Chapter 18: Tensing up more individually, yet seemingly drawing closer together.

At the moment he understood what Qi Yingzhu was expressing, Chu Fuxuan’s ears grew hot; the intense temperature practically burned all the way down to his cheeks.

Fortunately, when the topic was brought up, the meeting had already ended. After the formal meetup concluded, most people in the room had already left.

The colleagues who stayed behind were scattered nearby, chatting idly. After suggesting Chu Fuxuan hitch a ride with Qi Yingzhu, they didn’t deliberately hover near the two of them.

There were definitely private glances and speculations, but it was hard for outsiders to figure out the details, let alone the ambiguous words on the phone screen.

Sharing an unknown secret in the corner, from an onlooker’s perspective, everything just seemed completely calm and tranquil.

Chu Fuxuan’s entire figure was mostly blocked by Qi Yingzhu, making it impossible to see his exact expression; at most, his demeanor seemed slightly stiff.

Qi Yingzhu gave away even fewer clues. His usually aloof eyes and brows were somewhat casual at this moment. He turned his face slightly, watching the young man beside him fiddle with his phone.

In everyone’s minds, this was only his and Chu Fuxuan’s second meeting. There couldn’t possibly be any friction between them, and since they weren’t discussing official business right now, a relaxed aura was perfectly normal.

“Shh, don’t you guys think Raven’s expression is a bit weird?” someone murmured, a rare occurrence.

Another person analyzed, “He’s holding back his bad temper. Isn’t this how he acts at earnings meetings? Wanting to nitpick but deciding to be magnanimous.”

They thought Qi Yingzhu was suppressing his impatience. In reality, Qi Yingzhu’s mood was very subtle.

Brother? Qi Yingzhu found it absurdly hilarious.

Chu Fuxuan probably felt “Hubby” was too naked and “Husband” too formal. Online recommendations were a mess, so he had gone against his conscience and filled in this one.

Qi Yingzhu had never been called this before, and it was even his first time encountering such a term in this context.

Even though he understood Chu Fuxuan was purely putting up a front, he still froze for a moment, shifting his gaze away in total awkwardness.

Feeling awkward himself wasn’t enough; he insisted on dragging Chu Fuxuan down with him. Upon understanding his lip-reading, Chu Fuxuan wrinkled his nose, feeling guilty and not making a sound immediately.

The thing he had intentionally covered up was coaxed out of him. Chu Fuxuan’s heart was pounding wildly. Due to people lingering not far away, he used Qi Yingzhu’s figure as cover and didn’t reveal his chagrin and frustration.

The atmosphere between the two slightly solidified. It was clear they both tensed up more individually, yet it seemed to draw them closer together.

Not breaking down for too long, Chu Fuxuan recovered, gritting his teeth, and tapped open Qi Yingzhu’s account profile.

Since they were far away from their parents right now, he didn’t need to put on these pretenses. After deleting “Brother,” he typed slowly, afraid the other party wouldn’t notice:

[Qi Yingzhu – Senior Vice President of the Group, concurrently Head of the Interactive Entertainment Business Group]

Qi Yingzhu: “…”

Why does this format look so familiar?

“Nickname’s set,” Chu Fuxuan said. “You can make a voice call on Saturday. You should also mark me; I’m afraid you won’t find me when the time comes.”

Following his lead, Qi Yingzhu deleted “Baby” and equally slowed down his typing speed:

[California Blind Date Victim]

Chu Fuxuan: “…”

He closed his eyes and improvised on the spot: [Failed to Put on the Ring at the Wedding No. 1]

Qi Yingzhu was quite creative: [Top Scorer of Falling Asleep in One Second Despite Claiming Insomnia]

Chu Fuxuan was evenly matched with him: [The Bustling Top Card of Hongni Office]

The two were clearly standing side by side, only slightly staggered, yet they were competing fiercely with each other on their phones.

