FOBTS CH44: Meeting Your Every Need

Song Ruochen pressed his hands together, lifted his feet off the ground, and looked as if he had transcended.

[Updating status panel: Song Ruochen’s survival instinct -100.]

[(Pulling hair.jpg) (Slapping face.jpg) Wake up, Little Grape! Wake up! We haven’t finished savoring the delicacies of the ABO world yet.]

Song Ruochen: “o.-”

A second later, Song Ruochen: “-.-”

“Look me in the eyes,” Jian Yuheng said through the phone screen. “You disgraceful child.”

“Haha… Hahaha…” Song Ruochen covered his face in despair.

Too humiliating.

“President Jian, Boss, Zha-ge,” Song Ruochen picked up a small slip of paper. “We can compensate you somehow… After all, I’m so poor that money is the only thing I have left…”

[Not anymore.]

[Oh, right, I forgot to mention—things got urgent today, and we had to reload multiple major save points. The save coins were depleted ages ago, so we covered the rest using Secretary Song’s salary.]

[Secretary Song, congratulations—you’re officially in debt.]

Song Ruochen: “…”

I have no money. Only my life.

Forgive me? Should I just offer my life instead?

“Jian Yuheng! What are you doing?” A voice came through the video call—it was Rong Xin. “Are you seriously chatting with your phone? The guests are here, and you’re not even welcoming them?”

“…I’m coming,” Jian Yuheng replied. Then, turning back to Song Ruochen, he added, “We’ll settle this later.”

The call disconnected.

Kneeling on the bed, Song Ruochen clenched his fists and shouted to the heavens, “Why, system, why?!”

[…]

“System, did you find out?” Song Ruochen asked. “When exactly did he hack into the system?”

[System log records indicate that on your first day in this world, you got curious about your pheromones and cut your finger.]

Song Ruochen: “Oh yeah, I remember that.”

[That evening, he asked you to drive. You gripped the steering wheel like your life depended on it and ended up drifting like a hearse…]

“Focus on the important part,” Song Ruochen muttered weakly.

[He got your blood on him.]

Song Ruochen: “…What?”

That’s all it took?

Then… doesn’t that mean that from the very first time he restored a save, Jian Yuheng got dragged along too?

That’s horrifying.

“When did he realize I was here?” Song Ruochen asked.

[No idea. The system log can’t track that.]

[But, Little Grape, let’s be honest—it was only a matter of time before he noticed you.]

[You’ve basically turned ‘Behind-the-Scenes Time’ into the Grape Variety Show. What haven’t you performed at this point? And you keep deliberately hanging around the villain, calling it a courage test.]

Song Ruochen dove under the blanket. “Ahhhhh!”

He stayed silent for ten minutes.

[What are you thinking?]

“I’m thinking about spilling my blood everywhere, infecting everyone with the save-restoration ability, sending the world into chaos, triggering the apocalypse, and—once Earth is gone—no more embarrassment.” Song Ruochen said. “Ahahaha.”

[?]

[You’re the real villain here, aren’t you?]

“I was just joking.” Song Ruochen buried his head under the blanket. “I love the humans who create delicious food.”

[I can’t reach the Boss System, so I have no way to ask. I’ve never encountered this situation before, but I suspect it’s not just the blood—your pheromone compatibility is also a factor. The match between you two is exceptionally high.]

“Where is the Boss System?” Song Ruochen asked.

[It seems one of the employees caused an even bigger mess.]

[When working, don’t be afraid of trouble. After all, someone else will always cause an even bigger problem. —Song Ruochen]

“I never said that!” Song Ruochen was on the verge of breaking down.

“Your Boss System is really busy,” Song Ruochen remarked.

[He’s incredibly capable—no matter how big the mess, he can always clean it up.]

Song Ruochen: “0.o? Then why hire a bunch of employees just to make more trouble? Is he running a charity?”

