CFRFGC Chapter 55

⌈”Boss Ji, I’m here to learn from you.”⌋

Lu Ran’s words sent shockwaves through the crowd gathered around him.

After hearing Lu Ran’s earlier account, they thought it was a classic tale of youthful innocence followed by a dramatic and heartbreaking reunion.

They never expected the reason to be so blunt and straightforward!

Moreover…

Since the president was disabled and had no partner by his side, many assumed he wasn’t capable.

But who would have thought that he actually was!!!

The people behind him were left speechless.

Lu Ran glanced at their expressions and felt a strong sense of accomplishment regarding his task.

He held his cup with pride as he returned to Ji Min’s office.

On the way, he couldn’t help but grumble inwardly.

Ji Min was really concerned about his image, asking him to play the role of the ex-boyfriend to clear up rumors about his inability.

Yet he didn’t say it outright, leaving it for Lu Ran to figure out on his own.

Fortunately, he was clever enough to guess it.

But after some thought, Lu Ran could understand.

After all, it was related to a man’s pride.

And besides…

It was probably true that he was incapable.

Just then, Ji Min happened to be free.

When he saw the young man enter, he raised his head and asked, “Why did it take you so long?”

“Because I was working hard,” Lu Ran replied seriously.

His tone carried a hint of seeking praise.

He sounded increasingly like a boy his age.

Ji Min couldn’t help but smirk slightly.

Working hard? Studying vocabulary in the tea room?

Seeing him smile, Lu Ran felt even more assured.

Ah, men.

As lunchtime approached, Lu Ran made an effort to portray himself as a suitor.

However, he really had never pursued anyone before.

He could only think for a moment, then leaned closer to Ji Min and asked, “What do you like to eat? I can go to the cafeteria downstairs and get it for you.”

He asked earnestly, his dark eyes shining.

He wasn’t trying to flatter; the boy was genuinely inquiring about his preferences.

This caught Ji Min off guard.

His lips moved slightly as he was about to answer.

Suddenly, the image of Lu Ran washing a cup in the toilet flashed through his mind.

Ji Min: “…”

In an instant, that touch of warmth evaporated.

He began to ponder whether he had offended Lu Ran recently.

Upon careful consideration, he realized there were quite a few instances.

He usually wore a cold expression, claiming he would send the boy home but then abandoning him halfway.

He also rejected the child’s emotional advances and forced him to study diligently.

Ji Min fell silent for a moment.

With great difficulty, he said, “Forget it, I’ll go down myself.”

It seemed that Lu Ran sensed his hesitation and reassured him, “Don’t be afraid.”

He spoke sincerely, “You’re my boss and have helped me a lot. I definitely won’t throw your utensils in the toilet.”

Ji Min: “…”

Should he say thank you?

“I also find that disgusting,” Lu Ran continued, “If it didn’t make me so angry, I wouldn’t want to do that either.”

Ji Min: “… Let’s hurry down.”

Let’s not talk about these things before a meal.

Finally, Lu Ran stopped his chatter and pushed Ji Min’s wheelchair out together.

At this moment, it was lunchtime.

The outside was bustling with noise and excitement.

But the instant Lu Ran pushed Ji Min out of the office, the entire floor fell silent.

So quiet that Ji Min was taken aback.

He knew that when he usually went out, it would interrupt the atmosphere among ordinary employees.

But he had never disrupted it so completely before.

Moreover, today, everyone’s gaze is different from the usual mix of sympathy and regret.

They didn’t just dare to steal glances at him during whispered conversations as they usually did.

Ji Min wasn’t sure if it was his illusion.

Everyone on the floor was now staring at him directly, offering him a salute of attention.

The gazes had surpassed mere respect.

They reached the level of astonishment.

It was as if the words “Awesome!” were written across their faces.

Ji Min: “…”

He had only been inside for a morning.

What on earth happened?

At the Shen family home.

Madam Shen and Shen Xingran had not been having a good time these past few days.

They discovered that Shen Hongyuan wasn’t just saying it out of anger.

He genuinely wanted to recognize Lu Ran back into the Shen family.

He had even started making arrangements.

Recently, this news had spread thoroughly.

People kept congratulating Madam Shen for finding her biological son.

Madam Shen felt that this kind of congratulations was like some sort of mockery.

Every time she saw someone, she felt uneasy and couldn’t even muster a smile.

While feeling troubled, she complained internally about Lu Ran being a hindrance.

Shen Xingran was in an even worse situation.

In the past, he had always claimed to be the young master of the Shen family.

After Lu Ran returned, he had hidden the fact that he was an adopted son.

Everyone knew that the Shen couple had three sons.

Shen Xingyu, Shen Xingzhuo, and Shen Xingran.

No one knew that the original Shen Xingran was not him.

Until now.

The biological son of the Shen family, who had been lost outside, was found.

Once this news spread, Shen Xingran’s identity became rather interesting.

The Shen family only had three sons; where did a fourth one come from?

Especially Chen Sheng and others, who were well aware that it was he who had implied to everyone that Lu Ran was an illegitimate child.

Hiding his identity as an adopted son.

Labeling his adoptive parents’ biological son as an illegitimate child.

Once such news broke, many wealthy young men who were friendly with Shen Xingran were left incredulous.

Some directly expressed that their illusions had been shattered.

Others could not accept it, and without even meeting Lu Ran, regarded him as a rival.

As for how the others reacted, Shen Xingran could not afford to care at this moment.

What he was most concerned about was the Gu family.

More precisely, Gu Ningqi’s attitude.

Now, Shen Hongyuan even wanted him to be responsible for informing the Gu family.

