⌈At this moment, many things flashed through his mind.⌋
“But…”
The boy’s voice rang out again.
Ji Min withdrew his gaze and glanced slightly at the person in his arms.
The boy had already propped himself up again, one hand bracing against Ji Min’s shoulder while the other touched his chin in thought.
“Hmm… but I still feel like you kind of like me.”
Ji Min: “…”
“I see you’ve recovered quite well.”
He grabbed the boy’s wrist resting on his shoulder and gave it a small shake. “Get off.”
Lu Ran: “…”
“But I still feel a bit tired,” he said, playing coy.
“If you’re tired, crawl on the ground.” Ji Min replied coldly and without mercy.
Lu Ran cursed under his breath and climbed off.
He promptly took back the praise he had just given to Ji Min for being a good person.
What a load of nonsense! So harsh!
Seeing that Lu Ran really seemed fine, Ji Min went about participating in the event as usual.
However, there was a touch of contemplation in his expression.
That night, Lu Ran thought it over and decided to leave Da Huang at Ji Min’s place.
When he returned to the Shen household, the lights in the living room were already off.
Lu Ran deliberately circled to the backyard for a look.
He saw that only the master bedroom where Madam Shen resided and Shen Xingran’s third-floor room were lit.
It seemed Shen Xingyu hadn’t come back.
Lu Ran let out a small sigh of relief.
The next morning, Lu Ran got up as usual and went to school.
Once he got busy, he put thoughts of Shen Xingyu aside.
However, ever since encountering Shen Xingyu, Lu Ran would occasionally feel a dull ache in his joints.
He was all too familiar with this vague pain.
During the ten years he lay bedridden, this pain had always lingered around him.
To say it “lingered” wasn’t quite accurate.
Perhaps “comfort” would be a more fitting way to describe it.
When he was first bedridden due to his disability, there was a particularly diligent caregiver by his side.
Whenever Lu Ran groggily cried out in pain, that caregiver would call for assistance.
After an examination, the doctor concluded that it was merely phantom pain generated by his brain.
By that time, he had already lost all sensation in his limbs.
Even if there were actual pain, he would not have felt it.
His brain could not accept the reality of his disability, so it created the sensation of pain as a way to assert the existence of his limbs.
Lu Ran never expected that this phantom pain would linger.
But this “condition” was incurable, so all he could do was try his best to ignore it.
Classes had started assigning homework for the few subjects Lu Ran had chosen.
One of his nutrition course instructors was particularly demanding, insisting that they create actual dishes based on nutritional standards and ingredient requirements.
Because of this, Lu Ran found himself swamped, spending several evenings in a row buried in the laboratory.
Until one day, a power outage at the lab forced him to return a bit earlier than usual.
Leading Da Huang back to the Shen family’s villa, Lu Ran immediately sensed something was off.
Luxury cars were lined up outside the villa.
The villa’s entrance had been specially decorated. A peek through the gates revealed that the courtyard was also meticulously arranged.
Lu Ran was all too familiar with such a scene.
The Shen family was hosting another banquet and no one had bothered to inform him.
Lu Ran raised an eyebrow, thinking that he had been so busy lately that he had allowed the Shen family to live a bit too comfortably.
“Da Huang, looks like there’s going to be good food today. Excited?”
He gave the dog a few affectionate pats on the head before heading straight for the entrance.
The two servants stationed at the door were startled to see him back at this hour, their faces showing obvious hesitation.
After a long moment of indecision, one of them finally stepped forward with a forced smile and stammered, “Young Master Lu Ran, why are you back so early today?”
Lu Ran glanced inside and asked, “What’s going on here?”
The servant quickly replied, “Nothing important…”
“Oh.” Lu Ran yawned and asked, feigning confusion, “So why can’t I go in?”
The servants fell silent, internally screaming in frustration.
Why can’t you come in? Do you really not have a clue?
What, are we supposed to let you go in and dump the contents of the bathroom trash bin over someone’s head, or fling dog poop onto the dinner table?
Or perhaps point at some esteemed guest and outright call them a golden needle mushroom?
Haven’t you noticed that ever since you returned to the Shen family, no one has dared to invite you, the ‘party killer’?
But, of course, this was just what they thought inwardly.
Neither of them dared to say it out loud.
Today’s banquet was truly important; if Lu Ran got upset and decided to make a scene at the Shen family entrance, crawling around in his peculiar style, no one would escape unscathed.
The two servants exchanged a glance and, without a word, silently opened the door for Lu Ran.
