Chapter 105: Boyfriend

Lu Ran was finally satisfied.

He lifted his chin and declared, "Then I'll be your boyfriend!"

The youth audaciously declared the shift in their relationship.

Yet, it caught Ji Min, who was ten years older and often referred to himself as senior, off guard.

He cleared his throat again softly.

It felt as if my heart had suddenly lifted, carrying away all exhaustion and burdensomeness with it.

Light as a dream, so enchanting that one dares not believe it's real.

Ji Min involuntarily had a multitude of words to express.

He wished for the youth to ponder the matter more earnestly, longing to convey that even should they share a kiss... if it did not resonate with his feelings, there was no obligation to take it to heart.

Yet, various thoughts and considerations kept circling around in his mind.

What escaped Ji Min's lips was a single, affirmative syllable: "Mm."

The youth across from him burst into laughter in an instant.

His two eyes curved like crescent moons.

After laughing, he resumed his serious expression and said, "I'm serious."

Saying this, he lowered his head to flip through the folder in front of him, earnestly stating, "I've prepared a lot of things!"

He retrieved the document and placed it on his desk.

Just like when tendering a resignation, he placed it solemnly in front of Ji Min.

Ji Min took it and found it to be a medical report, his eyebrows raising in surprise.

Upon seeing his surprise, the young man opposite furrowed his brow in a troubled manner, explaining:

"I'm also experiencing my first romance, I don't know how to proceed."

Ji Min lifted his gaze to look over.

Thereupon, the youth spoke with sincerity, saying,

"Yet, Director Lu emphasized that engaging in a romantic relationship is a serious matter that must be approached with earnestness."

A hint of bashfulness flickered across his eyes again, and he lowered his head to scratch his cheek before continuing.

"So, I went online to ask what one should pay attention to when falling in love, and they said it's crucial to ensure both parties are in good health."

Ji Min couldn't help but chuckle.

He asked, "Didn't you just have an examination the other day?"

Lu Ran's ears turned red all of a sudden. He mumbled, "The examination items are different."

Ji Min lowered his head to take a look.

The report listed items for premarital examination and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

This kid must have mistaken online hook-up guides for dating advice.

Ji Min's fingers gently brushed his forehead, suppressing the urge to smile.

"You dislike hospitals, yet you went especially for this?" he asked.

"I went to a health center!"

At this response, Lu Ran grew slightly displeased. "Don't interrupt, now I've forgotten what I wanted to say!"

"Well, alright."

Ji Min promptly straightened his body, assuming an equally solemn posture as the youth seated opposite him.

Yet, the mirth still lingered in his eyes.

With a furrowed brow, Lu Ran pondered deeply for quite some time.

Eventually, he took out his phone and glanced at the memo before continuing:

"Right, according to what I read online, one should also give a detailed account of their own situation."

Ji Min supposed it was a guide for blind dates.

He looked intently at the earnest young man across from him and said softly,

"You're already aware of my family background, it's quite complicated... but don't worry, I'll handle it well."

"Mm... I'm nineteen this year, currently studying at University Y in the veterinary program. I'm only in my first year, but I'll definitely graduate successfully."

"As for my financial situation..."

At this point, Lu Ran pursed his lips. "I don't have a stable income right now, but I can take on part-time jobs. After graduation, I plan to stay on at the school laboratory..."

He secretly lifted his gaze to peek at the man opposite him. After a moment's thought, he added sincerely,

"I know you're very wealthy, and I might not earn as much as you."

But Lu Ran didn't lose heart.

He said eagerly, "But it's alright. You can save your salary, and I'll take care of our daily expenses. In case of any major events, we can use your savings then."

"I can also do the household chores..."

"Right, I'll be bringing along a family member, Big Yellow, whom you also like quite a bit."

The young man spoke at length, even planning who would wash their socks in the future.

In his eyes, there was not only sincerity but also a warm, heartfelt anticipation and arrangement for their future together.

Ji Min sat across from him, smiling gently as he watched the boy earnestly sketch out their shared life ahead.

Like gazing at the sole flickering and vibrant flame amidst a desolate, lifeless existence.

The youth was all the more earnest, solemn, and even obstinately naive in his manner.

The more it becomes rare and precious.

"Well... something along those lines, I suppose?"

Lu Ran finally finished speaking.

He leaned forward slightly, gazing at the man across from him, and asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to inquire about?"

Ji Min was taken aback.

Regaining his composure, he called his assistant.

In no time, the assistant sent over a document.

Ji Min printed it out and, just like the young man, presented it with great seriousness on the table.

"This is my medical examination report, but it's from last month. If it bothers you, I can provide you with the latest one tomorrow."

Having completed these tasks, Ji Min likewise straightened his body and addressed the youth seated opposite him:

"You're aware of the situation at my home, it's quite chaotic. But don't worry, I'll handle it properly."

The identical choice of words and phrasing made Lu Ran unable to resist curling the corners of his eyes.

"Let me finish..." Ji Min coughed softly before continuing,

"29 years old, no vices, currently serving as the Chairman and CEO of Ji Corporation's headquarters..."

Ji Min emulated Lu Ran, sincerely yet naively recounting his own circumstances.

Indeed, this was an entirely new experience that Ji Min had never imagined for himself.