Shen Xingran hesitated for a long time while holding his phone.

But his gaze gradually grew resolute.

Gu Ningqi was still abroad and was somewhat out of touch with the news back home.

Rather than hide it from Gu Ningqi and let him hear it from outsiders, it would be better for him to come forward and be honest.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Xingran sent a message to Gu Ningqi.

[Ningqi, let’s cancel our engagement. Mom and Dad have found their biological son; it turns out I’m just an adopted son who took someone else’s place.]

[Your engagement must have been arranged with that brother of yours. I wish you and that brother happiness.]

Although Gu Ningqi was abroad, he responded quickly, sending a voice message filled with concern.

“Ranran, what’s going on? Explain it clearly.”

“The engagement between our families was agreed upon; I only have feelings for you. How could I possibly cancel it?”

Shen Xingran looked at Gu Ningqi’s reply, feeling a bit relieved.

But he hesitated for a while and did not reply.

Instead, he painfully deleted Gu Ningqi’s contact information.

As the time for the banquet drew nearer, Lu Ran also took some time off, claiming he needed to return to the Shen family to prepare.

Of course, he took Da Huang back with him.

Ji Min’s office fell unexpectedly silent.

Occasionally, during his work breaks, he would look up and only see an empty desk.

However, a pen was still left on the desk.

The light yellow, soft dog bed was still in the corner on the sofa.

It was just missing the occasional “tap tap tap” of the little dog’s footsteps.

At lunchtime, Ji Min left the office as usual.

He went to the company cafeteria downstairs.

There was a board meeting today. Some board members who didn’t often come to the company were also in the cafeteria.

When they saw Ji Min, they greeted him.

But knowing that Ji Min preferred to dine alone, they didn’t disturb him further.

However, while Ji Min was eating alone, someone sat across from him.

When Ji Min looked up, he found it was Gu Zhi, the youngest son of the Gu family.

Gu Zhi was a shareholder of Ji’s company.

His shares weren’t substantial, but they served as a connection between the Ji family and the Gu family. According to seniority, he could be considered Ji Min’s uncle.

However, this second young master Gu spent all his time indulging in pleasures and had little sense of seriousness.

At this moment, he sat down across from Ji Min.

His expression was somewhat sneaky, looking left and right as if he were nervous about something.

“Is there something you need?” Ji Min asked straightforwardly.

The implication was clear: if there’s nothing, then hurry up and leave.

In the past, at this time, Gu Zhi would have already slipped away discreetly.

But today, he stubbornly held his ground against Ji Min’s cold demeanor, and in his gaze was a strong sense of admiration.

“Hahaha, actually, it’s nothing much,” Gu Zhi chuckled awkwardly.

But his butt was glued to the chair, showing no intention of leaving.

Ji Min silently fixed his gaze on him.

Very few people would choose to make eye contact with Ji Min.

His gaze was not fierce; rather, it was too calm, carrying a kind of stagnant stillness.

Seeing it too often gave one a sense of hopelessness.

Gu Zhi couldn’t endure that gaze for more than a few seconds.

Soon, a slight awkwardness appeared on his face.

Then, as if he had made up his mind, he lowered his voice and said quietly, “Xiao Min, I’m here to seek your advice.”

Ji Min was taken aback.

Gu Zhi’s words, coupled with his somewhat sneaky and unserious demeanor, were quite surprising.

Seeing that Ji Min didn’t respond, Gu Zhi became anxious.

He winked at Ji Min, frantically hinting: “It’s about that, that!”

That ability that keeps your little lover unable to resist!

After all, they were both men.

He had already lowered himself to ask for advice, so there was no need to act all high and mighty, right?

Ji Min really didn’t understand.

A hint of confusion crossed his stagnant eyes.

He asked, “What?”

Gu Zhi was so anxious he stamped his foot, feeling that this guy was being difficult.

He gestured earnestly, “It’s about that aspect you’re best at.”

Best at…

Ji Min thought for a moment. Was it a business negotiation?

Seeing that Gu Zhi finally asked something serious, Ji Min, for the sake of Old Master Gu, decided to respond.

He finished eating, set his utensils aside, leaned back in his chair, and asked, “What issue do you want to resolve?”

“Issue? No, no, no, I have no issues,” Gu Zhi said, flustered and angry. “How could I have an issue? I just want to optimize things a bit; you can just say whatever.”

Seeing his attitude, Ji Min lost patience and casually offered two pieces of advice.

“Grasp the opponent’s weakness; you control the pace.”

Gu Zhi’s eyes lit up.

No wonder Ji Min could make his little lover so satisfied even with a disability—every word was precious.

“And then?” he pressed.

“Start by setting a trap; there’s no need to be too aggressive, you can even appear slightly weak,” Ji Min continued.

Gu Zhi nodded furiously.

Indeed, the best hunters often present themselves as prey.

“Finally, increase the pressure step by step until the opponent breaks down.”

After Ji Min finished, he didn’t want to continue the conversation and carried the tray over to the sink.

Gu Zhi followed closely behind, and ultimately couldn’t help but ask one more question.

“What if there isn’t enough time?”

Ji Min looked at him, puzzled.

If there wasn’t enough time, just set another appointment? Negotiations aren’t usually settled in one go.

Whether you can schedule it depends entirely on your abilities.

“That depends on your own capabilities,” he replied.

Gu Zhi’s face immediately darkened like the bottom of a pot.

He suspected Ji Min was mocking him.

He decided not to ask anymore.

With a huff, he turned to leave, throwing out a parting shot: “I know you’ve got plenty of time; that makes you impressive.”

Ji Min: “?”

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