FOBTS CH62

Chapter 62: Retracting a First Kiss

Song Ruochen: “…”

Hold on, have you ever seen someone ask for a first date at a swimming pool?

“The pool is a pretty meaningful place for me,” Jian Yuheng said, guessing what Song Ruochen was rolling his eyes at. “It’s where I experienced my first rewind.”

Jian Yuheng: “Couldn’t get to shore.”

Jian Yuheng: “Later, I found my shore.”

Song Ruochen: “.”

“Now, I want to share that meaning with the equally meaningful Secretary Song,” Jian Yuheng said.

“Ugh, enough with that!”

The grapevine slapped Jian Yuheng’s thigh.

Jian Yuheng had teased him into a huff but couldn’t hold back his own laughter.

Under countless camera lenses, Jian Yuheng made a b-box gesture, covering his mouth to stifle his chuckle.

Nearby, Secretary Li: “?”

[Tong Hao]: Did you hear anything?

[Secretary Li]: Pool, life, sharing, meaning.

[Secretary Li]: That’s all I got.

Their voices were so low, it was like they were whispering sweet nothings.

[Tong Hao]: Are they planning a shared pool to sell life’s meaning?

[Tong Hao]: Xiaoshi’s got some wild ideas.

Secretary Li felt something was off.

In Song Ruochen’s head, the system’s voice chimed in.

[Host’s heart rate detected increasing.]

“Turn off the monitoring,” Song Ruochen said.

[Modern version of covering ears to steal a bell.]

“Have you noticed Second Young Master’s been different lately?” Song Ruochen asked the system.

[Retrieving data—]

[Recent changes in Second Young Master: Slightly tanner; nearsightedness increased by 1 degree.]

“Not that kind of change,” Song Ruochen said.

How to put it? Before, when Jian Yuheng said he liked him, it felt like a statement, like he couldn’t contain his feelings.

But now, Jian Yuheng seemed to be constantly probing his attitude, his… desire for Song Ruochen becoming increasingly overt.

“System, check the villain’s love-desire value,” Song Ruochen said.

[Villain’s love-desire value is 520%. The villain has reserved this value for you.]

[Ah! (covering face and screaming.jpg) This is the villain’s romance~]

Song Ruochen: “…”

Why did it feel like, ever since accepting that cake from Jian Yuheng, this coin pouch was about to change its surname to Jian?

Hold on, Jian-Pouch sounds kinda auspicious.

[Ahem, seriously, in this system’s view, Hawthorn Bro is a very perceptive person.]

[Is it possible that it’s not him who’s changed, but he’s noticed you’ve changed?]

Song Ruochen: “…Me?”

[Retrieving data.]

[Recent changes in Little Grape: Increased slacking time at work; salary increase; reduced exercise steps; more hair; cursing people as perverts.]

Song Ruochen: “?”

What’s that weird thing mixed in there?

None of those were useful references.

If we’re talking changes… There were some.

Though he didn’t want to admit it, he was indeed… gradually craving Jian Yuheng’s closeness.

Actually, he’d never really minded Jian Yuheng’s proximity. The one who first broke down the wall between them was, in fact, himself.

He wanted to get closer to Jian Yuheng too.

Mid-work discussion, Jian Yuheng noticed Song Ruochen had zoned out.

Jian Yuheng: “Secretary Song?”

Not only was the little secretary unresponsive, but a smile crept onto his lips.

“Song Ruochen”, Jian Yuheng leaned closer. “Where do I press to reboot you?”

“Nowhere’s allowed!” Song Ruochen jolted, snapping back.

Lately, the little secretary had been jumpy without realizing it, like a startled rabbit.

“I just got word—only three brands are currently willing to place ads in Xiaolu’s short drama,” Jian Yuheng said. “A home goods brand, a toy brand, and a phone brand.”

“That’s enough,” Song Ruochen said. “Can’t cram in more.”

“Lately, Nanchi’s got two dramas launching, and most brands are choosing to partner with them,” Jian Yuheng said. “President Song, Xiaoshi’s focus this quarter isn’t on entertainment. Your project’s our only one—feeling the pressure?”

“Oh, tons,” Song Ruochen said gleefully. “Young Master, can I take a vacation?”

“No,” Jian Yuheng said.

Song Ruochen deflated: “Then I’ve got no pressure.”

In the next seat, Secretary Li’s eavesdropping grew increasingly nerve-wracking.

Though he could only catch a few words, the more he pieced together, the more it seemed like Song Ruochen, whom he’d been provoking, wasn’t even playing in the same league.

