Chapter 90: Hesitation

Ji Min made his way towards Lu Ran's bedroom.

Upon entering, he discovered that the boy had only taken off his shoes.

Still clad in his clothes, he was sprawled asleep on the bed, face buried in the covers. His heavy breathing indicated a less than comfortable sleep.

He was clearly exhausted, sleeping soundly and unaware that someone had entered the room.

Ji Min let out a sigh, reaching for a lightweight blanket nearby. He unfurled it and gently draped it over Lu Ran.

As he bent down, his gaze lingered on the collar of Lu Ran's shirt.

The marks from the grip two days ago had already faded significantly.

"Those vanished rather quickly," Ji Min murmured, his voice tinged with contemplation.

"Shouldn't we wake him up?" asked Housekeeper Chen.

Ji Min hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "He's so exhausted. Let him sleep. There will be plenty of chaos today, and it might be better for him not to be involved."

As he spoke, he instructed Housekeeper Chen, "Close off the inner courtyard later so no one can barge in and disturb him."

Housekeeper Chen acknowledged.

Today was Ji Min's twenty-ninth birthday.

Ordinarily, he didn't pay much attention to birthdays and wasn't fond of grand celebrations, treating it merely as an ordinary workday.

But for the rest of the business circle in Jing City, it was a rare significant event.

Just being able to attend and make a few acquaintances would be considered advantageous, let alone overhearing some valuable information.

However, Ji Min had issued very few invitations, with only one per person, making it difficult for anyone to sneak in.

The main gate of the Ji family compound swung open.

Outside the courtyard, it was not particularly bustling.

Compared to the usual grandiose scenes of the Shen family's banquets, this could be described as "quieter than usual."

Everyone approached with respect and presented their invitations and gifts solemnly before silently entering the yard.

It seemed as if, once they stepped into the Ji family's threshold, even their conversations with those beside them were conducted in hushed tones and with restraint.

The atmosphere didn't resemble attending a birthday party at all.

It felt more like a meeting relocated to a different venue.

Gu Zhi was very unaccustomed to such an ambiance.

Upon entering, he couldn't help but tremble uncontrollably, feeling that if he didn't move, his entire body would stiffen.

However, taking advantage of his familiarity with Ji Min, he complained while shivering, "I didn't want to come in the first place. How can you have an elder like me congratulate a junior like you?"

Ji Min lifted his gaze to glance at him briefly.

His eyes clearly conveyed, "If you don't want to be here, you can leave."

Gu Zhi found it a bit peculiar.

He shook his head and sighed. "Your temper seems to have improved lately, huh?"

In the past, he would have already told Gu Zhi to get lost.

Ji Min fell silent for a moment.

Wondering if his tolerance threshold had risen due to someone's provocation.

"Saying that, it's not usually me," Gu Zhi sighed. "My family patriarch takes your matters quite seriously. He originally planned to send Ningqi over."

"But that kid, for some reason, refused to come here no matter what when he heard about it."

Upon hearing the name Gu Ningqi, Ji Min couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

Now he understood why the heir of the Gu family was reluctant to come.

Probably because he was afraid of encountering Lu Ran.

If Lu Ran were to repeat his absurd remark about "golden needle mushrooms" again, this young Master Gu might get so angry that he'd jump off the building on the spot.

At Ji Min's smile, Gu Zhi gave him another curious glance.

This time, he noticed something remarkable.

"Wow!"

Gu Zhi couldn't hold back and raised his voice.

Pointing at the marks on Ji Min's neck, he asked, "Your... your neck! That's way too intense, isn't it?"

The courtyard was relatively quiet.

When Gu Zhi shouted, all those who were chatting nearby, walking by, or had just entered, turned their heads in unison to look at Ji Min.

Upon casual observation, it was still manageable. However, now that Gu Zhi had pointed it out explicitly, everyone's attention was drawn to it.

They all noticed a dark mark on Ji Min's neck, close to the collar of his shirt.

Upon realizing what it was, many people's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Ji Min: "..."

Indeed.

This was still the mark Lu Ran had left that day.

Despite the mess on the child's neck from being choked, it vanished quickly after applying medicine and a good night's sleep.

In contrast, the mark on Ji Min's neck was particularly resilient.

Though it had now transformed from red to a purplish-brown, the hue clearly conveyed to everyone: this was a love bite.

It was so fake that it seemed more real than the real thing.

It was purely coincidental that the mark left by the child was in a spot that couldn't be concealed by the collar.

Ji Min had noticed it in the morning but didn't bother with it, nor did he have the means to do anything about it.

He had thought it was nothing significant.

Little did he expect it to be exposed by Gu Zhi's outburst.

After Gu Zhi finished shouting, he belatedly realized his mistake and clamped his mouth shut.

