Chapter 72: Trivial Matters

Chapter 72: Trivial Matters

Ji Min lowered his head.

Sure enough, the person who had just been bending down to tie their shoelaces was now looking at him.

Their eyes were filled with astonishment.

At this moment, Ji Min wished he could slap himself.

"What on earth is this jumbled nonsense about?!"

Without a second thought, Ji Min could predict what Lu Ran would say next.

He rushed to clarify, almost interrupting himself, "No, that's not what I meant. I was just suggesting this as a hypothetical scenario..."

But it was already too late.

There, he beheld the youth at his side, face tilted upward, eyes wide with an intent gaze fixed upon him, lips faintly twitching as though about to speak.

Ji Min persists, "Wait, I'm not..."

Yet, Lu Ran's gaze had gradually transformed from shock into a deep sense of emotion.

Then, Ji Min heard that familiar sigh.

Ji Min's heart leapt up within him, only to hear the youth say, "Boss, don't be nervous."

Ji Min was taken aback, not expecting to hear words of comfort.

Lu Ran had already bent down, continuing to attend to his shoelaces with focused dedication.

The youth responded with understated composure, saying,

"As you've previously explained, you don't have feelings for me. I'll accept that you don't like me."

Ji Min: "..."

Ji Min: "?"

On the surface, this sentence sounds quite ordinary, but upon closer reflection, it seems to carry an increasingly awkward undertone.

"What do you mean by 'just pretend you don't like it'?"

"No, it's not that..." Ji Min wanted to clarify his words.

He caught sight of the youth dismissively waving his hand at him, a hint of impatience in his gesture. "These are trivial matters, not worth my concern. After all, you can't truly bed me anyway."

Ji Min: "..."

What does it mean that I can't truly sleep with you?

Who do you think you're looking down on?

Ji Min gritted his teeth silently.

He took a deep breath and tried to clarify, "I really don't have..."

"I understand." Lu Ran had already tied his shoelaces and stood up, cutting off Ji Min's words with an air of not wanting to discuss it further.

The words were "I understand," but the meaning was clear: You don't need to explain; I don't believe you at all!

Ji Min took a deep breath, feeling his lungs expand gradually.

The one who had been trying to drive him crazy now spoke to him seriously:

"Let's focus on the matter at hand. Shen Hongyuan's attitude is indeed suspicious."

The child's tone was unusually earnest.

He didn't ask, as he usually would, if Ji Min liked him.

This was precisely the manner that Ji Min had been looking forward to, discussing business seriously.

But why did it feel so...

"No," Ji Min gritted his teeth. "Right now, I don't want to discuss anything serious with you at all."

He had to clarify this personal matter first!

Yet, the moment he said that, he saw Lu Ran wearing an "I-knew-it" expression as he shook his head at him.

Then, the young man unexpectedly took out his phone to check the time before saying to him,

"Boss, it's my working hour now. Please keep your calm."

Without waiting for a response, he left the villa with a contemplative look on his face.

Ji Min was left speechless with words stuck in his throat.

He sat there, putting a hand on his chest, then turned to look at Butler Chen silently.

Butler Chen asked with concern, "Are you alright?"

Ji Min managed a weak smile. "I'm fine."

"It's only now that I realize people can indeed be angered to the point of internal injuries."

Butler Chen held back his laughter.

Lu Ran truly didn't pay much attention to whether Ji Min wanted to sleep with him or not.

It was a trivial matter.

If it were someone else.

If he knew that Shen Hongyuan had privately met with that person, discussing his issues, and that the person seemed to have feelings for him, desiring intimacy –

Lu Ran would have been on high alert long ago.

But with Ji Min, he inexplicably relaxed his guard.

Well, anyway, this guy's infatuation with him wasn't something new that happened overnight.

What Lu Ran cared more about was the attitude towards Shen Hongyuan that Ji Min inadvertently revealed in their conversation.

He was indeed curious.

Something was indeed off with Shen Hongyuan.