“President Jian,” a staff member approached. “You’re the first CEO to speak at the expo.”

“Got it, I’m coming,” Jian Yuheng stood.

Song Ruochen slipped back into his icy facade, casting a cool glance at the busy Secretary Li and his cluttered desk nearby.

How had he never noticed before that Young Master had a knack for chatting? The moment he left, Song Ruochen immediately felt bored.

Surveying the room—filled with serious middle-aged folks—he turned his attention to Nanchi’s Secretary Li.

Song Ruochen: “Hey.”

Secretary Li: “?”

Are we buddies now?

“Working so hard,” Song Ruochen said. “Do they weigh your work to pay you?”

“Secretary Song, we’re on monthly salaries,” Secretary Li corrected. “Not paid by workload.”

“So, does it matter if you do more or less?” Song Ruochen asked.

“Secretary Song, working for the boss, it’s not about how much you do—it’s about being diligent, not cutting corners,” Secretary Li huffed. “I’m not like certain secretaries who climb up with their looks.”

“Thanks, I think I’m pretty good-looking too,” Song Ruochen said.

“Living off soft rice isn’t something to brag about,” Secretary Li said.

“You don’t eat it because you don’t like the taste?” Song Ruochen countered.

Secretary Li: “…”

Damn.

Secretary Li was speechless.

“Secretary Song, you’re disrupting my work,” Secretary Li said.

“You could try not being disrupted,” Song Ruochen said. “I’m not honking in your ear.”

Secretary Li regretted ever provoking this menace today.

Online photos made him look so aloof—how was every word a heart-stabbing blow?

“It’s your boss piling on endless tasks that’s disrupting your work,” Song Ruochen said. “Doing three people’s jobs won’t earn you gratitude—it just makes you look cheap.”

Secretary Li: “?”

“The faster you work, the more work comes. The more work comes, the more you have to do,” Song Ruochen said.

Secretary Li: “…The company is my home.”

“The company’s your home,” Song Ruochen said. “And you’re playing mom and dad to your boss.”

Song Ruochen: “Has he ever been filial to you?”

Secretary Li: “…*@##!”

[ … ]

“What’s up with him?” Jian Yuheng asked, returning from the stage. “Let’s go find Brother.”

“No idea,” Song Ruochen said. “Just had a quick chat.”

Jian Yuheng: “?”

Jian Yuheng glanced back at Secretary Li. Hmm, an alpha.

What were they chatting about?

“Even an enemy’s team is a team,” Song Ruochen said. “Shared some workplace wisdom.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Not long after they left, Nanchi’s President Tong returned, barking orders as usual.

“Book a hotel, schedule meetings, arrange a car, set up appointments,” Tong Hao said.

Secretary Li: “.”

Once he started seeing his boss as a tantrum-throwing brat, it was impossible to unsee.

“Hurry up! What are you standing there for?” Tong Hao snapped.

“President Tong, my workload’s maxed out,” Secretary Li said. “I’ve prioritized tasks, and the earliest I can make calls for you is 2 a.m. tonight. Do you still need it?”

Tong Hao: “?”

He’d only been gone a bit—where’d this snarky attitude come from?

What happened to Nanchi’s obedient secretary?

The expo kept everyone busy all day. The next day at lunch, Song Ruochen scrolled through news about the City A Internet Enterprise Joint Expo on his phone, along with netizens’ comments.

@YanCiNoMoreJinxing: Holy crap, Xiaoshi’s president and secretary—are you guys playing musical chairs?

@FamousArtCollector: What trade secrets are they discussing? They haven’t stopped talking for a second.

@LookingForO: Wow, I thought these business bigwigs were all old. Secretary Song’s so young!

@LookingForA: What did Secretary Song say to Secretary Li? Why’s Li frozen?

@LittleFuzzyMonster-MengYumianFan: 0.0… Why do these two feel like a perfect match?

Song Ruochen: “…”

In the video, he was dressed in his original Secretary Song attire, while Jian Yuheng wore a sleek black suit.

Both in black-and-white tones… They did kind of look coordinated.

In the footage, Jian Yuheng tilted his head, saying something, while Song Ruochen listened with his eyes lowered.

@YanCi-Commentator: Let’s take a closer look at the domineering president and his charming secretary. Watch as the alpha turns his head, his possessive gaze locked on Secretary Song…

Song Ruochen: “…”

What weird stuff are you commentating on!

“Secretary Song, why’s your face red?” Jian Feng asked, pausing beside him.

“From playing on my phone,” Song Ruochen fibbed.

