What the hell.
Chi Zhan was this close to flipping a table.
It wasn’t just the system—he himself wanted to know what the hell was wrong with Zhou Yanxing. He was the male lead of a romance game, for god’s sake. If he had no intention of falling in love, then what the hell was he doing swinging around that massive iron rod? Wasn’t that just a waste of resources?
Grumbling was one thing, but come one o’clock sharp, Chi Zhan still knocked on the CEO’s office door.
“Come in,” Zhou Yanxing’s voice came from inside.
Chi Zhan pushed open the door and walked in. Zhou Yanxing was in the middle of changing.
Despite being a straight-laced guy, Zhou Yanxing actually had a pretty refined sense of style. His wardrobe was filled with an eye-catching variety of suits, and even a quick change left him looking every inch the overbearing CEO.
Quite a feast for the eyes.
Zhou Yanxing glanced at Chi Zhan. Chi Zhan immediately got the message and held up the file folder in his hand.
“I’ve prepared the information on the potential partner. Would you like to go over it now?”
“I’ll read it in the car.” Zhou Yanxing buttoned his shirt, speaking offhandedly. “Secretary Chi, don’t you ever buy clothes? You’ve been here a month, and I’ve only ever seen you in that one outfit.”
“……”
It wasn’t that he didn’t buy clothes—he just didn’t have a flamboyant wardrobe like Zhou Yanxing. His work attire was strictly black slacks and white dress shirts. One per day.
After all, as an NPC, he wasn’t supposed to draw attention. If he dressed like some peacock, wouldn’t he be stealing the spotlight from the real male lead?
“Is it because your salary’s too low?” Zhou Yanxing asked casually. “Can’t afford new ones?”
Chi Zhan gave him a smile. “It’s just my personal preference. Has it started to bore you, President Zhou?”
“It’s just,” Zhou Yanxing said coolly, “a little too proper.”
Chi Zhan suspected Zhou Yanxing was doing this on purpose.
Because there was nothing to criticize, he had to nitpick for the sake of it.
“I’ll wear something different tomorrow.”
As long as the request was within reason, he could endure.
Zhou Yanxing gave a noncommittal “Mm,” then added abruptly, “Have you learned how to tie a tie yet?”
Chi Zhan froze.
He looked at Zhou Yanxing, then at the tie in his hand, and reflexively said, “I… I have.”
Yeah, right.
He’d spent last night watching e-sports streams. Who had time to learn how to tie a tie? But if he admitted that now, it would count as dereliction of duty.
No matter what, he had to grit his teeth and get through it.
He took the tie from Zhou Yanxing. The fabric was smooth and luxurious, a subtle dark shade with a faint pattern that shimmered under the light.
Chi Zhan hesitated.
“Please lower your head.”
Zhou Yanxing’s features were sharp and striking—prominent brow bones, straight nose. When he wasn’t smiling, he gave off a daunting intensity.
Chi Zhan still hadn’t gotten used to it. Normally, he avoided making eye contact with Zhou Yanxing, but when Zhou lowered his head, Chi Zhan met his gaze unexpectedly.
His breath was caught.He couldn’t tell what Zhou Yanxing was thinking, but he could feel it—Zhou definitely knew. He knew full well Chi Zhan hadn’t actually learned how.
Their breaths mingled softly in the air, an odd and almost unreal tension flickering between them. Chi Zhan only wanted to get it over with as fast as possible, but he couldn’t mess it up this time. So his movements slowed, careful and precise, determined to get every step right.
Today’s President Zhou seemed… a little different. Chi Zhan caught a faint scent and paused.
He couldn’t place it, but it reminded him vaguely of… tea. It smelled almost exactly like the cologne he used.
After five long minutes, the tie was finally done. Chi Zhan stepped back and examined his handiwork.
Not exactly beautiful, but at least it was straight.
Zhou Yanxing looked in the mirror, loosened the tie a little, and said with unreadable tone,
“Acceptable.”
By the time they reached the restaurant, it was already noon. The business partner had arrived—a young man in a bright red suit, with large eyes and pale skin. Chi Zhan opened the Favorability Panel, and sure enough—he was a player.
And judging by his appearance, a high-level one at that.
Zhou Yanxing’s favorability toward him: 20.
That was already pretty high.
“Hello, President Zhou,” the young man said with an easy smile, offering his hand. “I’m Su Ran.”
Su Ran’s company specialized in livestreaming. Zhou Yanxing had been planning to expand into that space, and Su Ran’s offer was quite attractive. If things went well today, there would be plenty of chances to collaborate in the future.
Chi Zhan presented the background materials while shooting Su Ran an approving look.
Come on, Su Ran. The monumental task of turning Zhou Yanxing into a love-struck fool depends on you!
“Your entertainment company is the gold standard in the industry. If your artists could use our livestream platform, it would be a win-win. And if the partnership works out, we could discuss more collaborations down the line…”
Su Ran had clearly done his homework. The only thing that could get Zhou Yanxing to really focus was business—and he’d nailed that. Chi Zhan was almost tempted to applaud.
Even better, the livestream platform Su Ran mentioned was the same one used by Seven.
The moment he thought of Seven, Chi Zhan felt his regrets vanish.
If you don’t go all in for e-sports in this life, then when?
Sure enough, Zhou Yanxing was completely hooked, listening intently and occasionally chiming in. The conversation flowed effortlessly.
This partnership had already been preliminarily discussed beforehand; today was just about ironing out the details. The two of them were hitting it off. Chi Zhan called the waiter over to top off drinks and refill dishes, then handed Su Ran the complete documentation.
With his role essentially finished, he excused himself to the restroom and slipped away.
The restaurant had a prime location in the center plaza, stylish decor, and steep prices. But thanks to the excellent food and fresh ingredients, plenty of office workers from nearby still chose to eat there.
At night, the place offered a stunning city view and became a popular date spot for couples.
Chi Zhan knew all this because on his very first day, he’d compiled a list of every suitable romantic dining location in the city.
Come nightfall, the rooftop garden became a dreamy, atmospheric space. Upstairs were couple-themed hotel suites, with a cinema and hospital just next door.
All the places a couple might want to visit—he had them all covered in one go.
