FOBTS CH51

Chapter 51: This Guy Wants His Secretary  

Song Ruochen: “…”  

[Damn this alpha, he’s so… charming.]  

[I’ll just take a little as spending money, okay? (*^▽^*)]  

[Congratulations, Host! You now only owe 1 hour of rewind coins. Clearing your debt is just around the corner!]  

Song Ruochen sat frozen in place, Jian Yuheng’s hand still resting on his head, patting him so gently it almost made him want to close his eyes.  

“Since I’ve been freeloading your system, it’s only right to help you with some tasks,” Jian Yuheng whispered low in his ear. “Otherwise, wouldn’t that just be taking advantage of you?”  

[Right, right, we’re a paid system. Our rates are very reasonable.]  

That made some sense, but—  

Was this level of thoughtfulness really unrelated to that particular stat?  

[Uh…]  

Song Ruochen glanced up uncertainly, but Jian Yuheng had already pulled Jian Yi over to admire the drone show outside the window.  

Jian Yuheng’s face didn’t exactly have “love” and “desire” written all over it.  

[Maybe it’s written somewhere else.]  

Song Ruochen: “?”  

“Are you sure this stat is accurate?” Song Ruochen asked.  

[If it’s fake, we’ll compensate you tenfold.]  

Song Ruochen was horrified: “Tenfold would be way too much!”  

“Ah, whatever,” Song Ruochen said. “Might as well eat these fries first. Wasting food is a sin.”  

[Go ahead. They’ll get cold soon, and that would be a waste.]  

By the floor-to-ceiling windows of the CEO’s office, the two Jians stood side by side, watching the drones in the distance.  

“This should do it,” Jian Yuheng said. “Every morning when sister-in-law wakes up, he’ll open his eyes and feel your love surrounding him in countless forms.”  

“.” Jian Feng felt surrounded by awkwardness instead.  

“Little brother, have mercy,” Jian Feng pleaded.  

Jian Yuheng: “Very merciful? Totally merciful? This is great, right? Yeah, I think so too.”  

“Since you and sister-in-law already have a wedding photo-themed plane, I added a little personal touch to the new plan,” Jian Yuheng said. “Helicopters have a limited audience, so I’m planning a high-speed rail collaboration under Xiaoshi’s name, displaying your and sister-in-law’s ID photos. Let your love story spread across the country.”  

“That is a great idea,” Song Ruochen had a sudden brainwave and told the system, “They could even invest in building a road and name it ‘Zao Rice Road.'”  

No one would dare slander this relationship ever again.  

[Protagonist Gong’s Muteness Value +40]  

[Protagonist Shou’s Muteness Value +2, +3, +5, +7, +11]  

[Secretary Song’s reputation dropped by 20 points.]  

“Why did my reputation drop again?” Song Ruochen was shocked. “And why does this ‘Muteness Value’ keep rising?”  

[No idea. Averts eyes.jpg]  

[After consulting The Song Ruochen Dictionary, ‘Muteness Value’ is defined as ‘free and unrestrained’ and ‘so beautiful it shames the moon.’ Yi Mi is free and unrestrained, Da Zao shames the moon—it describes their rising affection.]  

“Whatever, as long as it’s increasing,” Song Ruochen said. “Give Brother Zha credit for this.”  

Director Chen, who had been observing from the side, was stunned.  

Was this A, who cared so deeply about his brother’s marital affairs, really the same Jian Yuheng he remembered?  

What a selfless, devoted younger brother.  

If these two could stay this harmonious, there really was no need for the old-timers to resist Jian Yuheng. After all, he was still a child of the Jian family—should they really judge him just because he didn’t grow up with them?  

Especially since Jian Yuheng’s gaze never left Jian Feng’s… well, Jian Feng’s office.  

“You two chat,” Director Chen said, moved to tears. “I’ll get back to work. The recent leak about the event plans still needs your attention.”  

Director Chen exited, deeply touched.  

“I’ll go eat in my own office,” Song Ruochen said, gathering the fries. “CEO Jian, you have a meeting with the executive director of Bao Le at 10:30.”  