Yet, his heart was still turbulent with emotions.

His gaze fixated on Ji Min was filled with envy!

He had initially assumed that Ji Min's little lover was just a fabrication!

During this period, the person hadn't set foot in the company at all, leading him to believe that they had already parted ways.

How surprising!

The other guests were also in various states of astonishment.

Those invited to this banquet weren't necessarily of the highest status, but they had all had long-term collaborations with Ji Min.

Many people, upon their initial contact with Ji Min, couldn't help but project their own desires onto him.

They assumed that the more unavailable Ji Min seemed, the more he would be desired.

As a result, they found ways to push candidates at Ji Min.

But these attempts always ended up making awkward scenes.

Now, those who remained were all well-acquainted with Ji Min's habits and never engaged in such petty maneuvers.

Thus, nobody could have imagined that one day, they would witness such evidence on Ji Min.

After the initial shock subsided, the curiosity in the courtyard couldn't be contained.

Someone whispered, "Is it... from the Shen family?"

"Shh! Don't go spreading rumors!"

"Director Ji made it clear—it's just a junior!"

After this was said, the gossiping paused for a few minutes.

But only for a few minutes.

Someone couldn't help but ask, "I heard... he moved in, didn't he?"

"But why haven't we seen him?"

Or perhaps...

Had Ji Min been replaced?

Everyone present couldn't help but speculate.

Ji Min found it irritating.

As the appointed time approached, he waved to the attendant to begin preparations.

Unlike the current trend among the high society to host dinner parties that lasted until midnight, Ji Min still adhered to the older generation's custom.

The event started in the afternoon and concluded before dinner. He preferred guests to leave promptly, as he disliked having people in his home during the evenings.

Guests began to take their seats one after another. A sharp-eyed observer noticed that there was an empty seat beside Ji Min.

All the dishes had been served, but that particular spot remained unoccupied. It was the seat of honor on the right.

Someone couldn't help but murmur, "Is there someone notable who hasn't arrived yet?"

An informed guest remarked, "It's President Ji's aunt and her family who haven't arrived yet."

The questioner nodded in understanding.

In truth, Ji Min's aunt was likely the only close relative he had.

But at this birthday banquet, this sole family member of Ji Min's was tardy.

Not until several rounds of dishes were served did harmonious voices of a family of three echo from the entrance.

First came the voice of a seemingly assertive woman, "We're finally here. The traffic jam was terrible."

As she spoke, she apparently saw something that displeased her, and she complained, "Who trimmed this pine tree? It looks awful."

Then, the voice of a discontented teenager around fourteen or fifteen years old interjected, "Mom, when are we leaving?"

These voices intruded unapologetically, instantly transforming the previously tranquil courtyard into a bustling scene.

The woman continued with her remarks.

The youth then grew quiet.

Upon hearing the voice, the people around them started whispering to one another.

Yet Ji Min remained unperturbed, his expression calm, only the depth of his eyes revealing a subtle change.

It had been years since he last saw his aunt, Ji Yue.

Ji Yue was pampered and indulged by Elder Ji since childhood.

Amidst the turmoil in the Ji family, she had already relocated overseas alongside the Li family.

When the incident involving Ji Min occurred, Ji Yue did return for a while.

However, she didn't stay long before departing once more.

Abroad, the Li family consistently acted under the banner of the Ji family.

Both Ji Yue's father and elder brother were no longer around.

Out of affection for so many years, Ji Min had turned a blind eye to such matters, considering it as support for his aunt who had married far away.

But this year, Ji Yue and her husband had engaged in numerous reckless deeds, casting blame solely onto the Ji family.

Ji Min never did anything without a purpose.

Upon learning that the Li family would be attending his birthday banquet, he harbored intentions to give them a warning.

The scene that was about to unfold likely wouldn't be a pleasant one.

Yet now... Ji Min suddenly regretted his arrangement.

He lifted his head and discreetly glanced upstairs.

The windows upstairs were eerily silent.

After a moment's thought, Ji Min turned to Manager Chen and said,

"Go upstairs and check if he's awake. If he is, ask the kitchen to send whatever he fancies. Don't let him come down and see these unpleasant sights, or he might feel troubled again."

This time, Butler Chen didn't immediately agree.

Instead, he looked at Ji Min and asked, "Are you sure?"

Ji Min was taken aback by the question.

But he quickly recovered and sighed, saying, "Forget it. It depends on his mood."

He had initially stopped Lu Ran from coming down to prevent the child from being troubled.

Lu Ran was always obedient. If he said so, the teenager would stay quietly in his room.

However, it was inevitable for him to recall the treatment he received while at the Shen family's.

After all...

In the Shen family, he might have been repeatedly asked not to go out or participate in their social events.

