Chapter 80: Persuasion

Ji Min didn't give up.

When he met Lu Ran again, he brought up the topic once more.

Having learned from the previous aborted attempts, this time, he began the conversation with a thoughtful and solemn tone. "I've given it a lot of thought, and I believe it would be more suitable for you to move in with me."

"Eh?"

Lu Ran was stroking a dog when he heard the remark, and he looked over with an expression of astonishment.

Ji Min casually explained, "It's very quiet where I am, very suitable for you to study. And I've also prepared a room for Big Yellow."

He emphasized the last sentence with particular emphasis.

Lu Ran fell silent for a moment, eyeing him skeptically. "But I don't feel like living at the Shen residence has affected my studies..."

Saying this, he narrowed his eyes at Ji Min. "You can't possibly be..."

The moment he opened his mouth, Ji Min knew what was coming.

But by now, Ji Min had learned how to handle such situations with grace.

The man calmly sipped his tea, not responding to the child's remark.

Instead, he cut straight to the point, "You're very afraid of Shen Xingyu."

Lu Ran fell silent, clearly hit where it hurt.

Defensively, he shot back, "Not at all! I fed him a cockroach the other day, and now he runs away whenever he sees me. He should be the one afraid of me."

Ji Min raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.

He simply continued observing the young boy sitting across from him.

Under the man's seemingly penetrative gaze, Lu Ran quietly set Big Yellow down and picked up the cup in front of him.

He lowered his head to bite on the straw, then lifted his gaze to secretly glance at the man across from him.

Ji Min stared at him without moving.

Lu Ran lowered his head again to engage in a battle with the straw, flattening it and eventually shaping it into a square.

He raised his head to look at the man once more.

The man was still calmly observing him.

"Alright, alright!" Lu Ran grew slightly irritated, pushing the cup away as he stiffened his neck and declared, "What's wrong with me being a bit afraid of him?!"

"It's perfectly normal for me to be afraid of him!" Lu Ran declared assertively.

Ji Min's brows knitted deeply. "What did Shen Xingyu do to you?"

He had long noticed that Lu Ran's reactions whenever he encountered Shen Xingyu were rather unusual.

That sort of stiff, cold-sweat-inducing state far exceeded the level of "a bit scared."

Lu Ran choked.

Aside from the reason behind the car accident in his previous life after he met Shen Xingyu, he had also been somewhat afraid of Shen Xingyu before the accident.

After some careful contemplation, Lu Ran beckoned to Ji Min in a secretive manner.

Observing his actions, Ji Min leaned in closer.

Before long, he felt the youth draw close to his ear, whispering softly, "Don't you find something... not quite right about Shen Xingyu?"

"Hmm?"

Ji Min was somewhat surprised.

"What's abnormal about it?" he asked.

Finishing his question, Lu Ran wore an indescribable expression as he said, "Is he mentally ill or something?"

He even shuddered in fear as he continued, "I feel like he's more seriously ill than the others in the Shen family because he can disguise himself as a normal person."

Lu Ran argued convincingly,

"Isn't it normal for someone like me, who's mentally stable, to be scared of and keep my distance from someone like him who's mentally unstable?"

Ji Min: "..."

Actually, before meeting Lu Ran, he had quite admired Shen Xingyu.

Shen Xingyu was outstanding in his work capabilities, managing several projects for the Shen Corporation impressively.

If this were before, Ji Min would have dismissed Lu Ran's words as the ramblings of a child who flushed cups down the toilet at the slightest provocation.

But now...

Ji Min pondered carefully before nodding in agreement, "You're right."

The Shen family was evidently not a conventional bunch.

Living in such an environment was akin to a normal person living in a mental institution.

How could it not affect Lu Ran?

Thus, Ji Min logically continued, "That's why you should move out even more. You're still studying; what if you get influenced negatively by staying in the Shen household all the time?"

"Hmm? So I... should move out?"

Lu Ran seemed to be convinced.

Ji Min concealed the amusement in his eyes.

