FOBTS CH90

Chapter 90 Extra 5: Wedding Preparations

Group Chat [Fuzzy Zao Grape] (4 members)

[Fuzzy Monster]: ?

[Fuzzy Monster]: Is something different about this group?

[Fuzzy Monster]: Why’s it four people now?

[Da Zao]: @J, there’s an extra person.

[Da Zao]: Oh, Secretary Song accidentally added Little Brother.

[Da Zao]: Wonder when he’ll notice.

[J]: …

[Fuzzy Monster]: Hahaha, our group must be Little Grape’s pinned chat.

[Da Zao]: Little Brother, how’s the wedding prep with Secretary Song going? Hands over mic.jpg

[J]: 80% done. I’m drafting the guest list, and he’s finalizing the menu.

[Fuzzy Monster]: Perfect task for Secretary Song’s expertise.

[Da Zao]: Can’t wait to attend Secretary Song’s wedding banquet.

[Fuzzy Monster]: Same, I’m already preparing gifts.

[J]: It’s coming up soon.

[Da Zao]: @J, I found a really tasty BBQ place. I’ll send it to you.

[J]: Thanks.

Xiaoshi Group, Meeting Room.

“I created a work group,” Song Ruochen said. “Everyone, check the group files and share your thoughts on the advertising department’s new proposal.”

“Okay,” Jian Feng said.

“Second Young Master,” Song Ruochen turned to the still-silent Jian Yuheng, “are you reviewing carefully? Which line are you on?”

Jian Yuheng swiped his phone screen and openly showed Song Ruochen what he was looking at—

[File: Song Ruochen Vacation Outfit Guide] (Uploaded by Da Zao) (Downloaded 4 times)

[File: Sketch of Secretary Song’s Stunning Profile] (Uploaded by Fuzzy Monster) (Downloaded 4 times)

[File: Tips for a Happy Married Life] (Uploaded by Da Zao) (Downloaded 0 times)

[File: City A Food Collection] (Uploaded by Song Ruochen) (Downloaded 2 times)

[File: How to Be a Responsible Secretary] (Uploaded by Song Ruochen) (Downloaded 0 times)

“Secretary Song,” Jian Feng reminded, “Yuheng’s not in the work group.”

Song Ruochen: “…”

“Sorry, Second Young Master.” Song Ruochen promptly kicked Jian Yuheng out of the Fuzzy-Zao-Grape group.

Jian Yuheng, who was reviewing Sketch of Secretary Song’s Stunning Profile and planning to check Tips for a Happy Married Life next: “…”

“Just a small mistake. Second Young Master won’t mind,” Song Ruochen said, pulling Jian Yuheng into the actual work group. “Please review the files.”

Jian Yuheng: “…Alright.”

Kicked out without mercy.

Everyone around the conference table began reviewing the recent work files.

Song Ruochen, feeling parched from talking, picked up Jian Yuheng’s coffee cup and took a sip.

“So fragrant?” Song Ruochen said. “Tastes like orange.”

“Assistant Gong knew you’d steal it, so he made it special,” Jian Yuheng said.

Song Ruochen clung to the coffee cup, snatching a small pastry paired with it from the table.

[Xiaoshi’s meeting snacks are getting more abundant.]

“Yeah,” Song Ruochen mused to the system. “I saw Xiaoshi employees posting about the snacks online the other day.”

[I feel like Xiaoshi employees love meetings.]

“The advertising department’s new creative is pretty interesting,” Jian Feng said. “Netizens have high expectations for our ads lately. Some are even pestering for upZaos under the official account.”

With high video completion rates, Xiaoshi’s product sales were naturally strong.

“We should keep an eye on advertising production costs,” Jian Yuheng said. “Other than that, I have no issues.”

“Costs are low,” Song Ruochen waved it off. “I’m planning to have President Jian star in it.”

Jian Feng: “Me?”

Jian Feng: “…”

The meeting wrapped up after discussing a few more items, and the Xiaoshi Group work session concluded.

“Time to clock out,” Song Ruochen said, gathering scattered files from the table.

