My Perfect Enemy is Finally Broke Novel - Chap 3
After resting at home for a day, Ji Ran’s body recovered.
He possessed a physique better than most people and rarely fell sick. A small injury like this only needed some sleep to make it feel better didn’t need to be mentioned.
It was just that, he didn’t feel like moving at all. His legs were still numb and thus, he lazed at home for an entire day.
When Yue Wen Wen’s call rang once more, he’d just finished blacklisting Qin Man.
Ever since Qin Man refunded the 20,000 yuan, they hadn’t exchanged another word. The more he looked, the angrier he became. In the end, he didn’t even accept the money and directly cut off their conversation.
He had only thought of blacklisting the other after refreshing his Wechat moments half a minute ago.
In reality, Qin Man also hadn’t posted much and was the very opposite. He’d gone to check out Qin Man’s Wechat moments and saw that this person didn’t apply any special settings like ‘only available for 3 days’ or ‘only available for half a year’. Especially in comparison with Yue Wen Wen’s ‘only available for 3 days’ WeChat moments, there were far less posted. Out of five, four were of his family’s dog; an American bully, extremely ugly and muscular.
Just like its owner!
The post he created this time wasn’t about his dog but rather had a simple sentence.
“Looking for a job.”
When Ji Ran read these words, his eyes nearly popped out. He repeatedly zoomed in on the avatar icon for confirmation before finally believing this truly was posted by Qin Man.
Qin Man actually knew how to use this sort of messaging app?
One of the reasons why Ji Ran hated him was because he was too proud and aloof, just like his step-brother.
Ji Ran is an illegitimate child. His mother was nothing more than a nameless star who had a one night stand with Father Ji and became pregnant with him.
Father Ji originally didn’t have any intentions of recognising her position once he knew of this matter. The Ji family was much too complicated; his legitimate wife was from a marriage of convenience – a strong, independent woman. He didn’t intend to have a fall out with his wife for some random bastard who appeared out of nowhere.
However, the old madame showed up in the end and from what he heard, she’d talked to lady Ji for an entire night. No one knew how many benefits they’d discussed, but Lady Ji finally relented, allowing Ji Ran and his mother to find a place to stay.
His mother was very different from other mistresses. They’d brainwash their children to fight against the legitimate son for their family properties from the moment they were born. However, his mother had instead reminded him time after time, to lower his head and live with his tail tucked between his legs. No matter what, he shouldn’t covet what didn’t belong to him, lest he dies without even knowing how he’d died. To live a life of mediocrity, earning a few grand every month was enough.
After more than ten years of constant reminders, Ji Ran was only thirteen when his mother passed away in a car crash.
Naturally, there was no way an illegitimate son could live with the legitimate family and so, he survived outside, all by himself for over ten years. There wasn’t any need to mention the other Ji family members, Ji Ran rarely saw his father over these past few years.
But just because he was out of sight, it didn’t mean he no longer existed.
Although his father couldn’t be bothered, there was still the old madame who helped him enrol into a school.
To make things easier, the junior high school he attended was the same one as his elder brother, Ji Wei.
Ji Ran could still remember the first time he saw his brother, it was in a phys ed class. He had gone to the school’s supermarket after playing basketball to buy a drink. The moment he entered, he’d seen several older students sitting around and laughing together.
On the other side, once those students noticed him, their laughter died out.
He didn’t hear what the one sitting on the right had said, but their gazes collectively fell on him.
Although Ji Ran was young, he was still able to recognise the implication behind their gazes.
Disdain, mockery, contempt.
At that time, Qin Man was among them, sitting right at the heart of their circle. However, his eyes were the least interested, only glancing at him before looking away. His brows simply raised carelessly, as if Ji Ran wasn’t worth another second of his time.
The pure white uniform he wore seemed to envelop him in a light, pushing him high up to a position where no one could reach him.
That was the first time he saw Ji Wei, yet the only one he remembered was Qin Man.
Such a cold and aloof flower was searching for a job in his Wechat just a minute ago.
“Ji Ran, are you listening?” On the other side, Yue Wen Wen hurried him.
Ji Ran was brought back to his senses, “I am. What did you just say?”
Yue Wen Wen, “… I said, let’s go to POP tonight.”