Lu Ran pretended not to notice their expressions as he strolled in grandly, dog in tow.
The scale of this gathering wasn’t large—it appeared to be a private party, with mostly young people milling around.
As soon as he walked in, Lu Ran saw Shen Hongyuan and Madam Shen personally accompanying someone around the garden.
That person was young, with a proud demeanor—a pampered young master, no doubt.
Lu Ran glanced at him, finding it somewhat curious.
Shen Hongyuan was usually opportunistic to a fault, yet he also valued face, so it was rare to see him treat a junior with such deference.
Lu Ran observed for a while until a familiar voice called out behind him. “Brother Ran! You actually came!”
Chen Sheng seemed genuinely surprised, even chuckling, “Can’t believe Uncle Shen dared to let you in today!”
Lu Ran cast him a sidelong glance and asked, “Who’s that person?”
“The young master of the Fang family,” Chen Sheng replied with a conspiratorial air. “I hear he holds a pretty important position in that… what is it, the HZ Project?”
Lu Ran instantly understood.
The recent fierce competition between the Shen family and the Lino family over the HZ Project has been widely discussed.
Even if Lu Ran hadn’t actively sought out information, he’d picked up bits and pieces from staying around Ji Min.
It seemed the Shen family was truly determined to win this project.
So much so that they were willing to cozy up in this manner.
It was exactly Shen Hongyuan’s style.
Lu Ran averted his gaze.
Recently, spending time with Ji Min taught him quite a bit about business.
Corporate competition over major projects like this was a common affair.
But Shen Xingyu’s return to the country signaled just how seriously this was being taken. With Shen Hongyuan pushing so hard to curry favor with the Fang family, it was starting to look desperate.
It seemed clear that the Shen family’s company was facing some problems.
If even he could see that, then so could the Lino family.
This was a foolish move on Shen Hongyuan’s part.
Lu Ran contemplated this as he walked further into the villa.
He had no interest in the banquet itself.
Since he wasn’t yet certain about Shen Hongyuan’s intentions, he wasn’t planning to stir the pot just yet.
Right now, all he wanted was to grab a bite to eat and get some rest.
But after just a few steps, someone grabbed the back of his hat.
Shen Xingzhuo’s gritted voice came from behind him.
“So you still remember to come home? I thought you’d moved into that Ji guy’s place!”
“I want to! His bed is so soft.”
Lu Ran reached up and took back his hat.
Shen Xingzhuo was momentarily speechless.
He stared at Lu Ran for a long moment, his eyes almost bulging out. “The bed?”
“Yeah.” Lu Ran nodded.
Shen Xingzhuo’s lips twitched. He grabbed a coat, ready to storm out.
“That Ji guy—does he have no shame? He’s so much older than you!”
Chen Sheng quickly stepped in to block him. “Brother Zhuo, calm down. If you leave now, Uncle Shen might break your legs.”
“I don’t care.”
Shen Xingzhuo shoved him aside, fuming and ready to confront Ji Min.
He’d been furious ever since Lu Ran was acknowledged by the Shen family.
The day Lu Ran was officially taken home, he hadn’t managed to grab hold of him.
And despite a few attempts afterward to catch him at home, each effort ended in failure.
Chen Sheng couldn’t help but mutter, “But Brother Zhuo, even if you go there, you won’t be allowed past that guy’s front gate.”
This brought Shen Xingzhuo up short.
He really didn’t have the status to meet with Ji Min.
Lu Ran gave Shen Xingzhuo a strange look.
“Even the guest beds in his house are softer than those at the Shen family’s. Is that a problem?”
The guest beds? Oh, never mind then.
Shen Xingzhuo snorted, ignoring Lu Ran as he returned to his seat and uncapped a bottle of wine on his own.
Chen Sheng looked around nervously and quickly tried to ease the tension, “Brother Ran, you don’t know—on the day you came home, Brother Zhuo prepared for ages and brought a huge box of gifts!”
“What gifts?” Lu Ran asked, turning his head.
Shen Xingzhuo, now teasing Da Huang with a snack, replied irritably, “Long gone.”
Despite his words, he perked up slightly, listening for Lu Ran’s reaction.
In the past, Shen Xingzhuo and Shen Xingran would have occasional spats.
He was used to acting a bit aloof, waiting for Shen Xingran to cling to his arm and say a few kind words.
Now, he instinctively kept up that same attitude.
But this time, no matter how long he waited, there was no response.
