“Good tea.”
Shuai Chang smiled with satisfaction, “I know you love tea, so I specially saved some for you. I only have two ounces, you can take it all.”
“You even resorted to bribery, something you usually disdain. It seems you are very serious this time.” Ling Yuting lowered his gaze, his lips, tinted with tea, appeared even more red.
“Hey, what do you mean ‘this time’? There’s only one time. It’s only right to treat him well because he is my…”
“Knock, knock, knock.” Shuai Chang hadn’t finished speaking when a knock sounded at the door.
Shuai Chang’s eyes lit up, and he said with a smile, “He’s here.”
“Who?” Ling Yuting was momentarily taken aback.
Shuai Chang didn’t answer; he casually walked over to open the door himself.
Fan Luojia stood outside holding a lunchbox. Shuai Chang reached out to take it, “Is it windy outside? Your hair is all messy.” He said, using his empty left hand to help tidy Fan Luojia’s hair.
Fan Luojia chuckled, “The wind shifts between strong and weak. Sister Lili came down to pick me up.” Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to enter without a work permit.
“Lili did a good job; I’ll give her a raise later. Come in.”
Fan Luojia stepped inside and saw there were other people in the room. He was slightly surprised and looked at Yin Haidong, “Brother Haidong, this is…?”
Shuai Chang held Fan Luojia’s hand and walked to Ling Yuting, saying brightly, “Yuting, this is the person I mentioned, Fan Luojia.”
“Luojia, this is Vice General Manager Ling Yuting.”
Fan Luojia met Ling Yuting’s gaze behind his glasses, and for some reason, he felt a deep hostility from Ling Yuting towards him.
“Hello, Vice General Manager.” Fan Luojia was the first to extend his hand.
Ling Yuting stared at Fan Luojia for a moment, his silent face softening as he responded, “Hello, Luojia.”
Shuai Chang opened the lunchbox, and a fragrant aroma wafted out. He couldn’t resist asking the two, “Luojia, have you eaten? Yuting, would you like to taste Luojia’s cooking?”
Fan Luojia asked, “Where is the washroom? I need to wash my hands.”
Shuai Chang stood up and opened the door behind the desk, “Although small, it’s well-equipped.”
Fan Luojia entered the break room, leaving Shuai Chang and Ling Yuting alone in the office.
Shuai Chang called out to him, “Yuting, Luojia’s cooking is really good. You should come and try it.”
Ling Yuting walked over, “I originally thought we were going to discuss the same matter, but it seems I misunderstood.”
“What?” Shuai Chang picked up a piece of boiled meat and popped it into his mouth, immediately conquered by the spicy and rich flavor. He frowned, not understanding Ling Yuting’s meaning, and enjoyed it with squinted eyes looking at him.
Ling Yuting paused before turning away, no longer looking at him. “Wu Qian has taken an interest in the company’s signed artist Yun Qing and intends to promote him. I’ve heard recently that you and Yun Qing are very close, so I thought…”
“Stop, stop, stop! First of all, I have no relationship with Yun Qing beyond that of a boss and employee. Secondly, I do not like men.” Shuai Chang set down his chopsticks and said earnestly.
“I can believe you when you say you don’t like Yun Qing, but what about not liking men? What’s the situation with Fan Luojia then? Don’t tell me he’s your distant cousin.” Ling Yuting frowned, feeling that Yin Haidong still didn’t trust him enough, refusing to tell him the truth.
Shuai Chang waved his hand, “That’s different; Luojia is special.” He looked as if to say ‘you wouldn’t understand,’ making it clear he didn’t want to explain too much.
Ling Yuting sighed, “I told you about Yun Qing; as for Fan Luojia, you can handle that yourself.” After saying this, he turned and left the office.
Shuai Chang was confused about how he’d offended him. Turning helplessly, he saw Fan Luojia pushing the door open, looking absent-minded.
“Luojia, are you okay?” Shuai Chang asked with concern.
Fan Luojia took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, shaking his head lightly, “I’m fine. Let’s eat; I’m really hungry.”
After finishing their meal, Yin Haidong had to continue working overtime. Fan Luojia didn’t want to disturb him and left holding the cleaned lunchbox.
Outside the building, the lights were bright as day with a bustling street. Fan Luojia got into his car, resting his hands on the steering wheel, staring blankly ahead.
He overheard half of the conversation between Ling Yuting and Yin Haidong. When Yin Haidong said he didn’t like men, Fan Luojia felt a sinking feeling in his heart, followed by Yin Haidong’s remark that he was special.
How special could that be?
More special than Ling Yuting?
At least he was more special than that artist called Yun Qing.
Fan Luojia thought to himself.
Shuai Chang had intended for Fan Luojia to wait for him to finish work so they could go home together, but Fan Luojia said he had other matters to attend to and left with a smile.
Shuai Chang felt a twist in his heart, oddly feeling that Fan Luojia was upset.
He reflected on what he had said, but couldn’t pinpoint what might have offended him.
Asking the spirit group would probably link everything to love, so he decided not to think about it and would just ask him directly when he got off work.
Author’s Note:
The protagonist has snake-like traits (emphasized) and lacks love (stressed).
This is not simply a sweet story but a wildly stimulating sweet tale.