[…]

[(Shifts gaze, whistles.jpg)]

[Anyway, it’s the New Year. Let’s behave for a few days and let the villain get some rest. Besides, we’re out of save coins.]

“That’s exactly what I was thinking.” Song Ruochen sighed.

—

Jian Yuheng had an unbelievably smooth New Year—time passed in a flash, and he didn’t look back even once.

With just one day left before returning to work, in the Jian family’s main residence, both Jian Yuheng and Jian Feng lay sprawled on the living room sofa.

Yan Ci sat on the carpet by the coffee table, playing a game on his tablet.

“Fuzzy Monster, don’t run, heal me,” Yan Ci said.

“Why hasn’t Little Grape been playing with us these past two days?” Meng Yumian asked through the headset.

Yan Ci glanced at Jian Yuheng lying on the sofa and lowered his voice: “Mutter.”

“No way, they’re not even dating yet—how could they be fighting already?” Meng Yumian asked.

Yan Ci: “0.0. Muttering, muttering.”

Jian Yuheng: “?”

Sister-in-law’s language is becoming harder and harder to understand.

“Ah…” Jian Feng sighed dramatically. “Back to work tomorrow…”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Yeah, how has it only been a few days, and it’s already time to go back to work?

Time flew by so fast. Days without save reloads felt particularly short.

Is it because there are no more save points left? Why hasn’t that Grape rewound time even once?

I really wish I could relive the holiday again.

“Oh, right, bro.” Jian Yuheng said, “Tomorrow, we need to submit the New Year’s plan document—don’t forget to send it to the board.”

Jian Feng: “…”

Jian Feng: “You do it. You just returned to the company, so it’s only right that you gain some experience.”

“That wouldn’t be appropriate,” Jian Yuheng said. “Something this important should be personally handled by President Jian.”

Jian Feng: “You do it.”

Jian Feng: “Do it.”

Jian Feng: “You.”

Jian Yuheng: “皿”

Without Song Ruochen rewinding time, life suddenly felt much more fast-paced.

How could a holiday only have 24 hours in a day?!

—

The next day, Xiaoshi Group.

On the first workday after the New Year, the company still carried remnants of the festive atmosphere.

“Secretary Song, Happy New Year.”

As soon as Song Ruochen entered the company, the front desk receptionist, a young omega, greeted him with a bright smile.

“I attended my brother’s wedding yesterday,” she said, holding out a beautifully wrapped box. “Here, have some wedding candies—I think they’re quite good.”

“Thank you,” Song Ruochen replied.

[Oh my gosh, I completely forgot to check—Yan Ci and Jian Feng’s affection score dropped by one point.]

Song Ruochen: “Huh?”

What did those two do? Why did their score drop?

[Three seconds of rewind credit just got added to the save wallet. My system shows that it was dropped by the character ‘Lu Yunye.’]

Song Ruochen: “He can drop save coins?”

[It’s likely that an ongoing short drama project is generating revenue for Xiaoshi Group.]

“…A truly massive fortune,” Song Ruochen commented.

[We’re still in debt, though.]

[Don’t be discouraged—keep pushing forward! The fact that you still came to work after such a huge incident is already quite impressive.]

“I guess that’s just how workers are,” Song Ruochen said. “The boss can curse us all they want, but we still clock in on time.”

As Song Ruochen walked forward, he happened to pass by the stairwell—just in time to run into Jian Yuheng.

Song Ruochen: “!!”

Jian Yuheng: “Morning—”

[Ding! Dong!]

Song Ruochen immediately veered away from the stairs and rushed toward the elevator. But just as he arrived, Jian Yuheng suddenly appeared beside him, raising an eyebrow.

Jian Yuheng: “Going—”

[Ding dong!]

Song Ruochen didn’t enter the company; instead, he made a detour to the café downstairs.

Leaning against the glass door with his arms crossed, Jian Yuheng smirked. “Smart move.”

Song Ruochen: “……” Aaaaaah.

[Wow, he really understands your habits.]

