Chapter 90: Company Daily Life

“Thirsty.”

In the office, Xiao Fen lazily lay on the sofa. He stretched out his hand, and a cup of warm milk tea was placed in it.

Two hours earlier, Song Hui had brought the two of them to the company. After hurriedly taking him to the conference room to discuss a collaboration, he had left him in the office and gone off to busy himself.

Xiao Fen contentedly took a sip of the milk tea, then grumbled in dissatisfaction, “Why is it hot?”

“Your throat is hoarse. You can’t drink iced ones.” Fang Si Ting said, “Don’t forget you still have the persona of someone with a cold.”

Xiao Fen shot him a deeply resentful glance. Who was to blame for that?

His eyes darted to the cup in the other’s hand. “Yours is iced, right?”

“It’s winter. Why drink cold drinks?” Fang Si Ting took a few sips of his milk tea and frowned at the sweetness.

“You don’t drink this stuff often?”

“Nope.”

Xiao Fen was just about to offer some sympathetic words when he heard him say, “It’s made with saccharin and cheap milk. The tea bags aren’t fresh either—just stale scraps from the edges. Not healthy.”

“Eighteen bucks a cup and you’re still picky. Hand it over.” Xiao Fen leaned over to snatch the milk tea from his hand, but he dodged.

“Ow, my back hurts and my shoulders ache.” He drooped his eyelids and let out pitiful groans.

Fang Si Ting: “…”

Too fake.

So fake it was painful to watch.

With acting skills this rotten, no wonder he couldn’t make it.

Though he thought that, he still added a cushion for him. His two hands naturally stuck to his shoulders, kneading slowly and firmly.

“Mm… A bit harder… Yeah, just like that… Feed me a little cake… Ah… Knead here some more… Best if you bring a nice cold milk tea too.”

He stretched out his wheedling little hand, but it was mercilessly blocked.

“No.”

So heartless.

Song Hui burst in energetically. The first thing he saw was Fang Si Ting acting like a servant for his own artist.

He quickly shut the door.

Fang Si Ting promptly put on his mask too.

He didn’t think there was anything wrong with being here, but his identity was what it was—bound to cause some trouble.

“Aren’t you supposed to be reading the script?” Song Hui said.

“Been reading too long. My eyes hurt.”

What kind of dogshit was it written? It wouldn’t flop only if heaven itself intervened.

“Do whatever. We just landed the contract with the International Extreme Sports Club. The Crown Prince is thrilled and wants you in his office.”

“Not going.”

“You won’t lose a piece of flesh by going, will you?” Song Hui ground his teeth. He’d just thought Xiao Fen was cute, and now he was getting rebellious.

Xiao Fen rolled over to face the inside, ignoring him.

“Come on, give him some face, Brother Fen.” He smiled appeasingly.

“You have such high status in the company?” Fang Si Ting said.

“It’s okay, nothing special.” He was really playing it up.

“You and Lu Jin seem pretty close?”

“You think so?”

“He calls you and you can just not go. Looks like you two get along privately.”

Xiao Fen sat up. “I’m giving him face.”

Song Hui gratefully nodded at Fang Si Ting.

While no one was paying attention, Xiao Fen snatched the milk tea from his hand. He took two steps, sucked a mouthful, then suddenly turned around and solemnly clarified, “I’m really not close to him. We have absolutely nothing going on.”

It was all Lu Jin’s fault. What if Fang Si Ting misunderstood?

As they left the office, Song Hui followed right after. The company headquarters bustled with people coming and going, like busy ants constantly bumping into each other and circling around.

“Does Inspector Fang have some dirt on you?” he whispered.

“Nope.” Xiao Fen said matter-of-factly, “He owes me so many times over. Taking care of me for two days is just him paying off the debt.”

“When did he owe you?” He trailed closely behind.

“I’ve got a little notebook in my heart tallying up all the scores from the program.”

“…” Good grief. So he held grudges.

He hadn’t offended him, had he?

