Chapter 52 - Forcing Through

Exiting the ballroom.

A sudden silence enveloped him as a cold breeze brushed against his face.

Butler Chen offered him a coat.

Ji Min leaned back in his wheelchair without moving, merely lifting his chin to signal for Butler Chen to drape it over him.

Following his instructions, Butler Chen placed the coat atop the thin blanket, covering Lu Ran as well.

The supervisor who had been following them exchanged a few pleasantries before retreating.

For a moment, the area outside the banquet hall was deserted and tranquil.

The only sound that could be heard was the orderly footsteps of Butler Chen beside him.

There was also the faint sound of Ji Min maneuvering the wheelchair.

Lu Ran nestled further into the blanket and coat.

His nose and mouth were covered, leaving only a pair of eyes half-exposed.

Yet, it seemed to be of no avail.

The blanket and coat belonged to the man behind him.

They carried the distinct, rich woody scent that was unique to Ji Min.

It lingered around the tip of his nose, refusing to dissipate.

Ji Min lowered his gaze slightly and caught sight of the fluffy crown of hair in his embrace.

He stopped the wheelchair and looked at Manager Chen on the side, saying, "Uncle Chen, please ask the driver to bring the car over."

Manager Chen understood and nodded before turning to leave.

Butler Chen's footsteps faded away.

Ji Min keenly sensed the stiffness in the young man's body in his embrace, which had eased considerably.

A subtle irritation flickered in his eyes.

The banquet has yet to conclude.

The moment Butler Chen left.

In an instant, the vast outdoor parking lot was left with only Lu Ran and Ji Min standing there, both in silence.

Neither of them spoke a word.

The atmosphere was eerily quiet.

Suddenly, the young man who had been meekly huddled up lifted his head softly.

The dark navy blanket slipped from his cheek and down to his shoulder.

Beneath his slightly disheveled locks, there lay a pair of exceptionally clear and composed eyes.

Those bottomless eyes, illuminated by the streetlight, were currently fixated on Ji Min.

"Acting no more?" Ji Min asked.

"There was never any pretense to begin with," the youth softly diverted his gaze, seemingly wary of the cold as he further tucked the blanket around himself.

He was merely asleep, not a lifeless pig.

Being lifted onto a wheelchair and then bombarded with noise by the Linos, he'd truly become a corpse if he didn't awaken.

"Hongyuan Shen's attendance at this banquet wasn't news to you, was it?"

The man's voice was casual and unhurried.

He maneuvered his wheelchair remotely, strolling leisurely through the deserted parking lot.

"Who would've thought you two weren't on the same level," Lu Ran muttered.

He tried to stand up from the wheelchair.

He moved but didn't manage to break free.

Lu Ran: "..."

He exerted more force, yet remained firmly in place.

Lu Ran: "!"

Was he actually no match in strength against a disabled person?

Lu Ran turned his head to look at Ji Min.

The man wasn't looking at him, focusing instead on the path ahead.

His sharp jawline and compressed thin lips exuded a stern air.

He appeared utterly indifferent, giving no clue as to the cause of his anger.

It was as if he habitually wore an expressionless mask.

Lu Ran gazed at him for a moment before suddenly reaching out from under the blanket, holding his hand up in front of Ji Min.

The devil whispered mischievously, "I didn't wash my hands after rinsing the cup in the toilet just now!"

Ji Min remained composed. "I saw you wash them."

Lu Ran: "..."

The hand around his waist felt like an iron band.

After a moment of deep contemplation, he exclaimed with delight, "But I touched the cups again when I toasted them!"

"Yet you went to the bathroom again after that," Ji Min pointed out.

Lu Ran: "..."

He had sneaked in discreetly, never expecting that this person, sitting at the negotiation table, would actually notice him.

What was he about to say?

Finally, Ji Min cast a glance at the young man, his brow furrowing.

Gently grasping Lu Ran's flailing arms, he tucked them back under the blankets.

"Sit down," Ji Min said solemnly. "You're not wearing a coat, and it's below freezing—do you want to risk your life by jumping out?"

Lu Ran was thus pushed back inside.

A thin navy-blue fleece blanket was draped over him, topped with a man's woolen coat, shielding him from the biting cold.

With his back resting against the man's chest.