“Yuheng, Ruochen, stay a moment,” Jian Feng said.

Song Ruochen: “0.o?”

Jian Yuheng: “o.0?”

“…” Jian Feng paused. “There’s a banquet in City A tonight. The Jian family needs to attend. Mom and Dad said they’re not going, so we’ll represent them.”

“Sure,” Jian Yuheng said. “No problem.”

“There’s an annoying neighbor attending too,” Jian Feng warned.

“Auntie Mo?” Jian Yuheng asked.

Jian Feng: “Yup.”

[Mo Fei, former Jian family neighbor, owns another business in City A, loves to show off and put others down.]

“She’s in the book?” Song Ruochen asked the system.

[Yup.]

[Appeared once when introducing the original book’s main character, Jian Feng. Said, “Your Jian Feng has always been reserved since childhood.”]

Song Ruochen: “Uh…”

“No big deal,” Jian Yuheng said. “Just ignore her. Little Grape and I will go change for the banquet. See you tonight.”

“See you tonight, Bro,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Feng: “Good, good.”

Jian Feng turned and messaged Yan Ci.

[Jian Feng]: Secretary Song called me Bro.

[Yan Ci]: That’s awesome!

With two hours until the banquet, Song Ruochen leisurely changed clothes and opened a few newly arrived packages.

Fresh off his paycheck, he was feeling lavish, buying anything that caught his eye online.

Plus, living with Second Young Master was pure joy—someone else picked up his packages, unlike at school where he had to trek across campus to grab them.

“What’d you buy?” Jian Yuheng, freshly changed, asked curiously.

Song Ruochen bought a weirdly shaped desk lamp.

“Can we put it by the bedroom nightstand?” he asked.

“You could put it on the bed, and I wouldn’t care,” Jian Yuheng said.

Song Ruochen: “I’m not that quirky.”

He unpacked a nice-looking photo frame. “This is from Fuzzy Monster and Da Zao.”

He framed a photo of himself with Jian Yuheng, snapped a picture, and sent it to his friends.

Group Chat [Fuzzy Zao Grape] (3 members)

[Da Zao]: Little Grape, I looked away for a moment, and you kicked Little Brother out.

[Da Zao]: Why not keep him? We could’ve chatted with him.

[Song Ruochen]: 0.o? What, is his name in the group title?

[Fuzzy Monster]: Tsk, look at how fast he kicked him out. It’s not like there’s anything shady in our group files.

[Fuzzy Monster]: Just some Secretary Song photos, a happy marriage guide, oh, and a company alpha attractiveness ranking, haha.

[Song Ruochen]: Young Master Meng, what proper group chat has files like that?

“Almost time,” Jian Yuheng said. “Ready to go?”

“Let’s do this,” Song Ruochen said eagerly. “Time to face that annoying neighbor.”

Jian Yuheng drove safely, the car gliding smoothly to the banquet venue.

Jian Yuheng opened the car door, and Song Ruochen stepped out elegantly, waving to Jian Feng and Yan Ci nearby.

A flashy car roared up, blaring its horn sharply, startling Yan Ci, who stumbled to dodge it.

“I’ll rewind,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng: “Go for it.”

[Ding-dong.]

As the flashy car appeared in the distance, Song Ruochen pulled Yan Ci to the side.

“Zao, watch out,” Song Ruochen said.

The car stopped nearby, and out stepped an arrogant omega woman and an alpha youth who wouldn’t make eye contact.

[Mo Hong, Mo Fei’s eldest son, shallow and frivolous.]

“System, you’re like a voice-activated character card,” Song Ruochen said.

[Am I?]

[Flipping through character cards]

[Song Ruochen, sometimes Xiaoshi’s lifeline, sometimes Xiaoshi’s chaos agent.]

Song Ruochen: “.”

[Handing over character card]

“Da Jian, Jian Er (Two),” the alpha youth said. “Long time no see.”

“Could be longer,” Jian Yuheng replied.

Mo Hong paused, at a loss for words.

“Been half a year,” Jian Feng greeted politely.

