FOBTS CH91

Chapter 91 Extra 6: The Unlucky Alpha Bound to the Rewind System

Morning News Broadcast, City A

“Today’s morning news: Xiaoshi Kindergarten, funded and built by City A’s leading enterprise, Xiaoshi Group, celebrates its anniversary today. Jian Yuheng, president of Xiaoshi Group, and his secretary will attend the celebration.”

“Jian Yuheng, the second young master of the Jian family and one of Xiaoshi’s presidents, has injected fresh vitality into the company’s operations with his unique style and vision since returning to the country last year.”

“Song Ruochen, secretary to Xiaoshi Group’s president Jian Feng and deputy director of the advertising department, is a benchmark in the secretarial field. Not only does he handle Xiaoshi’s demanding secretarial tasks, but he has also delivered multiple outstanding ad campaigns. Additionally, the acclaimed works of the silent genius celebrity Lu Yunye were produced under Song’s supervision…”

“Latest news indicates that the two are set to hold their wedding soon. Let’s look forward to today’s celebration event…”

[Did this TV reporter get paid by Grape?]

[They went on for that long with the praise.]

“Don’t make me beat you up first thing in the morning,” Song Ruochen, half-awake with eyes barely open, muttered.

[Shifty eyes whistling]

[Good morning, host. It’s Saturday, sunny, 3-5 level winds, excellent air quality.]

[Now cosplaying as a weather forecaster.]

It was Saturday, but Song Ruochen had a small task to tackle.

As the news mentioned, he and Jian Yuheng were attending Xiaoshi Kindergarten’s anniversary celebration today.

“This school’s name is so well-chosen,” Song Ruochen remarked. “It’s got a vibe of abundance and prosperity.”

Jian Yuheng: “???”

“By the way, did that melodramatic novel you read explain where the name Xiaoshi came from?” Jian Yuheng asked.

“Nope,” Song Ruochen said. “The moment I opened it, it was already called Xiaoshi.”

[Hahaha, the novel started with Da Zao’s parents causing a scene in Xiaoshi’s office, only to be escorted out by Secretary Song, completely owning the final exam week Grape.]

“The name supposedly came from my great-grandma,” Jian Yuheng said. “It means soaring to the skies and returning with dreams fulfilled.”

“What was your great-grandma’s pheromone?” Song Ruochen asked.

Jian Yuheng: “Hawthorn cake.”

Song Ruochen: “.”

Names and their meanings are probably just later interpretations. Who knows what was really on the namer’s mind?

“Grape Chen,” Jian Yuheng gestured from the closet doorway, “how’s this tie?”

“Looks like you’re hanging yourself with expired seaweed,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng: “…”

“Don’t like dark green? Just say it,” Jian Yuheng said. “Your imagination’s wild.”

“How about this black one?” Jian Yuheng held up another.

[It’s clearly yellow.]

Song Ruochen: “…?”

What?

[Main System: Rewind Card Pack muted for 5 minutes.]

[Flips the bird]

Song Ruochen’s gaze lingered on the familiar black tie, stirring some memories. His eyes darted away, glancing at his wrist.

“Pick another,” Song Ruochen said firmly.

He sat at the dining table, spreading raspberry jam on sliced bread.

Ever since he said the jams here were delicious, Yan Ci and Fuzzy Monster bought him a whole lineup, enough to switch flavors daily.

“How about this brown checkered one?” Jian Yuheng chose his tie. “Assistant Gong’s here. Once you’re done eating, we’ll head out.”

“Got it,” Song Ruochen said.

The living room TV continued playing the morning news—

“Recently, several simple mobile games have taken City A’s college students and workers by storm, all from a studio called ‘Fuzzy Zao Grape’…”

“In an interview, Meng Yumian said they plan to expand the Fuzzy Zao Grape studio and encourage graduates to apply, noting that the studio, backed by Xiaoshi, offers great benefits…”

“I’m done,” Song Ruochen said, turning off the TV. “Let’s go.”

At the curb, Assistant Gong drove Jian Yuheng’s most expensive car, blasting the cheesiest music through top-notch speakers.

Song Ruochen leaned out the open window, shoving two pieces of raspberry jam bread into Assistant Gong’s mouth.

Assistant Gong looked gratified. “Secretary Song’s grown up, learning to butter up colleagues.”