Jian Feng: “?”

“By the way, Secretary Song,” Jian Feng said, “my brother’s rushing a proposal during lunch. Assistant Gong’s not here—can you bring him some food?”

“Sure thing, First Young Master,” Song Ruochen replied.

So, what should he get for Second Young Master?

Song Ruochen decided to ask. Back when he’d bring food for his roommate before transmigrating, he’d do it over video call. This time, he did the same.

“See anything you like?” Song Ruochen asked.

“I’ve got my eye on one,” Jian Yuheng’s voice came through the earpiece.

So close.

The last time that voice was this near his ear was when Jian Yuheng pinned him down for the temporary marking.

Argh, who thinks about this in a cafeteria!

“Which one?” Song Ruochen asked.

“The one the front camera’s catching,” Jian Yuheng said.

The front camera was catching…?

Song Ruochen pointed at himself.

“Sounds like you’re not hungry enough,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng backed off, quickly changing tack: “Cabbage, cilantro, no chrysanthemum greens. You pick the rest.”

“I pick, you eat?” Song Ruochen asked.

Jian Yuheng: “Mm.”

“Secretary Song’s serving you a fist first,” Song Ruochen said.

Avoiding the vetoed dishes, he picked a few he liked, got them packed, and headed downstairs to find Jian Yuheng.

Jian Yuheng hadn’t ended the voice call, and Song Ruochen didn’t feel like hanging up either. So, they kept the call going while in the same company.

With the sound of typing in his ear, Song Ruochen entered the elevator and pressed the floor.

The elevator descended slowly, stopping at the 30th floor. Someone got on—Xiang Cai from the board.

The doors closed, leaving just the two of them.

“Secretary Song,” Xiang Cai said disapprovingly, “Don’t you greet your superiors?”

Song Ruochen stared at the elevator ad, silent.

Xiang Cai: “Secretary Song, I’m talking to you!”

“Oh, Director Xiang?” Song Ruochen turned. “Sorry, just noticed you.”

Xiang Cai: “?”

Was I invisible?

“No need to greet if you didn’t see,” Jian Yuheng said through the earpiece.

[Hahaha, Grape logic.]

Song Ruochen: “?”

So noisy in his head.

“Let me greet you now,” Song Ruochen said. “Is your illness better?”

“Song Ruochen!” Director Xiang roared.

That was calling him sick.

“Don’t misunderstand,” Song Ruochen said. “It’s just that people at the branch keep saying you’re unwell, so I was worried about your health.”

Xiang Cai: “…”

That’s exactly why he came to pick a fight.

Ever since Jian Feng kept him in check, letting Jian Yuheng and Song Ruochen go to the branch together, he’d lost control over the branch’s management.

“Secretary Song’s business trip report was abysmal,” Xiang Cai said. “Is this the standard of Xiaoshi’s president’s secretary?”

Song Ruochen: “0.o?”

That was outsourced, okay?

Xiaoshi’s president’s secretary doesn’t have that kind of skill.

“Is it?” Song Ruochen said. “I thought it was florid, logical, emotionally rich, and philosophically profound.”

Through the earpiece, Jian Yuheng let out a delighted chuckle, sending a tingle through Song Ruochen’s ear.

“Trip insights: omitted. Trip reflections: omitted,” Xiang Cai said. “Future company outlook: 6.”

Xiang Cai: “You call that a readable report?”

Song Ruochen: “…”

Out of compliments.

Jian Yuheng’s still the king of BS.

“Submitting something like that—shouldn’t Secretary Song face some punishment?” Xiang Cai asked.

The elevator stopped, doors opening. Jian Yuheng stood outside.

“That report was my submission,” Jian Yuheng said. “What, Director Xiang, you trying to fire me?”

“Secretary Song,” Jian Yuheng said, “why so slow? I’m starving.”

Xiang Cai: “??”

He was just disciplining a regular employee—Jian Yuheng’s protecting him too?

But Song Ruochen snitched way too fast.

His gaze flicked to the Bluetooth earpieces they both wore, his mouth twitching.

“A trip report just needs to show what the traveler did,” Jian Yuheng said. “Or, Director Xiang, is there something you wanted to see in that report that wasn’t there?”

His lips curved slightly, his gaze carrying clear malice. Xiang Cai frowned, unwilling to linger under that stare.

Xiang Cai pressed the elevator button, and the doors slowly closed.

“Why’d you come here?” Song Ruochen handed over the lunchbox.

“Didn’t want him hassling you,” Jian Yuheng said.