Qi Yingzhu switched to sending a message: [It’s most convenient for you to flip my name tag. Try it next time, I’ll host you specifically.]

Chu Fuxuan: “.”

He didn’t bicker with Qi Yingzhu anymore and respectfully changed his contact name back to his full name, showing he was a pacifist.

“Thanks for going out of your way to give me a ride on Saturday. It’s fine if it’s inconvenient,” Chu Fuxuan said politely.

Everyone, who already had their ears pricked up, looked over following the sound. Qi Yingzhu cooperated, looking very proper: “The interview on Saturday will take a while. I’ll call you in the evening.”

Chu Fuxuan said, “Thank you. I’m still adjusting right now, so I’ll head back to the team first to check everyone’s monthly reports.”

His thanks held some sincerity. Qi Yingzhu taking the time to come here definitely wasn’t just to trip him up. Being led around to greet people meant he had benefited from the man’s presence to some extent.

Qi Yingzhu understood his unspoken words: “Everyone hopes you get into the zone soon. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask around more; they won’t refuse you.”

As his voice fell, colleagues chimed in, telling Chu Fuxuan not to hesitate and that he could bother them anytime.

Chu Fuxuan didn’t stand on ceremony with them. That night, he worked overtime until past 9 PM, handing over work with the programming, art, and QA testing departments.

The lead designer had been absent for three months. Even though everyone had painstakingly maintained the version iterations, the stockpile was exhausted, and the upcoming workload was very tight.

During Chu Fuxuan’s initial communication, Hongni had already made it clear how agonizing the situation was. Since he dared to take over, he certainly had the confidence to step up.

“I’ll optimize the combat parameters. I played it this morning, and the impact feedback felt a bit weak,” he analyzed. “I want at least three rounds of testing for every new system. Is there anything to note?”

The QA testing side replied that the schedule couldn’t be squeezed too short; two rounds a week was the current limit. Otherwise, even if they found bugs, there wouldn’t be time to fix them.

Chu Fuxuan said, “Sorry to trouble you. We definitely won’t drag it out until the last few days and then dump it on you to rush overnight.”

Starting out in a new team was inevitably exhausting. He subsequently worked overtime until 11 or 12 PM every day. Fortunately, the dorm was very close, and he could wash up and rest after walking just a few steps.

The transitional place couldn’t be compared to home. Although the area was compact, it was enough for him to move around. Chu Fuxuan wasn’t that delicate and was already satisfied with the current conditions.

When he arrived at his desk in the morning, Qi Yingzhu was usually already seated. Chu Fuxuan had observed that no matter how late the man stayed, he always arrived at his post on time the next day.

There weren’t many bosses this diligent. Chu Fuxuan was somewhat astonished by his observations, wondering what kind of monster-like energy Qi Yingzhu possessed.

Moreover, in the office, Qi Yingzhu didn’t just check reports and dictate orders. Every matter he handled was very practical, and his positive driving role was evident.

Chu Fuxuan was still stumbling around in the new environment, occasionally hearing conversations coming from the office.

Qi Yingzhu was very good at restraining his emotions. Sometimes, Chu Fuxuan felt like he was going to have an aneurysm on his behalf, but he would just lightly dismiss the person to go back and calm down.

Does not show emotions on his face, Chu Fuxuan scribbled in his notebook, leaving this abrupt sentence.

His style was completely different from Qi Yingzhu’s. He was willing to have heart-to-heart talks with people. Although there was a limit to his sincerity, he could make the other party sense that he had genuinely entrusted them with his trust.

When urging people to work in the morning, he cared: “Do you need me to provide any more support?”

When scrapping a design in the afternoon, he encouraged: “Let’s talk about how to make the players more satisfied. Your results can be perfected to the point where they love it at first sight.”

A few steps away from Chu Fuxuan, Qi Yingzhu caught these words and couldn’t help but find it unbelievable, listening carefully for a while.

