Ji Ling was getting frustrated with the way they were talking past each other. He turned to Yan Yixuan and asked, “Where exactly are you driving this car?”
Yan Yixuan answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Home.”
Ji Ling paused for a second. “Whose home?”
“Mine, of course,” Yan Yixuan said casually. “My apartment.”
Ji Ling thought, ‘Well, at least it’s not a hotel this time—guess my status has improved.’ But he still insisted, “I want to go back to my place.”
Yan Yixuan chuckled. “You mean that tiny rental of yours?”
He even knew about that?
Ji Ling’s irritation only grew. “Young Master Yan, you sure do your homework.”
Yan Yixuan took it as a compliment. “Not bad, right? Did you really think I didn’t know about you and Luo Tao?”
The way he said it made it sound like something was going on between them. But Ji Ling didn’t think that at all. He had only mentioned it because he wanted to hear Yan Yixuan’s thoughts on the matter.
Yan Yixuan snorted. “I thought you called me because you finally came to your senses. Turns out you just wanted to talk business.”
Ji Ling said slowly, “That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what?” Yan Yixuan smirked. “You landed a big deal and came running to tell me—were you hoping for some praise?”
Ji Ling almost laughed out of sheer frustration. “You think I need your approval?”
He knew exactly where he was headed in his career. He didn’t need validation from anyone. He had never doubted himself, never needed others to believe in him.
He had just been feeling a little lost. He was always moving forward, but there was never anyone walking beside him. It got lonely sometimes, that was all.
Yan Yixuan kept grinning. “You’ve got a big mouth, huh?”
The car pulled into an upscale residential complex. He drove into the parking garage, parked, then turned to Ji Ling. “Get out.”
At this point, insisting on going home would’ve been too dramatic. Ji Ling kept a stiff expression as he stepped out of the car and followed Yan Yixuan into the elevator.
They walked down the hall until they reached the door of Yan Yixuan’s apartment.
Yan Yixuan opened the door, but Ji Ling stood at the entrance, not stepping inside.
“Come in, what are you standing there for?” Yan Yixuan stood by the door, leaning on the frame, looking at him.
Ji Ling replied, “I’m afraid you’ll ambush me.”
He had already been caught off guard and pinned down several times; who’s to say he wouldn’t walk in and get trapped again?
Yan Yixuan heard him and smiled, his eyes almost disappearing into slits. “You follow me here, but you’re afraid of me ambushing you?” He waved at Ji Ling, “Come on in, I promise I won’t lay a hand on you.”
Only then did Ji Ling take a step forward.
Once he stepped inside, Yan Yixuan shut the door behind him, then suddenly reached out and trapped Ji Ling against the wall in the entryway, his body blocking Ji Ling’s way, trapping him between himself and the wall.
Ji Ling stared at him.
Yan Yixuan leaned in slowly, almost touching Ji Ling’s lips, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You trust me that much?”
The warmth of his breath brushed Ji Ling’s cheek, and his voice was so close that Ji Ling could see his beautiful eyes clearly, like stars shining in the night.
Ji Ling didn’t budge, didn’t speak, just stared back at him calmly.
“Tch.” Seeing Ji Ling’s lack of response, Yan Yixuan stepped back, muttering, “Boring.” He walked into the living room, casually tossing his coat and keys aside, then asked Ji Ling, “What do you want to drink?”
Ji Ling replied, expressionless, “Just water.”
But inside, Ji Ling wasn’t as unaffected as he seemed. Yan Yixuan was like walking perfume—sometimes strong and overwhelming, sometimes light, almost teasing.
Ji Ling could tell Yan Yixuan was in a good mood today, completely different from the somber mood at dinner last time. Tonight, he was lively, passionate, and so dazzling that it was hard to look away.
Trying to mask the alarm bells ringing in his mind, Ji Ling grabbed some water. When Yan Yixuan told him to sit, he pulled out a chair and sat across from him.
Yan Yixuan sank into the couch, but the carefree attitude disappeared. He looked at Ji Ling and said, “I honestly didn’t expect you to get along with Luo Tao.”
Ji Ling furrowed his brows. “What do you mean by ‘getting along’? It’s a partnership.”
Yan Yixuan laughed heartily. “I mean, although Luo Tao seems carefree, he’s actually quite proud and does whatever he wants. If he doesn’t like something, no matter how hard you try, he won’t budge. The fact that he’s interested in you means you’ve really caught his attention.”
Ji Ling replied calmly, “Well, I guess I’m flattered.”
He wasn’t unaware that Luo Tao didn’t like to stick to the rules. The young master of the Luo family preferred things that were new and eye-catching. That’s why at the investment meeting, Ji Ling had to make sure to grab those three minutes to capture Luo Tao’s attention.
Plus, his company thrived on creativity, making the most of small opportunities to rise above the competition. If Luo Tao gave his company a look, he’d find even more exciting things.
And Ji Ling also had a backup, something he couldn’t really share with anyone.
Wasn’t there also Shen Dongqing?
Yan Yixuan raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing Ji Ling. Then he suddenly said, “Have you gained weight?”
“…” Impossible. He ran every day. Ji Ling couldn’t take Yan Yixuan’s sudden shift in topic. He said, “I’ve just gotten more toned. I’ve been working out.”