He had long realized that Lu Ran, this young one, was quite a handful.

Yet, when someone genuinely had his best interests at heart without any intention to control or dominate him, this young boy could be particularly persuadable.

Obedient, gentle, and submissive.

The young man hesitated for a moment.

Eventually, he recalled something and looked at the man across from him, asking, "But Boss... this is all about my personal affairs. It doesn't seem to be related to work. Why are you so concerned?"

Ji Min's breath caught.

It seemed that this 'negotiation' was heading towards another setback.

But Ji Min quickly pulled out another prepared argument.

With an unperturbed expression, he calmly lifted his gaze to glance at the youngster in front of him, much like how he would point out mistakes to his subordinates during meetings. His brow arched as he asked, "How is it unrelated to work?"

"How many times have you taken leave recently?"

"Well, I've been busy with my studies," Lu Ran replied.

Ji Min, resembling an unscrupulous capitalist, argued, "If your family matters didn't occupy your study time, how could your studies interfere with your work?"

Lu Ran furrowed his brow. "Hmm... Something like that, I suppose?"

Yet, why does it always feel as if something is amiss?

"You moving in would solve everything, and you wouldn't have to worry about your assignments being eaten by anyone," Ji Min earnestly implored.

"Yet, yet..."

Lu Ran endeavors to grasp the elusive sense of discomfort.

Suddenly, it dawned on him.

Turning to Ji Min, he asked, "So, Boss, are you suggesting we live together?"

Ji Min: "..."

Housekeeper Chen, having overheard the entire "negotiation," couldn't help but let out a subtle smile.

At this moment, President Ji was very tempted to turn around and leave.

However, it was unacceptable for him to leave Lu Ran alone in the Shen household.

Despite appearances, the youth seemed capable of handling everything on his own.

When it comes to matters on which Ji Min has already made a decision, his executional prowess is undeniably strong.

He drew in a deep breath, steadfastly meeting the astonished gaze of the youth, and solemnly nodded his head.

"Yes, that's right."

Before the young man could utter the words "You do like me," Ji Min gave Housekeeper Chen a subtle nod. "Ahem, Uncle Chen, please step outside for a moment."

Housekeeper Chen was taken aback but still obeyed and left the room.

He waited outside the door for a while.

The conversation inside seemed amicable, with no voices audible.

In reality, Ji Min had yet to say a word.

He was gently stroking his forehead with one hand, mentally preparing himself.

"Boss, what exactly do you want to say?" Lu Ran asked curiously.

Ji Min held up his palm to silence him.

Taking a few more deep breaths, he struggled to speak. "You've been so busy with your studies lately that you might not be aware."

"Hmm?" Lu Ran looked at him, confused.

Ji Min took another deep breath.

"Due to the fact that we haven't spent much time together recently, the rumors about me have escalated."

"What?!" Lu Ran's face paled in shock.

Maintaining his composure with great effort, Ji Min tried to sound serious while talking nonsense. "They're saying that because I'm inadequate in that department, even an ex-boyfriend as passionate about me as you eventually gave up on me."

"Aah?" Lu Ran wore a regretful expression. "Why did they figure out the truth so easily?"

Ji Min: "..."

He reached up to press against his throbbing temple, reminding himself that patience was crucial in such situations.

Thus, he forced himself to nod in agreement and continued with his fabrication:

"They also said that all those things you mentioned before were just me boasting. Apparently, after trying it, you were very unsatisfied, so much so that you didn't even want to live with me. Instead, you preferred to spend your days in the lab."

Lu Ran's eyes showed pity as he heard this. "You really had it rough, Boss."

Ji Min wiped his face dramatically. "So, do you understand now?"

moments later, the door opened.

Housekeeper Chen looked over curiously.

There, Lu Ran eagerly propelled Ji Min forward on his wheelchair.

The man on the wheelchair seemed to have lost all hope, as if half of his soul had withered away.

This sight made Butler Chen's heart skip a beat.

Could it be that Ji Min's confession was rejected?