The warmth and steady heartbeat transmitted through the thin layers of Ji Min's shirt and suit jacket, reaching Lu Ran's back.

Ji Min appeared to be icy cold, with skin as pale as if it had never seen sunlight.

Yet, his body temperature was surprisingly high.

It was scorching hot.

Lu Ran shifted slightly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

He lowered his gaze.

Then, lifting his head, he admitted candidly, "Yes, I did use you."

"I'm not stupid. Of course, I know what your identity implies. That's why I entrusted Big Yellow to you," he said.

"I heard that Shen Hongyuan would attend this banquet in the morning. I came here specifically to be with you."

The young man's eyelashes fluttered before he continued, "I know Shen Hongyuan's character. If he finds out that I have ties with you, he'll definitely exploit our connection to get closer to you."

Lu Ran timed it perfectly to call Shen Hongyuan "Dad" in public.

This way, even if Shen Hongyuan tried to evade responsibility, he wouldn't be able to.

Lu Ran wasn't an idiot.

Even Ding Wei, his peer, could see the power of the Shen family and chose to rely on them.

As someone who could barely be considered as having lived two lifetimes, Lu Ran naturally knew the influence Ji Min held.

Therefore, when Shen Xingzhuo frequently inquired about Big Yellow, Lu Ran asked Ji Min to take care of Big Yellow.

He knew that Ji Min would definitely protect Big Yellow.

As long as Big Yellow was associated with Ji Min, no one in the Shen family would dare to harm the dog again.

Having been given a second chance at life, Lu Ran's priority was ensuring Big Yellow's safety – a single meal for him meant no hunger for the whole family.

He had long since given up on and no longer desired to be acknowledged by the Shen family.

All he hoped was that this time wouldn't be like the previous life, where he was quietly locked away in a hospital room by the Shen family without a trace.

But a few days ago, Madam Shen had put on quite a dramatic show.

Lu Ran sensed that something was off with Shen Hongyuan.

When the topic of fifteen years ago was brought up, Shen Hongyuan's reaction was unusually abnormal.

It was as if he were holding onto an immense secret.

Upon hearing that Madam Shen was merely accusing him of having an illegitimate child, Shen Hongyuan's expression momentarily relaxed, as if a great burden had been lifted.

Lu Ran wasn't entirely at ease with this.

His intuition told him that whatever Shen Hongyuan was hiding was connected to him. If he didn't uncover the truth, there was a high chance he would meet the same vague and unjust death as in his past life.

"You clearly have no desire to interfere with the affairs of the Shen family, so I deliberately followed you to this banquet, using you for my own purpose," Lu Ran stated.

Ji Min cast a downward glance at him.

The youth tilted his chin upwards, feigning an air of arrogant self-righteousness.

"Well, quite resourceful," the man remarked.

"Certainly." Lu Ran lifted his chin again, a subtle flutter of his eyelashes the only giveaway of his emotions.

"I never expected to invite a wolf into my den, hiring someone as strategically meticulous as you," Ji Min said, looking down at him.

The youth raised his chin, exuding an air of unyielding determination.

"That's how those of us who undertake great endeavors operate," he said.

A hint of amusement flickered in the man's dark eyes.

He still held the youth's waist firmly in his palm, not letting go.

He simply strolled leisurely through the deserted parking lot, cradling the person in his arms.

Suddenly, he said:

"So self-righteous, methodical in their advances, always prioritizing their own interests—how is it that just moments ago, when Mr. Chen the butler was present, they were cowering beneath a blanket, afraid to face anyone?"

"I!"

Lu Ran was taken aback, instantly deflating like a punctured balloon.

The icy composure in those dark eyes cracked, revealing the underlying turmoil and guilt of a young soul beneath.

At times, Lu Ran genuinely envied Shen Xingran.

He envied how Shen Xingran could rally countless people to fight for him with just a single word or expression.

I envied Shen Xingran even more for having Madam Shen's guilt towards him.

Of course, what he envied the most was how Shen Xingran could exploit his foster mother's guilt without any scruples.

Today, Lu Ran successfully achieved his objective.

In his plan, Ji Min, the one he was manipulating, didn't even need to do anything.

All he had to do was let Lu Ran push him past the banquet as usual.

But Lu Ran never expected that Ji Min would carry him into the wheelchair himself.

And tuck him under a blanket.

