Chapter 93: Unwillingness

Chapter 93: Unwillingness

"Only that," Lu Ran said.

He put the remote back and secretly glanced at Ji Min, who was engrossed in playing with the robotic puppy.

Recalling the gifts Ji Min had received today, he whispered, "I don't have much money, and I might not be fully prepared."

After a moment of silence, he lifted his chin and added, "But I've put in a lot of effort. So, please don't nitpick."

Ji Min looked up at him and asked, "What if I insist on being picky?"

Lu Ran: "..."

He puffed up with indignation and reached out to retrieve the puppy from the wheelchair's remote control. "Then give it back!"

Ji Min blocked his hand and hid the puppy in his palm.

"No," he hurriedly said. "I really like it, every single one of them. And your performance as well."

Hearing this, Lu Ran lifted his gaze to study the expression on Ji Min's face, as if trying to discern the sincerity behind his words.

"Really," Ji Min replied, unusually candid.

He pondered for a moment before speaking slowly and with effort, "No one has ever put so much thought into celebrating my birthday before."

"Really?" Lu Ran was somewhat surprised.

Earlier, for easier remote control, he had simply taken a seat on the floor next to Ji Min's wheelchair.

Now, he leaned against the armrest to look at the man.

"But many people have always attended your birthday parties, haven't they? You've been like that since you were young," Lu Ran pointed out.

Ji Min only managed a small tug at the corners of his mouth, not saying anything in response.

Lu Ran thought of Ji Yue, whom he had met earlier today.

Unable to resist, he asked, "Does your family treat you badly too?"

Hearing the word "too" in the child's question, Ji Min chuckled and said, "What's wrong? Are you comparing yourself with me?"

"No, I'm just curious," Lu Ran replied.

Ji Min rubbed the metal puppy in his palm with his fingertip.

He began to recount his past slowly:

"My mother and father were married for business reasons. After I was born, she moved abroad."

Ji Min's mother passed away during an overseas trip when he was five years old.

His father then brought back his first love to the Ji family, causing Ji's grandfather to be hospitalized from the shock.

It was rare for someone like Ji Min's father, who was so driven by love, to emerge from the Ji family.

Not only did he deeply love his first love, but he also extended his affection to the stepson brought into the family, going as far as to plan to leave his shares in the Ji Corporation to this child.

On the surface, Ji Min's life back then seemed glamorous, but in reality, it was far from easy.

His father favored a stepson with no blood ties over his own biological son, showing him no concern or care.

As a result, young Ji Min placed even more value on familial bonds and took great care of his illegitimate younger brother.

This was precisely why Ji Yue felt untouchable during that period.

However, in the end, he was betrayed by that very same younger brother, who ruthlessly crippled him at a crucial moment.

Listening to the story, Lu Ran leaned his chin on the armrest of Ji Min's wheelchair.

Upon hearing this part, he exclaimed, straightening up, "So you mistook me for an illegitimate child back then, which led you to say those things!"

Ji Min: "..."

He pressed his finger to his lips, coughed softly, and whispered, "Didn't I apologize to you later?"

Lu Ran didn't seem to mind this at all.

He rested his chin on the armrest again and gazed at Ji Min for a while.

The man's expression remained calm as he recounted these past events, though a hint of coldness shimmered in his eyes.

"Boss, you were so pitiful back then," Lu Ran said.

After some thought, he asked, "So, is that why you're so kind to me, because our families aren't reliable?"

Ji Min glanced down at him and replied, "Guess?"

Lu Ran shot him a glance before lowering his head to watch Big Yellow play with the ball on the floor. He didn't respond.

Ji Min, however, reached out to pat his head and said, "That's partly the reason, I suppose."

But only a few.

Ji Min traced his fingertips through the soft strands of the youth's hair, gently caressing them.

His mind drifted back to the day of his car accident.

Realizing the culprit behind the car trouble, Ji Min quickly identified the culprit.

But there was no emotional resentment; instead, he quickly regained his composure and earnestly took measures.

Otherwise, he would lose more than just his legs.

Upon admission to the hospital, learning about his disability was not unexpected for Ji Min.

Over the years, he had keenly experienced the inconveniences in life and the myriad of judgmental gazes from those around him.

Ji Min was indeed temperamental, yet he remained consistently composed.

He was acutely aware that this was the price the Ji family had to pay for their power struggle, and it was also due to his own failure in judging people's character.

As for Ji Chi, whom he had sent to prison, Ji Min merely viewed him as a defeated rival in his eyes.

He wasn't even consumed with anger over the betrayal.

It wasn't until their recent negotiation with Shen Xingyu that things changed.

Shen Xingyu had brought up the matter of their engagement.

Ji Min didn't show any sign of cowardice then and calmly replied that he would consider it.

However, upon returning home, he spent a long time alone in his room in deep thought.

The following day, Ji Min asked Manager Chen to gather information on eligible candidates from prominent families.

He placed this data on his computer and meticulously screened through it every day.

It was as if he had truly become an elder to Lu Ran, attentively selecting suitable marriage partners for the young one.

