CFRFGC Chapter 64

⌈”You’ve been heartbroken.”⌋

Hearing this familiar question again, Ji Min was momentarily stunned.

Compared to the cautious probing from last time, Lu Ran’s tone this time carried not only certainty but also a hint of indescribable resignation.

Ji Min’s feelings upon hearing it again were also different.

He stared at the boy in front of him.

He had to admit, in that moment, he found Lu Ran quite impressive.

Here he was, in Ji Min’s own home.

Wearing clothes Ji Min had prepared for him, eating food Ji Min had made—yet he could still ask, without a trace of guilt or awkwardness, the same question Ji Min had already clearly rejected.

That kind of mental fortitude…

It was no wonder this boy had the audacity to give public speeches on absurd topics like golden needle mushrooms and king oyster mushrooms.

Truly a rare talent…

Moreover, his tone was so confident and certain that Ji Min, for a fleeting moment, even felt a bit uncharacteristically guilty.

He quickly brushed away that rare pang of guilt.

Calmly, he picked up his tea and took a sip, steadying himself before responding.

“Didn’t I already answer this question?”

The boy at the table showed no hint of guilt or shyness at Ji Min’s words.

He even picked up another shrimp dumpling, stuffing it into his mouth and chewing with puffed cheeks.

Then, with an earnest expression, he replied, “Just because you didn’t like me then doesn’t mean you don’t like me now.”

Ji Min: “…”

At first glance, it sounded perfectly reasonable.

But that inexplicable confidence…

Ji Min raised a hand to rub his forehead, exhaling slowly.

Throughout his life, he’d encountered plenty of people trying to win his favor.

Many had even gone to great lengths to offer themselves.

Even now, sitting in a wheelchair, there were occasional clueless business partners who attempted underhanded tactics during negotiations.

But—

This was the first time he’d met someone so convinced that he liked them.

And, somehow…

It seemed like he’d brought this upon himself.

Ji Min found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

He racked his brain, trying to find a way to straighten out the boy’s misguided thoughts without making the rejection too harsh.

But his silence lasted a bit too long.

Lu Ran took that as a sign of understanding.

With a deep sigh, he said, “Actually, I get it.”

Ji Min blinked in confusion: “…”

What exactly did you get?

He hadn’t even said anything!

Lu Ran sighed again, his expression turning grave as he looked at Ji Min. “I know… I know my recent words have moved you deeply.”

Ji Min: “?”

What words? Which words?

Lu Ran shook his head and continued earnestly, “It’s normal for men to be moved when praised for their skills.”

He casually slipped in some self-praise. “After all, I spoke with such heartfelt sincerity and vivid examples out there.”

Using relatable comparisons—king oyster mushrooms, no less.

And employing ~~subtle criticism~~ contrast techniques—like with Gu Ningqi.

Ji Min: “…”

Great.

He understood now.

In that instant of realization, he nearly choked on air.

Fantastic.

He hadn’t even confronted the kid, and here he was, openly admitting it.

And implying that he had feelings over something like this?

And seeming proud of it?

Ji Min’s ears turned red.

From anger.

He clenched his molars tightly.

Before he could squeeze out a rebuke—

He saw the boy in front of him, with those bright, dark eyes curved innocently, sincerely saying: “But Mr. Ji, you need to remember your status.”

Ji Min was caught off guard, momentarily speechless.

His anger almost evaporated.

For a second, he even wondered if their roles had somehow reversed.

The boy’s gaze was serious, even tinged with a kind of concern.

“We have a proper employment relationship. You pay me and I get the job done. Clearing up rumors about your… capabilities in public is part of my job, so you don’t have to like me.”

Ji Min: “…”

Wait, job?

That explained everything.

Ji Min was bewildered. This was the same kid who didn’t even recognize a box of condoms—how did he end up spouting off about things like this?

What kind of job was this supposed to be, anyway?

It felt like a mischievous child had tied a bunch of firecrackers to his hair, and now, with one spark, everything was going off, leaving his head spinning in chaos.

Finally, Ji Min managed to grind out a response through clenched teeth: “Who told you… that this was your job?”

“Didn’t you tell me to observe on my own?” Lu Ran replied, taking a sip of his porridge with a hint of pride. “You were vague about it. Good thing I’m smart enough to figure it out.”

Ji Min: “…”

He tried to recall their previous conversations and abruptly closed his eyes.

Who would have thought!

It turned out all of this mess was his doing?

Ji Min couldn’t hold back anymore. He lowered his voice and growled, “Who told you to…” do these things?

He had only gotten three words out when the boy by the table glanced at him with a sharp, questioning look.

From that gaze alone, Ji Min could almost predict his next thoughts.

If I’m not supposed to do this, then what am I supposed to do?

Nothing at all?

Could it be… you really do like me!

For a brief moment, Ji Min loathed his sharp intuition that served him so well in negotiations. He almost bit down on his own tongue.

It seemed there really was no way out.

If he denied Lu Ran’s “work” duties, he’d have no other explanation for hiring him, which would inadvertently confirm the “liking” accusation.

But if he acknowledged these “duties”…

This kid might end up bragging endlessly about it.

