The Sickly Beauty Can’t Escape the Obsessive Lover - Chapter 7

Although Ji Yan’s gaze was gentle, it carried an unusual intensity.

Jing Yuan could even detect a hint of danger.

Leaning against Ji Yan’s chest, Jing Yuan was like a kitten afraid to move, his eyes filled with caution.

Sensing Jing Yuan’s fear, Ji Yan slightly restrained his expression.

“Let’s go. It’s time to eat.”

Jing Yuan was released and sat back in his wheelchair with a soft, “Mm.”

Ji Yan watched him intently before leading him away.

Inside the room, Jing Yuan wore only a thin sweater. But having just woken up, his body was still damp with sweat, and he feared catching a chill from any stray draft. So, he obediently wrapped himself in a blanket, curling up tightly.

From where he sat, Jing Yuan could catch faint whiffs of sandalwood.

He didn’t dare look back, unable to decipher Ji Yan’s true intentions.

Yet he worried that his own indifference might provoke Ji Yan, who seemed hopelessly infatuated with him. After a long hesitation, he asked, “Ji Yan, what did the heavens say?”

Ji Yan’s voice remained calm. “Does Yuan Yuan care that much?”

Jing Yuan nodded like a chick pecking at rice, his jade-like fingers clutching the blanket tightly. “Yes, I hope the heavens agreed.”

“Heh!” Ji Yan let out a strange laugh. “Really?”

“Mm.” Of course, Jing Yuan had no desire for anything to happen between them, but he decided it was best to keep Ji Yan steady.

By now, he was certain that Ji Yan truly had feelings for him.

“I really, truly love you so much.”

Bathed in the warm air from the room’s heater, Jing Yuan couldn’t suppress a cough, drawing the attention of the other guests. His eyes, glistening with unshed tears and his brows slightly furrowed, looked especially pitiable.

Naturally, Rong Qing was also present at such an occasion.

He and his friends scrutinized Jing Yuan with disdain. “Look at that sickly Jing family heir. What’s he doing here?”

Several young masters eager to flatter him chimed in, “Yeah, sitting in a wheelchair without any shame.”

“But why is Ji Yan pushing Jing Yuan?” the young master of the Ming family muttered softly, glancing at Rong Qing.

Everyone knew that Ji Yan and Jing Yuan were like fire and water, and that Ji Yan’s true affection lay with Rong Qing.

Rong Qing’s expression nearly faltered. “No matter how much Ji Yan dislikes Jing Yuan, he still has to save face for the Jing family on an occasion like this.”

The Ming family’s young master gave an awkward laugh, though inwardly he was skeptical.

What face did the Jing family even have left?

Their company probably wouldn’t last the year.

Just then, all of them froze.

A few meters away, Jing Yuan and Ji Yan had suddenly stopped. Jing Yuan mumbled something, and Ji Yan bent down, kneeling on one knee in front of him to adjust the shoelace that had caught on the footrest.

Rong Qing stared for two seconds, his composure nearly crumbling.

“This is boring. I’m leaving,” he said darkly, turning to go.

The remaining group exchanged glances and continued to observe the pair’s interactions.

Jing Yuan hadn’t expected Ji Yan to fix his shoelace either. His amber eyes flickered, and he put on an ingratiating smile. “Thank you, Brother Ji Yan.”

Hearing the words “Brother Ji Yan,” a ripple of emotion crossed Ji Yan’s usually placid face.

He looked up at Jing Yuan. “You’re welcome.”

After a moment’s hesitation, he reached out and ruffled Jing Yuan’s hair.

Jing Yuan cooperated fully, lifting his head to nuzzle against Ji Yan’s fingers.

Ji Yan gazed at him; the turmoil stirred earlier by Ning Sui finally easing somewhat.

He needed to extract information from Jing Yuan as quickly as possible, to avoid complications.

The intimate exchange between the two continued to capture the attention of the other guests.

During the meal, Ji Yan brought Jing Yuan to offer birthday wishes to his grandfather.

In Jing Yuan’s memory, his impression of Ji Yan’s grandfather was rather vague. It seemed they had met once when he was very young, leaving only a faint recollection.

“Wishing you eternal brightness like the sun and moon, and everlasting youth like the pine and crane!”

Jing Yuan was exceptionally polite, generously showering the old man with auspicious words. His mouth was as sweet as if he were paying New Year’s greetings, almost ready to bow respectfully to the grandfather.

