My Perfect Enemy is Finally Broke Novel - Chap 17
Ji Ran sat in the passenger seat. He watched the dark metal door slowly open but he didn’t move.
The door was painted a deep, solemn black. It was clear to see it had been properly taken care of.
This was the Ji family; even a door must be attended to.
“Young Master Ji.” The steward he’d seen at the villa was standing near the door. Watching the unmoving door, he went forward to greet him. “Young Master Ji? Let me take you to the garage.”
Ji Ran retracted his gaze and hummed a reply. Indeed, without the steward to lead the way, he wouldn’t be able to find the garage.
This villa was very big but the only one who could live here was Ji Guo Zheng. According to what he knew, Ji Wei had moved out once he became an adult and the lady of the household also left after separating from her husband.
After parking his car, Ji Ran followed the steward in.
The first time he came, he had been a child who didn’t know how to speak. He couldn’t remember much of his childhood, only that his mother had been anxious. The hand holding him had been very tight which caused him to cry uncontrollably.
After that incident, he never returned to this place.
“Mr. Ji,” On the way, the steward asked, “Would you like a cup of coffee or something else? I will let someone bring it in a while.”
“No need.”
He would be leaving soon.
“I think it’s better to have a cup of coffee. Are half sugar and half milk alright?” The steward smiled as if they were old friends.
“… Whatever.”
The steward sent him to the door and knocked twice before Ji Guo Zheng’s voice came from within. “Come in.”
Ji Ran’s feelings for his father were very complicated.
They weren’t close. Aside from the number of times they’d spoken, even the number of times they’d met each other could be counted on the fingers of one hand. His impression of Ji Guo Zheng’s appearance had begun to fade since their last meeting at the wedding.
But it also wasn’t as if they had no relationship. At the very least, he had the same blood as Ji Guo Zheng. His appearance bore some resemblance to him and even his name was given to him by Ji Guo Zheng.
Although Ji Guo Zheng never went to visit him, he’d arranged his schools and gave him a monthly allowance. Over the years, this amount could be considered quite a sum. He knew that the old madam Ji had a part in this but Ji Guo Zheng was also very responsible.
Ji Ran naturally resisted this family but he was not an ungrateful person. He was clear that he was unable to repay everything he owed to Ji Guo Zheng as of now.
So he came.
The middle-aged man sat in front of the desk in a full suit. With a pair of glasses, he appeared rather elegant.
“You’re here.” Ji Guo Zheng didn’t even look up. “Take a seat.”
Ji Ran sat at the guest sofa by the side.
Ji Guo Zheng pointed to the chair opposite him. “Sit in front of me.”
10 minutes later, Ji Guo Zheng finally looked up after he had finished reading the report.
When he saw Ji Ran, he couldn’t help but frown.
“Why did you mess your hair up like this? What do you think it looks like?”
“It isn’t a crime to dye your hair.” Ji Ran replied sloppily. “What did you find me for?”
Ji Guo Zheng looked away as if what the eye doesn’t see, the heart would not grieve. “I heard your relationship with Qin Man isn’t bad?”
Why was it Qin Man again?
Without thinking, he replied, “No. I’m not familiar with him.”
“Tang Tang said she saw you leaving Qin Man’s room.” He suddenly seemed to have thought of something. “Seriously, how can you use cup noodles to receive a guest?”
Tang Tang was Ji Ran’s little cousin, Ji Tang.
“…”
Once matters of that night were brought up, Ji Ran felt his heart beating faster. “That was…”
“Whatever. I have business to discuss. Sit up straight, what is with that listless appearance.” Ji Guo Zheng said. “You should also know about Qin Man’s circumstances. Did he mention to you what he plans to do next?”
Ji Ran choked. Don’t say anymore, he really did tell him.
He said he plans to sleep with him, receive some money and just live while lying down.
Ji Ran, “No.”
Ji Guo Zheng nodded, “Qin Man is a rare talent. After his family went bankrupt, many companies wanted to hire him but it seems like he’s still sitting by the sidelines and waiting. I called you over this time to go speak to him. Our company is lacking in talent recently…”
Ji Ran froze. “You want to recruit him into Yong Shi?”
Yong Shi was Ji Guo Zheng’s business. Taking out a document from the drawer, he said, “This is our proposal. You just need to bring it to him. If he’s not satisfied, we can still negotiate.”
Although Yong Shi wasn’t a huge giant, it was still a renowned firm in the country. Ji Guo Zheng was actually willing to put aside his face to put out all these benefits just for an inexperienced youth?
The company’s lack of talent was bullshit. Everyone knew there were countless talented individuals with a Master’s or Doctoral degree just hoping for this company to give them a glance.
“If you want my help, you should at least tell me the truth. Why do you need to hire him?”
“You wouldn’t understand how important talented individuals are for businesses.” Ji Guo Zheng didn’t explain.
Ji Ran replied, “Qin Man isn’t here. No matter how smooth your words are, they aren’t of any use.”
Ji Guo Zheng’s expression sank. “You just need to do as you’re told.”
Their eyes were locked for a long time before Ji Ran laughed lightly and took the file.
“Sure, I’ll help you pass it to him. It’s not up to me if he wants to go to you.”
Ji Guo Zheng, “Pass it to him later.”
Ji Ran replied, “I can’t. I only see him every half a year.”
“I’ve already made a reservation for dinner tonight.” Ji Guo Zheng picked up a name card. “The address is on here.”
Dinner?
Ji Ran suddenly recalled the phone call Qin Man received in the morning and rejected without thinking, “I’m not going.”
His lack of sleep was affecting his mood for the entire day. He had no energy left to deal with Ji Wei.
