As expected, Song Guang was really into this kind of thing. Chi Zhan let out a long sigh of relief.
Song Guang: You change it.
Chi Zhan recalled the nickname from Cen Chi’s hometown.
Chi Zhan: Ah-Song, is this okay?
He waited a moment before receiving Song Guang’s reply: Okay. [kisses cat’s head.jpg]
***
Chi Zhan hadn’t expected Song Guang to play along so easily, but before he could send the rest of his message, the other party had already replied—with a “kiss kiss” sticker.
Kiss… kiss?
A sudden possibility struck Chi Zhan—
Could Song Guang actually like him?
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have forgiven him so quickly, let alone let go of the six-year “abandonment” so easily.
Song Guang: Want to meet up?
Chi Zhan: Pretending to be my boyfriend—is that really okay?
Just as Chi Zhan typed this and hit send, Song Guang’s message popped up.
Their messages were practically sent at the same time.
But Song Guang typed slowly, and his messages often sat there under “typing…” before vanishing. This time was no exception. Chi Zhan watched the line appear, then disappear into nothing.
His brows twitched.
Meet up…
Chi Zhan had only wanted to borrow the couple title from the game, but Song Guang clearly wanted something more—something offline.
Seeing the message, Chi Zhan was caught off guard, feeling as if he had unknowingly hurt a sincere and innocent heart. Regret welled up in him for not making things clearer from the start.
Chi Zhan: Sorry, I didn’t explain properly earlier. Actually, I…
While he was still typing, Song Guang sent another message.
Song Guang: If we don’t meet, it won’t feel real.
Song Guang: Don’t worry.
Milk let out a few impatient “meows” at the screen and stretched out his paw as if trying to fish the person out of the photo to play with.
Qi Song gently held the kitten’s soft little paw, his voice calm.
“He’s not coming.”
“Meow meow meow meow meow!”
Qi Song’s gaze dropped.
“I kissed him too soon.”
The kitten named Chi was even better at tugging on heartstrings than Milk. Just the slightest touch would send him skittering away in alarm.
His long fingers swiped on the screen, sending another sticker.
Song Guang: CHI, good night.
Song Guang: [cat head good night.jpg]
***
Early the next morning, Chi Zhan was roused by his alarm. After a quick wash-up, he stood at Zhou Yanxing’s door and rang the bell.
No response.
Chi Zhan felt a bit worried. Could Zhou Yanxing have drunk too much last night and still be asleep? He was about to press the bell again when the door suddenly opened.
Zhou Yanxing stood at the entrance, looking nothing like the drunken mess from the night before. He was refreshed and energetic, already showered and clad in a bathrobe that hugged his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His chest muscles peeked out faintly. Seeing Chi Zhan, he casually stepped aside.
“How’d you sleep last night?”
Chi Zhan smiled.
“Very well.”
Yeah, right.
One moment it was the big CEO haunting his dreams with passive-aggressive guilt trips, the next it was a long-lost online boyfriend reappearing after six years, scolding him for being cold and heartless. Add in national pride, a mysterious backstory—it was a chaotic blend of dream elements that left Chi Zhan waking up groggy and dazed.
Zhou Yanxing glanced at him, eyes drifting to the corner of his lips.
“Whenever you look at me, it’s always a fake smile. All teeth, no warmth.”
The complaint from last night still echoed in his ears.
Chi Zhan tried hard to make his smile seem more genuine.
Zhou Yanxing didn’t comment on the change. His gaze soon shifted away.
They were scheduled to visit multiple Panda Live branches today, and the itinerary was packed. Chi Zhan stood to the side, reading off the day’s agenda while Zhou Yanxing went through his morning routine—shaving, styling his hair, and finally getting dressed.
“What happened to your neck?” Zhou Yanxing asked, frowning slightly, as if he had no memory of last night.
Chi Zhan had covered it with a Band-Aid and even adjusted it to make it less conspicuous—but Zhou Yanxing spotted it immediately.
“Accidentally bumped it,” Chi Zhan offered, using the excuse he’d prepared in advance.
“How’d you even bump that spot? Here, bump me. Let me see how that works.”
“……”
“You really don’t remember anything from last night?”
To deal with Zhou Yanxing, you had to use Zhou Yanxing himself.
Zhou Yanxing frowned.
“Am I supposed to remember something?”
His gaze lingered thoughtfully on Chi Zhan’s neck.
That liquor had really packed a punch last night. It was only supposed to take the edge off, but he’d ended up drinking himself senseless.
Still, with Chi Zhan around—meticulous, responsible as always—he hadn’t worried too much. But the look on Secretary Chi’s face now—part anxious, part remorseful, part embarrassed, part holding something back—suddenly made things click for Zhou Yanxing.
Fragments of memory flickered back.
Them tumbling into bed. Chi Zhan showering afterward. Some things happening between them…
Last night, he’d actually done that to Secretary Chi.
Zhou Yanxing hadn’t expected he’d be that kind of person when drunk. His temples throbbed in shame.
He looked at Chi Zhan’s paler-than-usual complexion, and murmured.
“I’m sorry. That was my fault. Go rest. You don’t need to come with me today.” Zhou Yanxing seemed like he wanted to say more, but in the end, only managed, “Drink more hot water.”
With that, he hurriedly finished dressing and marched out, leaving Chi Zhan alone in the room.
Chi Zhan was dumbfounded.
“President Zhou? Where are you going? Wait for me!”
But by the time Chi Zhan made it downstairs, the car had already taken off like its tail was on fire—there was no catching up.
“……”
Left with no choice, he returned to his room and forwarded the prepared materials to Xiao Wang, including key notes to keep in mind.
Luckily, though the day’s schedule was packed, it mostly involved base tours and no socializing. Xiao Wang could handle it just fine.
Xiao Wang never imagined he’d be entrusted with Secretary Chi’s responsibilities today—personally accompanying President Zhou to tour the facilities. What an incredible honor!