“Teach me to fly a helicopter next time,” Song Ruochen said.

“Cough…” Assistant Gong choked. “Secretary Song, that resume claiming you can fly helicopters and pilot submarines—50% fluff, right?”

“Thanks for the compliment,” Song Ruochen said.

[It’s 100% fluff.]

[Saying 50% is a compliment (.)]

“Second Young Master,” Assistant Gong said, “per your instructions, I’ve sent out the wedding invitations. Next, we need to finalize the banquet venue.”

Song Ruochen: “0.o?”

Song Ruochen: “Need me to toss in some ideas?”

Jian Yuheng: “No.”

Marrying a quirky monkey was already avant-garde enough; no need to add abstract elements.

“Then I’ll leave it to Second Young Master,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng: “Bitter now, sweet later.”

Twenty minutes later, the car stopped at Xiaoshi Kindergarten’s entrance, where the principal was waiting, having been informed in advance.

“Secretary Song, Second Young Master,” the principal greeted. “Assistant Gong, welcome.”

Song Ruochen curiously eyed the beautiful building. Since transmigrating, he hadn’t explored this world’s schools, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t curious.

“Xiaoshi Kindergarten’s students are exceptional this year,” the principal said. “Let me give you a tour of the campus.”

“Great,” Song Ruochen said.

“This is our teaching building,” the principal explained as they walked. “It’s the weekend, so no classes, but some students are here for club activities.”

Song Ruochen observed as they went.

“Are there a lot of alpha and omega cubs here?” Song Ruochen asked.

“They’re too young,” Jian Yuheng said. “They haven’t differentiated yet.”

Jian Yuheng: “Those novels you read—do they have a lot of ABO definitions?”

“Quite a few,” Song Ruochen said. “I keep mixing them up.”

“I want to check them out,” Jian Yuheng said, intrigued.

“Sure,” Song Ruochen said. “Tonight, I’ll use my stellar memory to recite a few for you.”

Jian Yuheng: “Deal.”

[With his stellar memory, he could graft an apocalyptic novel onto a historical one and make it up as he goes.]

At the end of the hallway, a classroom had just finished a fun arts-and-crafts activity. Neatly dressed kids ran into their parents’ arms with backpacks bouncing.

“Daddy!” a student said. “I learned new paper-cutting patterns!”

“Xiao Chen’s awesome!” the parent said.

Song Ruochen’s steps slowed for a moment.

A pang of envy hit. When he was little, no one said stuff like that to him.

So he always told himself.

“What’s up?” Jian Yuheng asked.

“Nothing,” Song Ruochen shook his head.

“This way, please,” the principal gestured grandly. “This is our Outstanding Student Wall. As Xiaoshi Group thrives, our kindergarten’s reputation grows too.”

“Mom! Look, I made the Outstanding Student List!” the earlier student ran over.

The student tripped over their own feet: “Oof!”

Rolling across the floor.

“Time for the hospital,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Song Ruochen: “System.”

[Ding-dong.]

The student came barreling down the hall: “I…”

With perfect timing, Song Ruochen reached out, grabbing the student’s collar to stop them.

“Careful,” Song Ruochen said. “You’ll fall.”

Student: “No way, I walk super steady.”

“Xiao Chen,” the principal said, “these are our school’s sponsors.”

“Hi, hi!” The unscathed, full-energy student bowed to Song Ruochen.

“Xiao Chen, slow down,” the student’s parent hurried over. “Don’t bump into people.”

“It’s fine,” Jian Yuheng said.

Song Ruochen watched the student scamper off.

“Xiao Chen’s awesome,” Jian Yuheng’s voice rang in his ear.

Song Ruochen: “0.o?”

“You’ve got someone to praise you too,” Jian Yuheng said.

[Exactly, our Grape’s a cared-for Grape now.]

[Even if you blew up the company, Second Young Master would still praise you.]

Song Ruochen: “…”

“This way to the cafeteria,” the principal said.

“When you were little, your parents divorced?” Jian Yuheng asked. “I remember you mentioned it.”

“Yup,” Song Ruochen said. “Independent little student Song Ruochen from the start.”

Jian Yuheng chuckled.

“So back then, I was super jealous of other kids,” Song Ruochen said, looking down.