At first, he mistakenly thought Chu Fuxuan was a man-eating flower; it turned out he was a mesmerizing herb.

The design team had a total of sixty-three people. Qi Yingzhu watched them being coaxed into spinning around; surprisingly, no one could resist this kind of sugar-coated bullet.

Where is your human backbone? You do whatever he tells you to do? Qi Yingzhu suspected Chu Fuxuan had drugged their department.

Chu Fuxuan had some aura when handling official business, but in his leisure time, he put on no airs at all. There was a designer nicknamed “Zhouzhou” (Congee-congee), and he followed suit, calling him by the doubled characters all day long.

Qi Yingzhu found them mushy, but on second thought, what term could be more cloying than “Brother” and “Baby”?

Tsk. He felt annoyed in his heart for a moment, as that unfamiliar tingling sensation crept up his spine again.

Have I stayed with the unmanly people on this floor for too long, let my guard down, and caught osteomalacia? Qi Yingzhu analyzed.

Chu Fuxuan had no idea his boss, following his homophobia, had pitifully contracted a new illness. When he received Qi Yingzhu’s call on Saturday, he was still muttering to himself that the man had left late last night; was he driving while fatigued now?

He waited anxiously in the garage. Moments later, a two-million-yuan car that could run on the streets appeared, and then the driver rolled down the window, revealing a face showing no signs of exhaustion.

Chu Fuxuan hadn’t completely dispelled his doubts: “If you’re tired, I can take over driving.”

Qi Yingzhu explained thoroughly: “I don’t need to sleep nine hours a day. The bed isn’t that fun. My rest time is plenty.”

Chu Fuxuan remembered when Qi Yingzhu stayed over at his place, and he had abandoned his guest to sleep until the sun was high in the sky: “.”

He found it hard to believe: “It’s so comfortable under the covers. Don’t you like sleeping in?”

Qi Yingzhu shared calmly: “I usually wake up before the alarm goes off, and then I fold the quilt.”

Realizing he had encountered a freak and his nemesis, clashing with him in every aspect, Chu Fuxuan pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling utterly convinced of his defeat.

Subsequently, they got on the elevated highway heading toward the outer ring. The radio was broadcasting economic news. Out of sheer boredom, Chu Fuxuan shifted his eyes to the left and examined Qi Yingzhu for a while with a sense of novelty.

Qi Yingzhu usually dressed cleanly and crisply. For today’s rare interview, he wore a highly textured hunting jacket. Compared to a suit and leather shoes, he seemed more suited to this kind of distinctive attire.

Three sets of numbers involuntarily popped into Chu Fuxuan’s mind, corresponding to the man’s main body measurements.

It wasn’t his fault for remembering the medical checkup report so clearly; the data was simply too good, making it hard not to attract some attention.

It was just that Qi Yingzhu looked relatively slim with clothes on, making it impossible to see the lines underneath.

Quickly, Chu Fuxuan consciously withdrew his gaze. Although he liked the same sex, he had always known how to be proper and would even distance himself further to avoid suspicion.

After leaving the elevated highway and hitting a red light, Qi Yingzhu asked, “How’s work?”

Like reporting official business, Chu Fuxuan updated him on the situation. Having been on the job for a full week, everything was gradually getting on track.

He summarized with satisfaction, “Within the controllable scope, it’s very smooth. The development is going according to plan.”

So you’re managing upwards now, Qi Yingzhu said: “If it’s controlled that well, are there any fish that slipped through the net?”

Chu Fuxuan was glib: “I did enough homework before coming here, just short of going undercover half a year early. How could there be?”

Qi Yingzhu didn’t question it. Chu Fuxuan had brought a new atmosphere to the project, and he was well aware of how he had been running around handling things.

“Later, there will inevitably be toasts. You can say you’re not feeling well, make up any excuse. They like to mess around, but they won’t force you to accommodate them,” Qi Yingzhu instructed.

