Work was over. They would head home together. Even if he didn’t know how to cook, it didn’t matter—there was a housekeeper at home. After dinner, one of them would watch the news while Secretary Chi quietly read a book. They might not talk much, but it would be incredibly comfortable.
Until it was time for bed…
“President Zhou, here’s the report you asked for.”
Jiang Yi knocked on the door and stepped in, shattering Zhou Yanxing’s daydream on the spot.
Wait—was this really something he should be fantasizing about?
Putting everything else aside, the no-office-romance policy was a rule Zhou Yanxing had established himself. For him to be the one breaking it? That was just inappropriate.
Besides, given their family backgrounds, it was unlikely such a relationship would last or remain stable.
“……”
He gave a light cough.
“Just leave it there.”
For the first time, Demon King Zhou didn’t scold him. He simply waved him off. Jiang Yi was so flattered he nearly forgot to breathe.
Seriously, what kind of player ends up like this in a romance game?
10 p.m., at a bar.
“It’s not even a weekend. How come you’re free to drink with me this late?”
“This late?” Zhou Yanxing countered, raising an eyebrow. He lounged in a single-seater, nursing a single drink. Glancing at his friend’s outfit—so crisp and clean he could’ve thrown on a white coat and headed straight into surgery—he shook his head in disbelief. “You’ve started your healthy-living arc early, huh?”
Cen Chi gave a faint smile, enough to leave the server introducing the drink menu momentarily dazed. The flickering lights played across his face, but his ascetic, composed air had already drawn plenty of attention the moment he walked in.
“Sir, what can I get you?” the server asked, leaning in slightly.
“A lemon water. No ice. Thanks.”
“You came to a bar for lemon water?” Zhou Yanxing said in disbelief. “You serious?”
“I’ve got surgery tomorrow. No drinking.” Cen Chi crossed his legs, tone unhurried. “Besides, you didn’t come here just to drink, did you?”
Zhou Yanxing took a slow sip.
“It’s been a while since we’ve hung out. Just wanted to catch up—no other reason.”
The lemon water arrived, but the server tripped somehow, spilling the drink as the glass teetered dangerously. Just as it was about to splash onto his clothes, Cen Chi calmly picked up the tray and blocked it. Glass clinked sharply as water splattered across the carpet.
The server apologized repeatedly. Cen Chi didn’t look the least bit offended, his voice still warm.
“It’s fine.”
The server pulled out a towel and bent down to wipe the spill, but before he could touch Cen Chi’s pant leg, his hand was stopped.
“No need.”
Cen Chi’s tone remained gentle, but the moment the server tried to reach again—gently brushing against his sleeve and leaning forward—his wrist was seized in a flash of pain. Cen Chi held his wrist with one hand, still smiling, but his eyes were cold.
“Don’t overstep. Got it?”
The server broke into a cold sweat and nodded frantically before Cen Chi finally released him.
Zhou Yanxing watched the little drama unfold and only spoke once it was over, tone dry and amused.
“Weren’t you dating all sorts of people recently? Not a single one caught your eye?”
Instead of answering, Cen Chi tossed the question back.
“Weren’t you busy with blind dates lately too? Bring someone home soon and give your mom some peace of mind.”
“Funny you say that, I’ve actually been considering something,” Zhou Yanxing said offhandedly, but his gaze drifted toward Cen Chi’s face. He was watching carefully for even the tiniest flicker of emotion.
“What are you considering?”
“What do you think of Chi Zhan?”
“Secretary Chi is great. He seems responsible, considerate, and kind. Cute, even. But…” Cen Chi pulled a wet wipe from the table and slowly cleaned his fingers. “I don’t think you two are a good match.”
“What’s not a good match?”
Zhou Yanxing searched Cen Chi’s face but found no signs of guilt or nervousness—just calm composure, enough to make him question his own suspicions.
“You’ve always been strict about workplace rules. Doesn’t your company have a no-dating policy? Are you really going to be the first to break it?” Cen Chi smiled lightly. “As the boss, you should set an example. And honestly, I don’t think Secretary Chi has any special feelings for you.”
“You seem to know him pretty well.”
“We’ve just chatted casually during appointments. I’m not sure if I should say this…”
Cen Chi paused, a touch hesitant.
“Say what?”
“Sometimes he vents about you. I get the feeling… he’s not all that satisfied with you.”
“I’m his boss. He dares to be dissatisfied with me?” Zhou Yanxing snorted coldly.
A different server approached with fresh drinks—clearly not the one from before. The previous guy must’ve been too scared to come back.
“You know he wouldn’t dare,” Cen Chi said, sipping his lemon water leisurely. “Which is exactly why he probably wouldn’t want to date his own boss. Work is already exhausting enough. Having to deal with you after hours too? That’s endless suffering.”
“…You’re listing all these reasons—do you like him?”
Zhou Yanxing’s tone dropped. He finally threw out the real reason for tonight’s meetup.
Even though Cen Chi had been careful, every time the conversation touched on Chi Zhan, he became uncharacteristically talkative—something Zhou Yanxing rarely saw from him.
Zhou Yanxing had a sharp eye. Cen Chi always smiled at others, but deep down, he was a completely different person.
Yet more than once, he’d seen Cen Chi having meals with Chi Zhan, sharing an umbrella, even walking him home… That nagging suspicion had been brewing in his chest for a long time and refused to dissipate.
He wouldn’t allow anyone to covet Chi Zhan. Not even Cen Chi.
If Chi Zhan was his secretary, then for this lifetime… he belonged to him.
Just imagining the possibility of Cen Chi and Chi Zhan being in a relationship made Zhou Yanxing’s temper flare, though he forced it down with great effort.
“You’re overthinking it.” Cen Chi chuckled and took another sip, gaze lowered.
He’d just confirmed his suspicion.
