Ji Qingyan entered the office, placed the coffee on the table, loosened his cufflinks, and slightly rolled up his sleeves.
He took a small shovel from the storage bag on the shelf, crouched down, and skillfully loosened the soil for the jasmine potted plant.
When he had free time, he enjoyed tending to flowers and plants—one of his few hobbies.
After loosening the soil for each pot, Ji Qingyan patted the dirt off his hands and, as usual, picked up the watering can to water them.
When he came out of the restroom after washing his hands, his secretary was standing at the desk holding documents. Ji Qingyan walked around the desk and sat in his chair.
“Good morning, President Ji,” Secretary Tasha greeted politely.
“Hmm,” Ji Qingyan nodded lightly.
Tasha placed the documents beside him and reported the schedule in a professional tone.
“This noon, we have scheduled a meeting with President Yan of Shengqi in the conference room to discuss the specific implementation plan for the project. After the meeting, it will be lunchtime, and we have already reserved a spot at North Shore Clubhouse.”
“At 8 p.m., you are invited to attend a charity evening organized by Mrs. Li Peilin, which will last about three hours. The location is at Binhai Manor. This is the invitation that just arrived.”
Ji Qingyan reached out and took the invitation she handed over, opened it to glance at the general content, then closed it and placed it beside the documents.
While the secretary continued reporting, he opened his computer, looked at important emails sent by subordinates, and lightly tapped the keyboard with his fingertips.
After Tasha finished her report, Ji Qingyan stopped his actions, looked up at her, and said very understandingly,
“I understand. You’ve been busy training newcomers lately and handling various matters non-stop. Thank you for your hard work. This month’s salary will be doubled, paid from my personal account.”
Tasha had been with Ji Qingyan since he took over the company. She graduated from a prestigious university, had high emotional intelligence, and possessed top-notch professional skills, helping him solve many problems.
“Thank you, boss. It’s not hard work; it’s my duty,” Tasha said with a smile.
Her monthly salary after taxes was 120,000 yuan. Doubling it meant 240,000 yuan—enough to buy two more bags. She declared President Ji was the best boss.
Ji Qingyan was unaware of his secretary’s inner excitement. He casually flipped through the documents and asked, “Has the result of the engineering bidding come out?”
Tasha had been monitoring this matter throughout and reported meticulously, “For the three bidding projects from Binxi government, our company won two, and Shengqi won the other one.
Song Group also bid for the Hangyang and Huashuang projects. When they learned we successfully won the bids, the responsible person from their company was furious, and it’s said President Song even had a major outburst.”
Ji Qingyan adjusted his glasses, visibly happier, automatically ignoring the last two sentences, and nodded satisfactorily.
“Well done. Go and notify that the relevant personnel involved in writing the bidding documents will have their bonuses doubled this month.”
“Okay, President Ji. If there’s nothing else, I’ll go out first.”
“Hmm.”
At 8:30 p.m., inside Binhai Manor, elites from various industries gathered. The glamorous celebrities present became mere accessories among the big shots.
As soon as Ji Qingyan stepped into the banquet hall, he became the focal point. Holding champagne, he was soon surrounded by a circle of people.
Haidensi held considerable reputation and status in real estate. Binxi was the most prosperous coastal super-first-tier city.
Wealthy tycoons almost invariably choose to reside in properties developed by Haydens, which undoubtedly symbolizes status and prestige, and also provides opportunities to connect with many seasoned contacts.
“President Ji, long time no see. The last time we met was last year.”
The speaker was Chairman Jin of the Jin Group. Ji Qingyan had collaborated with him several times and found him to be a straightforward and candid businessman, leaving a rather favorable impression.
“Long time no see, Chairman Jin. How is Old Madam Jin’s health?” Ji Qingyan inquired with concern.
“Speaking of that, I must thank you, President Ji. Thanks to those precious medicinal herbs you sent, my mother’s health has improved significantly after taking them for a while.”
The two exchanged pleasantries with smiles before Ji Qingyan was pulled away by other executives to chat. With his distinguished demeanor and natural, polished conversation, he was flawlessly impeccable in every way.
When Lu Qi entered through the main door, the first thing that caught his eye was that dazzling man in the crowd.
Ji Qingyan wore a well-tailored, deep black suit jacket over a white shirt and black vest. A burgundy tie was neatly knotted at the pristine collar of his shirt. His tall nose bridge was adorned with rimless glasses, and his jawline was sharp and defined.
Under the lights, he stood with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a wine glass, exuding the lazy, casual air of a noble young master.