Yan Yixuan grinned. “No wonder you managed to impress Luo Tao. You’re starting to look like an entrepreneur.” He continued, “But let me warn you—Luo Tao can be too impulsive. He doesn’t always think about the market, so don’t just go along with everything he says.”
Ji Ling nodded. “Yeah, I’ve seen Tian Sheng Entertainment put out some… uh, very ‘unique’ films.”
Yan Yixuan couldn’t stop laughing. “Exactly, they’re so bad they’re hard to watch. But since it’s Luo Tao’s work, no one can say a word. You just have to praise it like they’re the best thing ever.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “You know Luo Rui, right?”
Ji Ling nodded again. “He’s Luo Tao’s brother.”
“Right. Luo Rui dotes on his younger brother. That entertainment company is basically just a toy he set up for Luo Tao. But Luo Rui’s very different from his brother. He’s a big shot in business, and his background is solid. You’d better not mess with him. Stick with the resources that come from Luo Tao, but keep your own pace.”
Ji Ling thought to himself that he’d definitely end up provoking Luo Rui.
And he was confident—he would succeed in doing so.
He couldn’t explain to Yan Yixuan that he actually knew Luo Rui very well, but he was surprised by what Yan Yixuan had just said.
In business, the most important thing is understanding your opponent’s preferences. Many people work hard, but still fail without even knowing why—it’s usually because they didn’t win over the decision-maker’s favor.
Yan Yixuan was willing to give him advice here, talking about the personalities and likes of various bosses. This kind of insider info was priceless, and it really caught Ji Ling off guard.
Ji Ling said sincerely, “I understand now. Thank you.”
Yan Yixuan narrowed his eyes, then teased, “When you make money, it’ll make me look good as your investor.”
The two chatted casually for a while, and Ji Ling, already feeling the effects of the alcohol, started to feel drowsy as the cozy atmosphere took over.
Seeing Ji Ling’s eyes grow more unfocused, Yan Yixuan chuckled softly and said, “You should head to the guest room and sleep.”
Ji Ling eyed him suspiciously.
He came here just for casual chatting? Ji Ling didn’t believe it.
Yan Yixuan teased him with a smirk, “I’m in a good mood today. I told you I won’t force you, but if you hesitate any longer, don’t blame me for making a move.”
Ji Ling immediately stood up from his chair. Yan Yixuan also stood and stretched lazily, saying, “The guest room’s over there. There’s a full set of things in the cabinet, help yourself.”
Ji Ling nodded and started heading toward the guest room, but as he passed by Yan Yixuan, he was pulled back.
Yan Yixuan grabbed his arm, staring at him deeply with a lazy tone. “I said I’d let you go, but you’re still gonna give me something for tonight, right?”
Ji Ling stood still, locking eyes with him.
Maybe tonight was just too unusual. The cheer of the celebration dinner made Ji Ling feel a long-forgotten loneliness, and Yan Yixuan, in his own way, soothed that loneliness.
Perhaps he had been seduced, or maybe he was just losing his mind.
Yan Yixuan felt Ji Ling’s body relax in his grip, and he smiled softly before leaning in to kiss him.
Ji Ling slept soundly again.
He woke up in the guest room of Yan Yixuan’s apartment, staring at the ceiling, wondering if yesterday had all been a dream.
Maybe he had been possessed or something to have done all those things that weren’t like him.
Ji Ling sat up and rubbed his face.
Ji Ling was used to waking up early for his morning runs, so he naturally woke up at the crack of dawn. But today, he wasn’t at home, which meant no running.
He remembered seeing brand-new shirts in the wardrobe yesterday. After freshening up, he grabbed one and put it on. Even though the clothes were placed in the guest room, they were clearly tailored to Yan Yixuan’s measurements. The length fit well, but the shoulders and sleeves felt a little loose on him.
After tidying himself up, Ji Ling sat in the living room, waiting for Yan Yixuan.
It took a long while before Yan Yixuan finally woke up. He squinted slightly, as if still adjusting to the light. When he walked into the living room and saw Ji Ling sitting there, he nearly jumped.
“You’re up this early?”
Ji Ling replied, “I usually go for a morning run. It’s a habit.”
Yan Yixuan looked at him like he was some kind of alien. “Wanna hit the gym with me next time?”
Ji Ling glanced at him. “No time.”
Yan Yixuan let out a huff and went to wash up. When he came out again, he was fully suited up—tie, watch, the whole formal look. The casual, carefree man from last night was gone. Now, he was back to being Vice Chairman Yan, composed and polished.
He casually tossed the keys to yesterday’s sports car at Ji Ling. “Keep the car. Drive yourself home. My driver will pick me up later.”
Ji Ling caught the keys without hesitation.
“Oh, right. One more thing.” Yan Yixuan suddenly remembered something. “There’s a charity gala for entrepreneurs coming up in N City. You interested?”
Ji Ling’s eyes widened in shock. He blurted out, “I want to go.”
His reaction caught Yan Yixuan off guard, but he didn’t pry. Instead, he said, “It’s mainly for business elites, but plenty of people from the fashion industry will be there too. You should come. I’ll have someone send you an invite later.”
With that, he checked his watch and gestured at Ji Ling. “Let’s go.”
They left the building together but soon went their separate ways. Ji Ling drove off in Yan Yixuan’s sports car, still feeling a little dazed.
N City.
He could finally go home.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
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