing. “When I have money someday, I’d like to travel abroad too.”

Jing Yuan looked at Yun Shu, recalling his eventual fate.

Yun Shu would end up very happy, eloping with the main protagonist and settling abroad.

“You’ll be happy.”