The grandfather had just heard about Jing Yuan’s behavior from outsiders but had been skeptical. Now, he was even more convinced that it was nothing but baseless rumors. With a kind expression, he beckoned Jing Yuan over and gestured for Ji Yan to push him closer. “Come, let me take a look at Yuan Yuan.”

Ji Yan nodded and pushed Jing Yuan forward.

It had to be said, there were certain advantages to being in a wheelchair.

For instance, it saved a chair. Jing Yuan could eat directly from his wheelchair.

He thought to himself that this could also be considered a way to save some labor.

Old Master Lin was quite fond of Jing Yuan. After all, it was he who had arranged the marriage alliance between Jing Yuan and Ji Yan.

Holding Jing Yuan’s bony hand, Old Master Lin said with concern, “How has your health been lately? Why are you so thin?”

Jing Yuan pinched his cheek. “Much better. Look, my face has even rounded out a bit.”

Old Master Lin chuckled. “But you’re still too thin.”

Jing Yuan replied, “It’ll take time. Please don’t worry.”

He had almost finished stewing all the ginseng stored in Ji Yan’s house, yet he had only gained a tiny bit of weight. These things couldn’t be rushed.

Old Master Lin laughed softly and announced the start of the banquet.

Sitting at the main table with them were close relatives from Ji Yan’s mother’s side. They had all heard about Jing Yuan’s behavior and were cautious not to provoke him.

Of course, Ji Yan had always been melancholic and distant since childhood, not particularly close to anyone, and his relationships with the relatives were quite strained.

However, after Ji Yan’s parents passed away, the family assets had been managed by Ji Yan’s grandfather, leaving Ji Yan with no real authority. But in recent years, Old Master Ji had suddenly delegated power, handing over all the family’s businesses to Ji Yan. Gradually, Ji Yan became known to everyone as a ruthless and uncompromising figure.

Jing Yuan had no interest in the subtle complexities at the dinner table, nor was he willing to forgo delicious food to speculate about others’ intentions. Like a little cat, he carefully selected the dishes he could eat, chewing slowly and savoring every bite, staying until the very end of the banquet. When he finally turned to look for Ji Yan, his aunt reminded him that Ji Yan had been called away much earlier.

Wiping his sauce-stained fingers, Jing Yuan gazed longingly at the plate of braised sea cucumber.

He had eaten too much today and couldn’t have any more. It was a shame he couldn’t take it with him; otherwise, he could have reheated it and enjoyed it again in the evening.

Just then, Old Master Lin said, “Yuan Yuan, not long ago, a friend gave me some premium lingzhi mushrooms and wild matsutake mushrooms. The lingzhi, in particular, is excellent for strengthening the body and replenishing vitality. Take some back and have the kitchen prepare them for you.”

Jing Yuan was deeply moved, never expecting Old Master Lin to care so much about him. Slowly raising his hands, he formed a small heart shape with his fingers.

Old Master Lin smiled curiously. “What’s this?”

Jing Yuan replied, “A heart of gratitude.”

Old Master Lin laughed heartily. “Young people really are full of surprises.”

After chatting a while longer with Old Master Lin, Jing Yuan was escorted by the butler to the storeroom to pick up some lingzhi and other supplements.

Sitting in his chair, Jing Yuan expressed his thanks, “Thank you, Uncle, for pushing me to the storeroom. You’ve worked hard.”

Truthfully, he would have liked to walk around to aid his digestion, but to maintain his frail and helpless persona, he had no choice but to trouble others.

The old butler smiled warmly. “It’s no trouble at all.”

Jing Yuan looked up with a cheerful expression. “Excuse me, do you have any bags in the storeroom?”

The old butler suddenly furrowed his brow. “Bags? What do you need them for?”

Jing Yuan said, “I’m afraid the pocket on the back of the wheelchair won’t be able to hold all the lingzhi mushrooms.”

The old steward was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. “Let me help you look for some.”

The storeroom faced away from the sun and hadn’t been exposed to sunlight for years. The temperature dropped sharply as soon as they entered.

Jing Yuan had forgotten to bring a blanket. The sudden chill irritated his airways, and he couldn’t stop coughing.

The steward frowned. “Are you unwell?”

Jing Yuan waved his hand. “It’s nothing, just an old problem I’ve had for over twenty years.”

The steward silently calculated in his mind.

Wasn’t the young master of the Jing family only in his early twenties?

