A brand-new day. Chi Zhan, having indulged in ten extra minutes of sleep, was predictably rushed in the morning. By the time he arrived at the office, he hadn’t had breakfast—just grabbed two slices of bread before diving straight into work.
After a relaxed and pleasant holiday, the workplace atmosphere had turned tense once again. There was simply too much to do before the Lunar New Year. Chi Zhan didn’t even get a sip of water all morning, constantly juggling documents, spreadsheets, and reviewing proposals and contracts.
Zhou Yanxing was even busier than he was, stuck in back-to-back video meetings without pause. When Chi Zhan brought in his coffee, Zhou Yanxing, for once, declined both milk and sugar. Eyes fixed on the screen, he said, “Make it bitter.”
So Chi Zhan brewed him a double-strength coffee.
Zhou Yanxing took one sip and nearly spat it out—but for the sake of his presidential dignity, he forced it down.
“Was it too bitter?”
“It’s fine,” Zhou Yanxing replied coolly, unfazed.
President Zhou really knows how to suffer.
But once Chi Zhan left the room, Zhou Yanxing pushed the coffee far, far away—didn’t take another sip.
They say drinking bitter coffee makes you more attractive. As if. What else was it good for besides showing off?
Chi Zhan made himself a cup as well, sipping it as he continued working.
By noon, most colleagues had already gone out for lunch in twos and threes. Chi Zhan still had a bit of work to finish, and he noticed that a client had suddenly scheduled a lunch meeting. He was supposed to attend with Zhou Yanxing, so he politely declined lunch invitations. Just then, Zhou Yanxing stepped out of his office, coat in hand, and called out, “Secretary Chi, time to go.”
“Coming.” Chi Zhan quickly wrapped up his work and stood up—when his vision went black. A wave of dizziness swept over him, his ears rang, and the whole world spun like a kaleidoscope. He staggered, reaching out to brace himself on the desk, but his limbs were weak and his body limp. Just as he was about to collapse—
Zhou Yanxing’s firm arm wrapped securely around his waist.
Chi Zhan’s face was deathly pale, cold sweat pouring down. His temples were soaked, his lips a faded white, as if all color had drained from them. His beautiful eyes were unfocused, blank.
Zhou Yanxing frowned. Chi Zhan looked so weak he clearly couldn’t speak yet. Zhou had never seen him like this before. He pressed a hand to Chi Zhan’s forehead—his body was cool to the touch, even his breath was cold. Something was obviously wrong. Without hesitation, he reached for his phone to call 120.
“No… I’m fine.” Chi Zhan weakly tugged on Zhou Yanxing’s sleeve. His voice was airy, barely audible, more like a breath than speech. Zhou Yanxing leaned closer. “What did you say?”
Chi Zhan whispered, “Might be low blood sugar…”
Zhou hadn’t expected that at all.
“You didn’t eat breakfast?”
Chi Zhan gave a soft “Mm.” Zhou didn’t even know what to say. Secretary Chi—usually so capable and composed—had skipped breakfast? He carried Chi Zhan into the office and laid him down on the small sofa, then stepped out.
Chi Zhan was still reeling from the dizziness, too disoriented to think. He closed his eyes, trying to ride it out. After a while, he heard rustling sounds. Without opening his eyes, he heard Zhou Yanxing’s voice.
“Open your mouth.”
Chi Zhan reflexively did as told. Zhou slipped something into his mouth. Chi Zhan made a confused sound—“Mm?”—not sure what it was. A moment later, he tasted it.
Chocolate.
He didn’t know the brand, but it was rich and aromatic—smooth, dark chocolate that melted instantly on his tongue. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed with effort.
Delicious. I want more…
Before he could even speak, Zhou Yanxing was already holding another piece to his lips, his tone cool and commanding: “Eat.”
Chi Zhan ended up eating three pieces of chocolate before he slowly began to recover his senses. The strength in his body gradually returned.
Zhou Yanxing then handed him a straw, holding it to his lips. Chi Zhan was already starting to feel embarrassed and tried to sit up, but Zhou pressed him back down.
“Not dizzy anymore?”
“I can do it myself.”
Zhou Yanxing shot back, “Can you just behave for once? Secretary Chi, are you trying to give me another heart attack?”
Chi Zhan couldn’t even remember what expression Zhou had on earlier.
But Zhou Yanxing was rarely this serious with him. Chi Zhan couldn’t argue—he just bit down on the straw and took a sip.
It was sweet milk. Not too hot, just the right warmth—smooth and comforting.
The sugar and warmth helped soothe Chi Zhan, and now that he was more composed, he finally had the clarity to think.
“President Zhou, isn’t it almost time for that lunch? We should head over…”
“We’re not going,” Zhou Yanxing cut him off. “We’ll reschedule.”
Chi Zhan protested, “I’m fine now. It’s really no problem.”
Zhou leaned in, his shadow engulfing Chi Zhan completely.
“Say that again?”
His sharp, striking features carried a strong sense of authority when he wasn’t smiling. At this close range, that dominance was even more palpable. There was something quiet and dangerous emanating from him that made Chi Zhan instantly shut up.
“You almost collapsed on the floor just now, completely unconscious. And you’re still thinking about meeting a client?” Zhou Yanxing almost laughed from how exasperated he was. “Do you really think I’m some cold-blooded boss in your eyes?”
“That’s not what I meant.” Chi Zhan looked away, trying to explain. “I really am okay. This happens sometimes—I’m used to it.”
Zhou Yanxing studied him. Chi Zhan tried to push his hand away and sit up. But just as he braced one hand on the sofa, the other was caught—firmly held by Zhou.
“Used to it?” Zhou repeated.
Chi Zhan looked puzzled. “What do you—”
Before he could finish, Zhou pressed his hand to his own chest. Through the thin shirt, Chi Zhan could feel the heat of his skin—and the strong, steady thump of his heartbeat.
Chi Zhan’s fingertips rose and fell with the rhythm.
“You may be used to it,” Zhou Yanxing said softly, “but I’m not. Secretary Chi… have you ever thought about how I feel?”