Having lived two lives, Lu Ran had the original text of this novel in his mind.

He was well aware that Shen Hongyuan doted on Shen Xingran mainly because the young man could bring substantial benefits to the Shen family.

In the book, the transformation of Shen Hongyuan, the father, began with his pride in Shen Xingran's excellence, which eventually turned into genuine fondness for his son.

Given his understanding of Shen Hongyuan's character, Lu Ran had chosen to exploit Ji Min back then, using him to lure Shen Hongyuan into acknowledging Lu Ran as part of the Shen family.

However, it seemed now that what mattered back then wasn't the "attraction" but Ji Min's identity and the pressure exerted by his public acknowledgment of Shen Hongyuan as his father.

Shen Hongyuan appeared to be wary of Lu Ran's proximity to Ji Min.

What exactly was he afraid of?

After much contemplation, Lu Ran snapped back to reality, realizing they had already arrived at the venue.

Pushing Ji Min's wheelchair, Lu Ran leaned closer and said, "Boss, would you mind lending me someone from your legal team?"

Ji Min vividly recalled the phrase "you can't really sleep with me," which left him fuming at the moment.

Without listening further, he replied, "Impossible."

Lu Ran pleaded, "I just want to ask for advice, it won't cost anything."

After being officially acknowledged by the Shen family, Lu Ran had researched information related to the Shens and learned about the structure of the Shen Corporation's businesses. He even consulted law professors at school about the issue of share inheritance.

Yet, all he could obtain was superficial information.

But Ji Min's connections were different.

Upon hearing Lu Ran's words, Ji Min found the youngster not as naive as he initially thought.

Just as he was about to comment,

he heard the person who had been begging him a moment ago suddenly exclaim "Shit" after seeing something.

Ji Min turned his head, but didn't see anyone.

Scanning the area again, he finally noticed that the guy had crouched down at some point.

Now, he was no longer behind the wheelchair but had moved to its side.

Hiding like a thief in the shadows.

"What are you doing?" Ji Min asked.

He tilted his head in the opposite direction from where Lu Ran was hiding.

There, not far away, stood a young man with a stern expression, politely greeting others.

It was Shen Xingyu.

Ji Min couldn't understand why Lu Ran felt the need to hide.

He had a fairly good impression of Shen Xingyu.

Moreover, when Lu Ran had dealings with the Shen family, Shen Xingyu was still abroad.

There shouldn't have been any conflict between him and Lu Ran.

Yet, Lu Ran didn't respond.

He crouched on the ground like a hamster, slowly circling around Ji Min's wheelchair.

Evasive of Shen Xingyu's gaze not far away.

He looks quite endearing like this.

Ji Min was accustomed to Lu Ran's occasional mischievous antics and assumed he was up to some devious scheme once again.

It was only upon suddenly locking eyes with the youth's pair that he became acutely aware of something amiss.

Lu Ran's eyes are captivating.

His eyelids curve gently, yet his pupils often conceal a mischievous amusement that can send shivers down one's spine.

Beneath this touch of morbid amusement lies a profound and chilling emptiness.

Yet now, in those overly serene dark eyes, Ji Min perceived a hint of panic.

It was the first time Ji Min had seen such an emotion in Lu Ran's eyes.

It was on the very first occasion he laid eyes upon Lu Ran that the youth stood amidst the rain curtain, facing an approaching sports car with nothing but cool composure in his gaze.

Now, just because of Shen Xingyu, that expression has appeared on his face.

Ji Min furrowed his brow and softly called out, "Lu Ran."

Lu Ran didn't catch a word of what Ji Min had said.

He wasn't even sure what he was doing himself.

In truth, Lu Ran was deeply afraid of Shen Xingyu.

A fear that originated from the bottom of his heart.

Despite being well aware that Shen Xingyu had returned and having mentally prepared himself, his body still reacted involuntarily the moment he saw Shen Xingyu in person.

