Chapter 64: Identity

Hearing that familiar question again.

Ji Min was still briefly taken aback.

Compared to the cautious probing the last time, Lu Ran's tone now carried not just certainty but also an indescribable sigh.

Ji Min's feelings upon hearing it this time were quite different from before.

He gazed at the child in front of him.

He had to admit, in this moment, he found Lu Ran rather impressive.

In his territory.

Dressed in clothes prepared by him, eating food he had arranged.

Given that he could still ask this question with complete sincerity and without the slightest trace of awkwardness, despite having been firmly rejected before.

This mental fortitude...

No wonder he was capable of giving public speeches about enoki and king oyster mushrooms.

One couldn't help but admit that he was a genius in his own right...

Moreover, the confidence and certainty in his tone stirred up an indescribable sense of guilt deep within Ji Min's heart.

Silent for a moment, he pushed aside those feelings of guilt.

Picking up the tea on the table, he took a sip to compose himself before asking calmly,

"Didn't I already answer this question?"

The child sitting at the dining table showed not a hint of embarrassment or guilt upon hearing this.

He even picked up another shrimp dumpling and popped it into his mouth, chewing with cheeks puffing rhythmically.

Then he earnestly said, "You not liking me back then doesn't mean you don't like me now."

Ji Min: "..."

On the surface, this statement seemed perfectly reasonable.

But this inexplicable self-confidence...

Ji Min raised a hand to his forehead and exhaled silently.

In his life, he had encountered many people who were overly attentive.

There were also plenty who offered themselves freely.

Even now, sitting in a wheelchair, there were occasional business partners who would attempt to play cunning tricks during negotiations.

But...

This was the first time Ji Min had come across someone who believed that he liked them.

And yet...

It seemed he was the one who had provoked this.

Ji Min was at a loss for words for a moment.

He racked his brains, trying to figure out how to redirect the child's misguided thoughts without rejecting him too harshly.

His silence stretched on a little too long.

Lu Ran understood.

He let out a deep sigh. "I actually understand."

Ji Min was taken aback. "..."

What did you understand?

He hadn't said anything at all!

Lu Ran sighed again and looked at Ji Min with a profound expression. "I know that what I've been saying lately has touched you deeply."

Ji Min: "?"

What words? Which ones?

Lu Ran shook his head and earnestly said, "It's normal for a man to be swayed by compliments about his prowess."

As he spoke, he subtly praised himself. "After all, I was so sincere and vivid in my descriptions outside."

He even used a common household item for comparison - Enoki mushrooms.

And employed (crossed out) derogatory (crossed out) comparative rhetoric – Gu Ningqi.

Ji Min: "..."

Perfect.

He got it now.

The instant he grasped the meaning, he nearly choked on his own breath.

Very well.

He hadn't even had the chance to confront him, yet this child had already confessed.

And he was saying that he had developed feelings because of such a matter?

It sounded rather proud, didn't it?

Ji Min's ears turned crimson.

Frustrated.

His back teeth were gritted with intense pressure.

Before he could squeeze out a question between his teeth.

Once again facing the youth before him, who gazed up with those eyes of obedient curvature, their luster a rich black, speaking to him with sincerity:

"Mr. Ji, you must remember your status," the boy said, leaving Ji Min momentarily speechless.

The tension dissipated almost entirely. At that moment, Ji Min even wondered if they had accidentally switched their roles.

The youngster's gaze was earnest, tinged with a hint of concern: "Our relationship is a legitimate employer-employee one. You pay, I work. It's my job to refute the rumors about you being incapable outside, so there's no need for you to have feelings for me."

Ji Min: "..."

Wait, job?

No wonder.

He had wondered how this boy, who didn't even recognize a condom, would bring up such matters.

But which family has such a job?

Ji Min felt as if a mischievous child had tied firecrackers to the crown of his head.

Now, with just a spark, they all exploded, leaving him utterly bewildered.

