Yan Jinyue sensed Ji Hanxing's nervousness and was trying to soothe him. Many people said Ji Hanxing had rarely attended banquets or social engagements before because he was aloof and, being young, did not know how to handle people smoothly.
But now Yan Jinyue thought Ji Hanxing might simply be uncomfortable in this kind of setting. It felt unfamiliar to him, so he was nervous and ill at ease.
Saying that the head of a corporate group was uncomfortable at banquets, even a little nervous and socially anxious, might sound funny, but it was the truth. Ji Hanxing's reactions said it all.
If Ji Hanxing had simply skipped today's banquet, Yan Jinyue would not have thought this way. After all, he did not think he carried that much weight. His name might count for something with others, but Yan Jinyue had no such confidence when it came to Ji Hanxing.
But Ji Hanxing had come today. Yan Jinyue knew he had most likely come for the children at those orphanages.
"I apologize for taking it upon myself."
Yan Jinyue apologized again. Ji Hanxing stared into his eyes. "But given another chance, you'd still do it, wouldn't you?"
"Yes."
Ji Hanxing was puzzled. "Why? You should be able to tell I don't want this."
Had he noticed my awkwardness and deliberately tried to make a fool of me?
No, Yan Jinyue wasn't that bored.
That only left Ji Hanxing more confused about why Yan Jinyue had done this and what exactly he wanted.
Someone passed beside them, and Ji Hanxing instinctively drew back a little. His arm accidentally brushed against Yan Jinyue's, and Yan Jinyue glanced over as though he had sensed something.
Yan Jinyue said, "I want to work with you."
"I'm building momentum in advance."
Ji Hanxing froze. "Work with me? On what?"
The eldest son of the Yan Family actually wants to work with me? He's probably going to swindle me out of everything, right down to my underwear.
Yan Jinyue pressed his lips together. "I don't know."
Ji Hanxing was instantly speechless.
Is there something seriously wrong with him?
Yan Jinyue had been insulted, but he was quite happy.
"With your talent, President Ji, your future is bound to be limitless. You could say I'm getting in ahead of everyone else."
Ji Hanxing glanced at Yan Jinyue without speaking.
Working together is out of the question. We'll be lucky if we don't fight each other to the death.
The system certainly could not accept him working with the villain.
Hearing that thought, a trace of surprise flashed in Yan Jinyue's eyes. Why was Ji Hanxing so certain they could not work together?
He even thought they would fight each other to the death. As far as Yan Jinyue currently knew, the Yan Group and the Ji Group had no overlapping businesses and were not competitors.
"Jinyue certainly has some pull. He even managed to invite President Ji."
An unfamiliar voice cut in. Yan Jinyue and Ji Hanxing both looked toward it. The speaker was a middle-aged woman in a blue women's suit, with an outstanding air about her.
Ji Hanxing was certain he did not know her.
"Aunt Xu."
Yan Jinyue bowed slightly in greeting, then introduced her to Ji Hanxing. "This is Aunt Xu, a good friend of my mother's and the vice chairwoman of the Tomorrow Charitable Foundation."
He did not introduce Ji Hanxing to Xu Fengming. Her earlier remark had already revealed that she knew who Ji Hanxing was.
Xu Fengming smiled and held out her hand to Ji Hanxing. "Hello, President Ji. I'm Xu Fengming."
Ji Hanxing always softened a little around older women. "Hello, Chairwoman Xu."
"You're older than me. You, you don't need to address me like that..."
He even stammered a little. Xu Fengming studied him, then suddenly gave a soft laugh.
"You and Jinyue are good friends, aren't you? If you don't mind, you can call me Aunt Xu too."
"Shall I call you Hanxing?"
Ji Hanxing nodded. "Of course, Aunt Xu."
"Did you... know me before?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't think we've met before."
Xu Fengming took no offense at Ji Hanxing's words. "That's right. We haven't met before."
"But I've heard of you, Hanxing. You're very impressive."
Praise from an elder always made one feel a little embarrassed. The tips of Ji Hanxing's ears reddened slightly.
"I also know you don't often attend banquets like this, Hanxing. It was quite a surprise to see you here today."
"Jinyue, you really do have some pull."
As she spoke, Xu Fengming cast Yan Jinyue a sidelong glance.
"Yes. I'm deeply honored that Hanxing was willing to come."
Ji Hanxing looked at Yan Jinyue in surprise. Who are you calling Hanxing? Did I give you permission?
Yan Jinyue merely smiled without saying anything.
Xu Fengming's gaze moved between the two of them a few times, and she chuckled. "I only came over to say hello. There are still things to deal with over there, so I'll be going."
"You, the chairman, are hiding here and slacking off. If I don't get over there, everything will descend into chaos."
Yan Jinyue said, "Please keep an eye on things today, Aunt Xu."
Xu Fengming waved to Ji Hanxing. "See you next time, Hanxing. Enjoy yourself today."
With that, she left. She had only gone a few steps when someone called out to her, inviting her to join them for a photo.
"So, are you planning to keep hiding here and slacking off?"
Ji Hanxing tipped his chin toward the stage, signaling for Yan Jinyue to go over.
Yan Jinyue said, "My job as the mascot is done. I can leave the rest to the others."
"You've got a very accurate grasp of your role."
Leaving him with that remark, Ji Hanxing prepared to return to where he had been sitting. He had barely turned when Yan Jinyue grabbed him. Ji Hanxing looked back.
"What are you doing?"
Damn it, I want to eat!
Yan Jinyue said, "Even if you go back to that seat now, it won't be out of sight anymore."
Ji Hanxing glanced around. Some people had been watching him the whole time. He believed that once he sat back down, they might come over.
So? Whose fault is that? Yours, obviously!
Yan Jinyue said, "Sit at my table. Once the meal starts in a bit, no one will come and bother you."
Ji Hanxing hesitated for a while, then gave in. All he wanted now was to eat.
I've been here so long, and all I've eaten is that one little cake!
That little cake really was delicious.
With his head lowered, Ji Hanxing followed Yan Jinyue toward the round table in the middle, reminiscing about the taste of the little cake as he walked.
"How did you like that cake earlier?"
"It was really good. I'd like another..."
Ji Hanxing blurted it out, wanting another serving, but once he realized Yan Jinyue was the one asking, he immediately shut his mouth.
"I'll have another serving brought out for you later."
"No need!"
Ji Hanxing immediately objected.
What kind of CEO eats little cakes in front of everyone? That would ruin my persona!
Yan Jinyue thought Ji Hanxing was beyond saving. He was far too hung up on his domineering boss persona.
If I'm going to eat it, I have to hide somewhere.
Could I have it packed up to take home?
Even from Ji Hanxing's thoughts, Yan Jinyue could hear how guilty he felt.
"Today's cake is part of the take-home gifts. Remember to take yours later."
Ji Hanxing blinked and tilted his head to look at Yan Jinyue. "Really?" He cleared his throat lightly, putting on a reserved air. "Then I'll take it."
Yan Jinyue said, "Yes."
What could he do when faced with such a drama queen? He could only play along.