Shuai Chang prepared a hot bath and soaked in it. The bathroom was filled with steam, and as he splashed warm water on his face, he felt a deep sense of happiness from within, thinking about Fan Luojia.
So this is what it feels like to like someone.
Two days later, Fan Luojia went for an interview while Shuai Chang started his work. Rumors swirled in the company as the dedicated president hadn’t shown up for three days. When someone asked Yu Lili about it, all they received was a meaningful smile, which just fueled the gossip.
Some said Yin Haidong had been called home for a blind date, while others claimed that he was already married and embroiled in a messy divorce due to a family arrangement. There were even rumors he had collapsed from exhaustion and was recovering in the hospital.
When the gossip reached a peak, Yin Haidong returned, looking energetic and lively. The rumors about his divorce or hospitalization quickly fell apart – if it wasn’t one of those, then it must be love.
During their spare time, employees began speculating about who the future president’s wife might be.
None of this concerned Shuai Chang, however, as he returned to his office to face two stacks of documents nearly as tall as him.
“Yu Lili,” he calmly called, “what’s going on with these?”
Yu Lili, looking embarrassed, revealed, “President Ling said he was afraid you would forget how to work during your time off, so he left you these documents to review and practice.”
Shuai Chang could only respond with a sigh.
He called Ling Yuting, who answered, “Has President Yin returned to work? The files on your desk were picked specifically for you. Just give them a once-over and sign if you don’t have any objections.”
“… This is way too much.”
“Too much? Actually, these are all Vice President’s tasks. Since you haven’t been in for a couple of days, I still haven’t completed the tasks I handle daily as the president. I meant to get them signed, and since you’re back from your break, I thought I might take a couple of days off and leave these for you to review.”
The spirit team chimed in: “The sentimental always gets annoyed by the heartless.”
Shuai Chang: …What are you talking about?
The spirit team continued: “It’s said you and Fan Luojia are a match made in heaven.”
That evening, Fan Luojia called him, asking why he hadn’t finished work yet. “Isn’t Haidong ge at the company, or is he out at a social gathering?”
Shuai Chang hurriedly defended himself, “No, definitely not. If you don’t believe me, let’s do a video call.”
Once the video connected, Shuai Chang showcased the hundreds of files spread across his desk.
“Vice President Ling is so inconsiderate, how could he leave you so many files?” Fan Luojia sighed while applying skincare products to his face.
With all his time spent swimming in the pool lately, his skin had become noticeably fairer. Shuai Chang sighed, rubbed his temples, and asked him, “How did the interview go?”
“I’m waiting for news, but I think the director is really satisfied with me. No one is as good-looking as I am.”
Shuai Chang couldn’t help but smile, “Yes, Luojia is the handsomest.”
Fan Luojia didn’t have a feminine appearance; his every move exuded youthful vigor. Excelling in the athlete role during his audition suited him well, especially since he was also an international film star and had undeniable acting skills. Shuai Chang felt that Fan Luojia was the perfect fit for the lead role in the upcoming movie “Swimming Championship.”
With confidence like this, any project would surely boost his image and fame without any drawbacks.
“I think the only thing they might be concerned about is my pay, so I told Song Tang to let the director know I’m willing to take it for just one yuan. Whatever role I want to play will be within my grasp,” Fan Luojia declared confidently.
“What did Yue Jue say?” Even though he was the behind-the-scenes boss, Fan Luojia’s relationship had yet to be publicized, and Yue Jue Entertainment wasn’t known for being lenient.
The video shook as Fan Luojia lay back on his bed, “I spoke to Yin Jue.”
Yin Jue presumably knew about their relationship.
Fan Luojia continued, “As soon as I finished speaking, he agreed without asking anything.”
Shuai Chang mused, “At least he still does something good.”
Thinking of Yin Jue reminded Shuai Chang of something that had happened a few days ago.
Once he wrapped up his conversation with Fan Luojia, he immediately called Yin Jue.
“Why does Boss Yin suddenly think of me?” Yin Jue lazily asked.
Shuai Chang scoffed lightly, “Don’t pretend you don’t know about Lin Lin.”
Innocently, Yin Jue replied, “Lin Lin? The White Birch Film Emperor? Are you suggesting there was an incident between Boss Yin and him? But how could that involve me?”
“Just don’t pull any tricks in the future; for Luojia’s sake, let the previous matter be forgotten. Yin Jue, I don’t want a repeat of this,” Shuai Chang said, not beating around the bush. If he didn’t make his point clear, Yin Jue could interpret his words in countless ways.
“… Understood.” After a pause, Yin Jue replied blandly, “Thanks for the acknowledgment, Fan Film Emperor.”
The spirit team interjected: “Ah, the sentimental always gets annoyed by the heartless.”
Shuai Chang replied: “You’re going crazy again.”
The spirit team responded philosophically: “Buddha said, it cannot be spoken.”
With many more documents left to review, Shuai Chang didn’t want to stay at the office any longer. He texted Fan Luojia and then drove home.
Seeing a light outside the door with the living room illuminated, a sense of warmth surged through his heart. He pushed open the door, and Fan Luojia was setting a bowl of noodles on the table. “Haidong ge, you’re back! I made you some noodles.”
Wearing an apron, Fan Luojia smiled at him, causing a rush of heat to fill Shuai Chang’s chest. Suddenly, he felt a trickle of blood flow from his nose, “… Why are you not wearing clothes again?” He turned away, unable to look.
When Shuai Chang first arrived, Fan Luojia had dressed like this once, but back then, Shuai Chang was straight-laced and uninterested in him (except for his legs). Now, after what they had done together, Fan Luojia’s teasing tactics completely overwhelmed him.
As he turned his body to remove his jacket, he handed it back, “Luojia, put this on.”
Author’s Note:
Fan Luojia: I’m a crazy person.
Shuai Chang: What a coincidence, I like crazy people.