With great effort, Ji Min finally managed to squeeze out a question between his teeth, "Who told you that your job duties include these tasks?"

"Haven't you asked me to observe on my own?"

Lu Ran took a sip of congee in between, quite proud of himself, "Your instructions were vague, but fortunately, I'm smart enough to figure it out myself."

Ji Min: "...."

He recalled the situation and abruptly closed his eyes.

Who the hell knew!

Recently, it seems all these jokes have been sparked by him?

Ji Min truly couldn't bear it any longer.

He suppressed his voice and cursed, "Who told you to..." do all of this?

barely managing to utter three words.

The youth by the table seemed to detect something amiss in his tone, for those eyes instantly flicked toward him.

From his gaze, Ji Min could almost read his next words.

If not these, then what?

Do nothing?

You can't possibly be seriously fond of me, can you?

In that moment, Ji Min almost despised his own predictive abilities in negotiations.

He almost bit his tongue.

It seemed they had truly reached a dead end.

Denying Lu Ran's tasks would make it impossible for him to explain why he had hired Lu Ran in the first place.

Thus, a label of "liking" was placed upon him.

Acknowledging these "job" contents...

This kid might exaggerate it to the point of making him sound like a pillar of support in the future.

Yet, he indeed had no proper job to assign to Lu Ran and had no intention of burdening the young man with part-time work during his college years.

President Ji found himself in a dilemma.

Seeing his predicament,

Lu Ran blinked his eyes.

With undiminished pace, he devoured the steamed shrimp dumplings on the table and drained the congee from his bowl.

He reassured, "Actually, you don't need to worry."

"..." What is there to worry about?

Ji Min looked at him with almost exhausted strength.

The child was very professional, reassuring him with a calm demeanor, "Even though I don't like you, I'll still work diligently."

He patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, where I am, those rumors about you will vanish with a poof!"

Ji Min pulled at the corner of his mouth.

He said weakly, "Should I say thank you?"

He could already foresee what the rumors about him in Jing City would be like for the next year.

Butler Chen was waiting in the courtyard until the two of them came out.

There, Lu Ran stood by the wheelchair, radiating with vitality.

As for Ji Min...

He maneuvered the wheelchair himself, his face ashen with despair.

Usually, Ji Min exuded an aura of gloominess.

But now, it was different.

His expression seemed to embody a grim reaper from the depths of hell.

When Ji Min finally got into the car, the butler Chen, somewhat perplexed, discreetly asked Lu Ran, "What happened? Weren't you fine before breakfast?"

Lu Ran felt a twinge of guilt. He sighed and replied, "I suppose he's going through a breakup."

Please note that in the original text, the characters' relationship is not explicitly stated, but given the context and the request for a translation that includes "danmei elements," I've interpreted their interaction with a hint of romantic tension. If a different interpretation is needed, please let me know.

Hardly had he finished speaking when an exasperated voice echoed from inside the car, "Get in here."

Even though it was the weekend, Ji Min still had work to attend to.

Thus, Lu Ran didn't return to the Shen family's residence but followed Ji Min directly instead.

He felt that his "job" didn't require him to stick with Ji Min the entire time.

Otherwise, it would seem too deliberate.

Which boss would bring their ex-boyfriend along for business negotiations, just to boast about themselves?

However, upon further thought, Lu Ran recalled the "personality" he was portraying as he pursued Ji Min, and it seemed reasonable again.

Didn't persistent pursuit entail constantly following the person you liked?

Nonetheless, he would be starting school in a few days, and he was unsure of Ji Min's plans.

When the car arrived at its destination, Lu Ran and Ji Min stepped out, greeted by a coordinator.

After last night's banquet at the Shen family, Lu Ran was no longer the obscure "illegitimate son." Nor was he the unknown youth trailing behind Ji Min.

After greeting Ji Min, the man took the initiative to shake hands with Lu Ran, addressing him as Young Master Shen and engaging in small talk.