Chu Fuxuan evaluated carefully: “They’re the ones who should run. I haven’t lost on such occasions so far.”

Qi Yingzhu: ?

“You’re in R&D, not business development. Can you really handle it? If you drink too much, no one will clean up after you.” He made his point clear upfront.

Chu Fuxuan said, “I played bass in college. The band needed money to buy sound cards and change equipment, so we occasionally went to bars to earn some subsidies.”

Qi Yingzhu didn’t understand the connection: “You went on stage to perform, you didn’t have sales targets, right?”

“There was a place that always bought on credit, and in the end, they used two cases of beer to pay our wages. We were too embarrassed to set up a stall to sell it, so we could only savor the fruits of our own labor.”

After speaking, Chu Fuxuan recalled, “In the end, I was the only one left standing. After sending them back to the apartment, I didn’t dare to leave, and even helped the captain revise his group assignment for a while.”

Imagining the scene based on the description, Qi Yingzhu half-doubtingly confirmed: “Then your drinking capacity isn’t bad.”

Chu Fuxuan sighed and clacked an imaginary bamboo clapper: “It doesn’t show on my face, I don’t get loud, it’s really a pity I’m not in business development.”

Qi Yingzhu didn’t make a sound in response, afraid he wouldn’t be able to resist putting this talent to heavy use and assigning him to negotiate channels.

Seeing Qi Yingzhu’s silence, Chu Fuxuan even found his personality too dull. Both of them were speechless at their incompatible magnetic fields.

The so-called team building was a dinner gathering. When they arrived, everyone else was already there, and cold dishes had been served in the private room.

Wary of Qi Yingzhu’s cold way of handling things, people rarely joked with him. But Chu Fuxuan was bright and outstanding, and they were happy to pull him into chatting.

“You’re late, so your penalty is two glasses of red wine first. Do you have a problem with that?” the director greeted.

The drinking culture here was very light, but not completely non-existent, especially when socializing with higher-ups; it was inevitably involved. Chu Fuxuan understood the rules of social interaction and casually didn’t refuse.

Initially, Qi Yingzhu had some concerns. Chu Fuxuan hadn’t been here long; wouldn’t it be embarrassing if he drank too much in public? Saying he wouldn’t get drunk after a thousand cups, but who would take care of him if he went offline after two?

However, after observing for a while, the other party exchanged cups with ease and adeptness, so he didn’t intervene to stop him.

After eating, Qi Yingzhu lowered his head to play a game, stepping out during the meal to take a phone call.

When he returned to the private room, a group of people were sprawled all over the place. At first, they had attempted to drink Chu Fuxuan under the table, but now they were dumped around the table in various postures.

“No more, I can’t take another bottle of white liquor.” A producer from another team had had his fill. “Little Chu, you hide your skills well.”

Qi Yingzhu was also surprised. Besides himself, only Chu Fuxuan looked completely fine.

Chu Fuxuan downed the remaining liquor in his glass in one gulp, leaving enough leeway for the others. He just smiled and didn’t call the waiter to add more.

Still knows when to stop while ahead, remembers to give others a way out. Qi Yingzhu completely relaxed.

For the first time, he overturned his stereotyped prejudice, evaluating that Chu Fuxuan was quite reliable and quite sensible at times like this.

If they didn’t leave now, some with bad drinking habits would start acting crazy. Qi Yingzhu assessed the situation and spoke: “I have matters to attend to back at the office. Chu Fuxuan, are you coming?”

Called by name, Chu Fuxuan replied affirmatively, then trailed out behind Qi Yingzhu.

Wrapped in a light-colored overcoat, he was as submissive as a fluffy tail. However, in the time it took Qi Yingzhu to turn a corner, Chu Fuxuan actually got lost.

Immediately turning his head back, Chu Fuxuan was keeping a straight face, pretending to be composed, but the path beneath his feet was actually crooked and wobbly.