[Can he already predict where Grape will appear? I officially acknowledge him as the novel’s ultimate villain.]

“Want me to buy you coffee?” Jian Yuheng asked at ten times the normal speed.

Song Ruochen: “…0.0?”

Seriously?

At the café counter, Song Ruochen placed his order. “I’ll have the new seasonal special—less sugar, lighter brew. He’s paying.”

“I’m paying,” Jian Yuheng confirmed, his gaze shifting to the omega beside him.

Song Ruochen cupped his freshly brewed coffee for warmth, only the tips of his fingers peeking out from his sleeves. Lowering his head slightly, he curiously inhaled the aroma of the coffee.

Jian Yuheng: “:)”

Adorable.

Neurotic omega, absolutely adorable.

No one else has one of these. 🙂

“Good morning, Secretary Song.” A passing company employee, also there for coffee, greeted him.

Secretary Song’s DNA activated.

With sharp, delicate features and an air of cool detachment, the refined beauty straightened his posture. His gaze subtly shifted in acknowledgment, and the corners of his lips curved ever so slightly.

“Morning,” the aloof secretary responded.

The moment he finished speaking, he felt an intense gaze fixed on him.

His neck stiffened as he slowly turned his head—only to find Jian Yuheng watching him with great interest.

“Not bad,” Jian Yuheng remarked, clasping his left hand over his right and giving a slow, approving clap.

Song Ruochen: “Aaaaaaah!”

Nothing was more embarrassing than trying to act cool in front of someone who actually knows you.

[Ding.]

Song Ruochen deducted five “Ahs” from his embarrassment meter.

“Let’s go, Secretary Song.” Jian Yuheng lightly nudged him forward. “It’s getting late—we should head upstairs to work.”

Work had its perks, after all. Work meant he could see Song Ruochen.

The A and O entered the company one after the other, stopping at the elevator.

“I thought Second Young Master doesn’t like elevators?” Song Ruochen asked.

Jian Yuheng: “Do I dislike them?”

Song Ruochen: “.”

[Calculate the villain’s psychological damage.]

“Think of it as exercise,” Song Ruochen said, trying to sound nonchalant. “Your abs and chest muscles are pretty impressive.”

“…Is that why you reloaded twice last time?” Jian Yuheng asked.

Song Ruochen: “……”

It was an accident!

In the cramped elevator, only the two of them remained.

Jian Yuheng seized the opportunity to settle past grievances. “Have you ever seen a guy talking backward? Or tried eating an apple that never makes it to your mouth?”

“I’m sorry, Second Young Master.” Song Ruochen apologized sincerely. “We were all victims.”

“You were the cause of the suffering.” Jian Yuheng pointed accusingly.

The elevator came to a stop.

“Go get ready for the meeting,” Jian Yuheng said. “We’ll settle our accounts properly once it’s over.”

“Take your time, Second Young Master.” Song Ruochen waved him off.

Jian Yuheng entered his office alone, deep in thought.

That little neurotic omega gets embarrassed so easily. They hadn’t seen each other in days, and Song Ruochen still wasn’t coming to stick to him like usual.

Oh well. He’d wait for Song Ruochen to come around on his own.

For now, he might as well check out the wedding suite.

—

Downstairs, in the CEO’s secretarial office, Song Ruochen had just stepped through the door when he felt something was off.

A strange wave of weakness spread through his body—his nape, waist, and even other indescribable places suddenly felt sore and limp, nearly making him collapse to the ground.

That odd craving and restlessness had returned.

Already? It had only been a few days!

[Heat… heat… warning—overheating shutdown imminent.]

Song Ruochen grabbed an unused pheromone suppressant, hesitated for a moment, then injected it into his wrist.

He knelt on the ground, his damp hair clinging to his forehead, eyelashes slightly misted with sweat.

“I want ice cream…” Song Ruochen mumbled.

He dampened a towel, wiped his face, then hung it up to dry before humming a tune and heading to the cafeteria in search of the ice cream machine.