Now, the entire city knew that the long-lost young master of the Shen family had been found. In contrast, Shen Xingran, who had previously claimed that title, was merely an adopted son.

Rumor had it that this adopted son had even commandeered the name of the rightful young master.

The name "Shen Xingran" had once been personally bestowed by Elder Shen. Even after so many years since the elder's passing, people couldn't help but feel a tinge of melancholy whenever they mentioned it.

However...

It was rumored that at the party last night, which was meant to introduce the legitimate Shen family heir, the main figure had left early.

He was taken away by Ji Min.

Now, with the two of them appearing together, didn't it confirm last night's rumors?

The organizer glanced at Ji Min and then at Lu Ran, a subtle hint of ambiguity flickering in their eyes.

Seeing this, Ji Min slightly furrowed his brow.

He didn't appreciate others looking at him and Lu Ran with such an expression.

Lu Ran was only nineteen, freshly enrolled in university with a bright future ahead of him.

There was no need for him to be involved in such gossip with a disabled person like Ji Min.

Aside from this connection, he had plenty of ways to protect Lu Ran.

Ji Min was pondering how to subtly hint at the matter.

He lifted his gaze to the youth beside him and found Lu Ran with his eyebrows slightly furrowed, lost in thought, his mind seemingly occupied by unknown musings.

Ji Min's fingers gripping the wheelchair remote tightened subtly.

Last night, I indulged in reckless banter at the banquet.

After all, he was just a child at this age, and he still couldn't withstand the peculiar gazes of others.

Ji Min's lips pursed slightly, and his expression darkened.

The supervisor in front was still assigning tasks to other staff members and didn't notice Ji Min's change in mood.

Silent, Ji Min's eyebrows knitted almost into a knot.

But they hadn't walked very far when...

He suddenly felt a poke on his arm.

Another poke followed.

Ji Min turned his head slightly to see the child who had been standing behind him. Taking advantage of the absence of others, the youngster sneaked quietly and crouched down beside him.

Whispering conspiratorially into his ear, "They all know I spent the night with you last night."

A gentle warmth brushed against Ji Min's cheek.

Ji Min tilted his head to better hear, then gently pressed his lips together, assuring, "Don't worry, I will..."

The youth, however, furrowed his brow and interrupted him, asking, "Do you think I should make some sort of display?"

Ji Min: "?"

He was momentarily taken aback. "What kind of display?"

"Something about the way I walk," Lu Ran looked at him quizzically. "If there's no change in me after a night, won't they think you're incompetent?"

Ji Min: "..."

He took a deep breath, holding it in his chest, refusing to let it out.

The remote control in his hand was on the verge of being crushed.

On the other side, Lu Ran was professionally mimicking the post-coital demeanor.

After all, he didn't have much experience.

His walk didn't resemble someone who had been up all night; it was more like someone whose legs had gone numb from squatting too long.

Unaware of this, he even turned back, whispering proudly, "Do I look convincing?"

Ji Min: "..."

He reached up to press his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

Well then.

Lost in thought, he pondered over how to clarify the situation with elegance and discretion.

Turns out there's one here who's holding us back.

Indeed, he was quite infuriated.

Seizing the opportunity as Lu Ran limped back, Ji Min did something he would never do under normal circumstances.

He raised his hand, intent on delivering a firm slap to the youth's buttocks, concealed beneath the hem of his hoodie.

In that moment, their broad and powerful palms were just about to touch.

Yet, considering the setting, he lifted his hand slightly, patting Lu Ran on the waist instead.

Even so, Lu Ran was startled enough to jump forward.

He covered his waist and turned his head, his obediently curved black eyes widening as he looked at Ji Min.

The man's fingers curled imperceptibly, his face cold as he withdrew his hand indifferently.

"Mind your own path."

With that, he maneuvered his wheelchair forward remotely.

Lu Ran gazed at him, not moving an inch. His eyes, bathed in the morning light, appeared dewy and vulnerable.

