Chapter 73: Shen Xingyu's Encounter

"However,"

The youth's voice sounded once again.

Ji Min withdrew his gaze and cast a sideways glance at the person in his arms.

There, the youth was seen once again bracing himself upright.

One hand supporting his shoulder, the other stroking his chin in contemplation.

"Well... I still have this feeling that you have a certain affection for me."

Ji Min: "..."

"I see that you've fully recovered."

He grasped the young man's wrist, which rested on his shoulder, giving it a gentle shake. "Get down," he commanded with a hint of sternness.

Lu Ran: "..."

"I still feel a bit tired," he whined.

"Then crawl on the ground if you're tired," Ji Min replied coldly.

Grumbling, Lu Ran crawled along as instructed.

He retracted his earlier compliment about Ji Min being a good person in his heart.

What a nice guy, my ass! So aggressive!

Seeing that there seemed to be no real issue with him, Ji Min participated in the activity as usual.

However, a hint of contemplation appeared in his eyes.

That night, after some thought, Lu Ran left Big Yellow with Ji Min.

When he returned to the Shen family's residence, the lights in the living room had already been turned off.

Lu Ran made a special trip to take a look at the backyard.

He found that only the main bedroom where Madam Shen resided and Shen Xingran's room on the third floor were illuminated.

It seemed Shen Xingyu hadn't returned yet.

Lu Ran heaved a slight sigh of relief.

The next morning, Lu Ran went to school as usual.

As he busied himself, he pushed Shen Xingyu out of his mind.

However, ever since their encounter, Lu Ran occasionally felt a subtle ache in his joints.

He was intimately familiar with this vague sensation of pain.

During those ten years lying in bed, this kind of discomfort had constantly plagued him.

Calling it a "plague" wasn't entirely accurate, though.

Perhaps it was more accurate to call it solace.

When he was first bedridden, there was a very responsible caregiver by his side.

When Lu Ran groaned in his semi-conscious state, the caregiver would respond promptly.

After the doctor's diagnosis, they said it was just an illusion of pain generated by his brain.

At that time, he had lost all sensation in his limbs.

Even if he should have felt pain, he couldn't anymore.

His brain couldn't accept the reality of his disability and thus simulated this pain as a way to prove the existence of his limbs.

To Lu Ran's surprise, this illusionary pain lingered on.

However, this "condition" was incurable, so he could only try his best to ignore it.

The courses Lu Ran had chosen to audit had started assigning homework.

There was a particularly demanding nutrition professor who insisted that they create actual dishes based on their analysis of the ingredients.

As a result, Lu Ran found himself swamped with work and spent several evenings in a row at the laboratory.

It wasn't until one day when the laboratory experienced a power outage that Lu Ran returned home earlier than usual.

He led Big Yellow back to the Shen family's villa, only to sense something amiss.

A row of luxury cars was parked outside the villa. The main entrance had also been elaborately decorated. Through the fence, he could see that the courtyard had been meticulously arranged as well.

This scene was all too familiar to Lu Ran.

The Shens were hosting another banquet, but no one had informed him.

Lu Ran's eyebrows lifted slightly, thinking that he had been too busy lately, allowing the Shen family to become too comfortable without his presence.

"Big Yellow, there will be delicious food again today. Are you excited?"

Lu Ran ruffled the dog's head twice and headed straight for the front door.

Seeing him return at this hour, the two servants standing by the entrance were startled, their expressions turning hesitant.

After a long pause, one of them stepped forward unsteadily, forcing a smile as they asked, "Young Master Lu Ran, why are you back so early today?"

Lu Ran looked up and glanced inside, inquiring, "What's going on here?"

The servant hurried to explain, "Nothing important..."

"Oh," Lu Ran yawned, his face puzzled as he asked, "So why can't I go in?"

The servant fell silent, both of them inwardly roaring.

Don't you have a clue why you can't go in? !

Are we supposed to let you dump the trash from the bathroom into someone's head or fling dog poop onto the dining table?

Or point at some esteemed guest and call them a button mushroom?

Didn't you notice that ever since you returned to the Shen family, no one has dared to invite you, the party killer, to any events?

But these were just their inner thoughts.

Neither of them dared to voice them out loud.

Today's gathering was truly significant. If they angered Lu Ran, he might very well stage a dark and sinister entrance right at the Shen family's front gate.