The office was now empty except for Jian Yuheng and Jian Feng.  

Jian Feng, happy but taciturn, turned his head and mouthed: “D, F?”  

“Not playing golf. Busy lately,” Jian Yuheng leaned over and saved the files Song Ruochen had been organizing. “I’m heading back to my office.”  

Jian Feng: “:(”  

This brotherly harmony came and went way too fast.  

The expiration date on this was not good.  

—  

As soon as Song Ruochen left the office, he ran into [Hungry Assistant Gong x1]. After hesitating for 30 seconds, he handed Gong a pack of fries.  

“Free for you,” Song Ruochen said.  

“? Thanks,” Assistant Gong said.  

“Don’t mention it,” Song Ruochen said. “Take this document to the 12th floor for me.”  

Assistant Gong: “…”  

Of course. Nothing in life was truly free.  

Well, Song Ruochen had always been like this.  

“I’m going to grab coffee,” Gong Huo said. “Want a cup, Secretary Song?”  

Song Ruochen: “:p”  

“Sure,” Song Ruochen said. “Make the latte art pretty.”  

Ten minutes later, Gong Huo knocked on the secretary’s office door, delivering a coffee and slamming down three packets of ketchup (who knew where he found them).  

Song Ruochen opened his computer, replied to a few work emails, and checked some updates.  

[Lu Yunye]: Wrapping up filming in a month.  

[Lu Yunye]: Since this is Secretary Song’s project, I cooperated fully. Got a wrap gift for me?  

[Song Ruochen]: How about a farewell?  

[Lu Yunye]: Never met an omega as unhinged as you.  

[Lu Yunye]: Seriously, will anyone even watch this batshit insane drama?  

[Song Ruochen]: No worries, we have a safety net.  

[Lu Yunye]: Overjoyed.jpg. Xiaoshi’s just that rich?  

[Song Ruochen]: Nah, but your haters will definitely tune in.  

[Lu Yunye]: …  

Ignoring Lu Yunye’s meltdown, Song Ruochen dove into a few esports forums he followed, searching for updates on Yan Ci.  

Yan Ci’s reputation was solid—those awkwardly angled photos hadn’t hurt him at all. Meanwhile, Zou Renhang and his former friend-turned-aspiring-commentator were busy exposing each other’s dirty laundry.  

No one had time to dig into Yan Ci’s personal life anymore.  

Song Ruochen skimmed through some comments:  

[Yan Ci and his husband seem super close, and his husband is ridiculously flashy—always showing off. Last time I passed Xiaoshi’s building after school, their faces were all over the giant screen.]  

[Some people love to claim Yan Ci’s just a small-time streamer/commentator, but his husband spoils him rotten.]  

[Pfft, he’s only where he is because of his husband. Without him, he’d be nothing.]  

Song Ruochen: “0.o*?”  

Nonsense.  

Without Jian Feng, he’d just be Traveling Zao.  

Oh right—Yan Ci and Meng Yumian had invited him to karaoke tonight.  

At 4 PM, Song Ruochen clocked out (not on time) and bolted for the exit, only to slam straight into Jian Yuheng’s chest.  

Jian Yuheng reacted instantly, catching him and pulling him into his arms.  

“Ah, I’m dizzy,” Song Ruochen said.  

Jian Yuheng: “:D”  

The alpha’s physique was clearly superior—Song Ruochen felt like he’d nearly shattered on impact.  

Jian Yuheng’s hands rested on his shoulders, gently massaging them. “Better?”  

Song Ruochen: “Mhm!”  

Hawthorn-massage. So good.  

But—  

Song Ruochen calmly took two or three steps back. “Thanks, Second Young Master, but no need.”  

“I’m off work,” Song Ruochen said. “Go play by yourself, Second Young Master.”

“Where are you going to play? I can give you a ride if you want?” Jian Yuheng called out.  

“I’m going with Yan Ci. I don’t need your ride.” Song Ruochen dashed off.  