Ji Min paused again, reflecting on his rather reckless actions.

He opened his lips, about to say something.

There, the young man before him gazed at him intently and let out a slow sigh.

At the sound of his sigh, Ji Min's nerves instantly tautened.

As expected.

In the next moment, Lu Ran spoke, "I'm aware of your affection for me, but I'd appreciate it if you could restrain yourself a bit."

Ji Min: "..."

Why was his hand so insistent?

Out of everyone, he had to provoke this particular person.

Ji Min took a long, deep breath outside before gritting his teeth and entering the venue.

Today was a small gathering for Beijing's financial circle.

Everyone present was familiar, with some even having attended last night's banquet.

Lu Ran usually kept away from Ji Min's work. Upon seeing him enter, he wandered around outside on his own.

From a distance, Ji Min glanced over and noticed the child hadn't followed.

He then looked at the event's coordinator and the other attendees who had all arrived.

Turning to his assistant beside him, he said, "Keep an eye on him outside. Don't let him wander off."

Ji Min didn't bother to lower his voice when he spoke.

Thus, all eyes in the room turned their attention towards them.

Some had also noticed Lu Ran outside, their gazes carrying a similar hint of intrigue as the previous administrator.

It seemed that Ji Min was quite taken with Young Master Shen.

He couldn't bear to be out of sight for even a moment.

In the meantime, Ji Min tapped the armrest of his wheelchair rhythmically, engaging in casual conversation.

The child is young and has recently taken the opportunity of the holiday to come along and play," he said in a tone that left everyone surprised.

Ji Min's gaze turned towards the corridor as he sighed, "It's also my fault for spoiling him. This kid has no filter, his words often lack the respect due to his elders. If he accidentally offends any of you, please bear with him."

Upon hearing Ji Min's words, the crowd was initially puzzled.

Ji Min kept referring to him as "child" and "junior."

It didn't sound like he was talking about a lover but rather someone he doted on immensely like a cherished younger relative.

His tone was casual yet reproachful, but the protectiveness in his words was far more solemn than how one would treat a lover.

Some people looked at Ji Min doubtfully.

Upon lifting their heads, they met the man's deep, dark gaze.

Everyone present was astute; they quickly caught on and immediately became serious.

The hint of teasing in their eyes and smiles vanished, replaced with sincerity.

One of them even joked, "Of course, I'm older, so President Ji's junior is also my junior. Everyone must take good care of him."

The room echoed with agreement.

Lu Ran had spent the entire day following Ji Min around.

He didn't return to the Shen residence until evening.

Upon entering, he saw Madam Shen sitting alone in the living room on the first floor.

Spotting him, she unusually smiled at him and asked, "You're back? Have you had dinner?"

Lu Ran was bent over, wiping Big Yellow's paws. Hearing her, he didn't respond but looked up and directly asked, "What do you want from me?"

Madam Shen choked.

She glanced at Lu Ran before finally calling upstairs, "Ranran, come down and chat with your brother."

It seemed that Shen Xingran had been waiting. Upon hearing the voice, he followed downstairs.

Madam Shen looked at the clothes Lu Ran was wearing.

Although it was just a simple hoodie and jeans, the fabric and design were clearly not something Lu Ran could have afforded from his previous street vendors.

Madam Shen retracted her gaze and nonchalantly said, "This must be from President Ji, right?"

Lu Ran looked at her and said, "Could it have been you who bought them?"

Mrs. Shen: "…"

She changed the subject swiftly and said, "See, you're benefiting from it too."

Mrs. Shen smiled at Lu Ran again. "Now that you're back home, we're all one family. Our family values fairness the most, and connections are a resource too."

Lu Ran raised an eyebrow but didn't speak.

He wanted to hear what else she had to say.

Sure enough, Mrs. Shen pulled Shen Xingran over and said,

"You've already dealt with the Gu family. When are you going to introduce your brother to the Ji family?"