Zhu Ran was dazed the entire day. As the workday was about to end, the administrative department reminded all employees in the group chat to attend the welcome dinner for the leadership. Zhu Ran had already put on his earphones and was preparing to leave when he saw the message and was forced to stay.
The restaurant was a few kilometers from the company, so Zhu Ran hitched a ride with a colleague.
Along the way, everyone gossiped about Huo Boyan, saying how young and promising he was, handsome and dashing, and that he seemed to have a great personality too.
“His personality is…” Zhu Ran started to vent subconsciously but suddenly stopped midway.
“What’s wrong?” the colleague asked him.
He had nearly let it slip. Zhu Ran’s heart raced a bit as he quickly shook his head and said, “I hope he’s easy to get along with at work.”
The colleague reassured him, “Don’t worry. The director doesn’t handle specific operations. Our chief editor and directors are all easy to work with. The job is tough, but the benefits are great—you can borrow designer clothes and meet tons of celebrities.”
Zhu Ran nodded in agreement, and the topic shifted back to Huo Boyan. Everyone excitedly discussed him while Zhu Ran turned his face toward the window and said nothing more.
There weren’t many people from the editorial department—just a few dozen crammed into a small banquet hall. Zhu Ran sat with his department colleagues and could even hear conversations from the next table over.
Huo Boyan was seated at the main table in the place of honor, accompanied by the chief editor and major shareholders, with several key partners invited as a show of sincerity. The gathering avoided business talk; it was just to introduce the new management, and the topics stayed casual.
At the dinner, Huo Boyan had changed into another suit, even more formal and luxurious than the daytime one. Every gesture exuded elegance, effortlessly drawing everyone’s attention.
Someone asked why Huo Boyan had chosen to develop in A City. He first gave some polite remarks about the city’s booming economy and culture, and VOG’s great potential.
Just as everyone thought he was done, Huo Boyan suddenly changed tack. “But the most important reason is that my boyfriend is here. I came for him.”
The words stunned everyone present. Huo Boyan had a boyfriend? And he was still in a relationship?
Zhu Ran’s breath hitched as he unconsciously gripped his water glass tighter.
He didn’t dare look up, but he could sense Huo Boyan watching him. That gaze pierced through the noisy crowd, bit by bit melting away his facade, his composure, and the hard-won peace he’d built—yanking him back without warning to those entwined nights just days ago.
Under that almost naked stare, Zhu Ran’s heart rate quickened, his fingertips turning white from the pressure. To avoid seeming too affected, he turned his face to the other side and casually lifted his head.
But he found Song Jiangheng from the business department watching him too. Their eyes met, and Song Jiangheng raised his wine glass to him from afar.
Zhu Ran was startled. Had Song Jiangheng figured out his relationship with Huo Boyan?
But that shouldn’t be possible. Zhu Ran had never told anyone, and Huo Boyan wouldn’t blab either.
Unable to think of a reason, Zhu Ran’s gaze went vacant as he stared down and took a sip of his drink. He moved too hastily, dunking his nose into it first, and choked so hard he could barely breathe.
Song Jiangheng across from him burst out laughing, as if he’d seen something amusing.
The nerve of him mocking me! Zhu Ran shot him a fierce glare, but the guy only laughed harder. Zhu Ran looked away, finding this Song Jiangheng pretty annoying too.
At the main table, the talk about Huo Boyan’s boyfriend continued. Since he’d brought it up himself, it had an element of showing off—it wasn’t a total secret.
Emboldened, someone asked, “For real? Who’s the lucky guy? Do we know him? If we run into him at work, we’ll have to take good care of him.”
“You all know him too,” Huo Boyan said with a smile. “But he’s shy, so we don’t plan to go public yet.”
Everyone’s imaginations ran wild. A young, successful businessman like Huo Boyan must be dating someone famous. The quick thinkers were already mentally matching him with rich heirs and male celebrities.
Zhu Ran’s tablemates gossiped in hushed tones too.
Colleague: “Who knew Director Huo was such a romantic? He seems so in love with his boyfriend.”
Zhu Ran silently retorted: Or maybe he’s just acting.
Colleague: “Did you notice the Little Pig Gem Brooch on him? So cute—totally not his style. Bet his boyfriend picked it out.”
That’s the one I bought!! Zhu Ran mentally corrected.
Zhao Luyao: “But someone as outstanding as Director Huo—probably no one can hold onto him.”
Zhu Ran froze, his inner tirade silenced.
Colleague: “Dating someone like that is a win already. Even if he changes partners often, not just anyone can catch him.”
Zhao Luyao chuckled meaningfully. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”
Unable to listen anymore, Zhu Ran excused himself to the bathroom and hurried off.
Huo Boyan’s boyfriend?
Zhu Ran stared at his reflection in the mirror, his face blank.
Had Huo Boyan started dating again so soon? They’d only broken up a little over half a month ago!
But they’d gotten together fast too—just a month. And they’d only been official for another month. How deep could feelings get in a month?
Like those people had said, with Huo Boyan’s status and looks, if he wanted to date, there’d be endless suitors lining up. He never lacked options.
Zhu Ran took a deep breath, deciding to splash water on his face and forget it.
They’d broken up ages ago. Whether Huo Boyan dated or who he dated had nothing to do with him.
Composed again, Zhu Ran emerged to find Song Jiangheng waiting outside the bathroom. He nodded in greeting and headed toward the outdoor garden.