Jian Yuheng’s gaze softened, as if weighing some comforting words.

“Their parents picked them up and bought them all kinds of snacks—crepes, milk buns, grilled tofu. Their parents had it ready at the gate, but I had to queue up myself!” Song Ruochen grew more indignant.

Jian Yuheng: “…?”

That’s what you were jealous about?!

“I went abroad to study when I was young,” Jian Yuheng said. “Parents weren’t around either. Independent little student too. So, Secretary Song and I are a perfect match.”

By now, they’d reached Xiaoshi Kindergarten’s cafeteria.

“Second Young Master,” Assistant Gong turned, “are we having lunch here?”

Assistant Gong froze, noticing their fingers somehow intertwined.

Assistant Gong: “Tch.”

“Here in the school cafeteria,” Jian Yuheng said. “Let me imagine meeting Secretary Song back in our student days.”

“I wouldn’t let you be alone all the time,” Jian Yuheng added.

Song Ruochen: “0.0*”

Evening, Group Chat [Fuzzy Zao Grape] (3 members)

[Da Zao]: Little Grape, I saw you on TV!

[Song Ruochen]: Just gave a brief speech on behalf of Xiaoshi.

[Fuzzy Monster]: My gosh, those kids love you. They were all swarming you.

[Song Ruochen]: Because I said I’m friends with gaming commentator Yan Ci.

[Da Zao]: .

[Da Zao]: Last year’s speech was me and Jian-ge. Bad timing—we were fighting that day.

[Da Zao]: Next year, I’ll go and shine.

“Are you chatting with your friends again?” Jian Yuheng asked. “Wanna shower together?”

“Second Young Master can go alone,” Song Ruochen said leisurely.

On the living room table sat gifts from the kids—biscuits, spicy strips.

“System,” Song Ruochen had a sudden idea, “is there, like, a Song Ruochen System Binding One-Year Anniversary event?”

[…?]

[That’s a fresh idea.]

[I’ll apply for it.]

[Main System says: Approved.]

[Hands over raffle box]

[Host, draw three tickets.]

Song Ruochen imagined the raffle, and soon, three prize tickets appeared in his mind.

[Prize 1: System sings a song.]

[Polishing microphone]

The next second, an awful singing voice echoed in Song Ruochen’s head.

Song Ruochen: “You call this a prize?”

[Hehe, check the others!]

[Prize 2: Temporary Sub-System, One Portion]

“What’s that?” Song Ruochen asked. “How’s it work?”

[For friends to use! It’s a knockoff of me, so it’s not super stable. Only lasts a day.]

[Let’s lend it to Second Young Master for fun.]

[Ding-dong. Temporary Rewind Sub-System bound to Jian Yuheng.]

Song Ruochen: “Wait…”

In the bathroom, Jian Yuheng was lounging in the tub when a sound rang in his head.

[Splash.]

Jian Yuheng: “…?”

What?

[Splash.]

[That’s the sound of cash.]

[Rewind Coin Pouch at your service.]

“No service needed,” Jian Yuheng shook his head quickly. “Unsubscribe.”

[This system is ready-to-use; no returns.]

“Evil Young Master,” Song Ruochen knocked on the bathroom door, “did you get a hot potato?”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

You know it’s a hot potato.

“Give it a try. It’s my system’s anniversary gift,” Song Ruochen said. “I’m curious about its features.”

“Rewind 10 seconds,” Jian Yuheng tried mentally.

[Splash.]

Jian Yuheng: “?”

Song Ruochen: “?”

“Anything happen?” Song Ruochen asked.

“Nothing,” Jian Yuheng said. “No change.”

“Rewind 5 minutes,” Jian Yuheng tried boldly.

“Nothing,” Song Ruochen said. “System, this is your anniversary gift?”

“Rewind to one month later, one year later, five years later, twelve years later,” Jian Yuheng said, indulging in a whim since nothing was happening.

He slipped on a bathrobe, towel-drying his hair, and opened the bathroom door.

Song Ruochen: “?”

Song Ruochen: “Second Young Master, did you get taller?”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Big mess.

Outside the bathroom door, 8-year-old Song Ruochen: “o.·?”

Five minutes later, Song Ruochen stared at his reflection in the mirror, silent.

[Uh, the sub-system’s function rewinds time on living things.]