The shelf holding the lingzhi mushrooms was particularly grand, stocked abundantly with supplements. Under Jing Yuan’s eager gaze, the old steward helped him pack a generous amount, stuffing the small pocket on the back of the wheelchair until it was bulging.

Unfortunately, there were no clean packaging bags inside.

The old steward said, “Please wait, I’ll go find some for you.”

“No need, Uncle.” Jing Yuan wasn’t a greedy person and didn’t let the steward fetch more. He simply pointed to his pocket. “Just put a few more in here, and that will be enough.”

The old steward: “…Alright.”

Back in the hall, the familiar warmth enveloped Jing Yuan. He bid farewell to the old steward and decided to go look for Ji Yan on his own.

His wheelchair was specially customized, equipped with a storage battery. When he was tired, he could control it electronically without exerting any effort.

Jing Yuan slowly meandered through the crowd of guests and happened to run into Rong Qing and his companions.

He had no intention of engaging with them, but the group approaching him seemed to have other ideas.

“Hello, Young Master Jing.”

One of Rong Qing’s lackeys waved provocatively and then stepped on the wheel of Jing Yuan’s wheelchair, preventing him from leaving.

Jing Yuan only recognized Rong Qing among them. He timidly shrank back and said, “Are you trying to bully me?”

Rong Qing frowned. “Are you insane? When did we bully you?”

Jing Yuan acted cautiously, keeping his eyes downcast. “You stepped on my foot. It hurts so much…”

The lackey immediately retracted his foot. “What the hell? You’re lying! I stepped on the wheelchair, not you!”

Jing Yuan began coughing, his face turning pale.

“I can’t walk. The wheelchair is my means of mobility. Isn’t it like my legs?”

The lackey was stunned and quickly looked to Rong Qing for help. “Young Master Rong, he—”

“Jing Yuan, don’t think that just because you’re quick with words, you can make Ji Yan blame me,” Rong Qing said coldly. “We didn’t do anything. We were just greeting you.”

Jing Yuan slowly clutched his chest. “Keep talking. My heart hurts a little, but I’ll endure it for now.”

“You!” Rong Qing glared at him fiercely. “Don’t think that just because you’ve gotten closer to Ji Yan recently, it means anything!”

Jing Yuan looked up at him, leaning forward in his wheelchair, appearing helpless, weak, and innocent. “Ji Yan? Brother Ji Yan, can you come save me?”

He trembled as he stood up, his body so frail it seemed he might collapse at any moment.

“Brother Ji Yan, where are you?”

Jing Yuan took a difficult step forward, stumbling as if he were about to fall.

The lackey was terrified and quickly slipped away to distance himself. “I didn’t touch you, you know.”

Tears welled in Jing Yuan’s eyes, and his face turned pale from coughing.

The passing guests, noticing the commotion, curiously glanced over. Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Rong Qing worried that Jing Yuan might cause a scene and alert Old Master Lin. He quickly exchanged glances with the others, and they all silently dispersed.

Watching Rong Qing’s retreating figure, Jing Yuan gently settled back into his wheelchair, took a ginseng root from his pocket and placed it in his mouth. Humming a little tune, he maneuvered the wheelchair to find Ji Yan.

Rong Qing seemed uglier than last time.

Like a little duckling.

After what felt like a long while, Jing Yuan finally spotted Ji Yan standing alone on the terrace.

Just as he was about to enter, Chen Tian, who was standing guard outside, said, “Mr. Ji is in a bad mood. You might want to wait a bit, Young Master Jing.”

Jing Yuan looked up curiously. “Why is he upset?”

Chen Tian didn’t hide the truth. “It’s about the development of the International Trade Tower.”

He then proceeded to explain the whole situation to Jing Yuan.

Ji Family’s corporation was a comprehensive conglomerate with a wide range of businesses, one of the few large-scale private enterprises in the country.

The group had many shareholders. Although Ji Yan had secured actual control of the company, he only held 5% more shares than the second-largest shareholder. This situation had many ambitious people eager to make their move.

Ji Yan’s recent project involved the construction of the International Trade Tower. The location had already been selected, and the project proposal had been unanimously approved by the board. But recently, for some unknown reason, Ji Yan suddenly decided to change the location and set the International Trade Tower in the Lishui Park area.

Lishui Park was not a bustling area; in fact, it could be described as remote. Surrounded by light industrial factories, it was privately owned by the Jing Family.

“The Jing Family?” Jing Yuan chewed on his ginseng, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.