Ji Min used to approach life with an extremely indifferent, even pessimistic attitude.

His demeanor improved slightly after meeting Lu Ran.

Now, having experienced a painful breakup, wouldn't his condition worsen?

But something didn't add up.

Didn't Lu Ran reject him, both directly and indirectly, numerous times before?

Yet, he didn't display such despairing behavior back then.

Butler Chen was worried.

He saw the young man behind the wheelchair sigh apologetically, "I'm sorry, Boss. I didn't expect that just because I've been busy with my studies and haven't visited, they would spread such rumors about you."

Butler Chen: "?"

"I knew you've been insisting on me moving in lately," Lu Ran reflected on his past actions and vowed, patting his chest, "Don't worry, Boss. Once I move in, I'll definitely put an end to all these rumors!"

Ji Min: "…"

Butler Chen remained perplexed.

Move in?

Didn't he succeed? Why did Ji Min still look so devastated?

Realizing that his repeated promises seemed unconvincing and empty, Lu Ran spoke sincerely, "This is the kingdom I've built with so much effort over these days. How could I let it crumble to ruins?"

This time, Butler Chen understood.

He looked at Ji Min in silence, silently.

Well, well.

To lure someone back, he was really pulling out all the stops.

He was even willing to admit his own incapability!

What else could be said? This was undeniably true love!

Ji Min leaned back in his chair silently, gazing at the sky at a 45-degree angle with an expression that seemed to say, "Just kill me now."

The child behind him still wore a mysterious expression as he reassured, "Boss, don't worry. I absolutely won't reveal a word of what you've told me today!"

Ji Min: "...."

You've spilled everything already, yet you claim you won't speak of it?

Believing you is like believing in ghosts.

"Alright, I'll move next weekend," Lu Ran said.

As soon as he finished speaking, the man half-dead on the wheelchair suddenly sat up straight.

He checked his watch and said solemnly, "Isn't there still time today? Move today."

"Aah? So soon?" Lu Ran was rather astonished.

Ji Min gritted his teeth in frustration.

After paying such a great price, how could he not move?

He had to bring the person back today and keep a close eye on him.

Lu Ran: "..."

Indeed, men were always in a hurry when it came to such matters.

Ji Min instructed the driver to head straight for the Shen residence.

His vehicle had parked numerous times near the Shen family's home and often stopped in front of their gate.

This was the first time he had brazenly driven into the Shen family's courtyard.

All because someone in the car had rather rudely requested, "Park closer, even closer. It'll be easier for me to carry the boxes later."

It is not yet time for the workday to conclude, and currently within the Shen household, only Madame Shen and Shen Xingran are in residence.

Upon seeing the Ji family's car approaching, he hurried to greet them.

Exiting the vehicle, I saw Lu Ran alight from the backseat.

The young man descended but seemed to be pulled back by someone in the car, causing him to lean back in.

Uncertain of what was discussed within, he nodded in assurance, "I understand, I understand. How could I possibly forget the book?"

With that, he attempted to leave once more.

But before he could turn away, he was pulled back in.

The person inside the car seemed to be fussing over details like a concerned housekeeper.

Lu Ran's brows knitted together as he asked, "If I don't bring any clothes, what am I supposed to wear?"

After several more instructions, Lu Ran finally left the car.

However, not long after he got down, an elderly man dressed as a butler alighted from the passenger seat.

He stood in front of Lu Ran and offered a polite smile to Madam Shen and Shen Xingran, saying, "Our Master wishes to extend an invitation for Young Master Lu Ran to stay at the Ji residence for a few days."

Madam Shen was taken aback upon hearing Butler Chen's words.

Did this mean Lu Ran was going to leave?

As she comprehended the implications of Butler Chen's statement, Madam Shen felt a sense of confusion.

Lu Ran went missing at the age of four.

Decades later, he was finally brought back to the Shen family.

She had been annoyed and reluctant to accept him, but the moment she heard that Lu Ran was leaving, Mrs. Shen couldn't help but feel a twinge of mixed emotions.