“Change me back quick,” Song Ruochen said. “I’ve got a meeting tomorrow morning.”

Jian Yuheng tried again, making Song Ruochen a year younger.

Song Ruochen: “…”

Song Ruochen: “Stop, no more. I’ll turn into a grape seed.”

Jian Yuheng was speechless.

[Wait 24 hours, and the sub-system will auto-destruct.]

“These prize tickets you gave me are all duds,” Song Ruochen said.

[Be 7-year-old Song Ruochen for a day then.]

The next morning, Jian Yuheng, having caused a disaster, got up early to cover Song Ruochen’s staff meeting at the company.

Song Ruochen (kid version) lounged confidently on the living room sofa, flipping on the TV to watch ABO world cartoons.

At Xiaoshi Group’s meeting room entrance, Jian Feng ran into Jian Yuheng preparing for the meeting.

“Bro?” Jian Feng asked. “Taking on side gigs?”

“What side gig,” Jian Yuheng said. “As part of Xiaoshi, you gotta be proactive—find work, grab work.”

Jian Yuheng: “Here’s a report for you to review.”

Jian Feng: “?”

“Where’s my secretary?” Jian Feng asked. “I’m meeting Meiwei’s boss for tea later. Need my secretary.”

“Your secretary’s indisposed today,” Jian Yuheng said.

“Brother,” Jian Feng said seriously, “you can’t keep bullying Secretary Song.”

“What the—” Jian Yuheng was at a loss. “I didn’t this time, I swear.”

Jian Feng’s lips twitched into a skeptical smile.

At home, Song Ruochen studied his 7-year-old self in the mirror.

“I was this good-looking as a kid,” Song Ruochen boasted. “This outfit Second Young Master had rushed over is pretty nice.”

Ding-dong ding-dong ding-dong.

[Someone’s at the door.]

“Delivery?” Song Ruochen jogged downstairs to open the door.

Smaller body, bigger house—getting to the door felt like a marathon.

“Coming!” Song Ruochen yanked the door open. “La…”

Yan Ci and Meng Yumian stood there.

Song Ruochen: “…”

“Hey, little kid, who are you?” Meng Yumian asked in a cutesy voice.

“Me,” Song Ruochen improvised, “I’m Secretary Song’s distant cousin, Song Xiaochen.”

[Such a lazy name.]

“Xiao Chen?” Yan Ci bent down, scooping him up. “You’re so cute!”

Song Ruochen: “:(”

“Call me big brother,” Meng Yumian ruffled Song Ruochen’s hair repeatedly.

Song Ruochen: “…”

“I never heard Secretary Song had a cousin,” Yan Ci said.

[Funny, first I’ve heard of it too.]

[Cold laugh.jpg]

“Xiao Chen, where’s your cousin?” Yan Ci asked. “We’re here to talk about hiring for the game studio.”

“Cousin’s out on business,” Song Ruochen said. “Come back in 12 hours.”

Yan Ci: “?”

Meng Yumian: “That precise?”

“Since Secretary Song’s not here, Fuzzy Zao Grape’s taking the day off,” Meng Yumian said. “Let’s go have fun.”

“Xiao Chen,” Yan Ci asked, “wanna come play with us?”

Xiao Chen: “o.·?”

At Xiaoshi Group, Jian Yuheng worked through noon, feeling uneasy. He called Song Ruochen, but the line was busy, no answer.

Where’s Secretary Song?

He checked Moments and saw Yan Ci’s 10 upZaos, each featuring a very familiar, delicate-faced little boy.

Jian Yuheng: “…”

This Grape’s out scamming food and drinks.

Song Ruochen spent the day at the amusement park, and by evening, Yan Ci led him to Xiaoshi.

“Sit here,” Yan Ci said. “Wait for your cousin’s husband to get off work. He’ll take you home.”

“Not husband yet…” Song Ruochen said.

“Adult stuff, you wouldn’t get it,” Yan Ci said. “Secretary Song’s already Second Young Master’s.”

“Don’t wander off,” Meng Yumian said in his cutesy voice. “Wait nicely. We’re leaving.”

“Huh?” Assistant Gong passed by, peeking over. “Where’d this kid come from?”

“This is Secretary Song’s cousin,” Yan Ci said. “We’re heading out. Assistant Gong, keep an eye on him.”

