Chapter 106: A Grand Display of Skills

After the confession, there didn't seem to be any significant change.

After having dinner together, Lu Ran and Ji Min returned to the second floor together.

Exiting the elevator, he turned to look at his room on the east side of the corridor.

Then, he turned his head towards Ji Min's room at the far west, his gaze filled with unmasked curiosity.

"What are you looking at?" Ji Min raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing!" The young man hastily shook his head.

Yet, those jet-black eyes were swirling mischievously, clearly implying that "there's something going on."

Ji Min raised a hand to press against his forehead.

He suddenly reached out and lightly tapped the youth's waist, exuding a tone of helpless resignation as he said, "Off to bed with you."

Lu Ran was jolted forward by the impact.

Despite the sudden change in their relationship, he still harbored a mix of feelings toward Ji Min, a blend of respect for an elder and loyalty to a superior, which made it difficult for him to adapt promptly.

He obediently hummed in response and walked back to his room.

Standing outside the elevator, watching as the youth's silhouette fades away.

Ji Min lingered alone for a while longer in the dimly lit corridor.

Aware of his momentary lapse, he chuckled softly and turned back to his study to attend to work.

Lu Ran had no particular assignments to attend to.

Yet, at night, he found himself tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep.

After tumbling N+1 times, he finally rolled over and pulled Big Yellow, who was sleeping on the carpet, onto the bed.

The youth cradled the little dog in his arms, lavishing it with an enthusiastic bout of affectionate rubbing and petting.

With another nimble flip, he sat up on the bed and proudly declared to the puppy,

"Big Yellow, I'm so awesome! I actually managed to chase down a boyfriend!"

Big Yellow yawned in boredom.

It seemed that it didn't quite agree with the concept of "chasing" as Lu Ran had described.

Still basking in the afterglow, Lu Ran commented, "As expected, those online tutorials were really helpful."

After saying that, he placed the puppy back on the other side of the bed.

He then crossed his legs and, with a serious expression, addressed Big Yellow,

"Big Yellow, you have to remember that our boss is no longer just our boss. He's your other father now!"

The words amused Lu Ran, who giggled and collapsed onto the bed, hugging Big Yellow.

The next morning, he woke up.

Under the veil of sleep, memories from the previous day had become hazy.

As usual, Lu Ran descended the stairs after his morning routine, accompanied by Big Yellow, with his mind preoccupied by the impending results of his mid-term exams.

It was not until he arrived in the dining room and saw the man waiting at the table that something shifted.

In that instant when the man turned to look at him, the joy that had been nestled in the depths of his heart yesterday sprang up like tender shoots breaking through a blanket of snow.

Lu Ran's eyes lit up, and he immediately greeted, "Good morning, boyfriend!"

His voice was incredibly loud.

Not the slightest bit ashamed.

In the dining room, Butler Chen, who was in the midst of serving the dishes, immediately wore an expressive, gossiping look.

Observing the excited youth approaching, one then shifts their gaze towards Ji Min, who is standing by the dining table.

That expression seemed to say, "Finally couldn't resist making your move?"

Ji Min was rendered blushingly flustered by the youth's candid emotions and endearing address.

He lowered his head and coughed softly, only then managing to suppress the warmth on his ear.

"What's all the commotion so early in the morning?" the man asked softly.

Housekeeper Chen: "..."

If the corners of his mouth weren't raised so high, the tone of his words would be more convincing.

With a cheerful smile, Lu Ran approached the table.

He sat down beside Ji Min, his dark eyes secretly stealing a glance at him.

Seems like he's contemplating some mischievous act again.

Yet, he secretly glanced at Manager Chen beside him and the chef who was bustling back and forth with breakfast.

He quietly withdrew his gaze.

After breakfast.

Ji Min's assistant hurried over.

Ji Min had many tasks to attend to these few days, leaving them all equally busy and barely having time to catch their breath.

Spotting Lu Ran, he didn't pay it much heed and was about to inquire about some matters.

But Ji Min interrupted him, saying, "There's no rush."

He drew out a paper napkin to wipe his hands, then turned his gaze back to the youth by the table's edge, asking, "Are you full?"

"Hmm?" Lu Ran looked at him.

"Enjoy your meal. I'll take you to school now," Ji Min said.

Lu Ran was somewhat taken aback.

He inquired, "Aren't you quite busy these few days?"

Ji Min's hand movements paused slightly while wiping.