“Come on, Little Grape,” Yan Ci nudged Song Ruochen. “Let’s head in. I just played an epic game move in the car—I’ll show you the replay.”

“Coming, coming,” Song Ruochen extended his grape vine.

This was an invitation-only banquet by a luxury brand in City A, attended by most of the city’s notable figures.

Song Ruochen held a non-alcoholic drink, sitting on a sofa, watching Yan Ci show off his epic move.

“Impressive,” Song Ruochen said. “Your hands are extra nimble.”

“It’s easy,” Yan Ci said. “I’ll teach you. A famous game commentator giving you personal lessons.”

[Da Zao’s getting pretty confident too.]

[Peeking Learning game moves]

As Song Ruochen chatted happily with Yan Ci, an unfriendly conversation drifted over from nearby.

“Big Jian and Second Jian have never been as good as you,” Mo Fei’s voice rang out. “Doesn’t seem like they’re much better now. Their taste in omegas is so-so—one’s a game commentator, the other’s a company secretary. The Jian family is supposed to be prestigious. Aren’t their backgrounds a bit too ordinary?”

“Exactly,” Mo Hong said. “Both brothers went for low-class omegas.”

Yan Ci: “?”

“Nonsense,” Song Ruochen told the system. “My background’s huge. Let’s see him find another transmigrator.”

[Exactly, our Little Grape’s got a melodramatic novel script in hand.]

“Da Zao’s background isn’t bad either,” Song Ruochen said. “Game commentator’s got plenty of clout.”

“This is the annoying neighbor?” Yan Ci asked.

Song Ruochen: “Let me check.”

Song Ruochen, holding his non-alcoholic drink, sauntered over and stopped in front of the Mo family.

“Young Master Mo, care for a drink?” Song Ruochen asked.

Mo Hong instinctively wanted to scoff—a secretary daring to invite me?—but the words caught in his throat.

He’d seen plenty of rumors about this secretary online: exceptional skills, striking looks. He’d always brushed them off with a laugh.

Xiaoshi had put in a lot of effort to boost the reputation of their star secretary.

But meeting this secretary in person felt different—Song Ruochen was even more striking than the online rumors suggested.

With looks like that, maybe background and status didn’t matter as much?

“Young Master Mo?” Song Ruochen prompted, seeing no response.

Mo Hong raised his glass, lightly clinking it with Song Ruochen’s.

Drinking with such an icy, stunning omega was undeniably intriguing.

Just as Mo Hong finished his sip, Song Ruochen spoke up.

“More than half the year’s gone by,” Song Ruochen said. “How’s the Mo family’s projects doing? Any profits? How many annual goals have you met?”

Mo Hong: “W-Well, we’ve completed some.”

“Not working hard enough, Young Master Mo,” Song Ruochen said. “It’s only been half a year, and Xiaoshi’s already exceeded several project targets.”

Mo Hong: “Well… Xiaoshi’s naturally impressive.”

“How’s your new product’s market share?” Song Ruochen asked. “Any significant progress compared to last year?”

Turning to Mo Fei, Song Ruochen said, “This must be your mother?”

Song Ruochen: “Both Jian family sons are pillars of the company. When will your son step up? Planning to get married, Young Master Mo? How big’s the wedding venue? If it’s not up to Xiaoshi’s standards, won’t it be a bit… shabby?”

Young Master Mo: “…”

Young Master Mo’s mom: “…”

“Oh, sorry, you guys think it over,” Song Ruochen said. “Someone’s calling me. Excuse me.”

Song Ruochen, holding his juice, grabbed Yan Ci and left.

“Annoying neighbor?” Song Ruochen said. “No, remember, we’re the annoying neighbors.”

Yan Ci: “…”

[6]

Song Ruochen, pulling Yan Ci along, migrated along the banquet’s snack table route from south to north, ending up beside Jian Yuheng.

Jian Yuheng handed him a glass of fruit wine. “Raspberry-flavored, low alcohol. Try it.”

“I’m here!” Song Ruochen took the glass.