“President Ji has achieved so much at such a young age—truly remarkable. My daughter recently returned from abroad. You young people must have a lot to talk about…” President Wan said to Ji Qingyan with a smile.
Lu Qi, who had just walked in from the entrance, happened to overhear President Wan’s words. He scoffed inwardly—damn, a toad lusting after a swan.
Lu Qi approached from behind, wrapping an arm around Ji Qingyan’s shoulder and leaning close to his ear to whisper, “President Ji is quite popular, huh? What, thinking of having dinner with her?”
Though the words themselves were ordinary, Ji Qingyan could sense the underlying gritted-teeth resentment.
The scent of jealousy was practically oozing from Lu Qi, who currently had no claim or status—not even the right to feel jealous.
Ji Qingyan asked, “What are you doing here?”
“Surprised to see me here?”
He released Ji Qingyan’s shoulder, glaring at him with a somewhat fierce expression, adopting the imposing stance of a rightful partner. Anyone unaware might have thought he was here to catch someone in the act.
The lingering gazes of the women around them frequently drifted toward Ji Qingyan, and noticing this only fueled Lu Qi’s irritation.
He didn’t understand what was happening to him—he simply disliked those people staring at Ji Qingyan. Unbeknownst to him, it was his own possessiveness at play.
Knowing this wasn’t the place for a conversation, Lu Qi turned his attention to President Wan, who stood a head shorter than him. His expression turned colder and more unpleasant.
“Apologies, but President Ji and I have important matters to discuss. We must excuse ourselves.”
He snatched the glass from Ji Qingyan’s hand, placed it on the table, then gripped Ji Qingyan’s wrist and led him outside.
“Hey, where are you taking me?”
Without looking back, Lu Qi replied expressionlessly, “Somewhere quiet.”
Passing through a long corridor, they arrived at the artificial lake behind the manor.
Lu Qi halted his steps and released Ji Qingyan’s wrist. Suddenly, memories flooded back—the confession scene from their first meeting, the strangers of both genders who had tried to strike up conversations with Ji Qingyan during meals, and the lingering gazes of people at the banquet…
Yet no matter how displeased he felt, he had no standing to be jealous. His imposing demeanor instantly deflated as he grasped Ji Qingyan’s shoulders with both hands.
He said in a muffled tone, “Do you know how many people like you?”
Ji Qingyan stared calmly into his eyes and replied lightly, “I’m not a fool, of course I know. Besides, can I stop people from liking me?”
Lu Qi met his gaze for a second before awkwardly looking away, feeling as if Ji Qingyan had seen right through his thoughts in that moment.
Ji Qingyan frowned and said softly, “Lu Qi, you seem a bit off tonight.”
“What do you mean, off?” Lu Qi retorted.
“I just think you shouldn’t be dating right now. You’re still so young—you should focus on your career.” Lu Qi racked his brains to come up with a seemingly reasonable excuse.
“Dating wouldn’t interfere with my career.”
Ji Qingyan reached out and tugged on his tie. With the momentum, Lu Qi leaned forward slightly, forced to lower his head. At that moment, Ji Qingyan leaned in close, his eyes fixed intently on him.
“Do you not want me to date, or do you not want me to date someone else?”
The thought of Ji Qingyan dating someone else—holding them, kissing them, even doing more intimate things—drove Lu Qi mad with jealousy.
He opened his arms and pulled Ji Qingyan tightly into his embrace, his nose gently brushing against the side of Ji Qingyan’s neck. The hug was fierce and forceful, yet the nuzzling motion was careful and tender.
Lu Qi’s tone was both aggrieved and insistent, “You’re not allowed to date anyone else. I don’t want anyone else getting close to you.”
A faint smile crossed Ji Qingyan’s lips. He reached up and patted Lu Qi’s head, sighing, “But I can’t stay single forever.”
Lu Qi tightened his embrace even more. “I don’t care. You’re not allowed to look for anyone.”
“Lu Qi, you’re so domineering,” Ji Qingyan said, patting his back.
“Promise me you won’t look for anyone else.”
“Alright, alright, I won’t,” he replied, laughing as he soothed him.
“Can you let go now? I can hardly breathe.”
Satisfied with the answer, Lu Qi released him, his expression visibly softening. He emphasized, “You promised me. No taking it back.”
“Mm.”
Ji Qingyan straightened his shirt collar and adjusted his tie, while Lu Qi stood there obediently, letting him do as he pleased.
The two returned to the banquet hall, where Ji Qingyan donated five million in his own name, and Lu Qi symbolically donated three million.