Chapter 69: Hosting

Chapter 69: Hosting

Lu Ran was taken aback and asked subconsciously, "What wine?"

Jin laughed provocatively, "Of course, the one you poured for me personally."

Lu Ran also recalled which glass he was referring to and fell silent for a moment.

Having done too many things akin to courting, he was almost forgetful.

Staring at the man for a while, Lu Ran observed that the eldest son of the Leno family, with his playboy image intact, was smiling slyly and deliberately exuding charm towards him.

Lu Ran wanted to tell this man what he had drunk last time.

But after some thought, he decided against it.

Instead, he put on a bashful expression and asked hesitantly, "Really?"

"Certainly."

Golden's sweet nothings flowed without restraint.

He gazed at Lu Ran with deep affection and said, "That's a taste I'll never forget for the rest of my life."

Lu Ran fell silent for a moment.

Unable to resist, he nodded and agreed, "It should indeed be unforgettable."

Golden was taken aback that Lu Ran had so readily agreed, pausing for a second in surprise.

But he quickly recovered and said, "I love you just like this."

Lu Ran smiled. "That's wonderful to hear."

"I happen to have some business with President Ji. Would you like to head back together?" Golden invited.

Lu Ran ignored his gesture and didn't get into the nearby golf cart. Instead, he walked on the lawn, leading his dog by the leash.

Jin didn't get into the car but walked alongside instead.

Previously, the Lino family had approached Ji Min for a project, only to be rejected.

After that, his father made another attempt, but Ji Min had left them utterly embarrassed.

The Lino family was relatively new to the country, unfamiliar with the people and the land.

Due to Ji Min's actions, the entire city now knew that he looked down on their family, complicating their situation even more.

Fortunately, there was now a change in circumstances.

Last time, Ji Min had unexpectedly given the Lino family the cold shoulder.

Jin was still regretting his overbearing behavior that provoked the young man by Ji Min's side.

But now that their family no longer relied on Ji Min, they didn't need to consider such sensitivities.

Moreover...

He had heard that this young man was actually the newly acknowledged young master of the Shen family.

Their turnaround had nothing to do with Ji Min, but there was some rivalry between them and the Shen family.

If he could seduce this young man, it would not only upset Ji Min and metaphorically put a green hat on his head, but also provide access to insider information from the Shen family.

Why not take advantage of such an opportunity?

Observing the young man's behavior just now, it seemed he was also interested in him?

Before long, Lu Ran returned to Ji Min's side.

By then, Ji Min had almost concluded his business discussion.

Upon turning around and seeing Lu Ran approaching with Jin Lino, Ji Min couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

Instantly, Jin's smile became profoundly meaningful.

Noticing the approach of a customer, the senior executive who had been conversing with Ji Min earlier tactfully excused himself.

"He said he has something to discuss with you." Lu Ran approached Ji Min, handing over the leash of Big Yellow.

"May I ask what business you have?"

Ji Min glanced at Jin with an indifferent yet amiable demeanor.

Jin sat down opposite Ji Min without waiting for an invitation. "I'm here to apologize to President Ji for our misconduct last time."

Speaking of which, he couldn't resist probing further:

"Does CEO Ji happen to know about the recent bidding for the HZ project? I've heard that Shen Xingyu put aside his overseas business just to come back for it."

At the mention of Shen Xingyu's name, Lu Ran blinked.

Ji Min showed no inclination to elaborate on this topic. He replied coolly, "That project has nothing to do with the Ji Corporation."

Hearing this, Jin felt even more reassured.

If the Ji Corporation was involved in this project, he would have been worried that Ji Min might pull some strings.

After chatting for a while longer, Jin's gaze returned to Lu Ran.

Suddenly, he gave a sly smile.

In a casual tone, he said, "You had a day off yesterday, right? Yet President Ji actually brought people here to play basketball this morning."

His words were veiled.

It seemed like an ordinary tease.

But with the expression on Jin's face, Lu Ran immediately picked up on the hidden meaning behind his words.

