Chi Zhan was momentarily speechless.
“You’re always like this. You only ever see yourself as just a regular secretary, and me as just some ordinary boss. Whatever I say goes, and work is always your top priority. Are you working this hard because you’re afraid I’ll fire you?”
Wasn’t that… normal?
Every boss wants employees who are dutiful, diligent, never slacking off or wasting time—people who maximize the company’s interests.
“Have you forgotten that aside from being your boss, I’m also your pursuer?” Zhou Yanxing’s gaze darkened, like a deep, shadowy pool—currents stirring beneath the still surface. That look made Chi Zhan feel deeply uneasy. “You have special privileges with me.”
Chi Zhan’s fingers began to burn. As Zhou Yanxing spoke, his chest vibrated ever so slightly with each word, silently conveying something else— I like you.
No—I love you.
Chi Zhan quickly looked away and murmured, “President Zhou, it’s not good to keep the client waiting too long.”
A clear attempt to deflect.
Zhou Yanxing curved his lips in a faint smile, though his eyes held no warmth.
“So you’ve made up your mind to reject me, haven’t you?”
Chi Zhan turned his head slightly.
“We’re on the clock. Can we not talk about personal matters?”
He couldn’t believe he was the one saying that.
“Fine,” Zhou Yanxing said surprisingly agreeably, nodding. “Work hours—no personal matters.”
He stood and walked over to the desk, seemingly ready to let the topic drop. Chi Zhan breathed a sigh of relief and began to get up from the sofa— But Zhou Yanxing pointed at him from across the room.
“Stay down.”
Zhou picked up the phone, tapped a couple of times at random, and called the client. After exchanging a few terse sentences, he rescheduled the meeting without hesitation.
“……”
“Isn’t this a bit much?” he couldn’t help but protest. “Canceling at the last minute like this—it’s really rude…”
“Are you the boss, or am I?” Zhou cut him off neatly. Then, with a touch of concern, added, “Still dizzy? Be honest.”
“No, I’m fine now,” Chi Zhan answered truthfully. “I just skipped breakfast—that’s all. Normally I don’t forget, but today was too hectic. I won’t let it affect my work again.”
“You’re more qualified to be the boss than I am, Chi Zhan. No one has a stronger sense of dedication than you.”
That almost sounded like sarcasm.
Chi Zhan stayed silent. Zhou ended the call and said, “There’s no work now, Secretary Chi. This is personal time. Can we talk about personal matters now?”
There was an unmistakable edge in his tone. If Chi Zhan said no, Zhou Yanxing might actually snap.
“President Zhou, what do you want to talk about?”
“Drink the milk first.”
There was still half a cup left. Chi Zhan picked it up. Off to the side, he noticed several crumpled chocolate wrappers—he recognized the brand. One piece cost several hundred yuan.
Three pieces… already four figures.
No wonder it tasted so damn good…
His heart skipped a beat.
Please don’t tell me this is coming out of my salary.
That recent “office romance” scandal with Chu Xingxiao had already cost him his entire bonus. If they docked his pay too, he’d be completely screwed.
Poverty was suffocating.
The warm milk eased the chill in his body. Zhou Yanxing stood nearby, arms folded, watching him. Not too close, not too far—but his gaze was unreadable.
Chi Zhan couldn’t make out what he was thinking anymore.
“Thank you… just now,” Chi Zhan said softly.
“Don’t mention it. Just a small favor,” Zhou replied. “I’m not the kind of boss who’ll let an employee collapse in front of me and do nothing—unless it’s a scam.”
“……”
Whatever he said must’ve hit a nerve. Chi Zhan had learned his lesson and now just quietly drank the milk. Zhou didn’t speak, simply stared as Chi Zhan sipped slowly.
Whether eating or drinking, Chi Zhan always took his time—small, measured sips. Color returned to his cheeks, his lips flushed red again, and the dullness in his eyes began to clear.
Gone was the sickly look from just moments ago.
When he finished, Chi Zhan placed the cup to the side.
“I’m fully recovered now. Thanks for your concern, President Zhou.”
Zhou walked over and pushed him back down onto the sofa before he could get up. With one leg braced between Chi Zhan’s knees, he towered over him, scanning him from head to toe.
“If you’re fine, then let’s talk about personal matters.”
What personal matters could possibly be left between them?
Chi Zhan looked bewildered, back pressed into the soft sofa with nowhere to retreat. His heart began to pound inexplicably—something told him this wasn’t going to end well. He instinctively reached out to push Zhou Yanxing away—
But before he could touch him, Zhou leaned down, turned his face slightly, and kissed him on the lips.
Secretary Chi had just drunk warm milk—his lips were soft, warm, and still faintly damp, tasting richly of sweet cream. The moment he sensed Zhou’s intentions, Chi Zhan tried to resist, but Zhou forcefully pried his lips open, his movements tinged with desperation.
Chi Zhan’s eyes widened in disbelief. He tried to pull away, but Zhou wouldn’t let him—tilting his chin up and forcing him to accept the kiss. It deepened quickly, overwhelming everything, as if Zhou meant to steal even the breath from his lungs.
The scent of mint flooded Chi Zhan’s senses, filling his lungs with every breath. It was Zhou Yanxing’s scent—sharp, unmistakable.
They were kissing again.
Chi Zhan’s head spun. It felt surreal.
This is the office! How could he…?
But Zhou clearly didn’t care that they were at work. He pressed Chi Zhan into the sofa, kissing him with utter abandon. This time, his technique had clearly improved—Chi Zhan was completely swept along by him.
In the quiet room, the only sounds were the soft swallowing and the wet, intimate noises that made one’s face burn and heart race.