“I can rewind,” Song Ruochen said. “Dealing with him’s no problem.”

“Mr. Song’s that impressive?” Jian Yuheng pushed open the office door.

President Song: “:)”

“Xiaoshi’s elevators sometimes have bad signal,” Jian Yuheng said. “Was worried you couldn’t rewind.”

Better to be cautious—after all, there’s only one Grape Chen in the world.

Song Ruochen: “Oh…”

True.

But how’d Jian Yuheng even think of that? When did he figure it out?

[Good thing he doesn’t want to play the villain, or he’d be tough to beat.]

[No wonder the original author couldn’t finish and dropped it.]

[Still, our Grape’s the best, turning conflict into… love-desire value.]

[Gotta say, he thinks of everything.]

Song Ruochen: “Mm…”

“Hey, Second Young Master, did you renovate your office?” Song Ruochen looked around.

“Yeah,” Jian Yuheng said. “While we were on the trip, I had them tweak it. Turned the nap room into a hammock space.”

Song Ruochen: “!!”

Swinging to sleep is the best—he’d wanted one forever.

“When Secretary Song’s not busy, you can come nap here,” Jian Yuheng said.

“I… I could get my own,” Song Ruochen said.

But playing alone is so boring.

His brain spoke up on its own.

Song Ruochen: “…”

His life’s orbit was gradually aligning with Jian Yuheng’s, and he didn’t want it to diverge anymore.

“Isn’t Hungry Young Master starving?” Song Ruochen said. “Eat your feed.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

He wanted to buy a roll of black tape to seal Song Ruochen’s mouth.

Already cozy under his skin with the Hawthorn, Song Ruochen sprawled grandly across Jian Yuheng’s sofa, playing dead.

Jian Yuheng opened the lunchbox—pretty hearty spread.

“Secretary Song,” Jian Yuheng said, “you… didn’t bring me any utensils.”

“This one I picked is… hand-grab rice,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng: “.”

He set down the lunchbox and walked over, sitting on the sofa’s armrest, looking down at the lazy-boned omega. His hand rested near Song Ruochen’s neck, then pinched his chin, his thumb pressing on the soft lips.

“Can’t even handle this task—Secretary Song really deserves punishment,” Jian Yuheng said.

“Rewind to grab some?” Song Ruochen said, tickled by the alpha’s fingers.

“No need,” Jian Yuheng said. “Just wanted an excuse to punish you.”

Song Ruochen: “…”

His lips stung a bit from the pinch—no doubt they were red.

He rolled away, sitting up on the sofa, and flung some omega pheromones at Jian Yuheng.

“Soothe, soothe, soothe!” Song Ruochen shouted his skill.

“You’re using ‘seduce, seduce, seduce,’” Jian Yuheng said. “I’ve never met an omega this bad at controlling pheromones.”

“Soothe is like this.” Jian Yuheng’s hand pressed Song Ruochen’s neck. “Feel it.”

Isn’t this supposed to be instinctive? It can’t be…

“Soothe, soothe, soothe.” Song Ruochen released soothing pheromones. “Second Young Master, grade my homework.”

“Purity’s about 50%, I’d say,” Jian Yuheng said, half-laughing, half-exasperated.

The soothing fell short, but the seduction hit the mark, sparking a little flame in his heart.

Midday, studying pheromones with the secretary in the office.

The guy’s right here—no way he’s letting him slip away.

“That’s some consolation, I guess.” Feeling his heart race, Song Ruochen bolted to escape. “Second Young Master’s calmed down—Secretary Song’s off the hook!”

“Not quite,” Jian Yuheng said.

Trying to flee again.

He could faintly sense Song Ruochen’s feelings, but he could never quite grasp them.

Driven by a burning desire to confirm those feelings, he suddenly reached out, pulled Song Ruochen close, and pinned him firmly to the sofa. Holding Song Ruochen’s hands to one side, he used his strength and size advantage to overpower the omega’s struggles, boldly kissing the pale cheek.

“Think that’s enough, Secretary Song? At least this,” Jian Yuheng teased, “and I’m barely appeased.”

“Scared?” Jian Yuheng asked.

Song Ruochen froze.

K-Kissed!

This, this, this—

[Ding (tch) dong (tch).]

[Overheating, shutting down.]

Jian Yuheng: “:)”

He actually rewound a first kiss.

But then, Song Ruochen tilted his head slightly, hesitantly, and his lips brushed Jian Yuheng’s.

“How about now?” he asked, face red and eyes darting away. “Still just barely?”

Jian Yuheng: “…”