As he was thinking that, Xiao Fen had already entered the office.

Two minutes later, muffled sounds of Lu Jin slamming the table and roaring came from behind the frosted glass, interspersed with Xiao Fen’s calm voice.

The staff outside quickened their steps past.

Ten minutes later, Xiao Fen stormed out of the office, slamming the door.

Song Hui had already gotten the notice and needed to start getting busy.

The Lu Family was infamous in the industry for exploiting its artists: shooting ads, endorsements, walking red carpets, attending galas, and even filming anti-gambling PSAs on the side. In short, he had to fill his schedule solid before the third episode filming started tomorrow.

Xiao Fen agreed indifferently to all of it—just treating it as experiencing life. But when it came to reading movie scripts or releasing songs, he hesitated a bit before refusing.

“I’ll think about it after the show’s done recording.”

“Then why’d you have me contact Director Xu? He’s super interested right now and wants to talk to you.” Song Hui felt played. “The script’s already been sent over. Don’t get cocky just because you have a bunch of fans. Your position isn’t stable yet. Director Xu has just had a string of flops these past couple years because he was pushing newbies, but a top-tier director’s status is still there. Pissing him off like this, he could blacklist you in a heartbeat.”

“I thought it wouldn’t be busy this time.” Xiao Fen’s tone softened. “No time now… How about having Director Xu join the variety show instead? That way there’s plenty of time to discuss the script, and it saves a ton on promo costs.”

“Him joining your show?” Song Hui said in surprise. “That’d be tough, right?”

Xu Haokong was a sixty-something geezer. What could he even do on this program?

“With his clout, joining this show would be perfect.”

“But there haven’t been any real celebrities before…” Thinking of the billions of viewers’ traffic now, it was a different story. He changed his tune. “The Program Crew used to pick amateur experts. If it’s celebrities, what can they do?”

Poor physical skills, stiff limbs, can’t outrun the young ones.

“That’s not your worry. The Program Crew has rules to adapt. Talk to Director Xu. I’ve already had someone from the Program Crew put in a word. As soon as he nods, I’ll nod.”

Song Hui suddenly leaned in, all gossipy. “Hey, there’s been rumors lately about you and the Lu Family Crown Prince. Did you just go put in a good word to snag some guest spots as a favor?”

With how hot this show was, tons of people in the industry were eyeing this juicy opportunity.

Hearing that, Xiao Fen’s face instantly turned cold. “Don’t say that. Makes me sick.”

It was the first time Song Hui saw him so serious, so he dropped the joking. His expression turned awkward. “Don’t misunderstand. I heard you arguing just now. Who in this company dares talk to the Crown Prince like that…”

Xiao Fen irritably explained, “New grudges, old grudges—it’s a mess, not something I can explain in a few words. If that Lu guy hears you say that, he’ll think I’m clinging to him. It’ll piss him off, and the Lu Family Members won’t let you off either.”

“That serious?”

“You think the mutual tearing on the show was acting? All real feelings.” He sneered.

Song Hui was puzzled. He really hadn’t sensed that.

Seemed like Lu Jin was pretty willing.

Plus, last time he’d accidentally seen some printed Lu Family news clippings in Xiao Fen’s room. Clearly keeping tabs privately, and he’d hurriedly stashed them when caught.

Classic stubborn as a dead duck.

Not long after, they walked back to the office. Fang Si Ting shifted his gaze from his phone and said flatly, “That quick?”

“Nothing big anyway. Just the Lu guy throwing his usual fit.” Xiao Fen plopped back onto the sofa.

Song Hui: “…”

“Right, is the restaurant booked?” Xiao Fen asked. He checked the time—it was already 5 p.m. The sky outside the floor-to-ceiling windows had darkened. Perfect time for dinner.

“Of course.” Song Hui said, “That place is super hard to book. Real-name only, and this year’s private rooms were booked out last year. This one opened up because someone canceled last minute.”

“What restaurant?” Fang Si Ting asked.

