Chapter 10: Saving the Autistic Teen 10

Night fell, lights were just lit, and the biggest club in A City blazed with light.

Inside the magnificent hall, distinguished guests whispered, their glasses lightly clinking.

Today is the 20th birthday of Ji Yu, the Young Master of the Ji family, and many noble families have been invited.

Ji Yu wore a white suit, his smile pleasant as he chatted with guests, but his eyes kept glancing toward the banquet hall's Main Gate, as if waiting for something.

Finally, he saw Ji Yan's silhouette.

But a flicker of jealousy crossed his gaze.

He quickly suppressed his emotions, forced a smile, and ran toward Ji Yan pretending to be happy.

"Brother!"

The youth's clear voice drew everyone's gaze, and they all looked toward them.

This was exactly the effect Ji Yu wanted.

He certainly knew Ji Yan didn't like him, but the more affectionate he acted, the more Ji Yan's awkwardness showed, and it gave him a good excuse for what was to come.

Ji Yan appeared in the banquet hall wearing a finely tailored suit made of premium fabric, instantly drawing many eyes.

In terms of looks, few in A City could match Ji Yan; his refined visage left even many young ladies in the dust.

Too bad he's a fool—diagnosed with autism at a young age, unloved by the head of the Ji family, and no matter how handsome he is, it's wasted.

"Brother, I'm so glad you could come! This is the best birthday gift I've ever received!"

As Jin Chen approached and overheard this, he curled his lips.

Soon you'll receive an even better gift.

"Is that the Young Master of the Jin family?"

Some guests recognized Jin Chen but weren't sure, whispering, "Are the rumors about Ji Yu and the Young Master of the Jin family true?"

"What Young Master of the Jin family? He's the head of the Jin family! His father, Jin Tianhua, has long been sidelined, and now the entire Jin family follows his lead!"

"But… what rumors are you talking about?" the person asked, tilting their head curiously.

"It's the Jin family… the head of the Jin family, who seems to have a secret crush on Ji Yu! He once spent a fortune buying top-quality jade as a gift for him, costing this amount."

The speaker was a woman in a blue evening gown, who gestured a '7' to her companion.

The two stood right behind Ji Yan, their voices not low, so they were clearly heard.

Ji Yu laughed triumphantly, leaning in to whisper in Ji Yan's ear.

"What they say is true—Chen Gege now dotes on you, so he surely bought you something, right?"

Ji Yan's face turned a shade paler.

He knew the person from before and the present Jin Chen were not the same, yet hearing this still made him unhappy.

Why hasn't Jin Chen come yet… so many strangers…

The noisy sounds in his ears grew ever more grating, and Ji Yan clenched his fists.

These were signs he was about to have an episode.

Ji Yu understood all too well, and a sneer slipped from the corner of his eye.

Having an attack in front of everyone must be especially agonizing, my dear brother.

"Why didn't you wait for me?"

Jin Chen suddenly took Ji Yan's hand, stroked it twice, signaling him to relax.

Smelling the familiar agarwood, Ji Yan's tense nerves suddenly eased, and he unconsciously leaned into the man.

As if in distress, he buried his head in the man's embrace.

"What's wrong? Who bullied you?"

Jin Chen's voice resonated softly from his chest, gentle in tone, yet he gave Ji Yu a slow, scrutinizing look—his eyes cool, exuding a suppressive aura.

He wore a suit of the same style as Ji Yan's but in a different color; the youth's white outfit was as refined as a prince's, while the man's black suit resembled a young emperor's, completely eclipsing the birthday celebrant, Ji Yu.

Ji Yu smiled and said, "Chen Gege, today is my birthday banquet—no one will bully Brother; he might not cope with crowds, so I'll take him to a room to rest."

"No need."

Jin Chen refused without hesitation, and when speaking to Ji Yu his voice instantly lost its warmth.

Ji Yu felt his heart tighten under that gaze, as if no secret could hide, yet he thought it impossible—how could Jin Chen know his plan?

He kept smiling and said, "Then please have Chen Gege take care of Brother."

Ji Yu continued chatting with other guests.

"Don't worry, he's gone."

Jin Chen rubbed the youth's neck to soothe his emotions.

Ji Yan nodded, his eyes opening while leaning in Jin Chen's embrace, yet he felt no fear.

Hearing those people's shocked chatter—that he was the one Jin Chen favored—the gloom in Ji Yan's eyes gradually faded, and when he straightened up, his gaze returned bright and clear.

Jin Chen wrapped an arm around his shoulders, his voice low and gentle: "If you're scared, lean on me."

Many who saw Jin Chen wanted to chat a bit; even if no collaboration came of it, being remembered by him was worthwhile.

That's the Jin family's ruler!

Although he needn't maintain a persona, he still couldn't avoid all the obligatory socializing.

The approach of strangers made Ji Yan uncomfortable; he nudged the man, indicating he needed to go to the restroom.

"All right, go, and be careful."

{0731, watch him, don't let Ji Yu get close. }

{Understood, Host. }

"President Jin dotes on Young Master Ji Yu—looks like something good is coming for President Jin."

The speaker was the head of the Song family, Song Kan's elder brother Song Jianmu; his seemingly casual remark was actually probing Jin Chen's attitude toward Ji Yan.

Whether it's just a casual lover, or a partner who will enter Jin Jia Lao Zhai, the difference between these two identities is huge.

If there's any good news, I'll definitely have Uncle Song come to witness it.

Jin Chen didn't refute at all, even going along with his words—not only saying it for Song Jianmu to hear, but also for those who are dying to prick up their ears to listen to their conversation.

Everyone was startled, and they gave Ji Yan's identity a bit more consideration.

Restroom.

The floor here is entirely paved with jade-inlaid marble tiles; the incense has dissipated, leaving it very clean.

Ji Yan stood at the sink, slowly washing his hands; suddenly he lifted his head and looked toward the doorway reflected in the mirror.

I know, you're following me.

In mid‑air, the 0731, which had been admiring the Little Pitiful One villain, was startled; it looked left and right, and finally gazed fearfully at Ji Yan.

Good grief! Can the Little Pitiful One see itself?

It has no physical form!

After saying that, Ji Yan fell silent, as if waiting for himself to recover.

0731 patted its frightened electronic heart, thinking Ji Yan could really see itself.

【Um… hello, I am the 0731 robot, Jin Chen's system! Our mission is to make you happy……】

0731 suddenly fell silent.

Song Ziming walked in from the doorway, his face wearing an interested smile.

You're pretty quick-witted.

0731: 【……】

Turns out it wasn't me! I was scared to death!

Who is this person?! Why are you following the Little Pitiful One!

Ji Yan dried his hands, his tone cold: "Your breathing is very obvious."

Then do you want to hear something even more obvious?

Song Ziming kept sizing up Ji Yan's delicate face, secretly thinking he had really struck it rich.

It was not in vain that, upon receiving Ji Yu's message, he rushed back from abroad overnight.