Some people were truly a mix of foolishness and keen perception.

Amidst the hustle of exams and the confession, he had still noticed Ji Min's busyness.

Ji Min looked at him, sighed softly, and said, "No matter how busy I am, I have to send my boyfriend to school."

Although he appeared calm on the surface.

Since last night until this morning, Ji Min's heart hadn't been at peace for a moment.

He kept getting distracted from time to time.

His work efficiency had even decreased significantly.

It wasn't until they were in the car, with the scenery outside the window drawing closer to University Y, that his mind began to settle.

In Ji Min's mind echoed the earnest voice of the youth from yesterday, still introducing himself:

"I'm nineteen years old, and currently studying at University Y..."

His lips curved up uncontrollably.

Recalling how, much like Lu Ran yesterday, he had inexplicably given an "introduction" of himself.

Ji Min couldn't help but smile.

He turned his head to gaze at the youth by his side.

Lu Ran sensed the man's gaze upon him, reflexively almost addressing him as "Boss."

After muttering for a moment, he swallowed the address and asked, "Why are you looking at me?"

"Yesterday... quite an extensive preparation, I must say."

Feeling a sudden urge to tease, Ji Min asked playfully, "You've even prepared the medical checkup report. Aren't you afraid that I might refuse you?"

Hearing this question, Lu Ran gave Ji Min a quizzical glance. "Why should I worry? Haven't you always been hopelessly infatuated with me?"

There was a familiar air of confidence in his words.

Ji Min: "..."

You really know everything, don't you?

They soon arrived at the grand entrance of Y University.

The car slowed to a stop.

But after it parked steadily, Lu Ran didn't get out right away.

As the engine fell silent, the car's interior became eerily quiet.

Outside the car window, it was the time for the first morning class.

Students commuting and faculty members returning to campus bustled back and forth, creating a lively commotion.

Lu Ran reached out to grasp the car door handle.

He gave it a light touch before turning his head to look at Ji Min.

Their gazes happened to meet.

"Why have you been looking at me like this since breakfast?" Ji Min asked softly.

Lu Ran's gaze flickered towards the front seat.

The partition between the compartments remained up.

The seats were high, and the backs were broad, completely obscuring the driver and Butler Chen sitting in the passenger seat from view.

It was as if no one was paying attention to them at all.

Lu Ran withdrew his finger from the switch.

He cautiously leaned toward Ji Min's wheelchair.

He leaned over the armrest of the wheelchair, gazing up at the man with his face tilted, and whispered softly.

"Boyfriend, give me a kiss."

Ji Min was slightly taken aback.

But before he could respond, the youth hurried forward in an impulsive and awkward manner.

It collided directly with the corner of Ji Min's lips.

A gentle warmth suffused the air.

The one who had provocatively initiated the kiss was now being cautious, attempting to withdraw.

Just as he pulled away slightly,

he was caught by someone who held his head from behind.

The man's fiery breath brushed against him, landing precisely on his lips.

The palm cupping the back of Lu Ran's head was large and firm, exerting a gentle yet powerful pressure.

His breath, as it brushed against Lu Ran's skin, was scorchingly hot.

It added an unexpected dimension to this tender, fleeting goodbye kiss.

Lu Ran startled for a moment but still kept his head tilted upward.

He was incredibly obedient.

Unable to resist, Ji Min unconsciously increased the pressure in his grip and deepened his breathing.

As their lips, pressed together, yearned to explore further, Ji Min barely managed to reclaim his sanity, mindful of the inappropriate setting and timing.

With great effort, the man turned his head aside, breaking the kiss.

He let out a soft, ragged breath.

After a prolonged pause, he ultimately found himself unable to resist any longer. He leaned in and gently nipped at the tip of the youth's ear.

Gently nibbling with the tip of his teeth.

"Uh." Lu Ran quickly reached out to cover his ears.

His cheeks were flushed with a delicate hue.

Despite having initiated the mischievous act himself, he now felt a slight bashfulness.

He stealthily glanced at the seat in front.

Seeing that it was still quiet, with only those two wide and tall chair backs standing erect, he let out a soft sigh of relief. He even shot Ji Min a glance, indicating that the two people in front hadn't noticed anything.

Upon seeing this, Ji Min softly sighed in his ear, " Fool, there's a rearview mirror."

Lu Ran: "..."

His face instantly flushed completely.

He didn't dare to glance in the rearview mirror and hastily opened the car door to jump out.