Moreover, he genuinely didn’t have a legitimate job for Lu Ran and didn’t intend to make him take on part-time work while attending college.

President Ji was momentarily caught between a rock and a hard place.

Seeing his predicament, Lu Ran’s eyes blinked innocently.

He swiftly finished off the basket of shrimp dumplings and drained his bowl of porridge before speaking again, “Actually, you don’t have to worry.”

“…” Worry about what?

Ji Min stared at him, feeling utterly drained.

The child was very professional, reassuring him, “Although I don’t like you, I will still work hard.”

He patted his chest confidently and said, “Don’t worry, wherever I am, I’ll make sure all those rumors about you disappear, biubiu!”

Ji Min tugged at the corner of his mouth, exhausted, and weakly said, “Should I say thank you?”

He could already foresee how the rumors about him would unfold in the next year in Beijing.

Butler Chen was in the yard, waiting for them to come out.

When they did, he saw Lu Ran standing next to the wheelchair, full of energy.

As for Ji Min…

He was remotely controlling the wheelchair, with a look of utter despair on his face.

Ji Min was usually gloomy, exuding a sense of lifelessness.

But it was nothing compared to now.

His expression made him seem like a ghost from hell.

Once Ji Min was in the car, Butler Chen, still confused, quietly asked Lu Ran, “What happened? Wasn’t everything fine before breakfast?”

Lu Ran felt a bit guilty.

He sighed and said, “He probably had a heartbreak.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than a voice came from the car, filled with gritted teeth: “You get up here right now.”

Though it was the weekend, Ji Min still had work to handle.

So, Lu Ran didn’t return to the Shen family but followed Ji Min directly.

He felt that his “job” didn’t require him to stick around with Ji Min the whole time.

Otherwise, it would seem too deliberate.

What kind of boss takes their ex along to business meetings, bragging about themselves?

But then Lu Ran remembered the “image” he was building in pursuit of Ji Min and figured it was normal.

If he was going to be persistent, he had to follow Ji Min everywhere, right?

However, with school starting in a few days, he was unsure about Ji Min’s plans.

When the car reached its destination, Lu Ran and Ji Min got out and a person in charge came to greet them.

After last night’s banquet at the Shen family, Lu Ran was no longer the unknown “illegitimate child”.

He was no longer the anonymous boy following Ji Min around.

The person greeted Ji Min and then specifically shook Lu Ran’s hand, calling him “Young Master Shen”, and exchanged a few pleasantries.

Now, the whole of Beijing knew that the little young master of the Shen family, lost for years, had been found.

And the adopted son, Shen Xingran, who had previously held this title, was nothing more than a foster child.

In the rumors, this adopted son had even taken the name of the real young master.

The name “Shen Xingran” had been personally chosen by Old Master Shen himself.

Even though Old Master Shen had passed away many years ago, when people mentioned it now, they couldn’t help but sigh.

However…

Everyone had also heard that at the banquet last night, where the real young master of the Shen family was introduced, the main character had left early.

And it was Ji Min who had taken him away.

Now, with the two of them appearing together, didn’t this confirm the rumors from last night?

The person in charge glanced at Ji Min, then at Lu Ran.

There was a subtle, ambiguous look in his eyes.

Seeing this, Ji Min furrowed his brow slightly.

He didn’t like people looking at him and Lu Ran with that kind of gaze.

One was a nineteen-year-old boy, just starting college, with a bright future ahead of him.

There was no need for him to be involved in such rumors with a disabled man like him.

Aside from this kind of relationship, he had ways to protect Lu Ran.

As Ji Min was thinking about how to subtly remind him of that, he raised his head to glance at the boy beside him, only to see Lu Ran with his brows furrowed, deep in thought, seemingly unaware of what was going on.

Ji Min tightened his grip on the wheelchair remote control.

He had rambled on last night at the banquet, but after all, Lu Ran was still a young boy. It was hard for him to handle other people’s strange gazes.

Ji Min pressed his lips together and his expression darkened.

The person in charge was still giving instructions to other staff and hadn’t noticed Ji Min’s mood.

Ji Min remained silent, his brow furrowing in frustration.

But they hadn’t walked very far before he suddenly felt his arm being poked.

Poked again.

Ji Min turned his head and saw that Lu Ran, who had been standing behind him, had stealthily squatted down next to him when no one was looking.

In a hushed, mysterious tone, Lu Ran leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “They all know I stayed over at your place last night.”

The soft warmth of his breath brushed against Ji Min’s ear.

Ji Min tilted his head, heard his words clearly, then pressed his lips together and said, “Don’t worry, I will…”

But Lu Ran furrowed his brow, interrupting him.

“Do you think I should show a bit of change?”

Ji Min: “?”

He was momentarily stunned. “What change?”

“The way I walk,” Lu Ran looked at him strangely, “If nothing’s different after a whole night, won’t they think you’re not capable?”

Ji Min: “…”

Realizing what the boy was getting at, Ji Min took a deep breath, held it in his chest, and struggled not to exhale.

His hand almost crushed the remote control.

Meanwhile, Lu Ran, ever the professional, had already started to simulate his post-incident posture.