Preferring a background of distinction, admirable character, and personal strength, not merely relying on family resources.

He laid out a multitude of criteria, scattered yet precise.

Yet, the most crucial prerequisite was: good health, with no disabilities.

Ji Min sat in front of his computer, thoroughly reviewing the entire document.

He appeared to be a considerate "elder" figure.

Yet, he scrutinized and criticized every character in the document with biting wit.

Like an unscrupulous rival.

In the end, gazing at the blank last page of the document.

A rare surge of resentment unexpectedly welled up within Ji Min.

In that moment, he acutely realized that he harbored a profound desire to harm Ji Chi.

If it weren't for Ji Chi, his leg wouldn't be broken.

He wouldn't have to sit in front of the computer, struggling with this indescribable conflict and pain, to view this document.

If it weren't for Ji Chi, he could have logically appeared on this list.

Right at the top.

Ji Min had assumed he could genuinely be content as an "elder."

It wasn't until that day when he noticed those subtle marks on Lu Ran's neck.

Ji Min's gaze softened as his fingers, entwined in Lu Ran's hair, delicately shifted.

Tenderly, he brushed aside the youth's stray locks at the tip of his hair.

Near the collar, those glaring red marks had vanished.

Ji Min's finger gently brushed against the other's palm, an unspoken intimacy lingering in the gesture.

He pondered, could he truly bear to see upon the youth's form any vestiges left by another, should such a day ever come to pass?

The man's fingers lingered with reluctance for a long while.

Until Lu Ran couldn't bear it anymore, his voice trembling as he asked:

"Boss, what are you searching for in my hair?"

Ji Min froze.

There, the youth lifted his head, his face alight with sheer terror as he asked, "Could there be a cockroach in my hair?"

Ji Min: "..."

He withdrew his hand and gently patted the child, saying, "So you do know fear, huh?"

He reached out to touch again.

Yet, Lu Ran blocked his head, preventing him from touching it.

He reached out to gather the four robotic dogs.

Ji Min raised an eyebrow and asked, "weren't these for me?"

Lu Ran: "…"

He fell silent for a moment, then looked at the man in the wheelchair with a complicated expression. "Do you really think I could afford something like this?"

Ji Min: "…"

"I borrowed them from a classmate who's into DIY," Lu Ran said, unable to resist the urge to boast. "But I assembled them and wrote the programs myself!"

Recalling the pitiful performance just now, Ji Min nodded. "I can tell."

Probably because he had to learn programming and assembly from scratch, it had taken him a long time.

That was why he'd been staying up until late these past few days.

And he had even found the time to secretly make a cake for Ji Min.

The next day, Lu Ran returned the four robotic dogs.

Unbeknownst to him, those four mechanical canines were swiftly purchased by a "mysterious person."

After wrapping up Ji Min's birthday celebration, Lu Ran recalled Gu Zhi's words from that day and made a special trip to the Shen family residence.

Upon arriving at the Shen household, he noticed two cars parked in the courtyard, indicating the presence of guests.

As Lu Ran entered the living room, he was surprised.

Seated were the Lino family.

The trio was engaged in conversation with Shen Hongyuan, the atmosphere appearing amicable.

There was no sign whatsoever of the previous "unpleasantness" that had occurred some time ago.

Lu Ran found the situation impressive.

Shen Hongyuan was truly remarkable. Despite Shen Xingran almost offending them severely last time, he had somehow managed to reconcile with the Linos.

The Linos were also quite impressive.

To think they could sit together at a dinner hosted by Shen Hongyuan after drinking that stuff – it showed their ability to adapt and compromise.

However, it was likely that each of them had ulterior motives for putting aside their grudges.

When Shen Hongyuan saw Lu Ran approaching, he was momentarily taken aback.

Anxiety flashed across his face instantly.

He subconsciously glanced at Lu Ran's feet but didn't see the dog. Only then did he heave a huge sigh of relief.

Lu Ran not bringing the dog was equivalent to not bringing a weapon.

And upon further reflection...

He had just instructed someone to empty the trash cans in the first floor restrooms today.

There seemed to be no room for Lu Ran to showcase his abilities in this situation.

Shen Hongyuan felt completely at ease and smiled warmly at Lu Ran, asking,

"School wasn't too busy today, so why did you come back so early?"

"I came back for something."

Stopping briefly after entering the house, Lu Ran glanced at the three individuals present and then at Shen Hongyuan.

He could clearly sense that the mischievous intentions of these four were connected to him.

However, that was not what Lu Ran was most concerned about.

Looking at Shen Hongyuan, he asked, "Are you sure there's nothing else you've forgotten to give me?"

Shen Hongyuan's heart skipped a beat at Lu Ran's question.

He studied Lu Ran's expression carefully before asking with a smile, "Did you forget something? Perhaps you should ask your mother later?"

Lu Ran smiled back at him. "It's fine if you don't."

He didn't pressure Shen Hongyuan further.

Instead, he strolled around the backyard on his own.