"Then... instruct the kitchen to prepare more desserts," Ji Min said.

He recalled that Lu Ran had quite a fondness for cakes.

As he spoke, he lifted his gaze to glance at the Li family's trio who had just entered, his brows furrowing even more.

His temper was obviously rising but being held back.

Unbeknownst to himself, there was a subtle trace of concealed tension hidden between his brows.

Butler Chen smiled, his aged eyes seeming to see through everything.

He whispered,

"You're overthinking it, Young Master Lu Ran hasn't reached the stage of meeting your parents yet. Miss Ji Yue's family's inappropriate behavior won't affect his impression of you."

Ji Min: "...."

The corners of his eyes twitched as he tried to forcefully explain, "I wasn't thinking about that, I just didn't want the situation to become too awkward."

Butler Chen almost rolled his eyes on the spot.

You don't usually pay attention to this sort of thing.

"Go instruct the kitchen right away," Ji Min urged him again.

After Butler Chen left, Ji Min barely touched his utensils.

He realized that he might indeed be a bit nervous.

To be precise, ever since Lu Ran learned about his family affairs from his assistant, he had become somewhat preoccupied.

It wasn't just because of what Butler Chen had said.

In large families, there was always a mess of troublesome issues.

The Ji family wasn't much better off than the Shen family.

With such extensive holdings, their disputes could sometimes turn rather brutal.

He was in a wheelchair.

His illegitimate younger brother was sent to prison by him.

Not to mention the messy affairs from the previous generation.

Now, the only remaining aunt had come, seemingly carrying her own turmoil.

It was as if all the chaos and darkness hidden behind Ji Min was being exposed.

Living in such a family and becoming the ultimate winner, he couldn't possibly be the reliable elder or fantastically good boss that Lu Ran imagined.

On that day, the child asked him, "Did they bully you?"

Ji Min didn't give a direct answer.

Because...

Lu Ran might not understand that with his tactics, Ji Min was now the one doing the bullying.

Ji Min closed his eyes briefly.

For the first time, he hesitated about a decision he had already made.

Given that Lu Ran grew up in a family like the Shens, he must attach great importance to familial bonds.

Would he think Ji Min was similar to Shen Xingyu if he saw how he treated the Lis?

Though...

Perhaps Ji Min was far more ruthless than Shen Xingyu.

After a moment of hesitation, Ji Min eventually sighed.

Forget it, he'd talk about it another day.

As long as the Lis didn't overstep today, they could just have a peaceful meal together.

Ji Min's gaze remained subdued.

He heard the chair beside him being pulled out.

Turning his head, he saw that it was his aunt.

Ji Yue apologized to him, "Sorry, Xiao Min, we're a bit late."

Ji Min nodded, not holding it against her.

Ji Yue turned to pull her son over.

"Come and meet your cousin. Didn't you always call him 'cousin' when you were little?"

In front of Ji Min, the teenager finally managed to force a smile, saying, "Hello, Cousin."

However, his ability to hide his emotions was clearly lacking, as his gaze swept over Ji Min's wheelchair while speaking.

Ji Min had little patience for children other than Lu Ran, so he only responded indifferently.

At this moment, Ji Yue pulled out the chair and urged her son to sit down, "Come, sit next to your cousin."

Saying this, he even educated his son, "Your cousin has some physical limitations, so you should take good care of him."

Upon hearing this, the young man clearly appeared displeased.

Ji Min was equally unhappy.

He glanced at the chair beside him, his eyebrows twitching as he said, "Your seats are elsewhere."

At his words, everyone present, including Ji Yue, was taken aback.

Seats elsewhere.

That meant this seat wasn't reserved for them?

This...

Was there someone else whose position held more significance than Ji Yue's?

Ji Yue furrowed his brow.

Yet, she said, "You and your brother haven't seen each other in so many years. What's the problem with him sitting here?"

As she spoke, she tried to force her son to sit down.

Ji Min's dark eyes gazed over.

His gaze was intensely imposing, causing Ji Yue's smile to freeze instantly.

Her son didn't dare to sit either.

In the end, mother and son returned to their seats.

After retaking their places, Ji Yue's expression softened a bit.

She thought to herself that the rumors she had heard on the way seemed to be true.

Her wheelchair-bound nephew indeed seemed to have someone in his life.

Ji Yue found this somewhat intriguing.

She vaguely recalled that her nephew had never been an easy child to deal with when he was young.

By the time Ji Min was in his teens, in the eyes of their family, he was already considered settled.

Back then, there were eligible individuals from comparable backgrounds who persistently approached Old Master Ji, expressing their desire to stay at the Ji residence for a few days.

It was evident that they had taken a liking to Ji Min.