Initially, when he heard Lu Ran talk about it, he found it slightly amusing.

But when it was his turn to open up completely, he realized how nerve-wracking it could be for anyone.

Pay close attention to the expression on the other person's face.

Fearful that I might somehow disappoint the other party.

When it came to the allocation of funds, Ji Min had some differing opinions:

"You're still in school, I don't want you to take on part-time jobs."

"Yet..." Lu Ran instinctively wanted to speak.

Ji Min looked at him and replied earnestly,

"What if it affects your studies? How will you support the family in the future?"

"Didn't you call me your boyfriend? Don't I have the right to support your education?"

The man's tone was incredibly submissive.

This successfully lured Lu Ran into the trap, "Uh... I didn't mean to imply that you don't have the right."

"Very well, it's settled then."

Ji Min said, "While you're still in school, let me contribute to the household expenses."

When both of them have finished speaking.

Silence descended upon the study for a moment.

Only the last vibrant streaks of the setting sun penetrated through the window of the study, casting a diagonal glow within.

The pale pages on the dark wooden desk were tinged with a rose hue.

"Boss..." Lu Ran called out subconsciously.

Upon hearing this, the man across from him gave him a subtle glance.

Lu Ran paused, then grinned and said, "Boyfriend."

"Mm," Ji Min replied.

He emerged from behind his desk, maneuvering his wheelchair gracefully to join Lu Ran's side.

Suddenly, he reached out his hand, gently touching the almost translucent ear tip of the youth, bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

The movement was gentle, as if caressing a dream that might shatter at the slightest touch.

Lu Ran turned his head to look at him.

Gently rubbing against the warm fingers of the man.

"Boss, I really like you," he said.

"One should call it boyfriend...," the man corrected him in a low voice.

The rest of his words were lost in their entwined lips.

This was different from the impulsive longing back in the hospital.

This time, Ji Min kissed very gently, ever so softly.

Yet, it is cherished with utmost importance.

He gently enfolds Lu Ran in his embrace, embracing as well the minutely detailed yet warmly radiant future described by the youth.

Ji Min kissed with utmost sincerity.

Halfway through the kiss, the youth who had been thoroughly entranced suddenly remembered something and abruptly lifted his head.

"Ah, right!"

Ji Min, almost having his chin bumped: "..."

"What are you referring to?"

His voice was hoarse, tinged with the dissatisfaction of being interrupted abruptly and a touch of helplessness.

"I haven't finished my instructions yet!"

Lu Ran straightened up and spoke seriously, "Due to our unusual previous relationship, you were my boss, and I was your ex-boyfriend."

The man leaned back in his chair.

His pale lips still held a hint of red from their recent kiss. As he toyed with the young man's fingers, he inquired, "So..."

"So there's no need for you to worry!"

Lu Ran declares, "Although I have resigned, as your boyfriend, the responsibility to dispel rumors on your behalf is one that I unreservedly shoulder!"

Ji Min: "..."

Considering the origin of this "job description," Ji Min fell into a brief silence.

He cleared his throat, attempting to explain, "It's not that..."

"Yet..."

However, Lu Ran interrupted him, frowning as he gazed at Ji Min with a disapproving sigh.

Ji Min shivered from the sigh.

Lu Ran looked at him intently.

Despite being only nineteen years old, he spoke with a concerned and earnest tone, "Back when you were my boss, I never brought this up."

"However, at this moment, I feel it's necessary to offer you some advice."

"What is there to persuade?"

Ji Min's brow quirked upward.

Observing the young man's gaze glide past his Adam's apple, across his chest, and pause at the buckle of his belt.

In the end, it shifted downward a few more inches.

Then he retracted his gaze and sighed. "Boyfriend, one shouldn't be too vain."

Ji Min: "?"

As if he was afraid of hurting Ji Min's self-esteem, Lu Ran rubbed his lips with the knuckles of his finger before continuing,

"Mm... One must face reality and accept it to make better progress."

"Besides, those are insignificant matters that don't deserve too much attention."

Ji Min: "..."

He got it.

Silently, he reached out and picked up his own medical report from the table for a closer look.

If he recalled correctly, the report clearly stated certain details about him.

"Likewise, as your boyfriend, I don't care about your performance at all," Lu Ran said earnestly.

Ji Min: "..."

Perfect, he confirmed it.

The guy hadn't even glanced at it.

"Does it not matter?" Ji Min asked softly.

"Hmm."

Lu Ran nodded vigorously.

But upon discussing this topic, the freshly minted adult's ears still turned slightly red.

Considering that the person sitting across from him was his boyfriend, he decided to be honest.

"I just need to wait a bit in the morning, and it's fine. A shower takes care of it anyway!"

Ji Min tossed the medical report aside and narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Oh, I see," he said softly.

"Um-hum."

In order to enhance his persuasiveness, the youth nodded twice in quick succession.

Noticing that his boyfriend's gaze carried a subtle sense of danger.

Lu Ran pondered for a moment and realized that he couldn't assume the other person had no needs just because he himself didn't feel any.

He then said, "Then... I'll work harder? I can still grow taller, I can definitely meet your expectations, right?"

Ji Min gazed at him for a moment.

He smiled softly and said, "Sure, boyfriend."