POP was the capital’s most popular bar and also a location they frequented. That day, this was the place where Qin Man whisked him away. Thinking of this, Ji Ran instantly lost interest, “I’m not going.”
“What happened? Are you busy?”
“Nothing,” Ji Ran simply found an excuse, “I’m gaming tonight.”
Yue Wen Wen stopped him, “Don’t! What’s so fun about playing games? You have to come. I especially threw this party for you tonight!”
Ji Ran, “For me?”
“Yeah, bring Qin Man along with you too!” Yue Wen Wen said excitedly.
Ji Ran froze. “Why do I have to bring him along?”
“After all that trouble you went through, isn’t it for the sake of burying him alive?” Yue Wen Wen asked, “I called over many people tonight, just so you can let everyone witness how Qin Man becomes a lackey in your presence. I guarantee you’ll feel extremely refreshed.”
“…”
If Yue Wen Wen hadn’t mentioned it, he would’ve forgotten his original goal.
But his plans had long derailed. When he offered to ‘sponsor’ Qin Man, he hadn’t thought of sleeping with him.
Ji Ran clicked his tongue, “Forget it, I’m not going today.”
“You can’t, I already told all of them you’d bring Qin Man along today,” Yue Wen Wen said. “Everyone’s waiting!”
Fuck.
Ji Ran felt a headache.
“Yue Wen Wen, you’re really efficient.”
Yue Wen Wen laughed, “Of course. Since you’ve already paid for it, I’ll ensure you get your money’s worth.”
After hanging up, he opened up the stupid group chat which he had on mute for over hundreds of years. Indeed, those people were buzzing with excitement and even the group name had been changed to ‘An unforgettable night at POP’.
Yue Wen Wen knew him too well. If things went according to Ji Ran’s plans, then the first thing he would’ve done after becoming Qin Man’s patron would definitely be to order him around like a slave.
But now, Ji Ran didn’t want to see Qin Man at all, much less bring him to meet the others.
He was afraid Qin Man would let the cat out of the bag.
Sitting back on his sofa, he peeled and ate a tangerine, feeling its sweetness instantly burst forth in his mouth.
After a moment, he picked up his phone and opened up a search engine, typing in a line of words:
“How to unblacklist a person on WeChat.”
——
Stopping at a red light, a silver Lamborghini race car was bound to attract loads of attention.
Ji Ran didn’t mind. His wrist, decorated with an exquisite and extravagant watch, rested on the side of the car door while he held the steering wheel with the other hand. When the red light flashed green, he whistled and left.
He saw Qin Man waiting at the place they had agreed on.
The other person wore a simple white sweater with black jeans. Standing incredibly straight, his tall and lean figure was extremely eye-catching along the road.
Ji Ran instinctively looked down at his black sweater and jeans, and felt something wasn’t right.
Just as he was about to pull over, he witnessed a well-dressed, middle-aged woman approach Qin Man and say something to him.
Qin Man shook his head expressionlessly.
This was the kind of expression that he should have; as if there were a thousand miles between them.
Ji Ran parked his car and prepared to watch on but unexpectedly, he met Qin Man’s gaze.
Seeing him, Qin Man raised an eyebrow. He took the name card that the woman handed him and promptly walked over.
He sat in the car and leisurely put on his seatbelt, “How’s your body?”
Ji Ran didn’t expect him to dare mention this the moment he arrived so the foot stepping on the accelerator nearly lost control. “What the fuck does it have to do with you?”
“Of course it does.” Qin Man glanced at him, “If it isn’t good, we won’t be able to do it for a while.”
Ji Ran took a deep breath. Later on, he had something to say to Qin Man, so he definitely couldn’t have a fall out with him now. “Laozi never said he’d sleep with you.”
Qin Man nodded, “So what are we doing now?”
Ji Ran no longer looked at him and answered, his voice steely, “Eat.”
He’d made a reservation at a Japanese restaurant for no other reason except that it was quiet and provided enough privacy for him to discuss some matters.
Taking a seat, he casually ordered a few dishes.
After the waiter closed the door, Ji Ran leaned against the wall. He didn’t beat around the bush, “Let’s make a deal, how much is it to rent you for a year?”
Qin Man always knew that Ji Ran was an unpredictable person. But after hearing these words, he couldn’t help but be surprised. He laughed and took his time to ask, “Did it feel that good?”
