After Ji Ting left, Ji Yanzhi fell ill.
The butler had no idea what illness it was, because Ji Yanzhi refused to see a doctor. He lay at home for two days, then went back to work.
When Sun Ye saw him again, he had lost a good deal of weight. Though he showed no obvious signs of dejection, a layer of frost seemed to have settled over him, its chill palpable before anyone even approached.
The secretary set a cup in front of Sun Ye, then went out and closed the door.
"What did you want to see me about?" Ji Yanzhi asked, getting straight to the point.
Seeing this, Sun Ye took out the document at once. "Starting today, the State Security Bureau will take full responsibility for your personal safety, with round-the-clock close protection."
Ji Yanzhi glanced at the paper before him and said in a flat voice, "Why protect me? I'm hardly anyone important."
"Ji Ting made just this one request before leaving, so the higher-ups will keep you safe no matter what."
"Then why bother asking me?"
Sun Ye smiled. "Well, what if you're unhappy with the people we choose? Of course we fully respect the wishes of the person involved."
Sun Ye had already prepared himself to leave empty-handed, but to his surprise, Ji Yanzhi picked up a pen and signed his name in a few quick strokes.
Once he had signed, Sun Ye took the opportunity to ask, "Boss Shen has developed some new dishes. Want to go to Mulan Cloud Residence together this weekend?"
"Go by yourself."
Sun Ye fell silent for a moment, then said, "Ji Ting will come back."
Ji Yanzhi gave him an icy look. "What does it matter to me whether he comes back?"
That was plainly spite