But soon, that complexity turned into delight.

This Lu Ran was finally leaving?

No longer causing trouble for the Shen family?

This was a matter worthy of great celebration and fanfare!

Lu Ran paid no attention to the two and went straight upstairs to pack his belongings.

He didn't have much; a backpack and a suitcase contained all his possessions.

Madam Shen had transitioned from initial confusion upon hearing Lu Ran's departure to subsequent delight once she realized the implications.

Until now, as she watched Lu Ran descend the stairs with his luggage in hand, she was finally reminded that she was the mistress of the Shen household, and Lu Ran, for all intents and purposes, had already been openly acknowledged as a member of the Shen family.

At this moment, she ought to say something.

Thus, as Lu Ran passed by the living room,

There, Mrs. Shen was seated on the sofa, holding a cup of tea in her hand. She addressed him with a calm, indifferent tone: "Stop right there."

Lu Ran raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Seemingly sensing his departure, Madam Shen returned to the demeanor Lu Ran had first encountered when he arrived at the Shen family residence, that of the head of the household.

With a lecturing tone, she said, "When you go out, always remember that you are a member of the Shen family. Don't disgrace us in front of the Ji family."

"Going out and returning with no benefits, only to have the Shen family clean up your mess again and again..."

Her reprimand was interrupted as a figure in a wheelchair appeared in the foyer.

The man in the wheelchair scanned the living room with his dark eyes, asking impatiently, "Isn't everything ready yet?"

The target of his impatience was obvious without being stated.

Madam Shen's words were abruptly cut off as if her throat had been choked.

Beside her, Shen Xingran also looked at Ji Min in astonishment.

He had only come to the Shen residence to pick up Lu Ran, but this man had actually gotten out of the car himself.

Considering that Ji Min and Lu Ran were unrelated and had no connection at all, it was already somewhat inappropriate for him to insist on taking the young man home.

It was even less appropriate for him to make an appearance now.

"Everything's ready long ago."

Lu Ran pushed the suitcase over to Ji Min.

He was about to follow Ji Min when he caught sight of Madam Shen and paused.

Ji Min raised an eyebrow at him. "Why aren't you walking?"

Lu Ran winked at him, trying to convey his message subtly.

Unfortunately, Ji Min failed to understand and only frowned back at him.

After Lu Ran's prolonged attempts at hinting, he finally turned to Madam Shen and spoke, "My boss is very interested in the layout of this villa and would like to take a tour."

Madam Shen: "?"

Ji Min: "?"

Ji Min rubbed his temples gently.

He had already been quite impolite by personally coming to fetch Lu Ran, and now a tour...

Lu Ran shot him another intense glance.

Ji Min: "..."

He heard himself say to Madam Shen, "Indeed, I'd like to have a look at the layout of this house."

Although Madam Shen was slightly confused, she sensed an opportunity.

Recalling Shen Xingran's previous request, she promptly said, "Ranran, you and Lu Ran show President Ji around."

Ji Min had no idea what Lu Ran was up to but had no choice but to follow along reluctantly.

Shen Xingran had his own little plan. Instead of pressing the button for the second floor in order, he directly pressed the third floor as he called the elevator.

His room on the third floor was recently tidied up.

He knew all too well how much a person's surroundings could influence others' impressions of them.

Therefore, he deliberately brought Ji Min to the third floor, opened the door, and presented the room he had meticulously decorated.

Ji Min had no interest whatsoever in admiring Shen Xingran's "special group" room.

Meanwhile, Shen Xingran continued explaining the concept behind his room arrangement.

Yet, Ji Min noticed that Lu Ran, who had been by his side, was now quietly hiding behind his wheelchair.

The young man delicately unzipped his backpack and retrieved a glass jar from within.

Amidst Shen Xingran's endeavor to maintain an elegant tone, he opened the jar and whispered to the remaining "experimental ingredients" inside.

"Exit, my darlings, you are free once more~"

Ji Min: "..."