With a day off yesterday, you still managed to get up and play basketball this morning.

Are you not up to it, Ji Min?

Lu Ran's expression darkened instantly.

How could he have forgotten the Linos?

In his attempt to clarify Ji Min's rumors, he had overlooked this family.

Granted, when he last met them, Lu Ran was still unaware of the specifics of his job.

But given the current situation, it was a dereliction of duty on his part!

Ji Min also frowned, revealing a hint of displeasure.

This displeasure, however, wasn't due to Jin's veiled insults and ridicule towards him.

Ever since he started using the wheelchair, Ji Min had heard such taunts both openly and discreetly, and had long learned to ignore them.

What bothered him was the way Jin sized up Lu Ran.

It was as if Lu Ran were some trinket that could be toyed with at will.

Ji Min opened his mouth, ready to speak.

Suddenly, he noticed Lu Ran stepping forward from behind.

The young man stood by his side, gazing at Jin Linuo with a serious expression.

Then, with an aggressive demeanor, he was about to speak.

Upon seeing this, Ji Min's forehead twitched, instantly guessing what Lu Ran was about to do.

At that moment, four or five caddies were still standing nearby.

Not far away, there were other people playing golf or conducting business.

From the look on Lu Ran's face, it was evident that his impending words would be spoken loudly.

Ji Min's mind went blank for an instant.

In a hurry, he reached out and unexpectedly covered Lu Ran's mouth before he could speak.

Silence enveloped the world in an instant.

Mr. Ji was drenched in cold sweat.

Thankfully, thankfully...

He hadn't had the chance to speak.

But soon, Ji Min realized that it wasn't exactly for the better.

Seated in his wheelchair, he lacked the ability to reach out and cover Lu Ran's mouth.

Therefore, before muffling him, he had to loop his arms around Lu Ran's waist and pull him into the wheelchair, settling him onto his lap.

At this moment, Lu Ran didn't have the chance to say anything.

Yet, in full view of everyone, he had pulled the young man in front of him into his embrace with a madness that bordered on frenzy just as the latter was about to approach the other man.

Currently, one of Lu Ran's legs was casually draped over the armrest of his wheelchair.

Lying sprawled across his lap, the person was gazing up at him with an open expression.

His palm still rested upon the youth's face, veiling nearly half of it in an instant.

Nose and mouth nestled in the palm of his hand, with only a pair of dark, glistening eyes visible, wide open and fixed upon him.

Probably suffocating from the restraint, Lu Ran forcefully wriggled his way out of the grasp.

The moment his palm released its hold, he beheld the youth's flushed cheek, distinctly marked by the imprints of fingers.

The finger marks started off pale.

As blood gradually flowed back and filled the area, they turned red bit by bit.

In the end, they became an extremely dazzling red mark.

"You…"

Lu Ran was also confused by him and stammered, "What are you doing?"

Across from him, Jin was utterly stunned.

For a moment, Ji Min felt an inexplicable awkwardness wash over him.

He quickly placed the person in his arms back into the wheelchair and reached out to adjust the clothing that had ridden up on them.

Scanning the surroundings hastily, his gaze landed on the empty space in front of Jin. Without much thought, he hastily changed the subject, "Make sure to give Mr. Jin a warm welcome."

He said this to the waiter whose eyes were nearly popping out of their sockets.

However, after his words, the bewildered Lu Ran sitting in the wheelchair beside him brightened, enthusiastically giving a thumbs-up.

Taking the tray from the waiter, he walked towards the indoor area.

Ji Min: "…"

Wait, that wasn't what he meant.

It seemed that Kim Lenoir hadn't done anything significant today to deserve such punishment.

But when Ji Min looked up and saw the way Kim was studying Lu Ran, he swallowed his words of protest.

Forget it.

Anyway, Kim Lenoir wasn't exactly an upright individual.

If something could distract that young man, it would be for the best, sparing them from any impromptu outbursts later.