Then, none of them would be left alive.

The two servants exchanged glances but still silently opened the door for Lu Ran.

Lu Ran pretended not to notice their expressions as he strolled in with his dog.

This gathering wasn't grand; it seemed like a private party, with mostly young people in attendance.

Upon entering, Lu Ran spotted Shen Hongyuan and Madam Shen personally accompanying someone on a stroll through the garden.

The person was young and carried an air of arrogance. From afar, they looked like a spoiled young master who had grown up pampered.

Lu Ran cast a glance and found it rather peculiar.

Shen Hongyuan was usually incredibly status-conscious and cared about his image; it was rare to see him treat a junior in such a manner.

After observing for a while, Chen Sheng's voice sounded from behind him. "Brother Ran! You're actually here!"

He seemed quite surprised and chuckled. "Uncle Shen actually dared to let you in today!"

Lu Ran shot him a look and asked, "Who's that person?"

"The young master of the Fang family," Chen Sheng whispered mysteriously as he leaned closer. "I heard that he holds an important position in that H Project."

Lu Ran immediately understood upon hearing this.

The recent controversy over theHZ project between the Shen and Linuo families had been making waves.

Even without deliberately seeking information, Lu Ran had picked up on some details just by being around Ji Min.

It seemed that the Shen family was truly determined to win this project.

Even resorting to such nepotism.

It did sound like something Shen Hongyuan would do.

Lu Ran retracted his gaze.

Lately, being around Ji Min, he had unintentionally picked up quite a bit as well.

It was common for companies to fiercely compete for major projects.

However, Shen Xingyu's return for this indicated his clear prioritization. If Shen Hongyuan continued to actively invite the Fang family, it would appear rather eager.

It seemed that there were indeed some issues with the Shen family's company.

Something even he could perceive was bound to be noticeable to the Linos as well.

Shen Hongyuan had made a foolish move.

As Lu Ran pondered these thoughts, he walked towards the villa.

He had no interest in this banquet.

At the moment, he wasn't clear about Shen Hongyuan's intentions and had no intention of alerting the other party prematurely.

All he wanted right now was to eat something and head to bed as soon as possible.

However, just as he took two steps, someone reached out and grabbed his cap.

Behind him, Shen Xingzhuo's teeth gritted as he spoke through clenched jaws:

"You still know how to come home? I thought you were living at that Ji family's place!"

"I wish I could! Their bed is so comfortable."

Lu Ran snatched back his cap.

Shen Xingzhuo was left speechless for a while.

He stared at Lu Ran intently, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets: "Bed?"

"Yes," Lu Ran nodded.

Shen Xingzhuo's lips quivered, and he grabbed his coat to head outside.

"How shameless is that Ji person? How old is he compared to you?"

Chen Sheng quickly stopped him. "Brother Zhuo, calm down. If you leave today, Uncle Shen might break your legs."

"I don't care about that."

Shen Xingzhuo shrugged Chen Sheng off and stormed off to confront Ji Min.

He had been furious lately.

On the day Lu Ran was acknowledged as a family member, Shen Xingzhuo failed to catch him.

After that, he tried to intercept Lu Ran a few more times but never succeeded.

Unable to hold back any longer, Chen Sheng said, "But Brother Zhuo, even if you go there, you won't be able to get past their front gate."

Shen Xingzhuo was left speechless by those words.

Indeed, he didn't have the status to meet Ji Min.

Lu Ran glanced at Shen Xingzhuo in a peculiar manner and said, "Even the guest room's bed in his house is softer than the one in the Shen family's. Is there a problem with that?"

If it's just a guest room, then it's fine.

Shen Xingzhuo harrumphed and ignored Lu Ran. He returned to his seat and uncorked a bottle of wine on his own.

Chen Sheng looked around and quickly tried to smooth things over. "Brother Ran, you don't know, when you came home that day, Brother Zhuo had prepared for a long time. He even brought a huge box of gifts!"

"What kind of gifts?" Lu Ran turned his head to ask.

Shen Xingzhuo reached for some snacks to tease Big Yellow, his tone sour. "They're long gone."

After saying that, he pricked up his ears to listen for Lu Ran's response.

Back then, Shen Xingzhuo and Shen Xingran would also have minor squabbles.

He was used to acting slightly petulant, waiting for Shen Xingran to hold his arm and say a few sweet words.