Chen Tian offered a professional smile. “Yes. Your family’s property.”

As everyone knew, the Jing Family had been struggling over the past two years, with the company barely staying afloat thanks to the light industrial factories in Lishui Park. This was the foundation of the Jing Family and their last lifeline.

Jing Yuan thought for a moment but couldn’t recall anything about the factory’s operations from his memory. This indirectly showed that the original host, who had been coddled like a precious gem, had never paid any attention to these matters.

“Alright, then I’ll go comfort Ji Yan. I have some tasty treats in my pocket. Eating them might lift his spirits.”

Jing Yuan turned the wheels of his chair and clattered onto the terrace.

On the spacious terrace, only a tall figure in black stood alone. Ji Yan leaned against the railing by himself, his deep gaze complex and gloomy.

If Lishui Park could be chosen as the new site for the Trade Tower, it might persuade the government to abandon the South City commercial street and plan the new urban area here when they mapped out the new city a year later.

If this move succeeded, the land value could skyrocket dozens of times, bringing immense profits to the Ji Corporation and elevating its commercial status to a whole new level.

However, if the area continued to focus on light industrial production, the new urban planning would certainly not include this location.

But Lishui Park was the Jing Family’s property. If Ji Yan forced an acquisition, Jing’s father and Jing Baiwei, with their backs against the wall, might fight him to the death. Moreover, Jing Yuan hadn’t fully trusted him yet, and he feared this matter would drive a wedge between them.

Ji Yan gripped the railing, suddenly hearing the sound of wheels behind him.

He turned around and, upon seeing Jing Yuan, the worry on his face vanished, replaced by a gentle, feigned smile. “Yuan Yuan, isn’t it cold outside?”

Jing Yuan smoothly maneuvered his wheelchair toward him. “Not cold. Chen Tian said you were upset, so I brought you something tasty.”

Ji Yan responded absentmindedly, “Thank you, but I’m not hungry.” He didn’t even bother to ask what Jing Yuan had brought him.

Seeing the other person turn his back to him again, Jing Yuan pattered over to his side, tilting his head up. “Ji Yan, I’ll help you secure the Lishui Park. Let Uncle Chen take me home tomorrow.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Ji Yan’s eyes.

“You’ll help me secure it?”

“Mm.”

Jing Yuan was sensitive to the cold, and after staying outside for a while, he began to feel uncomfortable all over. He buried his face in his collar, leaving only his eyes visible. “I’ll persuade my dad and my older brother for you.”

Ji Yan stared at him, still finding it hard to believe that Jing Yuan was willing to help him.

Lishui Park was the only remaining core asset of the Jing family that hadn’t been sold off. How could Jing Ming possibly be willing to part with it?

After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Thank you, Yuan Yuan, but there’s no need for you to go to such trouble.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes were clear and innocent, like a child who knew nothing of the world. “It’s fine. We’re engaged now—it’s only right for me to help you.”

Ji Yan fell silent for a long time, still wary that Jing Yuan might have ulterior motives.

Jing Yuan ended the topic. “Leave this matter to me. I want to share your burdens too.”

Ji Yan weighed his words carefully. “Alright, thank you.”

Jing Yuan tightened his coat and rubbed his reddened hands.

He trusted Ji Yan’s judgment. Although the book’s introduction didn’t provide detailed information about Ji Yan, the fact that he had become the ultimate boss suggested he had some capabilities.

If Ji Yan wanted to build the commercial plaza there, he must have sniffed out a business opportunity.

He planned to go home and persuade his father and his half-brother, who weren’t particularly skilled in business. If all else failed, the Jing family could simply rely on Ji Yan.

Handing over Lishui Park and securing some shares in the commercial plaza would provide security in the future when the plaza’s value multiplied, ensuring a comfortable retirement.

Moreover, he had a selfish motive too.

If he helped Ji Yan accomplish this difficult task, wouldn’t Ji Yan feel obliged to reward him somehow?

Lately, he had been researching ways to make money and had become quite interested in high-end teahouses.

Such establishments were popular among the upper class. If he succeeded, wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend his days lounging in a teahouse, listening to the pipa and watching dances?

In his opinion, the first floor of the commercial plaza would be perfect.

Afraid he might laugh out loud, Jing Yuan shrank further into his collar, trembling slightly.

“Let me take you inside. It’s cold out here.” Ji Yan gently pushed the wheelchair, guiding Jing Yuan back into the corridor. “You mentioned earlier that you brought me something to eat. What is it?”