The waiter was utterly confused.

Not only because a distinguished guest had taken the tray himself.

But also because... wasn't that the direction of the restroom?

Kim couldn't help but curve his lips as he watched Ji Min's little lover pour him wine with such enthusiasm and effort.

Seems like his "seductive" efforts on the way here hadn't been in vain.

Considering Ji Min's unexpected action just now, Jin couldn't help but feel a twinge of emotion.

Initially, he assumed that Ji Min treated Young Master Shen as nothing more than a casual plaything.

Yet it seemed that he was actually quite affected?

The more so, the greater Jin's sense of accomplishment grew.

Now, as he looked at Ji Min again, his gaze inadvertently carried a hint of sympathetic mockery and pity.

Coincidentally, Ji Min's look in return was identical.

In no time, Lu Ran approached with a tray in hand.

On the tray rested two glasses of wine.

Ji Min's breath caught.

He thought, Surely it doesn't have to be like this.

His actions just now were indeed inappropriate, but surely they didn't merit such a reaction?

Fortunately, Lu Ran placed both glasses in front of Jin.

Jin raised an eyebrow, looking at Ji Min with a hint of smugness.

Yet, Ji Min secretly exhaled in relief.

"Mr. Jin, I heard you enjoy the wine I pour, so I accidentally filled two glasses,"

Lu Ran spoke softly.

Jin raised his gaze to behold the youth before him, his face flushed with an apparent "bashfulness." He also noted that when the lad retrieved the wine glass from the tray, he did so with utmost care, thoughtfully cushioning it in a handkerchief held delicately in his hand.

This gesture was so cautiously executed as to verge on humility, as if terrified that even a single drop of the libation might be spilled, thereby dampening his spirits.

Observing this scene, Jin felt a sense of fulfillment yet also a touch of emptiness.

Despite being Ji Min's beloved, capturing his heart is still a effortless endeavor.

It was far too unchallenging.

But since he hadn't tasted it yet, he was quite willing to witness Ji Min's unpleasant expression.

If he were to give up, it would only be after he obtained information about the Shen family and grew tired of playing with the man.

Thus, he nodded at Lu Ran and said, "What an honor for me."

As he spoke, he picked up a glass of wine, narrowed his eyes slightly, and took a gentle sip.

He sighed, "Indeed, any wine poured by you exudes a distinctive aroma."

Lu Ran: "…"

Ji Min: "…"

In that instant, even the executioner himself, Lu Ran, felt a hint of astonishment.

Jin hadn't forgotten his objective.

Sipping his wine, he extended his tongue to leisurely trace the rim of the glass and then the lingering droplets on his lips.

The liquor was crystal clear, while his tongue appeared a vivid crimson.

Those amorous eyes fixated unblinkingly on Lu Ran.

From this scene alone, it exuded an irresistible allure, bordering on blatant seduction.

Even the attendants standing by couldn't help blushing and feeling their hearts race, imagining what kind of powerful figure's love triangle drama this was.

Yet, within this so-called "arena of love," the other two individuals present had a different thought.

Upon realizing what Jin was licking, they suddenly found the act...

Somewhat repulsive.

Lu Ran quietly placed a hand over his chest, suppressing the urge to gag.

He had let his guard down.

How could he have foreseen such an overly intimate and visually striking scene?

Indeed, such matters were best conducted in the privacy of a bathroom.

Seeing his "little lover" being flirted with right before his eyes, General Ji, instead of flying into a rage, quietly maneuvered his wheelchair backward.

He was afraid that Jin might not be able to hold back his nausea, and he didn't want to be caught in the splash zone.

To everyone's surprise, after licking the rim, Jin actually raised his head and drank the entire glass down.

As he drank, he deliberately turned his body slightly to show Lu Ran the graceful movement of his Adam's apple.

Finishing the drink, he held up the now empty glass for Lu Ran to see, speaking earnestly, "Not a single drop will be left if you're the one pouring the wine."

Lu Ran: "..."