“Why’d you chat with the Mo family?” Jian Yuheng asked. “They love comparing—‘we have more of this, we’re better at that’—always seeking superiority. That’s why my parents don’t like them.”

“I gave them a taste of their own medicine, and they didn’t like it,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng glanced at the Mo mother and son, noticing their evasive gazes and slightly elevated awkwardness levels.

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Times have changed. With an ironclad ally at home, there’s no need to fear annoying neighbors anymore.

The Mo family stood frozen for a while.

“Wait,” Mo Fei said. “Wasn’t he a bit rude?”

Mo Hong: “More than a bit, I think.”

“Forget it,” Mo Fei said. “No need to stoop to a secretary’s level. Oh, by the way, Elder Meng is coming later. Make sure to greet him. Our projects this year depend on the Meng family’s support.”

“Got it,” Mo Hong said.

Meanwhile, Song Ruochen followed Jian Yuheng, greeting a few of Xiaoshi Group’s regular big clients.

“Secretary Song, make sure to invite us from Haochi to your wedding with Second Young Master,” Haochi’s president said. “Little Lu’s been saying he wants to go.”

“Are you sure it’s for blessings?” Song Ruochen asked.

Jian Yuheng’s expressive facial muscles kicked in, and he nudged Song Ruochen with his elbow.

[Ding-dong.]

“Alright, no problem,” Song Ruochen said. “Xiao Lu’s my good friend. I’ll definitely invite him.”

[That sounded like a chatbot response.]

“Oh, right,” Song Ruochen suddenly remembered something, turning to Yan Ci. “Isn’t Fuzzy Monster coming? Didn’t he say he’d show up with his grandpa?”

“Should be soon,” Yan Ci said. “I just posted a photo with you on my Moments.”

As if on cue, the banquet hall doors opened, and two waiters pushed in two wheelchairs carrying Young Master Meng and an elderly man with white hair.

The Mo family approached from nearby, Mo Hong stepping forward to greet their target partner. “Young Master Meng, let me help with your wheelchair…”

“Secretary Song!” Meng Yumian waved, leaping up. “Let’s take a group photo!”

Song Ruochen: “…”

Song Ruochen shot an angry glance at Jian Feng.

How long has it been, and this script’s still pinned on him?

Jian Feng: “?”

Meng Yumian snapped a photo, copied Yan Ci’s caption, and posted it to his Moments.

“Elder Meng,” Mo Hong tried again, “I’ll help you with…”

Elder Meng stood up abruptly, approaching Jian Feng. “I held you when you were a kid. Can you do me a favor?”

[Beep beep beep. Detected original novel line: “I held you when you were a kid.”]

[Per the original plot, the next line is: “My Yumian’s health is frail; please look after him.”]

“Could you lend your secretary to our Meng family for the second half of the year?” Elder Meng asked.

Song Ruochen: “0.o?”

Why me?

The Mo family, hoping to curry favor with Elder Meng: “??”

Just a secretary under a group president, and he’s this popular?

“It’s not my call,” Jian Feng said. “You’d need to ask Secretary Song’s opinion.”

“Here’s the deal,” Elder Meng said. “The Meng family has a couple of products to launch this year, and we’d like Secretary Song’s team to create some custom ad campaigns.”

[Secretary Song’s good at everything except being a secretary.]

“You’re Young Master Meng’s grandpa,” Song Ruochen said. “No need to be so formal.”

[Normal people rack their brains for creative ideas.]

[Little Grape’s big and small brains are just bursting with creativity.]

“Insulting me?” Song Ruochen asked.

[No way. Pockets allowance]

“I’ll have Fuzzy… Young Master Meng send you my contact info,” Song Ruochen told Elder Meng. “You can reach out directly.”

“That’s perfect,” Elder Meng said. “Secretary Song, let’s talk over here. Thanks for looking after my Yumian lately. I brought you a little gift…”

The in-demand Secretary Song was whisked away, leaving the Mo family staring at each other.

Just a secretary from an ordinary background, and both the Jian and Meng families revolve around him?