“We’re going for something delicious later.” Xiao Fen said excitedly, starting to put on his overcoat.

“That one on Suxing Road?”

“How’d you know?” Xiao Fen looked puzzled at Song Hui, who shook his head to say he hadn’t told.

“Guessed.”

“Your guess is spot on. City A has so many streets, and you nail this one.”

“Were you eavesdropping on Hui Bro’s phone call?” He suspiciously poked his arm with a fingertip.

Acting all sneaky like a cat.

“Something like that.” Fang Si Ting caught his finger, amused.

The restaurant manager had just called to ask why he was booking an extra private room, since his family had a permanent one there year-round.

“The food’s good there, but honestly, the portions are tiny. Pretty plating, but not enough for you.”

“You’ve eaten there?”

“Yeah.”

“Then change it.” Xiao Fen decided to search online himself, picking expensive ones Fang Si Ting hadn’t tried.

Seeing him pondering, Fang Si Ting asked, “You treating?”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“Not set.”

“Good spots aren’t online.” He said, “When you’re free, I’ll take you.”

Xiao Fen pocketed his phone. “True. Local recommendations are more reliable.”

“My dinner tonight got canceled. Overtime it is. Gotta get your schedule sorted by tomorrow morning.” Song Hui said excitedly. “That sneaker endorsement—taking it? I’ll call right away if yes.”

“Oh yeah.” He still needed to make money to be the sugar daddy.

The company had been flooded with collab offers lately. Song Hui alone couldn’t handle it all in time and was just grabbing whatever.

Fang Si Ting, as temporary assistant, professionally advised Xiao Fen, even pulling strings to vet the companies. With scary efficiency, he picked out over thirty solid ones.

“That connection of yours wouldn’t be Xu An, right?” Xiao Fen crunched on chips nearby, stirring up chaos.

“Yeah, he can dig up anything.”

“Using a world-class hacker for this is such a waste.”

“For something this important about you, he’s perfect.” Fang Si Ting didn’t mind. It was his debt anyway. “What if you get scammed? Better to check thoroughly and relax.”

Xiao Fen grinned meaningfully. He stretched his head from the sofa toward his ear.

Warm breath carrying a fresh scent brushed his ear. Fang Si Ting’s neck stiffened. His eyes instinctively flicked to Song Hui, who was sorting documents nearby with his back to them.

His ear quietly reddened.

“Mr. Black Cat, can you share his contact? Got something to ask him.”

His lips twitched. His tone was stiff. “What is it? Tell me instead.”

That smile—he’d thought he was about to say something.

Or do something.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Fang Si Ting’s eyes.

“Specialties, you know? I’ll discuss computer stuff with him. You don’t get it.” Xiao Fen flopped back bonelessly.

He’d wanted Fang Si Ting to put in a word with Xu An for him, but they weren’t that close yet. Better not.

Fang Si Ting sent over the contact and even warned Xu An ahead of time, knowing his temper. Didn’t want him hassling Xiao Fen.

“Thanks. Dinner on me later.”

“You said you’d take me earlier, now it’s ‘later’?” Did this guy ever say anything straightforward?

Xiao Fen giggled without answering.

Fang Si Ting shook his head, unperturbed.

Seeing him glued to the screen chatting, ignoring him for ages, he cleared the empty plates from the low table by the sofa.

As he stood, his arm was grabbed, and he fell back down.

Before he could react, a kiss landed on his exposed forehead, sweet with cake frosting.

His gaze drifted to Song Hui, then to Xiao Fen. Those dark eyes held nothing else, fixed on him.

If Song Hui weren’t here…

Xiao Fen smirked playfully, licked his lips, and lay back. He seriously stared at his phone, fingers flying across the screen. While chatting with Xu An, he bent his knee and nudged the sofa back, as if urging him to get back to it.

Through the fabric, Fang Si Ting rubbed his knee. Before Song Hui turned, he reluctantly stood, cleared the desk, and tidied up.