“…Qin Man.” Ji Ran raised his chin slightly, his brows furrowing in impatience. “If you don’t wish to continue living in this city, keep leading your poor life.”
Ji Ran only wanted to scare him a little. Although the Qin Family went bankrupt, they hadn’t fallen to the point where even an illegitimate bastard like him could touch them.
Qin Man smiled, “Let me think about it.”
Ji Ran asked, “How long do you need? I’m in a hurry.”
“…” Qin Man lightly tapped on the table with his index finger. The door opened and the waiter came in with a plate of iced sashimi. Once the employee left, he finally replied, “I’ll give you an answer by the end of this meal.”
Ji Ran didn’t have any appetite. He took out his phone and said, “Then, take your time to eat.”
Qin Man didn’t say anything else. Picking up his chopsticks, he only focused on eating. Although he’d already fallen to his current state, his movements were as refined as ever. As someone who’d gotten used to gnawing on barbecue at roadside stalls and getting drunk, Ji Ran found this scene unpleasant to his eyes.
Therefore, Qin Man had only taken a few bites before Ji Ran spoke once more.
“Let me make this clear,” He explained, “I want you, not to sleep with me, but…”
“Then, why are you giving me money?” Qin Man interrupted him. Looking up, his tone was still warm, “You don’t like my body? You don’t like me?”
“Not just to sleep with me,” Ji Ran gritted his teeth as he corrected himself. He purposely chose the ugliest words and said, “You must come whenever I call you and if I say left, you can’t go right. Also, during this time, you’re not allowed to mess about with anyone else. I don’t like my lover turning me into a cuckold… Anyway, I’m a person with many demands so you can take your time naming your price. Don’t sell yourself for too cheap.”
Ji Ran was a very prideful person. Previously, he’d already told Yue Wen Wen of this one year contract, so he needed to secure his big words, lest they become fart.
Qin Man swallowed his sashimi and put down his chopsticks. He picked up a napkin to dab at his mouth, “How much money do you have?”
Ji Ran froze, “What? Anyway, it’s enough to afford you as long as you don’t place an astronomical price. One or two hundred million is definitely doable.”
“There’s no way you can buy me for two hundred million,” Qin Man laughed. “But on account that I know your brother, I’m willing to give you a discount… I only want half the amount in your card.”
Ji Ran’s heart, which had originally been calm, tensed the moment the other person mentioned Ji Wei.
“Aren’t you afraid there isn’t any money on my card?”
“So, are you willing or not?” Qin Man threw back a question.
Ji Ran’s card held money and it wasn’t a small amount either. Although his father didn’t care about him, he’d always transfer some every month. Living alone, Ji Ran never gambled nor did drugs. Apart from buying some cars, he had no large expenditure. Thus, half of this amount was a relatively large sum.
But Ji Ran never really cared about money.
“Alright,” He agreed, “I’ll transfer it to you now?”
“It’s too late, the bank is closed.”
Ji Ran was never one to procrastinate, “Then, I’ll book an appointment with the bank manager.”
“No hurry,” Qin Man said, “It’s not like I’ll run away.”
Saying so, he took out a name card from his pocket. This was the one the woman on the street had given to him.
Qin Man didn’t even glance at it before throwing it into the ashtray.
Ji Ran glimpsed at him and saw the words, ‘Entertainment company’.
“That person was a talent scout?” Having settled their matters, Ji Ran could finally be at ease and lit up a cigarette. “I heard that stars can earn good money… What, you look down on this business?”
“I don’t have any experience, can’t do it well.” Qin Man’s tone was light, “Sleeping with you makes me much more money, why should I dabble in that?”
Ji Ran couldn’t stop himself from biting down on his cigarette, “Could you stop fucking mentioning sleeping?”
“I won’t say it if you don’t want me to.” Qin Man had already adapted to his new role and stood up, “I’m done, where are we going now?”
Ji Ran sat silently and watched him. The light cast a shadow against Qin Man’s face, making it impossible for Ji Ran to see his expression.
At this moment, the image of this man in his heart had long shattered.
Was it possible for a person’s character to change so drastically just because of bankruptcy?
Realising that his thoughts had strayed too far, Ji Ran quickly retracted his gaze. He stubbed his cigarette against the name card in the ashtray, “The bar.”