Jian Yuheng: “:|”  

Why is my sister-in-law always hanging out with Grape?  

Can my brother even handle this?  

Maybe he shouldn’t be called Jian Feng anymore, but Jian Lame.  

He glanced at his phone. Jian Feng had sent him messages—  

[Jian Feng]: Bro, not coming to the office for a bit?  

5 minutes later.  

[Jian Feng]: Bro? Wanna sit for a while?  

10 minutes later.  

[Jian Feng]: Brother?  

Jian Feng was left alone in the empty office—no secretary, no wife, no brother in sight.  

Loneliness made his already simple brain start thinking.  

His brother had said that because they didn’t see much of each other as kids, he wanted to spend more time together now, which was why he visited so often.  

But Jian Yuheng didn’t come all the time. He’d show up when Secretary Song was around, but when Secretary Song wasn’t there, neither was Jian Yuheng.  

Conclusion: Secretary Song was a Jian Yuheng magnet?  

No, that couldn’t be.  

Jian Feng: “…”  

Suddenly, he remembered Old Chen’s words: “That kid has another agenda.”  

He was certain Jian Yuheng wasn’t after his position or power, but now he wasn’t so sure if his brother might be after his secretary.  

—  

Downtown, in a karaoke room, Song Ruochen sat with Fuzzy Monster on his left and Yan Ci on his right, both of them howling away at the songs.  

“Little Grape, what song do you like? I’ll queue it for you,” Fuzzy Monster said. “Da Zao only cares about having fun. I’m the only one who can pay attention to how you’re feeling.”  

Song Ruochen: ” ”  

Most of the songs in this ABO world were unfamiliar to Song Ruochen. The only ones he knew were from that alpha boy band. But after watching their music videos so many times, they weren’t that interesting anymore—none of those alphas had a figure as good as Jian Yuheng’s.  

Song Ruochen picked a new song, confirmed that neither Da Zao nor Fuzzy Monster knew it, and then let his voice soar freely.  

“Madam, Young Master Meng, I’m going to the restroom,” Song Ruochen said.  

“Go ahead, go ahead,” Yan Ci replied.  

Song Ruochen closed the door, then suddenly reopened it. The two BOs on the couch, who had been whispering, immediately averted their eyes to the wall.  

Song Ruochen: “…”  

What the hell are you two gossiping about? Isn’t Secretary Song working hard enough?  

The karaoke place was like a maze. After leaving the restroom, he couldn’t remember the room number and spent a long time trying to find his way back.  

“They’re not checking their phones,” Song Ruochen muttered. “No replies.”  

[Rewind back?]  

“Think it’s this door…” Song Ruochen pushed open a private room.  

This room was nothing like the one Fuzzy Monster and Da Zao were in. Bai Cai, whom he’d just met yesterday, was sitting on the couch, mysteriously handing something to another person.  

[Xiaoshi Group’s business luck dropped by 2 points.]  

Song Ruochen: “0.o?”  

Deputy Director Bai Cai: “???”  

“What’s this?” Song Ruochen asked.  

Bai Cai: “…You’re just asking outright?”  

“Fine,” Song Ruochen said. “Then I’ll just take it.”  

He reached out and snatched the item from Bai Cai’s hand.  

[Ding-ding-dang.]  

[During a rewind, you may manually carry one inanimate object. The object disappears 30 seconds after the rewind.]  

At the restroom sink, Song Ruochen opened his palm to find a tiny USB drive.  

Song Ruochen: “?”  

—  

At the Jian family mansion, the filial Jian Yuheng gave his dad a manual back massage.  

“Your massage skills are really something,” his dad said.  

Jian Yuheng: “:|”  

Everyone who’s tried it says it’s great, so why did Grape take a few steps back when I gave him a squeeze earlier?  

“I’m going to help Grandpa water the plants,” Jian Yuheng said.  

“Yuheng is such a good kid,” Grandma said fondly. “Even though we have housekeepers and maids, he still likes to do things himself.”  

Jian Yuheng picked up the watering can and began pouring, sprinkling glistening droplets everywhere.  