“Guess you’ve never had my eye or my foresight,” Jian Yuheng said lightly as he passed by. “Superiority comes naturally, not from comparison. Maybe the less someone has, the more they feel the need to prove.”

Jian Feng: “That’s what I was gonna say.”

Jian Yuheng: “:)”

Then why didn’t you say it first?

Yan Ci, clutching Jian Feng’s hand, added fuel to the fire. “They also said Big Jian and Second Jian like picking up unwanted omegas. Unwanted? I’ve got a million followers now!”

“Hey, Jian Feng,” Yan Ci pointed. “That AO couple’s formalwear looks great. Let’s wear something like that next time.”

“Sure, sounds good,” Jian Feng said. “I think it looks nice too.”

The lights fell on Yan Ci’s face, his smile beaming.

The banquet reached its second half, transitioning to the dance segment. Knowing that dancing with Second Young Master would only lead to a hide-and-seek experience, Song Ruochen slipped away to the balcony, overlooking the city.

Soon, the balcony curtain was lifted, and Jian Yuheng followed.

The full marking between an AO pair was magical—whenever the other was near, his body and heart seemed to sense it. Jian Yuheng had explained it was due to their high compatibility.

“Not dancing?” Jian Yuheng asked. “A few rewinds, and Secretary Song could dance like a pro.”

“Too wasteful,” Song Ruochen said. “I’m saving my rewind coins.”

And sparing Hawthorn a few stepped-on toes.

Jian Yuheng stepped closer, standing beside Song Ruochen, mirroring his pose as they gazed out at the city.

The city lights flickered in the night. Song Ruochen was talking, unaware that the alpha’s gaze had settled on his lips.

Song Ruochen: “I was saying, our university was so intense, making us do morning runs every day… hm?”

At some point, Jian Yuheng had leaned in close, his hand resting near Song Ruochen’s cheek, thumb curiously brushing it.

Song Ruochen noticed—this guy loved pinching his face, as if it had some irresistible texture. And his neck…

No way, neck’s off-limits. Song Ruochen halfheartedly swatted Jian Yuheng’s hand away.

As the night deepened, the lively dance hall was to their left, the quiet city lights to their right.

Between the noise and calm was their own little world.

Song Ruochen tilted his head slightly, and sure enough, he received his kiss. Jian Yuheng’s free hand lifted his shirt hem, pressing tightly against his slim waist.

Amid the dance hall’s clamor, Song Ruochen’s nerves were slightly taut, making him more sensitive than usual.

Jian Yuheng clearly noticed, his hand cradling the back of Song Ruochen’s head, deepening the kiss.

“Who dares say your background’s lacking?” Jian Yuheng said, kissing until Song Ruochen was breathless, cheeks flushed. “Secretary Song’s the most precious.”

“…I think so too,” Song Ruochen said. “So, can my salary get another bump?”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Here comes Xiaoshi’s termite.

His lips stung from the kiss, his body growing languid. Song Ruochen leaned unsteadily against Jian Yuheng.

0.oo.0

Like this.

“Oh, can we invite Uncle to the wedding?” Song Ruochen asked. “Why is it that every time I visit your parents, Uncle’s conveniently gone? I haven’t seen him in ages.”

Jian Yuheng: “Uncle’s migrated near the equator lately. Not sure if he’ll make it.”

[Uncle’s living environment has drastically changed.]

“Evil Young Master,” Song Ruochen poked Jian Yuheng. “I was thinking, if we get married, rewind, and marry again, I’d get two wedding leaves.”

Song Ruochen: “Oh, but that might not be great. It’d mean Second Young Master experiences a second and third marriage.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Quirky.

“Ah…” His jaw was caught by the alpha, and Jian Yuheng kissed him again, silencing him with action.

[Rewind Card Pack Credited: 5 minutes.]

[Rewind Card Pack Credited: 2 minutes.]

[Rewind Card Pack Credited: 0 minutes.]

[Rounded it to a lucky number, hehe.]

“No peeking,” Song Ruochen turned, addressing the curtain.

Curtain: “0.0.”