Despite the outcome being better than Lu Ran could have imagined.

When he buried himself in the blanket, he still couldn't suppress the nagging guilt that clung to him, refusing to let go.

Ji Min was one of the few who had genuinely helped him.

Yet, Lu Ran had taken advantage of Ji Min.

This overwhelming sense of guilt made it almost unbearable for Lu Ran to face Ji Min.

Let alone face Chen Butler, who stood by Ji Min's side.

He dared not imagine how that elder, who had always been gentle with him, would view him after learning what he had done.

But it was already done.

He should face the consequences.

"I don't need the salary," Lu Ran said in a muffled voice. "I haven't done much work these past few days anyway."

Ji Min raised an eyebrow, unsure why the topic had suddenly changed.

"Also, Big Yellow's agreement no longer stands. I'll take Big Yellow with me and won't bother you anymore," Lu Ran continued.

Upon hearing this, Ji Min's brows knitted together.

Noticing his frown, the teenager paused before continuing, "But if you ask me to compensate financially, I can't afford it right now."

Ji Min looked down at him, his gaze intense.

Lu Ran turned to face him, sitting up straighter.

The chilly wind penetrated beneath the blanket.

He still sat astride the man's lap, looking at him as he said, "Since I've already offended you, if you have any other means of retaliation, by all means, let them loose."

The youth's eyes were resolute, filled with steadfast determination.

There was no reasonable appeal or emotional plea about his difficulties and misery, nor was there any humble begging for mercy, asking to be spared.

He is straightforward and open-minded.

With full awareness, he had utilized the other and, just as lucidly and resolutely, bore the consequences.

Ji Min suddenly recalled their first encounter with Lu Ran.

The man had stood before that recklessly speeding sports car.

In his eyes was the same stark clarity, devoid of any trace of hopefulness.

It was a clarity bordering on despair.

Ji Min wasn't in the habit of doing charity work.

Perhaps it was precisely such a gaze that prompted him to pull over and allow the youth to enter.

At this moment, he met those eyes once more.

A subtle smile suddenly graced the corners of Ji Min's lips.

He pulled the corners of his mouth up slightly, leaned back in his chair, and asked leisurely and composedly.

"Why are you so aware of it now? Why didn't you ask for my help earlier?"

"Hmm?"

The person staring at him resolutely revealed a hint of confusion in their eyes and asked, "What makes you think you can help me?"

Ji Min: "..."

The words sounded quite reasonable.

But when spoken by Lu Ran, the very individual involved, it takes on a certain subtlety.

Ji Min recalled that it was similar when he was being pressured by the Linos.

Teased by Jin, splashed with alcohol by Yang.

It was his companion, yet Lu Ran didn't cast a single plea for help in his direction throughout the entire incident.

The young man seemed to have long been accustomed to this plight of utter helplessness.

He simply fought back with all his might, mindful not to cause any trouble for the other.

Ji Min's fingertip brushed against the wine stain on Lu Ran's hoodie once more.

Though the stain had dried, it still left a distinct sensation on the fabric.

"Give it a shot, what if I'm willing to help?" he said.

Lu Ran turned his head to look at him and asked, "Do you know how?"

Ji Min replied promptly, "No."

The youth gave him an odd, quizzical glance and said, "There you have it, then?"

Ji Min: "..."

He slightly pursed his lips.

I wasn't even sure what nonsense was spilling from my mouth.

"I left something in the drawer. I'll come to your office tonight to tidy up," Lu Ran said.

The days of being paid to study were coming to an end.

Big Yellow would also need to be boarded somewhere.

Propping himself up, he began to calculate the tasks that lay ahead.

The man suddenly said, "Come closer."

Lu Ran paused.

"Isn't it cold?" Ji Min looked down at him with lowered eyes.

The chilly wind had already penetrated the blanket.

All the warmth was gone.

"...It's manageable," Lu Ran said.

"But your boss here is freezing," the man said.

"Oh, right."

Lu Ran then recalled that Ji Min was only wearing a suit.

His corporate drone instincts kicked in, and he quickly leaned back against the man's chest, making sure to pull the blanket up properly.

Upon completing these tasks, he suddenly froze.

He sat up straight again with a sudden jerk and asked, "Aren't you firing me?"

Ji Min gave him a sidelong glance. "Even if you're the young master of the Shen family, I can still afford to employ you."