[Ding-ding-dang.]  

Jian Yuheng: “?”  

He returned to the couch with the watering can and proceeded to drench his dad’s head, leaving it covered in glistening droplets.  

Jian Yuheng: “Oh shit…”  

His dad: “…What are you doing to your father’s head?!”  

“Sorry, Dad. Let time dry you off.” Jian Yuheng pulled out his phone.  

[Jian Yuheng]: What’s up? Trouble?  

[Song Ruochen]: [Photo]  

[Song Ruochen]: Think I found the mole.  

[Song Ruochen]: Want to rewind to after work and catch them?  

Jian Yuheng, under the wrath of [Father’s Rage], thought for a few seconds before replying.  

[Jian Yuheng]: No, don’t alert them. Play along—I want to see what they’re planning.  

[Song Ruochen]: Got it. Then I’ll keep singing.  

[Jian Yuheng]: Wait, rewind a minute. I just watered my dad with the can.  

[Song Ruochen]: Did he sprout?  

[Jian Yuheng]: He flared up.  

[Song Ruochen]: Hahaha.  

[Jian Yuheng]: Be careful.  

[Ding-dang.]  

Jian Yuheng watched as the chat history suddenly vanished from his screen, feeling a pang of reluctance.  

[Jian Yuheng]: Send me your location. I’ll pick you up and explain my plan. Avoid Bai Cai.  

[Song Ruochen]: His name’s Bai Cai~  

—  

Song Ruochen belted out a few more songs in the karaoke room until it was time to leave. He then rounded up the overexcited Da Zao and Fuzzy Monster to head home.  

“Madam,” Song Ruochen said, checking his phone. “CEO Jian is downstairs. He’s here to take you home.”  

Song Ruochen: “CEO Jian cares a lot about you.”  

Yan Ci: “0.0”  

Song Ruochen: “:)”  

Brother Zha is really smooth—coming to pick them up with Jian Yi in tow to score points with the madam and earn some coins in the process.  

[Rewind coin pouch credited: 3 minutes.]  

Not much, but every little bit counts. Song Ruochen was pleased.  

[I’ll take 1 minute as pocket money~]  

Behind the karaoke building, two sports cars were parked one behind the other. Seeing them approach, Jian Yuheng got out and walked over.  

“Are they gone?” Jian Yuheng asked quietly. “You rewound half an hour ago.”  

“They left right after that,” Song Ruochen whispered back.  

“Let’s hold off for now,” Jian Yuheng said. “Keep an eye on Qin Cai.”  

Song Ruochen: “Bai Cai.”  

“Discovering the mole—Secretary Song is sharp and impressive,” Jian Yuheng murmured.  

They stood close, voices low, unnoticed by the others. As they walked, the two gradually drifted farther from the group.  

Meng Yumian’s gaze slowly shifted toward them, followed by Yan Ci’s.  

Jian Feng: “?”  

Jian Feng turned his head and suddenly realized that the brother who’d urgently summoned him was now whispering with his secretary.  

Jian Feng: “:0”  

He still didn’t see Jian Yuheng coveting his company or status, but now he saw it—this damn kid was after his secretary.  

Jian Feng’s gaze locked onto them mid-path, crossing with Yan Ci’s.  

Yan Ci: “Hm?”  

Yan Ci whispered: “Gossip gossip?”  

“Goss—ip—” Jian Feng whispered back.  

Yan Ci: “Oh!! 0.0…..”  

Yan Ci firmly grasped Jian Feng’s hand.  

“Let’s get in the car first,” Jian Yuheng said, unwrapping the scarf from his neck and draping it around Song Ruochen. “It’s only early spring—cold at night.”  

The alpha’s body-warmed scarf wrapped around his neck, the heat seeping into his scent gland, sending a tingling warmth through his body.  

“Okay, Young Master Tyrant,” Song Ruochen mumbled, half his face buried in the scarf.  

[Stats panel updated: The main couple’s affection points suddenly surged by 50.]  

Song Ruochen: “Huh?!”  

Where did that come from?