Chapter 9 Part 2

Huo Boyan said, “You’re not a kid anymore. Time to start thinking.”

Huo Junlin murmured an “oh” and asked, “Then what about Zhu Ran?”

Huo Boyan replied, “He’ll take my plane back to Hong Kong Island. After landing, I’ll contact his family and have him checked at the hospital.”

Huo Junlin couldn’t argue with that but still didn’t want to leave. Reluctantly, he instructed, “Bro, take good care of Zhu Ran for me.”

Huo Boyan: “Mm.”

Huo Junlin added, “I’ll handle things on the island. Don’t worry, no problems…”

Halfway through his words, he suddenly spotted Zhu Ran in the distance and immediately ended the conversation to run over.

Zhu Ran appeared faster than expected. In less than an hour, he arrived dragging his suitcase. He had changed into light casual clothes and, perhaps because of the injury, looked somewhat pale.

Too far to hear their conversation, Huo Boyan could only see Huo Junlin’s guilty expression, seemingly concerned about his injured calf. Zhu Ran smiled gently, as if saying it was fine.

At that moment, Zhu Ran’s expression became incredibly alluring, revealing beneath his handsome features a sincere, fragile, one-of-a-kind quality. No wonder Huo Junlin was fooled. Even Huo Boyan himself found it not so easy to discern.

After bidding Huo Junlin goodbye, Zhu Ran came to the speedboat. Shorter than Huo Boyan, he had to tilt his head up. “Mr. Huo, sorry to keep you waiting. I’m ready.”

Trying the same routine on him? He wasn’t some fool like Huo Junlin who fell for a little ploy.

Huo Boyan had wanted to say something warning to make him back off, but then he noticed Zhu Ran’s unsteady breathing—likely from rushing with luggage after the injury. Zhu Ran’s lips parted slightly as he panted, revealing the soft pink inner walls of his mouth, his teeth white and even like seashells on the beach.

Huo Boyan inwardly blamed Huo Junlin. Knowing Zhu Ran was injured, how could he not even help with the luggage?

He took Zhu Ran’s suitcase smoothly, expressionless. “Get on the boat.”

The speedboat cut through the sea and arrived at the airport dock sooner than Zhu Ran expected. Then came customs and boarding. The Gulfstream G800 had an industrial aesthetic exterior and a spacious, luxurious interior so opulent it felt like even breathing cost money.

The crew had been waiting. They briefed Huo Boyan on the flight preparations. Zhu Ran sat nearby listening. Halfway through, he grew dazed and fell asleep.

When he woke again, the plane had reached cruising altitude in the stratosphere. Outside the window stretched a starry night sky. The cabin was quiet, filled only with a faint hum.

Zhu Ran went to the bathroom. On his way out, Chen Jiaming asked if he wanted food. Starving, Zhu Ran gratefully said thanks.

He followed Chen Jiaming to the kitchen and ran into Huo Boyan and the two pilots eating at the bar counter. Hearing the noise, all three looked up. Zhu Ran greeted them and sat on a stool to wait for his meal.

The two pilots continued chatting. Huo Boyan spoke to him first. “Slept well?”

Zhu Ran felt a bit embarrassed. “Sorry, I was too tired.”

Huo Boyan asked, “How’s your leg? Want the doctor to check again?”

“Thanks, but no need,” Zhu Ran said, shaking his calf. “Doesn’t hurt unless I touch it now.”

Huo Boyan didn’t press. “Tell me if it bothers you.”

Zhu Ran nodded and thanked him again.

Soon the chef served the meal. As Zhu Ran ate, he listened to the pilots discuss flight data. After finishing, the pilots went to relieve the other crew in the cockpit. When the door opened, Zhu Ran’s curiosity got the better of him, and he peeked inside.

“Want to take a look?” Huo Boyan suddenly asked.

“Into the cockpit?” Zhu Ran’s eyes widened, as if he hadn’t processed it.

“Yeah. Do you want to?”

“Is that allowed? Won’t it disturb them?”

“Of course,” Huo Boyan nodded. A hint of amusement showed in his eyes behind the glasses. Half-joking, half-serious, he said, “Just behave yourself.”

No one could refuse such an invitation. Zhu Ran raised his hand at once. “Don’t worry, I won’t touch anything.”

Commercial flights generally banned this, but private jets were more flexible. Trusting their employer Huo Boyan, the captain allowed a brief visit. But Zhu Ran didn’t dare go further than the doorway. He snapped a few photos and retreated immediately.

Huo Boyan: “Not looking more?”

Zhu Ran shook his head. “That’s enough. I don’t want to bother them.”

The next moment, Huo Boyan’s voice, laced with temptation, rang out. “Want to give it a try?”

“Huh?” Zhu Ran was stunned. “Try what?”

Huo Boyan said, “Flying the plane.”

Zhu Ran’s slightly upturned peach-blossom eyes widened in shock, rounding out with an innocent air that didn’t match his appearance.

He blinked repeatedly, still incredulous. “No way, that’s too dangerous.”

“How could it be?” Huo Boyan smiled encouragingly. “The plane’s on autopilot now. As long as you don’t mess around, there’s no danger.”

Zhu Ran eyed the wall of screens and buttons. Was he tempted? Of course—who wouldn’t want to try flying a plane?

But then he thought, wasn’t this unlicensed driving? Even on the ground, no normal person would let someone without a license take the wheel. And this plane had so many people aboard.

Huo Boyan seemed so mild-mannered, yet he made such a wild suggestion.

Rich people really played extravagantly. He’d underestimated Huo Boyan. Too bad he valued his life; he didn’t want to die in a crash from recklessness.

About to refuse, the man’s low, rich voice sounded again.

“Really don’t want to try?” Huo Boyan stood behind him, almost seductively. “If you do, everyone’s lives on board—including mine—will be in your hands.”