Just as Ji Min was about to exit the vehicle, he thought of something.

Reaching out, he grabbed the other person and said, "I've arranged for a few more people. Keep an eye on them. Even when you go to the lab, make sure they follow you."

Lu Ran: "..."

Although logically, Lu Ran knew that Ji Min was doing this for his own good, worried that something might happen to him again.

But the mere thought of having so many tails around him made him subconsciously resist.

Noticing his displeasure, Ji Min leaned over and kissed his lips again, saying,

"Please, for me."

Lu Ran: "...Alright then."

The young man, disoriented, stepped out of the car.

Only after closing the door did he realize that he had forgotten his backpack.

So, he opened the door again to retrieve it, waved at the man inside, and then hurried into school on time.

Ji Min rolled down the window, watching Lu Ran's figure fade away.

Only when Lu Ran was out of sight did he divert his gaze and dial his assistant's number.

He listened as his assistant reported on his packed schedule.

Skimming over numerous significant business events, Ji Min instructed, "Have the trust company representatives come over first."

"Understood," the assistant replied promptly.

But soon, he realized something and asked, "Since this is regarding Young Master Lu Ran, should we wait until he's free on the weekend..."

Ji Min lowered his eyes and spoke casually, "It's not a significant matter. Why involve him unnecessarily?"

Ji Min had been working relentlessly for two consecutive weeks, barely sparing any time for sleep.

Not until he had arranged his work for the following half year did he feel relieved, and then he proceeded to urge Doctor Kemler.

I also began to adjust my physical condition.

By the weekend, Ji Min still hadn't found himself entirely free.

After taking a look at his schedule, Lu Ran found himself eagerly anticipation.

Seeing Ji Min about to leave, he also climbed into Ji Min's car.

He even wore his favorite pair of shoes specially for the occasion.

Upon seeing the youth's exuberant demeanor, Ji Min was momentarily taken aback, followed by a twinge of guilt.

Could it be... anticipation for a... date?

He has been incredibly busy lately, and being a lifelong singleton, he lacks any experience in this matter.

Thus, the concept of "dating" barely existed in Ji Min's mind.

Ji Min coughed lightly and said apologetically,

"I'm sorry... This time, it's for attending a salon event, but it will be quick, just a brief appearance. After it's over..."

"Aah?"

Lu Ran looked visibly disappointed upon hearing this. "Just a brief appearance? I've been preparing for this for a while."

Ji Min froze.

"What did you prepare?" he asked.

"Of course, I prepared to do what a boyfriend should," Lu Ran replied.

Ji Min had to admit that his mind had taken a brief detour.

But soon, he saw the young man eagerly rubbing his palms together and said,

"I've been occupied with accumulating academic credits lately, so I haven't had the chance to attend events with you," he said, concern etched on his face as he sighed. "I wonder how much those rumors have escalated. This time, I must clarify things thoroughly for you!"

Ji Min: "..."

Well, it seemed that not only did he forget about their date. There was also someone who was still immersed in their previous "work mindset."

But...

To have one's partner put on an act to prove their worth as a couple... that was truly humiliating.

Ji Min closed his eyes briefly and spoke tactfully, "Didn't you say before that my vanity wasn't a good thing?"

Lu Ran looked at him and said, "Vanity isn't good, but since you already feel that way, as your boyfriend, I have to help you."

Ji Min: "..."

Thank you.

He was genuinely touched.

The moment he got out of the car, Ji Min saw a scene that had once given him a huge headache.

The young man walked with an awkward stiffness in his waist, his legs moving unnaturally.

Judging from his posture, it seemed far more genuine than that previous act.

If one didn't know any better, they might truly believe something had transpired between them the previous night.

It would likely take an entire night of restlessness to achieve such an implausible effect.

This person even turned their head to look at him, seeking credit for their performance.

"Does it resemble? This time, I've put in a lot of effort to prepare."

Speaking of this, the youth's earlobes flushed for an instant.

Yet, he soon rushed back into the arena with great enthusiasm, as if he were preparing to showcase his formidable skills.

Ji Min gazed at the person for a moment.

He then said, "There's a particular position that resembles it more."

"Hmm? What?" Lu Ran asked with a hint of competitive curiosity.

As he finished his question, he observed the man leaning back in his chair, his eyes lowered.

The man leisurely extended a finger, pointing at his knee and said,

"Sit on my lap."