Memories from his past life flooded his mind uncontrollably.

The stern and irresistible tone of Elder Brother Shen Xingyu echoed in his head.

The piercing screech of brakes filled his surroundings.

And the instant his body collided, the agony in his joints and the overwhelming sensation of weightlessness—Lu Ran could never forget.

It was Shen Xingyu who had sought him out that day, attempting to forcibly take him away, which led to the car accident.

As a result of that accident, Lu Ran endured a decade of living hell.

In this very moment, even his limbs began to ache again.

Striving to make himself as small as possible, he hid behind Ji Min's wheelchair, seeking shelter from potential notice.

But.

Over there, Shen Xingyu seemed to have caught sight of Ji Min and was preparing to come over for a greeting.

Lu Ran found himself with nowhere to hide in that instant.

Noticing the blanket draped over Ji Min's legs, he instinctively grabbed it, attempting to cover himself up like a vulnerable little creature evading its predator.

Yet, the moment his hand reached out, his wrist was gently yet firmly grasped.

The fingers holding his wrist were pale, applying a not-too-intense but steady pressure. The warmth radiating from the palm felt like a negligible comfort in the midst of a cold, dark night.

Lu Ran snapped back to reality.

He lifted his face, offering Ji Min a wry smile. "Boss, can I borrow your place to hide for a bit?"

As he spoke, he vaguely recalled having just angered the man.

With his terrible temper, he surely wouldn't lend a hand now.

But in the next instant, the man seated in the wheelchair let out a soft sigh.

He pushed aside the blanket on his knees and said, "Come here."

Lu Ran was still in disbelief.

Then, the hand holding his wrist moved to his waist, and suddenly, he felt weightless.

After that, he landed firmly in a broad, familiar embrace filled with comfort.

The light and soft blanket fell, covering him completely.

And thus, he was enveloped in a warm, secure darkness.

A broad palm rested against his back, gently pressing on the spine.

The other hand looped around his knee, securing him firmly in the embrace.

Lu Ran suddenly felt reassured, and the piercing pain in his limbs began to subside gradually.

His ears, which had been muffled like being underwater, became sharp and clear.

He heard Shen Xingyu's footsteps drawing near.

Then he heard Shen Xingyu address Ji Min with respect using his cold, stern voice, calling him "Senior."

The moment Shen Xingyu's voice sounded, Lu Ran tensed up entirely.

But in an instant, he felt the hand on his back patting him soothingly, as if gently lulling a child to sleep.

"Senior, it's been a long time."

Shen Xingyu slightly bowed toward Ji Min.

But upon noticing the vague outline beneath the dark blue blanket on the man's wheelchair, he was surprisingly taken aback for a moment.

A hint of surprise flickered across his face.

However, Shen Xingyu wasn't one to meddle in others' affairs, and he quickly lowered his gaze to the floor. A hint of remorse appeared on his face as he thought about the recent news from home. "I apologize for causing you so much trouble lately. I'll personally pay you a visit to make amends another day."

Ji Min, however, wasn't in the mood for a lengthy conversation. He frowned, gazing at the person nestled in his arms, and simply nodded. "I have other matters to attend to."

Neither of them were talkative individuals.

After delivering his words, Shen Xingyu tactfully moved aside.

Ji Min gestured towards a nearby attendant with a slight tilt of his chin. "Show me to the lounge."

The waiter hurriedly took the lead, guiding the way.

Upon entering the lounge, Ji Min asked Butler Chen to close the door behind them.

He stood silently beside the sofa in the lounge, making no sound to urge her on, nor did he lift the blanket.

After a long while, the corner of the cashmere throw draped over him was lifted slightly.

The bashful youth, who had been concealing himself for quite some time, cautiously emerged, revealing his face.

In mere minutes, the person who was just brimming with energy and could irritate one to the point of steam rising from their seven orifices had now turned deathly pale, drenched in cold sweat.

Even his forehead was soaked with perspiration.