Now, he maintained that same attitude out of habit.

But this time, he waited and waited but received no response.

Shen Xingzhuo turned his head and saw that Lu Ran had already taken the dog and run off.

It seemed like he had no interest in the gift Shen Xingzhuo had prepared at all.

"Hey! If you keep running, don't blame me for not giving it to you!" Shen Xingzhuo couldn't help but yell.

Lu Ran ignored him.

Big Yellow followed Lu Ran across the lawn.

When the young Master Fang, who was standing by Shen Hongyuan, saw Big Yellow, he wrinkled his nose in disdain.

He had an air of someone who had been spoiled, and he blurted out straightforwardly, "Why do you still keep a dog? Does it not defecate on the lawn?"

Upon hearing this, the three Jins who were following him fell silent.

Indeed, the dog did not defecate on the lawn, and Lu Ran usually kept it very clean.

But...

Never mind, it was better not to mention it.

Shen Xingran sensed the disdain in his words and quickly said, "This... is my brother's dog. I'll chase it away right now."

Hearing this, the young master was taken aback and looked at him in confusion, "Huh? Are you going to get rid of this dog? Isn't this your family's dog? How can you just abandon it?"

Shen Xingran's smile froze.

Shen Hongyuan turned his head to glance at him, his gaze slightly darkening, "What nonsense are you talking? Just stand aside and make sure the dog doesn't come over."

Shen Xingran pressed his lips together.

Mrs. Shen secretly consoled him with a few words. "Today's event is crucial, so you have to behave for now."

"I know, Mom," Shen Xingran replied, stepping back slightly.

However, seeing Shen Hongyuan's gaze fixed on Lu Ran standing nearby, his mood improved slightly.

Shen Xingran was well aware of how much importance Shen Hongyuan attached to this party.

Ever since Shen Xingyu returned from abroad, Shen Hongyuan had been quietly competing with his eldest son.

Back then, the board of directors had stubbornly given the CEO position to Shen Xingyu in a vote.

Shen Hongyuan had outwardly been cheerful, claiming to be proud of his son. But after his midlife crisis, he had become more sensitive to such matters.

In recent years, Shen Xingyu had stayed overseas, while Shen Hongyuan had remained in the country.

If it were to come down to Shen Xingyu having to take charge of the domestic project to secure its success, Shen Hongyuan's face would be utterly lost.

Thus, this time, Shen Hongyuan had gone through great lengths to invite Young Master Fang, hoping to establish ties with the Fang family and take charge of the project himself.

If Lu Ran were to ruin this banquet, it would be quite a spectacle.

Neither Shen Hongyuan nor Shen Xingyu would let him off lightly.

Shen Hongyuan had specifically inquired about Lu Ran's class schedule and chosen today to host Young Master Fang.

It was unexpected that Lu Ran had returned, right into the line of fire.

As Shen Xingran had anticipated, after a while, he saw Shen Hongyuan say something to the young Master Fang, who then turned and walked towards Lu Ran.

Shen Xingran immediately followed.

He thought Shen Hongyuan would scold Lu Ran.

But as they approached, Shen Hongyuan's face broke into an extremely benevolent smile.

His tone even held a hint of flattery, "Aren't you busy with your studies today? Why are you back so early?"

Shen Xingran's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

What was going on?

Last time when Shen Hongyuan had returned from visiting Ji Min, his attitude towards Lu Ran hadn't been like this at all.

Now he was being so amiable – could it be that Lu Ran was about to marry Ji Min?

Lu Ran didn't say anything and just stared at Shen Hongyuan.

Before he could speak, Shen Hongyuan hurriedly explained, "Nothing major happened at home today. I saw how busy you've been lately, so I didn't tell you. Don't take it to heart."

Spotting the cherry tart in Lu Ran's hand, he added, "If you wanted to eat it, you could have just asked someone to bring it over. Why did you come personally?"

This scene far exceeded Shen Xingran's understanding.

In that instant, he even suspected that someone else was controlling Shen Hongyuan.

Unable to hold back, he blurted out, "Dad, it seems Young Master Fang doesn't like Brother's puppy."

Lu Ran's dark eyes flickered between Shen Xingran and Shen Hongyuan.

Suddenly, he grinned at Shen Hongyuan and said, "Thanks, Dad. I prefer eating out."

