FOBTS CH35

Chapter 35: Who Would Dream of This?

Cold tap water splashed onto his face, washing away Jian Yuheng’s creamy disguise once again.

The person in the mirror glanced sideways.

Did Song Ruochen know he was an omega? How could he be so careless? He didn’t even bother to rewind the scene.

The person in the mirror curved his lips slightly.

That little nutcase’s figure and posture were… surprisingly beautiful.

The person in the mirror raised an eyebrow.

After so many trials of courage, Song Ruochen now dared to smear cream directly on his face, not even bothering to rewind.

The person in the mirror—

Jian Yuheng: “?”

What was he doing?

Was he planning to collect a whole set of expressions to upload to a chat app?

Jian Yuheng shot himself a sideways glance, then left the restroom and followed his original route to the dressing room to change.

The dressing room door didn’t have an “In Use” sign hanging on it. He hesitated for a moment, reached out to push it, but found it locked from the inside.

Jian Yuheng’s lips curved slightly. “Anyone inside?”

“A ghost,” a voice replied from within.

“How long will you take?” Jian Yuheng asked.

“A very, very long time,” Song Ruochen said. “But you can pay extra for expedited service.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

There was another empty dressing room on the far end of the banquet hall. He considered it but found walking there troublesome, so he simply leaned against the wall by the door to wait.

Come to think of it, that stingy secretary looked much shorter than him, but his limbs were well-proportioned, and his legs were pale and straight.

A “highlight reel” started playing on autoplay in Jian Yuheng’s mind, looping repeatedly. That moment earlier, when the little secretary had glanced at him with indifference, replayed several times in his head.

What now? He kept seeing peeled grapes.

Leaning against the door, Jian Yuheng fell into deep thought—when suddenly, the door swung open.

With nothing to support his back, Jian Yuheng staggered backward, steadily retreating several steps.

“Second Young Master.” Song Ruochen said, “Be careful.”

“It’s fine.” It wasn’t like he had never walked backward before.

Wait.

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Was that something to be proud of?

“What is Secretary Song wearing?” Jian Yuheng asked.

The jacket was black and stylish, while the sweater was pastel blue with ribbons tied to it.

Such a mismatched style actually suited Song Ruochen’s equally mismatched mental state quite well.

“It’s a gift from Madam and Young Master Meng.” Song Ruochen said. “I’m just playing along with them. Second Young Master, you should go about your business. I’ll go keep Madam company.”

“I’m the one having a birthday, yet Secretary Song has received quite a few gifts?” Jian Yuheng smirked.

“I also prepared a gift for Second Young Master.” Song Ruochen said. “I will present it to you later.”

Jian Yuheng: “?”

What kind of precious thing needed to be presented?

Just a casual gift would have been fine. It wasn’t like the little secretary… had trouble making money.

Thoughtfully, Song Ruochen closed the dressing room door for his boss and headed to the banquet hall to play with Big Date and Furry Monster.

The villainous brother was quite popular—many guests had attended his birthday banquet. Song Ruochen searched the crowd for Yan Ci and Meng Yumian.

[Secretary Song’s reputation dropped by 5 points.]

[Secretary Song’s reputation increased by 17 points.]

[Secretary Song—ruined yet renowned, truly great.]

The great Secretary Song found the two of them by the sofa. He avoided their line of sight and approached from behind—

“He doesn’t eat scallions. He secretly picks them out.” Yan Ci gave Meng Yumian’s shoulder a light slap. “Bet you didn’t know that.”

“Cough, cough… cough.” Meng Yumian lightly knocked Yan Ci on the head. “I know other things. He likes ice cream.”

“You don’t know anything.” Yan Ci pushed Meng Yumian aside. “Little Grape has a very twisted sense of aesthetics. I understand him better than you.”

Song Ruochen: “…”

Why were they trash-talking each other, but the person being discussed was him?

[And just like that, Secretary Song’s reputation took another hit.]

“System, have you been watching too many polar bears in the Arctic?” Song Ruochen asked. “Your narration is starting to sound like a wildlife documentary.”

[I found an ice chunk today that had a really nice shape. (Image)]

“Ugh, Little Grape, why are you coming from behind?” Yan Ci tilted his head up.

“I have great taste in jackets.” Furry Monster also looked up.

“Madam, Young Master Meng.” Song Ruochen said. “Mind your manners.”

And so should Secretary Song.

“Let’s go.” Song Ruochen said. “Let’s have some more cake.”

*

By the table where the birthday cake was displayed, several elders of the Jian family were chatting—

“Yuheng still hasn’t found a suitable omega?” Grandma Chen Wu asked.

“No. He says he hasn’t met anyone he likes.” His mother replied. “There’s nothing we can do about it.”

“What’s the rush?” Uncle said. “With Jian Yuheng’s status, what kind of omega could he not marry? If he wanted, they’d be his for the choosing.”

“Mr. Jian, no talking while eating.” Chatterbox BOO passed by, prompting a reminder from Song Ruochen.

Uncle: “…”

“How did Mianmian and Xiao Ci end up playing together?” Grandpa asked in surprise. “Were they always this lively?”