Though, lacking experience, it didn’t look like he’d spent a whole night tossing and turning. Instead, it resembled someone who had been squatting for too long and had their legs fall asleep.

Unaware of the misstep, he even turned around, proudly asking in a breathy whisper, “Do I look like I’ve been through something?”

Ji Min: “…”

He pressed his fingers against his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

Great.

Here he was, racking his brain trying to figure out how to clarify things.

And here was someone dragging him down.

He was beyond frustrated.

Taking advantage of the moment when Lu Ran limped back, Ji Min did something he would never normally do.

He raised his hand and, in a swift motion, aimed to slap the boy’s backside, which was partially covered by his sweatshirt hem.

Just as his broad hand was about to make contact, he hesitated due to the surroundings, lifting his hand slightly and landing it on Lu Ran’s waist instead.

Even so, Lu Ran still jumped forward in surprise.

He covered his waist and turned, his large, obedient eyes widening as he looked at Ji Min.

The man’s fingers curled slightly as he coldly withdrew his hand, his face expressionless.

“Focus on walking properly.”

With that, he remotely controlled the wheelchair and moved forward.

Lu Ran stood frozen, watching him. His eyes appeared damp in the reflection of the morning light.

Ji Min paused his movements again, reflecting on his rash behavior.

He moved his lips as if to say something, but before he could, he saw the boy’s gaze fixed on him. Lu Ran slowly sighed.

At the sound of that sigh, Ji Min’s nerves jolted.

Sure enough, the next second, Lu Ran spoke.

“I know you like me, but you should tone it down a bit.”

Ji Min: “…”

Why did his hand have to be so careless?

Why did he have to provoke this kid?

Ji Min took a long, deep breath outside before finally gritting his teeth and entering the venue.

Today was a small business meeting in the financial circle.

The people inside were all familiar faces, some of whom had been at last night’s banquet.

Lu Ran usually stayed out of Ji Min’s business, so upon seeing him¹ enter, he² wandered around outside.

Ji Min glanced around, noticing that the boy hadn’t followed him.

He then looked at the person in charge from earlier and the other meeting participants who had already arrived.

Only then did he turn to his assistant and say, “Go outside and keep an eye on him, don’t let him wander off.”

His voice wasn’t quiet.

As a result, all the people present turned to look at him.

Some of them also spotted Lu Ran outside, their gazes revealing the same ambiguous look as the earlier person in charge.

It seemed Ji Min was quite attentive to this young master from the Shen family.

He couldn’t even be out of sight for a moment.

At this point, Ji Min’s fingers began tapping the armrest of the wheelchair casually, as though talking idly.

“The kid’s still young. Recently, he’s been following me around during the break, just having some fun.”

At his tone, the others were taken aback.

Ji Min’s eyes turned toward the hallway as he sighed.

“It’s also my fault for spoiling him so much. He has no filter. When he opens his mouth, he doesn’t sound like a junior. If he accidentally offends any of you, please bear with him.”

After hearing Ji Min’s words, everyone was puzzled at first.

Ji Min referred to the boy as a “kid” and a “junior”, which didn’t sound like he was speaking about a romantic partner but rather an extremely cherished younger person.

His tone was casual, almost like a reprimand, but the underlying care was much more protective than one would show a lover.

Some people looked at Ji Min with confusion.

As they raised their eyes, they met the man’s deep, dark gaze.

The people present were all sharp. Immediately, their attitude shifted to seriousness.

The hint of teasing and ambiguity quickly disappeared, replaced by formal respect.

One person even smiled and said, “Of course. With my seniority, Ji Min’s junior is also my junior. We all have to take good care of him.”

The room immediately echoed with agreement.

Lu Ran followed Ji Min around all day.

By evening, they returned to the Shen family home.

As soon as they entered, they found Madam Shen sitting alone in the living room.

When she saw him come back, unusually, she flashed a smile at him and even asked, “You’re back. Have you eaten dinner?”

Lu Ran bent down to wipe Da Huang’s paws. Instead of answering, he looked up and asked bluntly, “What do you need me for?”

Madam Shen was momentarily caught off guard.

She glanced at Lu Ran before calling upstairs, “Ran Ran, come down, talk to your brother.”

It seemed Shen Xingran had been waiting. As soon as he heard the call, he came downstairs.

Madam Shen glanced at the clothes Lu Ran was wearing.

Although it was just a regular hoodie and jeans, the material and design were clearly far beyond the cheap, street-market items Lu Ran used to wear.

Madam Shen withdrew her gaze and casually said, “This outfit, Ji Min must have prepared it for you, right?”

Lu Ran looked at her and replied, “Unless you bought it for me?”

Madam Shen: “…”

She quickly dropped the topic and said, “See, you’re already reaping the benefits.”

Madam Shen smiled at Lu Ran again, “Now that you’re back home, we’re all family. Our family values fairness above all, and connections are also a resource.”

Lu Ran raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

He was curious to see what else she had to say.

As expected, Madam Shen pulled Shen Xingran over and said, “You’ve already made your connections with the Gu family, so when will you introduce your brother to the Ji family?”