When Shen Xingzhuo finally turned to check, he saw Lu Ran had already run off with the dog.
It seemed like he couldn’t care less about any gifts.
“Hey! If you keep running, you can forget about getting anything!” Shen Xingzhuo shouted, unable to hold back.
Lu Ran paid him no attention.
Da Huang happily bounded along the lawn with Lu Ran.
The Fang family’s young master, who had been accompanying Shen Hongyuan, wrinkled his nose in distaste at the sight of Da Huang.
Raised in privilege, he spoke his mind without filter, “Why do you even have a dog? It won’t, you know, go on the lawn, will it?”
The three members of the Shen family nearby fell silent for a moment.
No, the dog didn’t make a mess on the lawn—Lu Ran always cleaned up thoroughly.
But…
Better not to mention the rest.
Hearing the distaste in his words, Shen Xingran quickly interjected, “This is… my brother’s dog. I’ll take it away right now.”
The young master of the Fang family blinked in confusion, staring at him incredulously.
“Huh? You’re just going to get rid of the dog? Isn’t it yours? How can you abandon it?”
Shen Xingran’s smile froze.
Shen Hongyuan glanced at him with darkened eyes. “Watch what you say. Just keep the dog away.”
Shen Xingran pressed his lips together.
Madam Shen quietly comforted him, “Today is important. Just listen for now.”
“I understand, Mom,” Shen Xingran murmured, stepping back a little.
But when he noticed Shen Hongyuan’s gaze lingering on Lu Ran, he felt slightly more at ease.
Shen Xingran was well aware of how important this party was to Shen Hongyuan.
Since Shen Xingyu’s return to China, Shen Hongyuan and his eldest son have been subtly competing with each other.
Years ago, the board vote forcefully placed the CEO position in Shen Xingyu’s hands.
Outwardly, Shen Hongyuan appeared cheerful, claiming pride in his son’s success, but after facing a midlife crisis, he became increasingly sensitive about such matters.
While Shen Xingyu spent recent years abroad, Shen Hongyuan had remained in China all along.
If this domestic project could only be secured with Shen Xingyu’s involvement, Shen Hongyuan’s pride would be completely shattered.
Thus, having finally secured the presence of the young master of the Fang family, Shen Hongyuan aimed to forge connections with the Fang family and personally finalize the project.
If Lu Ran were to ruin this banquet, things would get ugly.
Neither Shen Hongyuan nor Shen Xingyu would forgive him.
To ensure nothing went awry, Shen Hongyuan had even checked Lu Ran’s schedule and chosen today to host the Fang family’s young master.
But fate had other plans; Lu Ran returned home unexpectedly—truly walking right into the line of fire.
Just as Shen Xingran had anticipated, it didn’t take long before he saw Shen Hongyuan whisper something to the young master of the Fang family and then turn toward Lu Ran.
Immediately, Shen Xingran followed.
He assumed Shen Hongyuan would scold Lu Ran harshly.
But as he drew closer, he saw an uncharacteristically kind smile spread across Shen Hongyuan’s face, even with a touch of ingratiating charm.
“Aren’t you busy with studies? Why are you home so early?” Shen Hongyuan asked, his voice unusually warm.
Shen Xingran’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
What was happening?
The last time Shen Hongyuan returned after visiting Ji Min, he was nothing like this toward Lu Ran.
Now, he was acting this affectionate—could it be Lu Ran was going to marry Ji Min?
Lu Ran didn’t respond, simply staring at Shen Hongyuan.
Before he could speak, Shen Hongyuan hurried to explain, “Nothing important at home today. I saw you were busy lately and didn’t want to disturb you, that’s all.”
Noticing the slice of cherry cake in Lu Ran’s hands, he continued, “If you want something, just have someone bring it over. No need to come get it yourself.”
This scene was beyond anything Shen Xingran could comprehend.
For a moment, he genuinely wondered if Shen Hongyuan had been possessed.
Unable to hold back, he blurted out, “Dad, it seems the young master Fang doesn’t like my brother’s dog.”
Lu Ran’s dark eyes shifted from Shen Xingran to Shen Hongyuan.
He suddenly grinned at Shen Hongyuan and said, “Thanks, Dad, but I just prefer eating outside.”
Shen Hongyuan’s facial muscles twitched slightly, but he managed to keep his smile intact. “Sure, enjoy yourself.”
“Dad, why are you…” Shen Xingran began to speak.
