Chapter 053: She Didn’t Treat Me Like a Person

Chapter 053: She Didn’t Treat Me Like a Person

The next day.

Qin Ce was stuffed into a tracksuit in the morning.

Seeing Ji Pushu’s excited look, he rubbed his temples. “What are you up to now?”

“Brother Ce, let’s go play badminton!” Ji Pushu had already changed clothes, tied her hair into a high ponytail, looking fresh and youthful, like a college student.

Qin Ce was stunned, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “What did you say? Say it again, I didn’t catch it.”

He thought his ears were playing tricks on him. He was in this state with his legs, and she wanted him to play badminton? Was she trying to kill him?

“Let’s go play badminton together—I’ve already arranged everything.” She pushed him back into the room. “Dr. Zhuang said that because of the car accident and your legs, you have psychological problems, and they’re serious. If you don’t deal with them, there could be bad consequences!”

Qin Ce: “… Zhuang Baixuan!”

“I don’t have psychological issues.” He flat-out refused. It’s ridiculous to ask someone in a wheelchair to play badminton. Who in their right mind would think of that? Unbelievable.

“Dr. Zhuang said that the more someone denies it, the more they have it—they’re afraid to admit the truth.” Ji Pushu laid all the blame on Dr. Zhuang, summing it up loosely. “Brother Ce, don’t act like a child. Want me to help you change?”

“… No, I’ll do it myself.” Qin Ce decided to play along, curious about how she intended to play with him.

After changing, Qin Ce wheeled himself out. In his tracksuit, he looked years younger, shedding his usual authoritative demeanor for a fresh, softer appearance.

“Off we go, Brother Ce! To the court!” Ji Pushu pushed him, with a servant carrying rackets behind them.

The court had been cleared and surrounded with soft cushions, looking pretty legit.

Ji Pushu loved sports, but considering Qin Ce’s condition, she didn’t serve as usual.

“Brother Ce, we’ll play a relaxed game. I’ll lob the ball high, and you wheel over to hit it. That way, we can both play! It’s okay if you miss—we’re still exercising.”

She chatted cheerfully, shoved a racket into his hands, and ran to the opposite side, her ponytail swaying in the sunlight.

Qin Ce wasn’t exactly in a good mood. He looked at the racket, then at Ji Pushu warming up and preparing to serve. She wasn’t joking—she really wanted to play with him.

He was silent for a few seconds, then his lips twitched.

Ji Pushu, that sweet-talking little minx, wasn’t exactly a normal human to begin with, and now she wasn’t treating him as one either.

“Brother Ce, catch!” she shouted, assuming a serving stance. The ball came flying in a high arc.

Qin Ce sighed helplessly, but he couldn’t help going along with her.

But he maneuvered his wheelchair smoothly and actually returned the shot, his arms were strong, so it didn’t take much effort.

After half an hour, the fitness-loving Qin Ce was drenched in sweat, his arms aching.

“I’m done.” He took a towel from the servant, exhausted and panting. “I’m really spoiling her,” he thought, surprised he’d lasted this long in his position.

“Brother Ce, do you feel better? Have you regained your passion?” Ji Pushu’s face was flushed, looking healthier and rosier. She ran over with her racket, eager for his answer.

He knew exactly what she meant by “passion”—if he said yes, she’d bother him tonight; if he said no, she’d drag him out tomorrow.

“Not yet,” he said vaguely. “Everything takes time. Rushing isn’t good.”

He didn’t mention that getting some fresh air and sweating actually made him feel much better, more relaxed than usual. Playing like this was a new experience.

But he wasn’t about to let Ji Pushu know, or she’d get a big head, dragging him out to play all day. No, thanks. He thought playing while seated was exhausting—my neck, arms, and back all hurt. A few times when he missed the shot, he nearly stood up.

Ji Pushu bought it. “You’re right, Brother Ce. Let me know when you regain your passion. If not, we’ll play every day.”

Qin Ce’s lips twitched again. He knew it.

After both showered, a hearty lunch was ready.

“Brother Ce, I’m going out later. I have plans with friends. I’ll be back soon.” Ji Pushu ate little, eager to go shopping.

Qin Ce paused his cutlery, nodded slightly. “Have fun.”

He added, “Be safe. The cars are in the garage—pick whichever one you want.”

“Got it! You’re the best, Brother Ce~” She used the serving chopsticks to put a piece of meat in his bowl, batting her eyes exaggeratedly, like she had a nervous tic.

“… Eat properly.” Qin Ce almost laughed, hiding it by taking a bite. “Do you have enough money in your card?”

“Boo hoo, there’s barely anything left.” She immediately put on a pitiful act, poking at her rice with her chopsticks, looking at him pleadingly. “There’s an auction in a few days. I want to go, but I only have about 20 million. That’s barely anything. I’m afraid to spend outside.”

She still had a few million left for today’s outing, though that wouldn’t last long either. And 20 million wouldn’t even make a ripple at their circle’s auctions—pieces started at a few million. She was picky and always set her eyes on the expensive ones, so winning a bid was unlikely.

Qin Ce was used to this. If Ji Pushu claimed she couldn’t spend money, that she’d be timid about spending a few million, he’d find that even more suspicious, as if she’d lost her mind.

They were born knowing how to spend money. Of course, making money was also far easier for them than for 99.9% of others. The real competition was for actual resources, not just digits on a screen.

“Just put it on my account,” Qin Ce said calmly. After a pause, he had the butler bring her a card. “Here, use this.”

He figured Ji Pushu would rather flash a card in front of her friends and say “swipe away” than just have it charged to his account.