“I’m only informing you. I’m not seeking your opinion.” Ji Guo Zheng put his glasses back on. “Also, you’re already twenty… not young. It’s time you go to the company to learn. I’ll let your brother arrange a position for you.”
Before the words of rejection could reach his throat, Ji Ran swallowed them back.
“… Sure.” He laughed, “What position are you planning to give to me? I don’t want it if it’s too low.”
No matter what, Ji Ran was still a member of the Ji family. There was no way Ji Guo Zheng would make him into an errand runner at the company.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make the arrangements. Someone will contact you during this time.” Ji Guo Zheng looked down. “Enough, I still have things to do. You can leave.”
The steward had just come down carrying a cup of coffee. Just as he was about to knock on the door, the door to the study opened.
Upon seeing him, Ji Ran merely laughed. “You can drink it on your own.”
The steward’s expression remained unchanged as he caught up. “Young Master Ji, don’t be in a hurry. The old madam prepared a gift for you in the living room.”
Ji Ran left the house with a file and a small, delicate package.
In the private room of a Chinese restaurant, three people sat in front of a big table with a strange atmosphere.
The dishes on the table looked delicious and exquisite but no one moved their chopsticks.
“She was nearby so I called her over.” Ji Wei started the conversation. “You won’t mind, right?”
Ji Tang had specially dressed up today. She wore a branded suspenders skirt and her make-up was very fine. Hearing this, she turned to Qin Man and blinked, “If I’m disturbing your talk, I can leave. There are many restaurants nearby.”
Qin Man’s expression remained the same. “I don’t mind.”
“Then let us continue. Qin Man, I came to find you this time to talk about company matters…”
Before he could finish, the door was pushed open.
Ji Ran stood by the entrance, an eyebrow raised as he gave a faint smile. “Good evening everyone.”
Ji Wei’s lips instantly curved down once he saw him.
Similarly, Ji Tang had a flabbergasted expression. She looked suspiciously at Ji Wei. Didn’t he say this meal would only consist of the three of them? After it ended, Ji Wei would request for Qin Man to take her home. He didn’t mention Ji Ran would be here too.
Ji Wei had also just received his father’s notice so he could only choke out, “He… was also nearby. I hope you won’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.” Qin Man looked at the person standing by the door and laughed, “Why didn’t you tell me you were eating with your brother tonight?”
Ji Ran’s smile vanished as he took the seat beside Qin Man. “… Why should I tell you?”
“Ji Ran, be more polite to your seniors.” Ji Wei told him stiffly before continuing their previous conversation. “Qin Man, I don’t need to introduce our company since you already know. As long as you agree, the company will not shortchange you.”
“Do you remember back when we were working in a group, we were a harmonious team… when you join the company, I’ll get my father to transfer you over to me. There are many important projects I’m working on, you definitely won’t be bored.”
Ji Ran only felt like sleeping when he heard these words. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat as if the person sitting beside him was just another person at the dining table.
Qin Man listened quietly, nodding from time to time but he didn’t express his decision.
Ji Wei talked about many things and even tried to get Qin Man to drink a glass.
Qin Man glanced at the person chugging wine by the side and smiled. “Sorry, I need to drive back later. I can’t drink.”
In his heart, Ji Ran sneered. What car? Where could his car come from? Is he going to ride the yellow public bicycles1?
When he spoke, Ji Wei constantly looked at Ji Ran.
Ji Ran was quietly eating instead of causing a fuss. This made him feel surprised.
Ji Wei rambled on for over 20 minutes before closing it up. “Qin Man, I’m sincerely inviting you to join our company and my team.”
Qin Man looked up and was prepared to say something.
“Hey.” Ji Ran suddenly put down his chopsticks and turned to look at Qin Man unkindly. “Are you joining Yong Shi or not?”
“Ji Ran!” He didn’t expect that Ji Ran would interrupt him at the most critical juncture. “Eat your food!”
“I’m not talking to you.” Ji Ran didn’t spare him a glance. “I’m asking you, are you joining or not?”
Qin Man held back a laugh. “Must I join?”
“What do you think?”
Qin Man was silent for a moment before he pretended to nod unwillingly. “I’ll think about it tonight after I return, alright?”
“Fine.”
There were still others beside them so Ji Ran wasn’t in a position to use his status as his patron to mess with him. It was easier to go back and talk about it.
“…He’s usually unsensible.” Ji Wei laughed while silently gnashing his teeth. “Don’t hold it against him. After talking for so long, you must be hungry. Shall we eat?”
“Alright.”
Since he had spoken, Ji Ran’s task was done. He considered finishing the turtle soup and just leaving.
“Qin Man ge.” Ji Tang finally spoke. “When I was looking through the school’s records, I saw your essay. I felt it was really well written…”
“Thank you.”
“I’ve also seen your speech.” Ji Tang’s face was red. “It was delivered very well. You also… look v-very good in your uniform.”
The maiden’s heart couldn’t be any more obvious. Drinking his soup, Ji Ran cooly thought that his cousin must be sick. Qin Man was simply a nerd back in high school. So ugly and old-fashioned, where did he look good?
As he was cursing internally, Ji Ran felt an itch from his leg. Before he could react, the thing touching him slid upwards and caressed his calf leg through the thin fabric.
He choked. “F- cough, cough!” Ji Ran choked on the soup he was drinking and abruptly looked up at the person beside him.
This Qin Man! There was someone flirting with him yet he dared to touch his leg under the table?
Was this person always so bold?!
T/n: Flirting under the table… 😳 Tang Tang👀–> Qin Man but Qin Man🦵Ji Ran??
1
小黄车: I can’t tell if it’s supposed to be talking about bicycle or a slang for sex. because driving can be used as having sex but the word yellow is used here which also has a perverted connotation that hints at their relationship… but public bikes are also yellow