"What's wrong? Feeling unwell?" Ji Min asked.

Lu Ran shook his head.

"I'm fine," he croaked, his voice hoarse upon speaking.

With a deeply furrowed brow, Ji Min couldn't help but feel concerned.

The child who had just emerged from his embrace was staring fixedly at his suit in a daze.

After a moment, he softly apologized, "Sorry, Boss, I got your clothes wet."

Lowering his head, Ji Min finally noticed the damp patch on his chest.

Upon finishing his words, Lu Ran realized he was still on Ji Min's lap.

He reached out to support himself, attempting to climb down from the wheelchair.

He initially placed his hands on the armrests, but with sweat on his palms, they were too slippery.

So, he could only lean on the man's chest.

However, as soon as his hand made contact with the dark suit, it left an impression.

Despite his trembling arms, his voice managed to regain composure as he said, "I'm fine, I just didn't react at first."

As the words faded, his wrist was unexpectedly caught and gently tucked back under the blanket.

Gently but firmly, a hand resting on his back pushed him back down, urging his body to recline once more.

"Go to the hospital," Ji Min said.

The mere utterance of those three words nearly sent Lu Ran flying out of his wheelchair.

He flailed like a fish, "No, no, I'm really fine."

He spoke as if he wished to do a few push-ups right there and then to prove his fitness.

Seeing his resistance, Ji Min didn't push the matter further.

Yet, he didn't let him go but maneuvered the wheelchair remotely to approach the table, poured a glass of water, and handed it to him.

The clear glass cup pressed directly against the full, supple lower lip of the young man.

Ji Min sighed, his tone half commanding, half coaxing. "Drink it, and I'll let you down afterwards."

The water in the cup was at the perfect temperature for sipping.

Lu Ran held the cup and took a sip, finally sensing the parchedness in his throat.

He tilted his head back and drank the rest of the water in one go. As he handed the cup back to Ji Min, he noticed his own hand trembling from the grip.

This was the aftermath of excessive muscle tension followed by exhaustion.

He couldn't help but feel a bit pathetic.

It was only Shen Xingyu, yet he had been so frightened.

The water was now gone.

Yet, Lu Ran didn't get down from his wheelchair.

Ji Min remained silent.

The lounge was eerily quiet.

Outside the window, darkness had fallen, punctuated only by the occasional sound of passing cars.

Lu Ran nestled his ear against Ji Min's chest.

The steady thump of the man's heartbeat resonated in his ear.

Lu Ran blinked softly.

He knew that he should get up now.

It didn't seem quite right to linger in someone else's embrace like this.

Ji Min was sitting in a wheelchair, not a comfortable sofa after all.

Yet, at this moment, Lu Ran found this makeshift "sofa" incredibly cozy.

He truly wished he could lie here forever.

For as long as he remained in this spot, it seemed, he wouldn't have to worry about Shen Xingyu or the troubles plaguing the Shen family.

Ji Min didn't rush him.

His hand still lingered gently upon the youth's waist, devoid of any restraining force.

It seemed as if with just a slight struggle from Lu Ran, he would let go.

Yet, if Lu Ran so wished, he would firmly support the person with ease.

Several more minutes passed.

Lu Ran spoke with a touch of melancholy, "Boss, you truly are such a kind person."

Ji Min raises an eyebrow, lowering his gaze to look upon the youth nestled in his embrace.

It happened that Lu Ran looked up at him.

The youth whispered, "In truth, many of the things I say are merely to tease you."

Ji Min looked at him but didn't speak.

Lu Ran continued, "Just like today, I know you wouldn't want to sleep with me, nor would you make such a request to Shen Hongyuan."

The young man's voice was pure and earnest.

Despite the intimate subject matter, his words conveyed a sense of trust and reliance.

Yet, Ji Min didn't dare look at him.

He averted his gaze, focusing instead on the dark night outside the window.

He had been upset about this topic for a long time, and finally hearing the response he desired didn't bring much joy.