Watching Lu Ran walk away with his cake, Shen Hongyuan cut him off in a low voice, “Don’t provoke him today.”
Of course, if they could have kept Lu Ran out, that would have been ideal.
But now that he was here, what could be done?
They had no choice but to treat him like royalty, especially given that he had the similarly unpredictable Ji Min backing him up.
What if Lu Ran got upset and disrupted today’s party?
Shen Hongyuan took a deep breath.
He had already figured it out: since it was impossible to drive a wedge between Lu Ran and Ji Min for the time being, he would just have to placate Lu Ran.
He had underestimated him before, but from now on, he planned to slowly bring him into their fold. Once Lu Ran was on their side, everything would fall into place.
With this thought in mind, Shen Hongyuan turned and instructed Shen Xingran, “His temper can be difficult; try to appease him.”
Shen Xingran nearly choked on his breath.
What did that even mean?
He had always been the most cherished member of the Shen family. At every family event, he was the center of attention.
Since childhood, Shen Xingran had grown accustomed to this treatment.
Today, it was bad enough that there was an insufferably pretentious young master from the Fang family taking the spotlight.
And now, he was expected to cater to Lu Ran too?
Still, Shen Xingran understood Shen Hongyuan’s intent and obediently nodded. “Yes, Dad. I understand.”
“Good boy.” Shen Hongyuan patted his shoulder. “Go and keep Young Master Fang company.”
Shen Xingran returned to the round table where the Fang young master was seated.
Just in time to see Shen Xingzhuo trailing behind Lu Ran.
Young Master Fang was watching too.
He casually sighed, “Ah, I heard your brother doted on you a lot, but now it looks like he prefers spending time with that guy.”
Though it was said offhandedly, the words stung deeply.
Shen Xingran kept his expression composed, but his nails dug into his palms.
Shen Hongyuan had certainly gone all out for this party.
In an effort to impress Young Master Fang, he had even arranged an underwater fireworks display in the backyard pool as the event’s climax.
When the fireworks started to bloom, vibrant colors erupted from the pool’s depths, drawing everyone’s attention.
Lu Ran wandered over to take a look but showed little interest.
He didn’t enjoy lingering near the pool.
Lu Ran was just about to leave with his cake in hand when he suddenly heard a loud “splash” nearby.
A moment later, someone screamed, “Young Master Fang fell into the water!”
Lu Ran froze, unable to immediately process what was happening.
Then, another voice accused loudly, “It was him! Lu Ran pushed him!”
At that moment, the sound of a car pulling up outside reached their ears, followed by the opening of the villa’s main gate.
Shen Xingyu walked inside.
Lu Ran, intending to turn and see which idiot was pointing fingers at him, paused as his peripheral vision caught Shen Xingyu entering through the door.
With a frown, Shen Xingyu looked up, his gaze unerringly locking onto Lu Ran by the poolside amidst the commotion.
Chaos ensued around the pool area.
Fortunately, Young Master Fang was quickly pulled out of the water, though his once pristine suit was now stained with the pool’s colorful fuel residue, leaving him in a very sorry state.
Moreover, given that it was early spring, the pool water was bitterly cold.
This young master, who had likely never suffered such a humiliating experience in his life, began screaming hysterically once he was out, “Who pushed me? WHO pushed me?!”
When someone insisted it was Lu Ran, he immediately yelled, “Where is Lu Ran?!”
Shen Xingyu approached and took in the chaotic scene.
His gaze fell on Lu Ran, who still held a piece of cherry chocolate cake.
Behind Young Master Fang, the white suit was smeared with traces of chocolate cream.
Several onlookers noticed this detail and murmured among themselves.
Young Master Fang recognized Shen Xingyu.
Upon seeing him, the drenched young master, now wrapped in a blanket, nearly leaped up from his lounge chair.
“What’s wrong with your Shen family?! I’m telling my father and you can kiss this project goodbye!”
The atmosphere around them buzzed with tension.
In the midst of it all, Lu Ran remained motionless, still holding the cake. His dark eyes were fixed on Shen Xingyu.
Shen Xingyu lowered his gaze, meeting those eyes.
At that moment, countless thoughts flashed through his mind.
But they were quickly drowned out by a flood of calculations and considerations.
Shen Xingyu lowered his gaze further.
He raised his hand and, with a heavy slap, struck the boy standing in front of him.
Smack.
Lu Ran’s head was knocked to the side from the force of the blow.
The cake he had been holding fell to the ground, bright red cherries scattering in all directions.