“They used to be very proper… Oh, by the way, Song Ruochen—Secretary Song—is also an omega.” Chen Wu said. “Does Jian Yuheng know what their AO compatibility score is?”

“I’ve never heard Jian Yuheng mention it.” His mother shook her head.

“Song Ruochen? Impossible.” Uncle objected. “How could the esteemed Second Young Master of the Jian family marry a mere secretary who does odd jobs?”

“Mr. Jian, wasting food is shameful. There are still two forks left on your plate.” Chatterbox OOB passed by again, this time carrying Song Ruochen’s voice.

Uncle let out a strangled growl.

“One who nitpicks shall be nitpicked in return.” Song Ruochen said, biting into a cranberry biscuit.

Da Zao and Fuzzy Monster seemed deep in thought.

*

Jian Yuheng had changed into a clean set of clothes. As he walked out, he happened to see his uniquely dressed brother standing still, holding a glass of juice.

“Aren’t you going to sit with your wife?” Jian Yuheng asked.

Jian Feng raised a hand and pointed—OBO’s three members were wandering around the hall, constantly shifting formations.

Yan Ci had his arm slung over Meng Yumian’s shoulder, standing in a lopsided posture. Whatever they were talking about, the three of them suddenly burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter.

Perhaps sensing their gaze, Yan Ci glanced over and flashed Jian Feng a smile.

Jian Feng: “Ha… haha… hahahaha.”

Jian Yuheng grabbed Jian Feng’s hand and waved it toward his sister-in-law’s direction.

When he had just returned to the country, he had only seen Yan Ci a few times in passing. Back then, he was a timid little beauty—obedient, clingy, always smiling but quick to show grievance. No temper at all. He was the kind of person one would forget after seeing.

At some point, though, this sister-in-law of his had become much more animated—as if he had absorbed some of Song Ruochen’s madness.

*

“Mr. Jian.” Song Ruochen had stopped beside Uncle again. “Please maintain a neat appearance. Your shoe soles have picked up dust.”

Uncle: “…”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Being corrected repeatedly, Uncle was about to lose his mind. “Song—”

“Mr. Jian, please manage your facial expressions.” Song Ruochen said. “Elders should appear benevolent.”

Jian Shi raged, “Secretary Song, don’t go too far—”

“Song Ruochen.” Jian Yuheng called out. “Come with me.”

“I’ll be right back.” Song Ruochen told his two companions.

“No rush.” Yan Ci said. “Secretary Song can take care of his own business.”

Meng Yumian added, “Secretary Song doesn’t need to worry about us.”

BO turned around and started muttering again as they walked off.

“You’re shutting me out again…” Song Ruochen turned back every few steps, not watching where he was going, and ended up colliding directly into Jian Yuheng.

“Ah—”

Wait, wasn’t he supposed to be going to him?

Why were they now walking straight into each other?

“Come with me.” Jian Yuheng led him to a corner by the wall. “Secretary Song, where’s my birthday gift?”

Wasn’t it supposed to be presented?

“Ah, I almost forgot.”

Song Ruochen found his backpack, rummaged through it, and pulled out a piece of scrap wood. “Here, a wood carving.”

Jian Yuheng fell silent.

“I tailored it to your tastes. I hope you like it,” Song Ruochen said. “I had to carve it more than ten times before I got it right.”

“I don’t see where it succeeded,” Jian Yuheng said. “But I do see that it cost nothing.”

Great.

All that emotional growth from last night—because of this piece of scrap wood?

Who even carves wood by just scratching a few lines on the surface?

But—

At least Song Ruochen had tried over a dozen times? He had put in effort.

“Alright.” Jian Yuheng casually grabbed the wood, waved his hand dismissively, and said, “Go have fun.”

“You must be joking, Second Young Master,” Song Ruochen replied. “No fun, just working for my measly secretary’s salary.”

Jian Yuheng: -_-

Never had he seen a secretary so in need of a beating.

Song Ruochen offloaded his burden and, with his bag now lighter, went to find Big Date and Furry Monster.

Jian Yuheng remained where he was, lifting the wood carving to examine it closely.

Hmm… no carving, but there were words scratched in. Happy Birthday. And a small Song character.

That’s it? Not even his full name? Did this guy really think he’d be cherishing this thing?

Jian Yuheng shook his head and was about to place the carving among his pile of gifts.

The moment he let go—

Ding!

The carving was back in his hand, exactly at the moment he had been examining it.

Jian Yuheng: “?”

Was he being forced to cherish it?

He turned to glance in the direction where Song Ruochen had left, then stared at the carving again as he slowly moved to place it back on the table.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Song Ruochen was carrying a drink tray when he sidestepped a running alpha child—only to accidentally bump into a nearby guest.

Ding!

Jian Yuheng, still holding the carving, smiled as he studied it.

The blooper reel was over; now the main show began. The alpha child had dropped his favorite toy and was running to pick it up. Balancing his tray, Song Ruochen calmly sidestepped, avoiding the charging child. Then, in another quick move, he dodged a guest who was too busy chatting to watch where they were going.

