abcnovels
Chapter 388 - 388: Third Master Breaks Up the Couple
Chapter 388 - 388: Third Master Breaks Up the Couple
Chapter 388 - 388: Third Master Breaks Up the Couple
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Jiang Junlin turned back to fetch some stomach medicine. “Aren’t you still young at 22? Besides, your 22nd birthday hasn’t arrived yet.”
Ji Chi protested, “But I’m not that young anymore!”
Jiang Junlin came back with the medicine and tossed it to him. “Take two, then find time to go to the hospital for a check-up.”
Ji Chi took the medicine, and Jiang Junlin called Zhang Qiang to bring up two servings of food. He specifically ordered a bowl of fish congee. A smile tugged at the corner of Ji Chi’s lips. It was nice that his brother cared about him.
Really nice!
Jiang Junlin turned to see him smiling, his two dimples looking cute and delicate. His gaze was gentle and calm, and he couldn’t help but be curious. “What are you thinking that’s making you so happy?”
“Guess!”
“I won’t guess!” Jiang Junlin had no intention of trying to guess what was making this lunatic so happy. They had originally been discussing their separation, but the atmosphere had become a bit awkward due to the incident with Lu Zhiyuan.
Talking about it didn’t seem quite right. After all, business dealings had always been Ji Chi’s responsibility. Not talking about it would leave their emotions hanging, causing interruptions and making things sticky, which was also unacceptable.
Jiang Junlin looked at Ji Chi’s little dimples. Seeing him so happy, he couldn’t bear it. Lately, Ji Chi always seemed to be in a silly and cheerful mood, and he couldn’t figure out why.
“Brother, when will you find time to meet with Third Master?”
“Isn’t he still recovering?” Jiang Junlin frowned, glanced at his own schedule, and realized that the day after tomorrow was the weekend. He could take a day off, which would allow them to have a discussion. However, when he looked at Ji Chi, he hesitated. “Let’s wait a bit longer.”
Although Ji Chi knew it was unlikely, he still hoped that if Third Master and his brother reached a deep cooperation, maybe he and Jiang Junlin wouldn’t… Just the thought of this possibility made him feel really good lately.
Jiang Junlin, on the other hand, was more rational. It was impossible for Lu Zhiyuan to have a deep cooperation with him. If they did cooperate, Ji Chi in his current position would have no involvement, and the lines between public and private would be blurred.
Jiang Junlin didn’t outright reject the idea, and Ji Chi’s good mood continued. However, as he slowly realized that as long as he was the heir of Black Hawk, he and Jiang Junlin had no future together, and Jiang Junlin had never mentioned the future, Ji Chi’s good mood abruptly stopped and he became gloomy and stubborn.
Jiang Junlin shook his head. It was really unpredictable!
Jiang Junlin’s attitude was within Lu Zhiyuan’s expectations. A strong alliance was the way to go. If it came down to a life-or-death situation where both sides suffered, neither would benefit.
Ji Chi and Lu Zhiyuan said, “Brother, why didn’t you just refuse? You clearly have a hostile relationship.”
If he had simply refused, he wouldn’t have any lingering thoughts.
“If it were before the New Year, Jiang Junlin would definitely have scorned the idea of cooperating with us. He didn’t need our Black Hawk’s assistance. But after the New Year, the situation has changed dramatically. The underworld dark web is like a one-man show. It might seem splendid, but it’s actually extremely difficult to navigate. His identity has become quite awkward. By staying hidden in the shadows, Jiang Junlin can do whatever he wants with no one to hold him accountable, and he doesn’t need any official position. Now, by discussing a legitimate position for him, and after days of negotiations without any agreement, it’s clear that no one wants his identity to be legalized. He’s meant to be the hidden blade. That’s what makes him trustworthy. He’s neutral, seemingly aligning with various factions but having no real allies. Mr. Zhang helping him resolve this current issue is an exchange of interests. What about the next time? Jiang Junlin urgently needs an ally.”
Rong Li shrugged, “But it shouldn’t be us. We can stab him at any time.”
Lu Zhiyuan lifted his chin, “Have you asked if he’s willing?”
Rong Li looked at Ji Chi, “His opinion doesn’t matter.”
Ji Chi couldn’t tolerate it any longer, “I’m the next head of Black Hawk!”
