My Nemesis Has Finally Gone Bankrupt Chapter 97

Chapter 97:

The employees were still noisily discussing the rising costs of wedding gifts this year when the door opened and Qin Man returned.

“President Qin, we’ve got two new dishes. Please try them…”

“I have something to do, so I need to leave,” Qin Man said, taking his jacket off the chair and draping it casually over his arm. “I’ve paid the bill. Enjoy your meal and go home early to rest. See you on Monday.”

Liu Chen put down his chopsticks. “President Qin, you’ve been drinking. Let me drive you.”

“I’m not going back yet,” Qin Man said, not looking back as he left the private room. “No need to see me off.”

He came and went quickly. After the door closed, the employees exchanged glances, surprised at how quickly their boss’s mood had changed.

In the hallway, Qin Man took out his phone and checked it one last time.

Still no response.

He smiled wryly.

He wasn’t really angry.

He knew that there was nothing between Ji Ran and He Suiran. If there had been even a hint of a spark between them, he would have been out of the picture long ago.

Not answering his calls and not replying to his messages were typical of Ji Ran’s behavior.

Ji Ran had always been like this. His upbringing had given him a free-spirited personality. He could easily give up the Ji family’s wealth, let alone a former boyfriend who had once deceived him.

To Ji Ran, Qin Man was probably as insignificant as the Ji family fortune.

So, he felt more dejected and unwilling than angry.

He was frustrated by his own lack of uniqueness.

And he was unwilling to stay in a place in Ji Ran’s heart that was so easily overlooked.

Qin Man stood there for only about half a minute.

Then he straightened his tie slightly and turned to walk toward the private room where Ji Ran was.

Just as he was wondering how to coax Ji Ran to leave, he rounded the corner and bumped right into him.

Seeing who it was, Qin Man was slightly surprised, his hand still on his tie.

They were standing too close, so Ji Ran took a step back, equally surprised. “…What are you doing here?”

Ever since he had seen that figure, Ji Ran had felt a persistent itch in his heart.

It looked so much like him. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like him. Even the suit was one he had seen in his closet.

With this in mind, he couldn’t sit still. Since the discussion was over anyway, he found an excuse to come out and check. And it really was Qin Man.

Qin Man quickly composed himself, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he retorted, “Why did you come out?”

Ji Ran replied, “To go to the bathroom.”

Qin Man reminded him, “The bathroom isn’t this way.”

“…”

Qin Man smiled, “Did you come out to see me?”

“I asked you first.” Ji Ran frowned. “What are you doing here?”

“I just finished today’s work and brought my employees for a dinner.”

Ji Ran’s frown deepened, “You drank like a fish last night and didn’t rest today? Are you crazy about making money?”

“Yeah, I need to earn more to buy you a few more cars.”

“….. Who the hell wants you to buy me a car?” Ji Ran looked behind him, “Is your dinner over?”

“Not yet.”

“Then what are you doing out here?”

Qin Man looked down, a hint of jealousy in his eyes, “If I didn’t come out, my ex-boyfriend might cheat on me.”

“…”

Ji Ran’s face flushed as he rolled his eyes, “I told you, we’re ex-boyfriends. There’s no such thing as cheating.”

Qin Man laughed and suddenly said, “That family photo yesterday was taken at the elder’s request. I couldn’t refuse.”

Ji Ran was stunned for a moment before replying, “It’s just a photo. What’s there to explain?”

“If I don’t explain, you might not respond to my messages tomorrow.”

“When did I not respond to your messages?” Ji Ran frowned, explaining, “I left my phone at the breakfast shop. I’ve been negotiating contracts with drivers all day, so I haven’t had a chance to go back and get it. Did you try to reach me?”

Qin Man was taken aback, “I sent you messages all day.”

Ji Ran: “…. You didn’t think I was mad about the photo and ignored you, did you?”

Qin Man pressed his lips together, silently confirming.

Ji Ran found it somewhat amusing.

Initially, he was a bit upset when he saw the photo.

But he quickly calmed down. It was just a photo, after all, and didn’t mean anything. Qin Man was holding the elder’s hand, not that woman’s. What was there to be angry about?

And he knew well that Qin Man, despite being a bit of a trickster, was definitely not the kind of scumbag who chases after every person he meets.

“Do you drink?” Qin Man suddenly asked.

Chen Qi had a competition in two days, so he was avoiding alcohol during this period, hence they substituted tea for drinks.

Ji Ran replied, “No, why?”

“I have. And I didn’t drive here today,” Qin Man smiled, “Could you give your neighbor a ride later?”