“Thanks, Brother Ce~ Mwah!” She didn’t hesitate, happily pocketing the card and kissing him on the cheek. Then she dashed upstairs. “You go ahead and eat. I’m going to change—can’t be late!”

That was total bs; she didn’t care about being late. She had money, and those plastic fake friends wouldn’t dare complain. They’d crowd around her, fawning and fussing. That’s just how shallow people are.

“What a girl…” He took a towel from the servant, wiped his cheek, and shook his head in helpless, doting amusement.

She might be older now, but she still had a child’s heart.

Ji Pushu drove off in a sports car, and the house fell quiet.

In theory, Qin Ce should have been happy. He’d have loved for her to go shopping every day, giving him some peace and quiet, sparing his ears some torture.

But when she was gone, the house felt empty. He couldn’t concentrate on his book or his paperwork.

He kept glancing at the door, wondering if she was having fun, if anyone was bothering her, if she’d forgotten to come back.

He sent her a message; she replied right away, saying she was buying him a gift and sent a picture. The restlessness in his heart miraculously calmed down.

Don’t stay out too late.

Get back before six. There’s fresh seafood today.

He sent two messages, subtly pushing her to come home early.

Ji Pushu merely replied with an OK emoji and left it at that.

Scrolling through their chat history, this was extremely rare, showing her true nature slowly coming out.

Qin Ce also didn't bother her while she was shopping.

His phone kept buzzing with texts about her purchases, so it seemed she was having a great time.

Ji Pushu was indeed having a great time.

She went out and showed off, receiving many envious looks.

"Shushu, this series of bags is beautiful. Next time we go out, we can carry them together. We're sure to turn every head, and everyone will know how close we are as sisters."

Of course, seeing how lavish she was, her few fake friends also wanted to get in on the benefits.

They did still have some money, but they also had a lot of expenses and small dividends. Unlike Ji Pushu, who was the only child in her family, the Ji family money would all be hers someday. She could spend as much as she wanted without issue, and now she even had Qin Ce to back her up. She truly spent money like water, without batting an eye.

Although Qin Ce was a bit down on his luck now, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse. Besides, it seemed his shares hadn't changed hands. It didn't matter if he didn't manage things; the one with the most shares had the biggest say. No matter how hard others worked, they were still working for Qin Ce.

"It's not bad." Ji Pushu took the bag and examined it. "How many bag styles are there in this series?"

"Miss Ji, there are five styles in total, and each one is limited edition—only one piece available, and it won't be produced again." The salesperson explained with a smile.

Although this store was not an internationally famous big brand, it had a certain reputation. It focused on high luxury, targeting young people with unique designs. Usually, the store wasn't busy, but as long as a wealthy young lady came, sales would pick up.

"Alright, I'll take them all." Ji Pushu nodded and handed over her card.

Of course, she wasn't short of bags. She bought them just because they looked novel. As for whether she would use them, that was another matter. If she no longer liked them after a long time, she would just get rid of them. She only thought about spending, not about wasting.

"Sure, you can leave your address, and our staff will deliver them to your door later." The salesperson was thrilled inwardly and showed even more enthusiasm.

Seeing that Ji Pushu bought the bags for herself and had no intention of sharing them to carry together, her fake friends felt a bit disappointed. But they were too embarrassed to ask, as they still cared about their pride. They could only say some flattering words.

They strolled around, exchanging the latest gossip from their circle. When they were about to leave, they ran into Qin Jie. He was with a minor influencer, also here to buy bags to appease her.

Because he had recently neglected her and hadn't visited her place, she had to be all clingy and coquettish, and Qin Jie was a sucker for that.

"Miss Ji, we meet again." Seeing Ji Pushu, Qin Jie's eyes sparkled with interest as he took the initiative to greet her.

Ji Pushu was tall and slender. She wasn't wearing high heels, just a pair of flat shoes, and Qin Jie was only slightly taller than her.

"Second Young Master Qin is really carefree. What, got a new one again? It seems the news is too lazy to report on you anymore." She glanced at Qin Jie, then her gaze fell on his companion beside him. Unlike the ones previously photographed online, he changed partners really fast, but they all looked quite alike—small faces, pointed chins.

Qin Jie gave a suggestive smile. "If Miss Ji is unhappy, just say the word, and I'll definitely end this relationship." As he spoke, he even let go of the hand around his female companion's waist.

"Second Young Master Qin is joking. What you like to do is none of my business." Ji Pushu knew his intention and felt annoyed inside, but to keep her options open, she couldn't speak too harshly. Still, her words weren't exactly pleasant.

"That's not necessarily true, as long as Miss Ji gives me a chance." Qin Jie's words were heavily suggestive.

Ji Pushu glanced at him, ignored that remark, and continued walking forward.

Her fake friends exchanged glances and followed behind.

Qin Jie revealed a smile of certainty. He turned to watch Ji Pushu's retreating figure. He hadn't been into this type before, but he found that a little chili pepper also had its merits.

Especially, this was Qin Ce's little chili pepper. He loved making Qin Ce unhappy, taking away everything Qin Ce had, including people.

After parting with her fake friends, Ji Pushu had just stepped through the front door when she received a friend request.

She didn't recognize it, but after thinking, she could guess who it was—Qin Jie.

The note read: "Miss Ji, give me a chance?"

Ji Pushu stroked her chin and thought. This Qin Jie was quite bold. She was still with Qin Ce, and he dared to flirt with her already. Was he so sure Qin Ce would be a thing of the past, that he would successfully take over, and wasn't afraid that Qin Ce would discover and retaliate?