Qi Yingzhu, who had almost changed his opinion of him: “.”

A waiter noticed the commotion in the corridor and handed Chu Fuxuan a peppermint candy, asking if he needed help.

Chu Fuxuan shook his head slightly and politely expressed his thanks.

He then took the candy but didn’t tear open the wrapper. He held it in his palm and looked at it for a while, then pursed his lips, reluctant to eat it, and silently tucked it into his pocket.

A pair of beautiful eyes looked all around, not knowing what they were searching for. Immediately, Qi Yingzhu walked over quickly.

It was too late for a return now. Chu Fuxuan handled himself with ease in front of everyone; who knew he was actually this confused behind the scenes?

Qi Yingzhu felt it was troublesome. If he threw him back inside, even though the restaurant would handle it, it would be equivalent to forcibly stripping away Chu Fuxuan’s disguise.

“If you feel dizzy, go throw up for a bit,” Qi Yingzhu said. “I’ll have the doorman support you and wait at the restroom door. We’ll leave once you’re cleaned up.”

Chu Fuxuan strenuously scrutinized Qi Yingzhu for a long time, seemingly confirming the identity of the person who came and whether he himself was safe.

Unfortunately, his gaze was too unfocused; it was truly difficult to focus and think. Under Qi Yingzhu’s gaze, he shrank back defensively.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about me. I can just take a taxi back,” he rejected.

Qi Yingzhu found it novel: “Oh, you still know how to hail a cab?”

Chu Fuxuan made a show of requesting a taxi. Putting on a serious expression, he tapped away at his phone.

However, when Qi Yingzhu leaned over and took a close look, first, the page opened was a navigation app; second, the destination line read “California.”

Someone whose IQ had been evaporated by alcohol had no human rights. Qi Yingzhu confiscated his phone.

Chu Fuxuan was in a daze. He fluttered his eyelashes, his expression frustrated and helpless, not understanding what he had done wrong.

“Is Qi Yingzhu here?” Dizzy and disoriented, he carefully asked for help.

Receiving no response to his childish question, he asked timidly: “Why is the ceiling keep moving? How do I get back… Where is my husband?”

The tail end of his sentence didn’t come out; Chu Fuxuan’s mouth was hastily covered.

The right hand that covered it was dry and warm, with distinct and slender joints. A ferocious scar ran across the palm lines, unintentionally rubbing against Chu Fuxuan’s cheek, causing him to let out a muffled groan of discomfort.

The moment he realized this, Qi Yingzhu seemed to feel he had been abrupt and abruptly pulled his arm back.

Chu Fuxuan was very hostile: “What are you doing? Who are you?”

Qi Yingzhu held a grudge: “The Hongni top card you personally crowned.”

Chu Fuxuan was groggy and didn’t realize this was sarcastic mockery: “Mmh, are you going to Hongni? I’ll give you something.”

He had never gotten this drunk before, so no one could say for sure what his drinking behavior was like. Although the full force of it hadn’t surfaced before his eyes yet, Qi Yingzhu had a strong intuition.

—And that was that he had to get out of there quickly.

There were guest rooms here for overnight stays. He didn’t want to get himself entangled, preparing to communicate with the lobby manager to deposit Chu Fuxuan here for the night and settle the score properly tomorrow.

Deciding to indulge the drunkard one last time for now, Qi Yingzhu perfunctorily spread open his left hand. Then Chu Fuxuan took out the peppermint candy and placed it on top as if trying to curry favor.

Qi Yingzhu couldn’t help but freeze slightly. Chu Fuxuan raised his eyes and gazed at him full of anticipation, propped up in the corner, making him look helplessly dependent.

So much so that Qi Yingzhu suddenly forgot that he had clearly been vigilant from the very beginning: when the man-eating flower hunted, it excelled at disguising itself as prey.

“Could you please contact Qi Yingzhu and trouble him to come pick me up?” Chu Fuxuan pleaded.