Seeing him leave, Shen Hongyuan smiled helplessly and shook his head.

He then sighed towards the Linos and said,

"Don't mind him, my son is at an energetic age but is forced to spend his days with that... individual. It's only natural for him to feel frustrated."

The three Linos nodded understandingly.

Old Lino let out a particularly poignant sigh, remarking, "It truly isn't easy."

After Shen Hongyuan finished speaking, he couldn't shake off his concern over Lu Ran's earlier question.

He excused himself and caught up with Lu Ran who was walking ahead.

When Shen Hongyuan had also left,

The three Lino men exchanged glances.

Gin was the first to speak, "Father, what are your thoughts? Are we really going to let the Shen family have a share of this project?"

Old Lino maintained a calm expression, but he chuckled. "There's no such luck."

However, after a moment of contemplation, he said, "But we can consider an alliance. Ignoring that chaotic Shen Xingran, Lu Ran could be a possibility."

"An alliance?" Gin sounded displeased.

He did have some interest in Lu Ran.

Moreover, because of Lu Ran's connection with Ji Min, the thrill of pursuing him was even more exhilarating.

But Gin didn't believe that Lu Ran was worthy of being allied with him.

"Just a casual fling, that's all," he said with a frown.

He continued, "Father, about Lu Ran and Ji Min..."

Old Leoni detected the evasion in his tone and sternly replied, "You don't know anything. It's precisely because of Lu Ran's connection with Ji Min that I want you to intervene."

Jin was still puzzled. "If Ji Min takes action against us because of Lu Ran..."

Old Leoni puffed on his cigar, squinting slightly as he said,

"That remains to be seen. I've heard that Ji Min recently compiled a list of eligible candidates from prominent families, as if he's searching for the right person to approach Lu Ran."

At this point, Old Leoni smiled wistfully before sighing,

"It seems that Ji Min has truly taken a liking to him. He even believes himself unworthy of Lu Ran and is willing to protect him from the shadows for life."

Looking up at Jin, Old Leoni said,

"If you can truly win Lu Ran's heart to the point that he can't live without you, perhaps this could be a golden opportunity for our Leoni family!"

Over there, Shen Hongyuan found Lu Ran inspecting the rooms in the villa as if he were a bandit.

"What are you looking for?" Shen Hongyuan approached.

However, he was blocked by the two bodyguards trailing behind Lu Ran.

Lu Ran didn't beat around the bush and asked straightforwardly, "Where's the gift that the Gu family sent me?"

Upon hearing his words, Shen Hongyuan was initially taken aback before he secretly heaved a sigh of relief.

He said, "Oh, I thought you were going to say something else. How could Father possibly keep a gift meant for you? It's just that I haven't found the right time to give it to you."

With that, Shen Hongyuan went upstairs and opened the door to his study. He took out a gift box from inside and handed it to Lu Ran.

Lu Ran glanced down at it and noticed that it was a wristwatch.

It seemed quite valuable.

If this item had been secretly taken by Shen Xingran to wear, Lu Ran would have understood.

Yet, he didn't believe that Shen Hongyuan would deliberately hide a watch.

"Is that all?" Lu Ran asked.

Shen Hongyuan's eyes were calm as he replied, "The Gu family hasn't been as close to us in recent years. It's understandable that they only sent a watch."

Lu Ran gave Shen Hongyuan a deep look but said nothing, putting the watch away instead.

He didn't continue staring at Shen Hongyuan and strolled down the hallway for a while.

Surprisingly, he encountered Shen Xingzhuo.

Shen Xingzhuo had just come out of the restroom and was somewhat surprised to see Lu Ran.

Then, his eyes lit up. "You still know how to come back! Tell me, did that Ji guy bully you?" As he spoke, he reached out to pat Lu Ran's neck.

Halfway through, his hand was blocked.

Shen Xingzhuo lifted his gaze and noticed two bodyguards standing on either side of Lu Ran.

"What's going on here?"

He raised an eyebrow, brushing off the bodyguard's hand as he attempted to embrace Lu Ran once more.

But his attempt was in vain; his arm was firmly blocked.

The bodyguard explained sternly, "Apologies, Mr. Ji has instructed that no one from the Shen family is to approach Young Master Lu Ran within two meters."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xingzhuo's eyebrows nearly shot up to the sky.

"He's quite the control freak, isn't he? I'm his brother!"

The straightforward bodyguard replied, "Mr. Ji specifically instructed us to pay extra attention to anyone who claims to be his brother."

Shen Xingzhuo: "..."

Not bothering to beat around the bush, Lu Ran asked, "Do you know what the Gu family sent on the night of my official return?"

"Hmm? They specifically sent something?"

Seeing his reaction, Lu Ran lost interest in further conversation with Shen Xingzhuo and turned to head back to the living room.

But after taking a couple of steps, he glanced at the bathroom door behind Shen Xingzhuo and asked, "Did you just finish using it?"

"Yes," Shen Xingzhuo nodded.

Upon hearing this, Lu Ran finally smiled at him and said, "Well done."