“No problem,” Assistant Gong said.

“Bye-bye, Da Zao Brother, Fuzzy Monster Brother,” Song Ruochen said expressionlessly.

In the room, only Assistant Gong and he remained.

Assistant Gong circled him three times left, three times right, inspecting.

“You really look like your brother,” Assistant Gong said.

“You really look like a fool,” Song Ruochen said.

“Hey, don’t pick up bad habits,” Assistant Gong said. “Don’t copy your cousin’s mouth, got it?”

“What’s wrong with my cousin?” Song Ruochen asked.

“Spends more time in the cafeteria than at his desk,” Assistant Gong said.

“And you?” Song Ruochen asked.

“I’m slaving away at my desk, loyal company workhorse,” Assistant Gong said.

“Then why don’t I just be my cousin?” Song Ruochen asked.

Assistant Gong: “…”

Speechless, Assistant Gong fished out a candy and stuffed it into Song Ruochen’s hand.

“Too much like Secretary Song,” Jian Yuheng overheard Assistant Gong muttering as he entered. “Such an un-cute kid.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

“Jian Yuheng,” Song Ruochen called.

Assistant Gong: “Hm?”

What? Calling Second Young Master by name?

A pint-sized kid thinks he’s on that level?

“Assistant Gong, you can clock out,” Jian Yuheng said.

“Oh, oh!” The allure of leaving work trumped all doubts, and Assistant Gong left the office.

Only Song Ruochen and Jian Yuheng remained.

“Why’d you come?” Jian Yuheng asked.

“To pick Second Young Master up from work,” Song Ruochen said seriously.

With that 7-year-old face, Secretary Song couldn’t pull off his usual cool demeanor, and Jian Yuheng found it increasingly amusing.

“Then to the supermarket,” Jian Yuheng said. “We’re low on snacks at home.”

Song Ruochen: “Yes, Second Young Master.”

At the downtown supermarket, Jian Yuheng pushed a cart with an expressionless Song Ruochen sitting in it.

“Right turn, straight ahead, speed up, brake,” Song Ruochen directed.

Jian Yuheng: “…”

“Want cheese chips,” Song Ruochen pointed. “And five packs of sunflower seeds.”

“Two bottles of wine too,” Song Ruochen said. “I’ll drink one.”

A nearby staff member shot a horrified look.

When Jian Yuheng went to check out, Song Ruochen trailed behind, lugging a big plastic bag.

Suddenly, his feet left the ground, and he was airborne.

Jian Yuheng lifted him with one hand, taking the heavy bag from the cashier with the other.

Song Ruochen: “…”

So embarrassing.

“Such a pretty kid,” a passerby said.

Song Ruochen: “=皿=”

[Secretary Song’s caused so many messes for Second Young Master, and now he’s finally gotten a taste of his own medicine.]

[Karma’s a wheel.]

Near their new apartment was a park. After dinner, Jian Yuheng dragged Song Ruochen out for a walk… or rather, a jog.

Song Ruochen (7-year-old version) panted with his short legs, trailing behind Jian Yuheng.

Leaning against a tree by the path, Song Ruochen refused to move Fuzzyther.

“What’s this plant?” Song Ruochen asked.

“Camellia,” Jian Yuheng said. “It’s beautiful when the flowers fall.”

“Haven’t seen it,” Song Ruochen said. “Never noticed before.”

[Splash.]

The sound of flipping cash.

Like spring reviving withered wood, the camellia around him burst into a shower of falling petals.

He stood amid the cascading camellia rain, stunned for a while.

[Second Young Master rewound the camellia to its blooming season.]

[I couldn’t wait till next year—I wanted to see the falling flowers with you now.]

[Reciting poetry]

“You did score an anniversary prize,” Jian Yuheng said. “Look, I made it bloom for you.”

[Rewind Card Pack Reminder: Temporary sub-system expiring soon, expiring soon.]

Amid the flickering camellia petals, Song Ruochen’s perspective shifted. He felt himself gradually growing taller.

Standing in a sea of camellia petals, Song Ruochen gave Jian Yuheng a slight smile.

“Second Young Master, I’m back,” Song Ruochen said.

“You gave me flowers, so I give you Song Ruochen,” he said.

Jian Yuheng: “:D”