Yet, upon arrival, they didn't even catch a glimpse of him.

Whenever they occasionally spotted him, they would doggedly trail behind.

However, these attempts only served to infuriate Ji Min.

With a cold expression, he confronted the person, "Why do you keep staying at my house? Don't you have a home of your own?"

His words left the person in tears.

The following day, that person hurriedly left.

Later on, when something happened to Ji Min, his demeanor became even colder.

Given his condition, no one dared approach him anymore.

Now, it was unknown... who had the capability to do so.

Ji Min barely touched his chopsticks over there.

The brief disturbance caused by the arrival of the Li family trio quickly subsided, and the banquet proceeded as usual.

Midway through the meal, Ji Yue's son inexplicably flew into a rage, throwing down his chopsticks:

"I said I'm not eating!"

Ji Yue frowned and pulled her son aside, whispering, "Have you forgotten what Mother taught you before we came?"

Upon hearing this, her son suddenly erupted:

"Enough already! If it weren't for you saying that everything from the Ji family would be mine after he was gone, I wouldn't be here!"

The nascent baritone of the young man carried exceptionally well.

Upon hearing this, the initially tranquil banquet atmosphere turned awkward all at once.

Some couldn't resist casting glances at Ji Min.

There he was, leaning back on his wheelchair with his fingers caressing the remote control on the armrest. Upon hearing such malicious words, a slight upward curve formed on the corner of his lips.

Ji Yue felt slightly embarrassed too.

She muttered to herself that this child had been spoiled rotten by his father.

Though it was the truth—since Ji Min was now disabled and wouldn't have any offspring, nor did he have any other relatives, everything would eventually fall into their hands after a hundred years—how could one say such things out loud?

She didn't apply much force, but still pinched her son's ear and scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting? Go apologize to your cousin right now!"

Ji Yue carried her son to stand before Ji Min, reprimanding him with a measured tone:

"He's only fifteen, children can't always express themselves well. Xiao Min, don't be like him."

"Mfifteen?" Ji Min picked up the glass of water on the table and sipped it.

He lifted his gaze to look at Ji Yue and asked, "Do you remember what I was doing when I was fifteen?"

But as soon as he said that, something seemed to cross his mind, causing him to lower his eyes and say,

"Never mind, just take care of your son."

For Ji Min to utter such words was already an extraordinary display of tolerance.

Ji Yue thought to herself, indeed, after one becomes disabled, familial bonds become more cherished.

Seeing this, she pressed on, nudging her son again and saying, "Quickly, offer your cousin a glass of wine as an apology."

To her surprise, as soon as she finished speaking, her son slapped away her hand and cursed:

"I refuse to apologize to this cripple!"

The statement hung in the air, casting an absolute silence across the courtyard.

Only Ji Yue's son continued to protest, "Did I say anything wrong?"

Pointing at Ji Min, he added, "Dad told me you'll be good for nothing your entire life! You'll have to rely on me when you're old!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Min found it rather amusing. He even smiled and said, "You're right. Carry on."

Ji Yue couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine upon seeing Ji Min's reaction. But he quickly regained his composure.

He was now Ji Min's only family.

She is well-aware of her own worth.

Ji Min was just about to say something.

Suddenly, the door to the balcony near the inner courtyard swung open.

A tousled-haired youth, rubbing sleep from his eyes, emerged from the sunroom.

His sudden appearance captured the attention of everyone, unable to resist turning their gazes in his direction.

There he was, wearing a slightly loose sweater and slippers on his feet.

His face still wore an appearance of being half-asleep.

This tender and vulnerable appearance was somewhat incongruous with the entire elite banquet, not to mention the serious atmosphere of the Ji residence.

Yet, in that instant, it softened the icy, menacing aura of the man sitting in the wheelchair.

Thus it was that the assembly heard Ji Min, who but moments ago had been coldly laughing as though ready to slay, now addressing the young man in a none-too-pleasant tone.

"Are you finally awake? Don't you know the time?"

The tone was scolding, yet it tingled with affection.

"Mm..."

Lu Ran acknowledged with a murmur, slowly descending the stairs.

Upon seeing this, everyone understood the situation.

No wonder they hadn't seen this person...

It turns out... they overslept?

Ji Min reached out to pull a chair aside and waved her hand, wanting Ji Yue to take her bear-like son away quickly.

But the moment the child caught sight of Lu Ran, he perked up.

He walked straight over and blurted out, "You're that cripple..."

He spoke only a single word.

There, before him stood the youth not much older than himself, who only moments ago had been rubbing his eyes with an expression of tender softness, now suddenly fixing his gaze upon him.

The very next moment, the youth seized his hair and delivered a resounding slap across his face.

Finishing his strike, he couldn't help but yawn and say, "Scram."