Shen Hongyuan's face twitched, but he managed to maintain his smile. "Alright, have fun."

"Dad, why did you..." Shen Xingran started.

Shen Hongyuan's gaze followed Lu Ran as he left with the cake, cutting off Shen Xingran's words in a deep voice. "Don't provoke him today."

Of course, it would be better if Lu Ran hadn't come in at all.

But what could they do now that he was here?

They had to treat him like royalty, especially since Ji Min, who was just as crazy, was backing him up.

What if angering Lu Ran ruined their banquet today?

Shen Hongyuan took a deep breath.

He had come to a realization; since he couldn't separate Lu Ran and Ji Min for the time being, he could only try to win them over with kindness.

He had underestimated Lu Ran in the past. As long as he gradually drew the child closer, everything would eventually be resolved.

With this in mind, Shen Hongyuan turned to Shen Xingran and instructed, "He has a bad temper, so you should coddle him more."

Shen Xingran almost choked on his breath.

What did that mean?

He had always been the most beloved in the Shen family. Whenever they held banquets, all eyes were on him.

Shen Xingran had grown accustomed to this treatment from a young age.

It was one thing to suddenly have the overly-sensitive Young Master Fang around today.

But to actually ask him to coax Lu Ran?

Nonetheless, Shen Xingran understood his father's intentions and obediently nodded. "Dad, I understand."

"Good boy," Shen Hongyuan patted his shoulder. "Go spend some time with Young Master Fang."

Shen Xingran returned to the round table where Young Master Fang was seated.

Just in time to see Shen Xingzhuo tagging along behind Lu Ran.

Young Master Fang was watching too.

He casually commented, "Ah, I heard your brother dotes on you a lot. Now it seems he prefers playing with that person."

The speaker was unaware, but the listener took note.

Shen Hongyuan had truly put in effort today.

To win over this young master Fang, he had specially arranged for underwater fireworks in the backyard pool as the climax of the party.

When the fireworks began to burst, vibrant colors surged from the vast pool floor, drawing everyone's attention.

Lu Ran also leaned in for a glance but wasn't particularly interested.

He didn't enjoy spending time by the pool.

Holding his cake, he was about to leave.

Suddenly, a splash echoed beside him.

Someone cried out in alarm, "Master Fang fell into the water!"

Lu Ran was taken aback and hadn't quite processed what had happened.

Then he heard someone point at him, "He pushed him! It was Lu Ran!"

At that moment, another car pulled up outside the villa.

The grand entrance door swung open.

Shen Xingyu walked in.

Lu Ran was about to glance over to see which idiot had pointed at him when he caught sight of Shen Xingyu standing by the door, and he froze.

Shen Xingyu lifted his head with a frown.

Their eyes met across the crowd, accurately locking onto Lu Ran by the poolside.

There was chaos by the pool.

Fortunately, Young Master Fang was rescued quickly, but he was now drenched in the colored fuel at the bottom of the pool, looking rather pathetic.

Moreover, it was still early spring, and the water was unbearably cold.

This young master might have never experienced anything like this before.

As soon as he was pulled out of the water, he started screaming, "Who! Who pushed me!"

Upon hearing someone claim that Lu Ran had done it, he immediately shouted, "Where's Lu Ran?"

This was the scene that Shen Xingyu witnessed as he approached.

He furrowed his brow and looked over.

In Lu Ran's hand still held the cherry chocolate cake.

On the back of Young Master Fang's pristine white suit, there were smudges of chocolate cream.

Someone else had noticed this as well and chimed in agreement.

Young Master Fang was acquainted with Shen Xingyu.

Upon catching sight of him, the entire person, wrapped snugly in a blanket, nearly leaped out of the recliner.

"What's the matter with your Shen family? I'll inform my father, you can forget about this project altogether."

Amidst the chaos and commotion.

Only the youth holding the cake remained stationary, standing there unmovingly.

A pair of dark eyes gazed fixedly at Shen Xingyu with a profound expression.

Shen Xingyu gazed down into those captivating eyes.

In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

Yet, soon, these sentiments were drowned by the deliberation of various pros and cons.

Shen Xingyu lowered his gaze.

He raised his hand and dealt the young man before him a resounding slap.

"Slap."

Lu Ran's head was jerked to the side by the impact.

The cake in his hand also fell to the ground, its bright red cherries rolling everywhere.