He Suiran had been chatting happily, but seeing Ji Ran bring Qin Man into the private room, his smile immediately froze.

How is this person everywhere?

“This is my neighbor, Qin Man,” Ji Ran casually introduced them, “Williams’ racer, Chen Qi. He’ll be my racer next year.”

Although unaware of Qin Man’s identity, judging by his attire and demeanor, he was certainly not an ordinary person. Chen Qi stood up and shook hands with him, “Hello, I’m Chen Qi.”

“Qin Man,” Qin Man shook hands back with a polite smile.

Ji Ran returned to his seat, and Qin Man took the seat opposite him.

The previous topic continued. Qin Man wasn’t familiar with this area, so he didn’t join the conversation but quietly listened, occasionally pouring tea for Ji Ran.

After about ten minutes, he had a clear grasp of the situation.

Chen Qi was a bit older than Ji Ran. He had heard of Ji Ran’s name a few years ago and even came from out of town once to challenge Ji Ran, but it fell through due to unforeseen circumstances.

He hadn’t planned to return to the country, but after hearing Ji Ran’s name, he hesitated slightly and decided to hear what Ji Ran had to say.

And once he listened, he didn’t want to leave.

Ji Ran had grand plans laid out, and if it were anyone else, he probably wouldn’t have believed it.

“I have one last question,” Chen Qi asked, “Regarding investment, how do you approach it? Many teams nowadays have sponsors, mostly set up by the car brands themselves. Not that I doubt you, I know you have money, but… you know, the annual expenses for many teams run into billions of dollars. Even starting small, it would still require tens of millions annually. This is no small sum, and in the initial phases, the team hardly generates any income. Can you handle all this by yourself?”

Ji Ran paused his tea-drinking motion and then said, “I’ll handle this issue. As a racer, your signing fee and new car won’t be overlooked. Just focus on racing.”

He Suiran quickly interjected, “Ji Ran, I know a few manufacturers. Do you need me to make some introductions?”

“Really?” Qin Man interjected first. “Which manufacturers do you know?”

Unexpectedly chiming in, He Suiran immediately listed several domestic manufacturers.

“These you mentioned, they’re all sponsors of that entertainment variety show you host, right?” Qin Man smiled.

He emphasized “entertainment variety show” significantly.

He Suiran’s face turned grim. “They are all outstanding domestic enterprises.”

“Yes, but they’ve been quite conservative in their investments in recent years. They prefer to spend money on projects with clear returns… like that entertainment variety show,” Qin Man’s smile remained unchanged. “Projects with risks and uncertain prospects like this, they simply won’t agree to.”

He Suiran: “Qin Man, are you deliberately saying these discouraging words?”

“I’m just stating the facts.”

Chen Qi hesitated, “I think Qin Man makes sense.”

“My current funds can absolutely support the club’s expenses for nearly two years,” Ji Ran interrupted their dispute. “I’ll find sponsors, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, the club won’t go under.”

He Suiran finished his tea in one gulp, feeling disgruntled.

Today, Ji Ran rarely spoke much with him, and he hadn’t even had enough limelight yet. Why did Qin Man have to show up?

Moreover, these two had clearly broken up. Why was Ji Ran still willing to bring Qin Man into this?

As he pondered this, he suddenly felt a hand from the adjacent table knock over a cup on their table. The warm tea spilled onto his pants.

Qin Man held the teapot, looking innocent. “Sorry, didn’t mean to bump into that.”

Through gritted teeth, He Suiran said, “…It’s fine.”

He was wearing white pants, and the tea stain wouldn’t come off with just a white napkin. He stood up, “I’m going to the restroom.”

In the restroom, He Suiran stood by the sink, wiping his pants with clean water while silently cursing Qin Man.

“Are you cursing at me?” a voice suddenly came from behind.

He Suiran jumped in surprise, turning around to see Qin Man standing there with a casual smile.

Ignoring him, He Suiran turned back to continue washing.

Unperturbed, Qin Man continued, “I heard you’re about to sign a contract with Ferrari?”

“It’s none of your business.”

Qin Man chuckled, “Whether it concerns me or not, depends on your performance.”

He Suiran stopped washing and turned around, “What do you mean?”

“Stay away from Ji Ran,” Qin Man said bluntly, “Otherwise, that contract paper, you might as well sign it in your dreams.”　

He Suiran was taken aback, taking a moment to respond. He shut off the water and scoffed, “Who do you think you are? Do you really have that kind of power?”