“The Crown Prince hasn’t ascended yet, and you’re already laying out the lineage!”
Ji Chi threw a punch, “Shut up!”
Lu Zhiyuan chuckled lightly, “No need for deep cooperation. 1 don’t need it, and he doesn’t need it either. But in some matters, we can achieve a win-win situation.”
“So troublesome. Just marry into each other’s families!” Rong Li said, annoyed. “Marriage ties are the most secure.”
“1 won’t marry Jiang Junlin!”
Rong Li pointed at Ji Chi, “What about him?”
Lu Zhiyuan said lightly, “That’s not possible either. By the way, when are you breaking up with Jiang Junlin?”
Ji Chi hesitated.
Rong Li mocked, “It’s Ji Chi’s first time in love, and it’s also his first breakup. Young man, you’re like a maiden on her bridal sedan.”
“How long are you going to drag this out?” Lu Zhiyuan asked.
Rong Li chimed in, “Ji Chi, you should learn from Third Master. Break up cleanly and decisively. Your hesitation makes you look like a young maiden.”
Ji Chi remained expressionless, feigning indifference.
Lu Zhiyuan leaned forward, with a sly smile, “I’m afraid he’s in love unilaterally. Does Jiang Junlin recognize it?”
Ji Chi was stabbed again, lying down and taking the teasing, conceding defeat.
“I’m quite curious about something. What have you been concocting in the kitchen recently, Ji Chi?” Lu Zhiyuan asked.
Rong Li quickly spilled the beans, “He’s been practicing ‘Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.’ He even hired a chef from a five-star restaurant. 1 don’t know how many ingredients he’s wasted. Three Uncle, I’ve gained six pounds from eating his culinary experiments.”
Ji Chi retorted, “If it’s not tasty, so why did you keep eating it?”
“You asked me to taste-test your dishes, and with such high-quality ingredients, it’s a shame to waste them. I’ve been learning for half a month, but there’s been little progress. You need to reflect on that!” Rong Li grumbled, “You have a pile of official duties to attend to, yet you’re in the kitchen every day. The Crown Prince really knows how to enjoy life.”
“If you don’t stop talking, 1’11 poison you!”
“Hmph!”
Listening to their banter, Lu Zhiyuan became interested, “Is your ‘Buddha Jumps Over the Wall’ really that bad? Let me taste it at lunch.”
Rong Li clapped his hands, “That’s great, Third Master. Let’s have it together. I can’t endure it alone.”
“Third Master, are you sure?” Ji Chi asked.
Lu Zhiyuan nodded, and Ji Chi snapped his fingers, “I’ll make sure it’s good.”
Ji Chi went out to prepare the ingredients. Lu Zhiyuan asked Rong Li, “Is it really that bad?”
“Exaggeration. It’s not that terrible, but it’s far from delicious.” Rong Li whispered, “I’ve noticed that he’s been quite absent-minded lately, so 1 intentionally gave him a hard time, forcing him to put more effort into cooking and less into wandering thoughts.”
Lu Zhiyuan was recovering relatively easily. He only needed to provide directions in official matters. Rong Li and Ji Chi reported to him about important events and followed his instructions. He didn’t have to concern himself with other matters. However, during this recovery period, he had lost weight, leaving Rong Li puzzled. “Third Master, are you one of those people who lose their appetite after a breakup?”
“Does it seem like it?”
“Yes!” Rong Li laughed, “I can totally understand your desire to drown your sorrows in comfort food.”
Lu Zhiyuan burst into laughter, and the two of them high-fived, displaying great synergy.
Lu Zhiyuan and Rong Li continued to discuss the details of the financial business transfer for Black Hawk. Rong Li said, “I’ve applied for licenses several times recently, but the Banking Regulatory Commission keeps rejecting them, citing various reasons. Someone must be causing trouble behind the scenes.”
Black Hawk had branches in Asia and conducted business in City A. However, their license wasn’t a standalone one. It was obtained when Black Hawk acquired a financial company, and the license had not expired yet. They had been trying to apply for a license specifically for Black Hawk’s asset management business, but Jiang Junlin had prevented it last year. The former Asia CEO of Black Hawk didn’t take it seriously and thought they could apply later, but after the New Year, the rules had changed, making the application process much more difficult..