Damn, he was genuinely touched.

This guy was really going all out.

Hearing Jin's relentless seduction, Ji Min raised an eyebrow.

He stroked the leash of the little dog in his hand, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes as he said, "There's still one more glass. Mr. Jin, if you like it, feel free to have more."

Jin's fingers holding the wine glass paused.

Although... he had praised it extravagantly and drank it down smoothly, the taste of the wine was indeed a bit peculiar...

Did he really want another glass?

But he had already made the offer, and he keenly sensed a hint of anger in Ji Min's eyes.

In the end, Jin finished two glasses and threw a flirtatious glance at Lu Ran before finding an excuse to leave.

He figured he could slip his contact information next time.

Lu Ran was unaware that this guy was planning to give him a love note.

After Jin left, he and Ji Min exchanged glances.

Both of them maintained their usual expressions.

Ji Min asked, "Shall we continue playing?"

"No, I don't think so," Lu Ran shook his head. "I'm not in the mood for golf anymore."

Ji Min nodded and led him away. Before they left, he particularly instructed the owner who came to see them off to take care of the glasses on the table.

With Big Yellow in tow, the two of them walked out of the golf course.

As they were about to reach the parking lot.

Lu Ran couldn't hold back and let out a chuckle.

His laughter seemed to trigger something, causing him to clutch his stomach and laugh uncontrollably, barely able to catch his breath.

"Don't laugh," Ji Min pressed his fingers against his forehead, trying hard to keep a straight face.

In the end, he couldn't hold back and laughed while holding his forehead for quite some time.

Next to them, Butler Chen was still clueless about what had happened. He looked at the two of them, who were laughing so hard that they could barely catch their breath.

"Did you see his face at the end?!"

Lu Ran chuckled as he patted Ji Min's wheelchair. Recalling something, he added with a smirk, "He even stuck out his tongue at me. How disgusting."

Although they were laughing, Ji Min was still somewhat displeased when he thought about how Jin had looked at the child.

He couldn't quite pinpoint the source of his discontent, only feeling that he hadn't vented enough.

Frowning, he asked, "What did you do with the wine?"

Lu Ran had already stood up and returned to push the wheelchair.

As he steered it, he said, "Just like last time."

Ji Min fell silent for a moment before remarking, "It doesn't seem that difficult to drink after all."

It seems a bit too lenient towards that young master.

Seeming to feel his capabilities questioned, Lu Ran elaborated earnestly, "That's only because I was trying not to be too obvious, for fear of implicating you."

Ji Min suddenly paused.

He tilted his head back to gaze upon the youth behind him.

Behind him stretched a vast expanse of lush green grass, while above, the sky was a deep blue, dotted with wispy, ivory clouds.

Tender rays of pale golden sunlight gently caress the smooth, silken locks of the young man below.

"Without considering my feelings, what would you do?" Ji Min inquired.

And then, he witnessed...

The youth furrowed his brow in deep contemplation for a moment, standing amidst this expanse of verdant grass and cerulean sky that could only be described as breathtakingly picturesque. Finally, he turned to him and said,

"So they were drinking the essence directly, no need for cups," Ji Min inferred.

...

The tremor he felt earlier seemed to have either shattered or intensified within him.

Apparently, Lu Ran's presence did carry significant weight.

With this "shock" still lingering, Ji Min reached the car feeling as if he was floating in an illusionary world.

It had to be said that whenever Lu Ran was around, his mundane life would be disrupted by an absurd yet impactful sensation, akin to ripples in a still pond.

The sliding door of the van opened, and the ramp descended smoothly. As Ji Min maneuvered his wheelchair to get in, he noticed the young man behind him remained motionless.

He turned his head to look.

Thereupon, the youth who had been laughing breathlessly, his mirth so intense as to leave him momentarily gasping, was now serenely composed.

Those overly dark, captivating eyes were locked onto him in a fierce contest.

After watching for a moment, the youth asked, "Why did you hug me just now and cover my mouth?"