Lu Ran blinked twice. "But..."

The man lowered his gaze and glanced at the space between them.

He spoke succinctly, "I'm cold."

"Oh!"

Lu Ran hurriedly pressed himself against him again.

He even offered eagerly, "Is your neck cold?"

As he spoke, he reached out to wrap his arm around Ji Min's neck.

Ji Min cast him a brief glance downward. "Sit properly."

Lu Ran promptly sat up straight, covering himself with the blanket to retain the warmth.

Even when the wheelchair stopped in front of the business van, Lu Ran's mind was still somewhat numb.

Ever since he decided to exploit Ji Min, he had prepared for the worst-case scenario.

That was why he had called Shen Hongyuan 'Dad' in public, forcing Shen Hongyuan to acknowledge him in front of everyone.

It was all to prevent Shen Hongyuan from turning his back on him after a potential fallout with Ji Min.

But now...

Lu Ran suddenly realized that today's events seemed almost too smooth.

As if someone was deliberately cooperating...

That lingering sense of discomfort resurfaced in his mind.

"You..."

Lu Ran looked at Ji Min with suspicion.

"What?"

The man raised an eyebrow.

His face remained cold and distant as ever.

"Never mind." Lu Ran retreated once more.

Butler Chen got out from the passenger seat and came around to open the door.

Lu Ran noticed him, still feeling somewhat uneasy.

However, Lu Ran suddenly realized that the executive car hadn't moved from its parking spot.

Clearly...

Initially, Ji Min had asked Butler Chen to fetch the car simply to get the butler out of their way.

Lu Ran's mind was still in a daze. Clutching the blanket, he remained firmly nestled in Ji Min's embrace, not moving an inch.

Butler Chen approached them, only to witness the same scene of the two entwined in the wheelchair.

Butler Chen: "..."

He fell into a brief silence, then glanced at his watch before looking back at Ji Min.

As if asking, "Have you not had enough of holding me yet?"

Ji Min: "..."

Suddenly, he also realized that their position was rather too intimate.

The young man nestled in his embrace, completely concealed beneath the blankets.

That light blanket seemed to create an enclosed space that allowed for unchecked indulgence.

The more it was concealed, the more intriguing it became.

What could be happening beneath the blanket? What sort of scene unfolded?

Ji Min's fingertips seemed to have been scalded as he abruptly let go.

He said in a cold voice, "Get down."

"Right away!"

The boss's command was like an imperial edict. Lu Ran promptly jumped down.

He did so with great agility.

Not the slightest hint of reluctance could be detected.

Yet, Ji Min felt a sudden lightness in his arms, followed by a rush of chilly air that made him uncomfortable.

Fortunately, they entered the car quickly.

The heater inside was functioning well.

But Lu Ran had been outside for quite some time. He only got in after Ji Min did.

As a result, the sudden change in temperature upon entering the car made him unable to resist sneezing.

Ji Min glanced back at him before looking away again.

He spoke softly, "Jacket."

In response, Butler Chen passed Lu Ran's jacket, which was kept on his seat.

Ji Min paused and added, "Hot water."

Butler Chen then handed over a cup of steaming hot water, reminding, "Be careful, it's hot."

Lu Ran put on the jacket and held the hot water in his hands.

A warmth suffused his entire body.

Normally, during winter, it was routine for him to rush out to work without a coat, braving the cold winds.

Now, his body was abruptly enveloped in warmth.

Lu Ran lowered his head, gently biting the rim of the cup, and couldn't help but look up again at the man who could be considered his boss.

His life from childhood to adulthood made it difficult for him to accept others' kindness with a clear conscience.

This kind of affection, should it surpass the boundaries of his heart, would lead him to exhaust all means to search for an explanation.

Currently, Lu Ran was sipping hot water slowly.

Reflecting on my job as a scholar with a salary, and then considering the events of tonight, the sense of dissonance within me grows stronger.

Suddenly, an idea struck him, and his eyes widened in realization.

After what seemed like an eternity, the youth stealthily drew closer and gazed at Ji Min with unconcealed disbelief.

Perplexed, Ji Min asked, "What are you doing?"

"Mr. Ji."

Lu Ran's dark eyes widened slightly as he posed his question with certainty, "Could it be that... you like me?"