Song Ruochen: “:)”

Yan Ci and Meng Yumian immediately started applauding.

Jian Yuheng, still holding the carving and reviewing the private blooper reel only he had seen, wanted to laugh.

Then, he met Yan Ci’s gaze.

Jian Yuheng (Stealthy Fondness 60%): :]

*

By 9 PM, the birthday banquet was nearing its conclusion according to schedule.

Jian Yuheng took the stage to deliver a speech, thanking the guests. Assistant Gong stood beside him, handing out thank-you gifts to the attendees.

From a distance, Song Ruochen noticed a familiar-looking college student in the crowd.

Gong Zuo saw him too and casually wandered over.

“What are you doing here?” Song Ruochen asked.

“Came with my brother for the free food,” Gong Zuo said cheerfully. “The food here is amazing.”

“Your brother is…” Song Ruochen was surprised. “Gong Huo?”

The whole family really had unique names.

A few minutes later, Jian Feng came looking for him.

“Getting ready to leave,” Jian Feng said. “You’ll be driving—”

Song Ruochen raised his glass of wine. Gulp.

“What was that you were saying?” Song Ruochen asked.

“…I’ll drive you home,” Jian Feng corrected himself.

“Excellent.” Song Ruochen nodded.

He grabbed his bag and got into Jian Feng’s car with Yan Ci.

*

“Secretary Song,” Jian Feng said as he drove onto the highway, “today’s birthday event was planned very well.”

“Thank you, President Jian, for the compliment,” Song Ruochen replied politely.

“Next week is Uncle Jian Shi’s birthday. You’ll handle the planning.” Jian Feng said. “Fifty thousand per event.”

“Understood, President Jian.” Song Ruochen replied. “I will make sure Uncle has an unforgettable birthday.”

Not long after, the car pulled up in front of Song Ruochen’s building.

“Don’t be late for work tomorrow morning,” Song Ruochen said as he got out.

Yan Ci: 0.0

Jian Feng: “…”

*

Song Ruochen woke up again at 10 AM.

He casually logged into the company system and marked himself as “working offsite,” then pulled the covers over his head and went back to sleep.

At 11 AM sharp, Song Ruochen finally got up, changed into some stylishly cool Monster-themed clothes, and prepared to accompany Young Master Meng to a class reunion.

[Due to his frail health, Meng Yumian was often bullied and mocked as a child. His classmates frequently said cruel things to him.]

[However, since the protagonist gong never spoke cruel words, he and Meng Yumian became close friends.]

Song Ruochen: “…”

The protagonist gong never said anything cruel? What, did he not have a mouth?

Jian Feng had practically gotten a friend for free.

[At the class reunion, beware of their harsh words.]

[Upon hearing that Meng Yumian would be attending, these people have prepared plenty of trouble.]

Song Ruochen pondered for a moment.

“I’ll handle it,” Song Ruochen said.

Harsh words? Could they possibly be harsher than the ones he could dish out?

Did they not know who the real king of verbal savagery was?

*

Half an hour later, Song Ruochen took a taxi to Meng Yumian’s apartment.

Meng Yumian had just finished getting ready and was waiting for him downstairs.

“Little Grape,” Meng Yumian said, “I got you some grape-flavored gummy candy shaped like ears.”

Song Ruochen: 😀

“Let’s go, Young Master Meng.” Song Ruochen said. “We shouldn’t be late.”

He gave the driver the address, and the car sped off.

“Da Zao wants us to play a game,” Meng Yumian said. “Wanna join?”

“I’m in. Log me in.” Song Ruochen replied.

*

Half an hour later.

Song Ruochen: 0.o “Wait… the reunion is at Pumpkin Hotel?”

“Uh…” Meng Yumian glanced out the window. “This is Wintermelon Hotel.”

Meng Yumian: “Crap, if we go now, we might not make it in time.”

“Messed up the location? No big deal,” Song Ruochen said. “We’ll just start over.”

*

Xiaoshi Group, Office.

The alarm clock on the desk rang ding-ling-ling, and Jian Yuheng opened his eyes from his lunch break.

Secretary Song had skipped work—yet was diligently working in his dream.

In the dream, he punished Song Ruochen by making him copy books, stand in the corner, and left him with a mountain of tasks. Song Ruochen obediently completed them all.

At the very end of the dream, it seemed to be the same Song Ruochen he had seen in the dressing room last night? He actually looked quite pretty. The little secretary was holding a few thin pieces of clothing, barely covering his thighs, his face flushed red as he looked at him.

Of course, it was just a dream.

Someone as thick-skinned and shameless as Song Ruochen, a stubborn little grape that refused to be crushed, would never blush.

Who would even dream of something like this?

His nap was too short. Time to get back to work. Jian Yuheng stood up regretfully.

Ding!

Jian Yuheng lay back down.

Jian Yuheng: “?”

He glanced at his phone screen. According to the time, his nap had just begun.

That meant… he could still sleep.

Which meant… he could still dream?

Jian Yuheng: 😀

Jian Yuheng: Zzzzz…