“Whether I do or not, you’d find out if you tried,” Qin Man said casually. “You’re not Ferrari’s top priority as a driver; they’re just hoping you’ll attract more domestic fans. If it weren’t for your meager fan base in China these past few years… do you think they’d choose you?”

He Suiran replied, “Apart from me, there isn’t another well-known racing driver in China.”

“So, it’s simple,” Qin Man smiled knowingly. “If your reputation in China turns sour, do you think they’d still want to sign you?”

He Suiran was shocked.

He wanted to argue back at Qin Man—what could a bankrupt guy like him possibly do to tarnish his reputation?

But those words kept swirling in his mind, and he couldn’t bring himself to say them aloud. It was simply because Qin Man seemed too confident, which left him uncertain.

After a moment, he said, “Even if you and Ji Ran have broken up, I’m just making friends with Ji Ran. What’s it to you?”

Qin Man replied, “I can’t control who he befriends. But friends like you who only cause trouble for him? I’ll chase away one as soon as they come.”

Just recalling being hounded by reporters at the race track last time made Qin Man simmer with frustration.

Recalling the past, He Suiran instantly lost his confidence.

Besides, he did have other intentions towards Ji Ran, which softened his tone a bit. “Aren’t your methods too despicable? What’s the difference between you and a villain? Qin Man, are you afraid? Afraid that Ji Ran will be with me, even afraid to compete with me fairly—”

Qin Man cut him off, “Fair competition?”

He seemed to find it amusing, repeating, “You want to compete fairly with me?”

He Suiran pressed on, but before he could say anything, he heard Qin Man chuckle.

“Why should I compete fairly with you?”

He Suiran: “……….”

“Today, let me teach you something—your family’s hard-earned wealth and the glory you’ve gained over the years in racing, they weren’t meant for you to talk about ‘fairness’ with others. When, because of your nationality, you eliminated those foreign drivers who were better than you from Ferrari’s signing list, where was fairness then? When, as a driver, you pushed away those better singers than you to join singing variety shows, why didn’t you mention fairness then?”　

Qin Man smirked coldly, “Fair competition is something only the weak talk about.”

He Suiran’s face flushed red.

Just as he was about to retort, his gaze shifted to behind Qin Man, and his expression changed.

Gritting his teeth, he said, “… But Ji Ran doesn’t like you, otherwise he wouldn’t have broken up with you. Even if you chase everyone else away, he still won’t be with you.”

Qin Man’s gaze darkened slightly. “You don’t need to worry about that.”

He Suiran understood now. “I see. You want to drive away all his pursuers and then use the same tactics you used on me to force him to be with you? Do you think he’s your private possession?”

“He’s not,” Qin Man replied firmly. “But I am.”

He Suiran was taken aback. “… What do you mean?”

Realizing he had said too much, Qin Man didn’t want to engage further. He calmly said, “Of course he can have pursuers, but troublemakers like you, no. This is my first and last warning to you: don’t come bothering him again.”

With that said, Qin Man turned to leave, but upon seeing who was behind him, he froze in place.

Ji Ran stood outside the restroom with his hands in his pockets, calmly meeting Qin Man’s gaze.

He Suiran turned to Ji Ran anxiously, “Ji Ran, did you hear that? This guy is a psycho, he….”

“What’s it to you?” Ji Ran glanced coolly at him. “Is his behavior bothering you?”

He Suiran was stunned again.

“Finished eating? Let’s go back,” Ji Ran redirected his gaze to Qin Man.

Unable to gauge what was going on in front of him, Qin Man hesitated, “…. Alright.”

Leaving He Suiran behind, the two walked in silence until they reached the underground parking lot.

Once in the car, Qin Man hesitated for a moment before deciding to speak up, “I…”

“Find time to tear up all those photos in your house,” Ji Ran interrupted.

Qin Man felt like his heart skipped a beat. After a moment, he said bitterly, “Why?”

“Aren’t you the one who said you’re my possession? Then do as you’re told. No need for so much talk.”

Qin Man was momentarily stunned. He turned to look at Ji Ran.

Ji Ran kept his eyes forward his ears red.

He muttered, “Auntie might have seen too much that day. It’s safer to tear them up, since you don’t live there anymore.”

Qin Man: “…. But I wanted to keep them.”

Ji Ran clicked his tongue, “Then why not find another place to put them up?”

Where could he put them?

Paste them on his household register?

Qin Man dared only to think, not to say.

Huge shoutout to @_nyanmaru_ on Discord for commissioning this! The chapter will be posted regularly, show your support for Ciacia at Kofi.