Song Ruochen: “:D”

Excellent.

The single ice cream machine had been upgraded to three, with more flavors and varieties available.

Scooping two melon-flavored scoops into a cup, he carried them down to the conference hall.

This was Xiaoshi Group’s first meeting of the new year—everyone in the company was present, including all the senior executives.

“Good morning, Mr. Chen. Good morning, Mr. Fu,” Song Ruochen greeted indifferently as he entered, back straight and tone cool. “Good morning, President Jian. Second Young Master—”

Jian Yuheng was watching him with a half-smile.

Song Ruochen: “QwQ”

He couldn’t keep up the act anymore.

Secretary Song’s performance skills had suffered a legendary nerf.

“Song Ruochen, come here.” Jian Yuheng beckoned him over to the corner.

“What does the villainous young master want?” Song Ruochen asked.

With an unmistakably wicked smirk, the so-called villain reached out and pinched Song Ruochen’s chin, tilting his head up. “When I give my speech later, no rewinding. Understood?”

Song Ruochen: “…Got it.”

Jian Yuheng’s fingers lightly squeezed his cheek before giving his head a pat.

Song Ruochen: “?”

What was this—some kind of revenge ritual?

The meeting officially began. Jian Yuheng took the stage, pulled out his prepared speech, and started delivering it.

Meanwhile, Song Ruochen flipped open the meeting minutes and started brainstorming compensation plans with the system.

“I have a really nice-looking water bottle. I could give it to the villain,” Song Ruochen suggested. “I’ll write that down.”

[I could offer my little toy as compensation, QAQ.]

“Forget it, you only have one toy.” Song Ruochen dismissed. “I still have two uneaten apples and a carton of nearly expired milk—I could add those.”

“Piece by piece, we’re putting together a decent package,” Song Ruochen concluded.

Throughout the entire meeting, he remained unusually well-behaved. Jian Yuheng finished his speech smoothly and let out a deep breath.

Finally, that tedious meeting was over. Time to get back to checking the wedding suite.

“Meeting adjourned,” Jian Yuheng announced.

Jian Feng was the first to bolt from the room.

“Goodbye, Secretary Song,” someone greeted as they passed.

Song Ruochen couldn’t decide whether to act lively or maintain his aloof persona.

So, combining both, he coolly yet playfully replied, “Hmph, bye-bye then.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

“Second Young Master, wait a moment,” Song Ruochen called out.

Jian Yuheng: “Still keeping up the act?”

“Then get over here,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng: “…”

[System unable to temporarily disable your passive ability.]

Song Ruochen handed him a piece of paper. “This is the generous compensation package the system and I have prepared for you.”

Jian Yuheng weighed the thin slip of paper in his hand.

Wow. Such generosity.

“From now on, I’ll notify you before I rewind,” Song Ruochen explained. “If you have a legitimate reason to request a rewind, we’ll accommodate it. Consider this a partial sharing of permissions with you.”

Song Ruochen added, “But not right now—I’m out of save coins.”

“Everything will be accommodated?” Jian Yuheng asked.

The obedient little secretary, apologizing so sweetly—how adorable.

“Since you’re the scariest, I chose you as my test subject,” Song Ruochen admitted. “I apologize for my offenses. I shouldn’t have touched your neck, chest, abs, thighs… among other places. Nor should I have deliberately provoked you. From now on, I won’t do it anymore.”

Song Ruochen: “I feel incredibly ashamed. Second Young Master, just think of me as a clown. Boohoo.”

Jian Yuheng: “?”

Jian x Clown: “?”

Clown: “…?”

Wait, no wedding?!

Song Ruochen: “Why the stunned look, villainous young master?”

“You’ve already touched me,” Jian Yuheng pointed out. “Secretary Song, with how shamelessly bold you are, I almost thought you wanted to marry me.”

Song Ruochen: “???”

Thud!

Song Ruochen collapsed onto the floor—then started backward crawling away.