Jing Yuan patted his bulging pocket and pulled out a ginseng root, handing it to him. “It has a sweet, herbal taste. Try one.”

Ji Yan paused, seemingly taken aback that someone would treat ginseng like a lollipop. Even Chen Tian, who had been watching from the sidelines, couldn’t hold back a laugh and turned away discreetly.

After a moment’s hesitation, Ji Yan gently pushed the ginseng back to Jing Yuan. “You should have it. You need it more.”

“Oh, alright.” Jing Yuan didn’t refuse and stuffed it back into his pocket.

The wheelchair began to move again.

Ji Yan glanced down and noticed Jing Yuan’s pockets were filled with various tonics, his eyes filled with confusion.

Lately, Jing Yuan seemed unusually concerned about his health.

As the three of them passed through the main hall, they noticed a crowd gathered. Moving closer, they realized Rong Qing and his two lackeys were standing in the center.

The two men seated in chairs looked stern, especially Rong Qing’s grandfather, who was so angry he was practically fuming, looking as though he might throw the porcelain cup in his hand at any moment.

Old Lin, though not as furious, was clearly displeased. “Old Rong, let’s just drop this matter.”

Old Man Rong snorted coldly, “This child has no sense of propriety—he’s been utterly spoiled! How dare he cause trouble at your birthday banquet! I’m too ashamed to face you.”

Jing Yuan, watching the unlucky troublemakers, rested his hands on his knees and asked innocently, “What happened to them?”

Ji Yan was also unaware of the details and glanced at the old butler.

Understanding the cue, the old butler explained the situation to Ji Yan.

It turned out that someone had reported Rong Qing and his friends bullying Jing Yuan to Old Man Lin, who became furious and deeply concerned, immediately wanting to find Jing Yuan. Only after the old butler saw Jing Yuan chatting with Ji Yan did Old Man Lin finally set his worries aside.

Logically, since this was Old Man Lin’s birthday banquet and everyone else was a guest, bullying the host’s family member at the event would become a laughingstock for a year if word got out.

People wouldn’t criticize Rong Qing specifically but would instead say the Rong family failed to discipline their children properly and lacked family upbringing.

After hearing this, Ji Yan turned his gaze to Jing Yuan, who was watching the scene unfold.

“Yuan Yuan, were they bullying you?” Ji Yan raised an eyebrow slightly, as if not entirely convinced by the butler’s account.

The image of Jing Yuan clutching his ginseng while seeking him out hardly seemed like someone who had just been bullied.

Jing Yuan thought for a moment. “They didn’t bully me.”

His words, spoken neither too softly nor too loudly, caught the attention of everyone present.

Jing Yuan maneuvered his wheelchair toward the three unlucky individuals and spoke up for them.

“Grandfathers, please don’t be angry. They weren’t bullying me. They were just joking around with me. I’m just too sensitive and not very resilient.”

Jing Yuan swallowed the last bit of his ginseng, his slightly damp eyelashes lowered. “Please don’t blame them.”

With that, he let out a light cough.

Seeing this, Rong Qing’s anger flared up intensely.

“Are you pretending to be compassionate here? Isn’t it because of you that we’re being scolded?”

Rong Qing completely lost his temper, glaring furiously at Jing Yuan as if he wanted to devour him.

Chen Tian, watching the drama unfold, quietly reminded Ji Yan, “Aren’t you going to step in?”

As the saying goes, rescuing a beauty in distress can help deepen relationships.

Ji Yan crossed his arms, showing no intention of stepping in to help Jing Yuan. Instead, he raised an eyebrow with keen interest, enjoying the spectacle.

Ever since his rebirth, he had felt there was something off about Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan gave him the impression of a tangyuan—soft and innocent on the outside, but filled with black sesame paste inside, cunning and scheming.

For instance, he never truly believed that Rong Qing owed Jing Yuan a million. Given Rong Qing’s family background, how could he possibly borrow money from Jing Yuan? He suspected Rong Qing had some leverage in Jing Yuan’s hands.

And again today,

Rong Qing still hadn’t gained any advantage over Jing Yuan.

Ji Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, staring intently at the seemingly fragile and helpless Jing Yuan before him.

The current Jing Yuan was vastly different from the one in his memories, to the point where he wondered if they were even the same person.

Ji Yan furrowed his brow, a preposterous idea forming in his mind.