Chapter 20
“Also, where were you last night? Didn’t you come home?”
Mu Haoqiong’s casual question felt like an interrogation to the guilt-ridden Murong Cheng.
He chose to evade the question. “I’ve been off for a week. I was out with the CEO last night.”
Steering the conversation towards work effectively deterred further inquiries. After all, the CEO’s assistant’s schedule was essentially the CEO’s schedule, and prying would be inappropriate. Mu Haoqiong had assumed Murong Cheng was on a date but now realized he was mistaken.
“Are you feeling better? Going to work tomorrow?” Mu Haoqiong asked, his hand on his doorknob.
Murong Cheng nodded. “Yes.”
“Okay, let’s go together then,” Mu Haoqiong said and went into his room.
As the living room quieted down, Murong Cheng breathed a sigh of relief. Before he could retreat to his own room, a message popped up from Duan Shao.
[Duan Shao: Coming to work tomorrow?]
Why was everyone asking him that? His sick leave was over, of course, he was going back.
[Murong Cheng: Yes.]
Tomorrow… would be his first day at work as Murong Yan’s boyfriend.
Even though they were dating, Murong Yan had agreed to keep their relationship secret, so things shouldn’t be any different.
But he still couldn’t help but smile.
Going to work at his boyfriend’s company. This was a new experience.
[Duan Shao: Lingyu Group executives are coming for a meeting tomorrow. Remember to wear formal attire.]
[Murong Cheng: Okay.]
Another formal event before he had a chance to buy more suitable clothes.
Duan Shao hadn’t specified the meeting time. Assuming preparations were needed, Murong Cheng woke up early and arrived at the company half an hour early.
The 28th floor was deserted, even the receptionist hadn’t arrived yet.
He ate a piece of bread in his small office, then, seeing the corridor still empty, wandered over to the reception desk.
“Xiaoling-jie, I heard Lingyu Group is coming for a meeting today?”
Yan Xiaoling, sorting through documents, stood up. “Yes, it’s their monthly board meeting. I heard you were sick last week? How are you feeling?”
Murong Cheng touched his nose sheepishly. “Yes, I had a fever. I’m better now.”
A work-related injury from golfing with the CEO.
“Is the board meeting on the 28th floor?”
Yan Xiaoling nodded, pointing towards a room. “Yes, in that conference room. It starts at 2:00 pm.”
2:00 pm?
He had woken up half an hour early for nothing.
“Do I need to prepare anything?”
Yan Xiaoling shook her head. “No, everything is ready. I’ll set up the conference room, and Mr. Duan will prepare the materials. You just need to attend the meeting as requested by CEO Murong.”
Despite her assurances, and the lack of instructions from Duan Shao, Murong Cheng still went to the conference room after lunch.
The Lingyu executives arrived early. Duan Shao, about to print their nameplates, had to rush downstairs to greet them, handing the task to Murong Cheng.
“Print these, bind them, and deliver them to the conference room.”
“Yes, Duan-ge,” Murong Cheng took the nameplates and hurried to the printing room.
He didn’t even glance at the documents, simply printing the thick stack Duan Shao had prepared. He fumbled with the stapler, finally managing to assemble over twenty sets of materials.
Carrying the heavy stack to the conference room, he heard voices from the corridor. He and Yan Xiaoling quickly placed the materials at each seat.
The documents had to be neatly stacked, with a precise two-centimeter gap between each set. Yan Xiaoling tested each microphone, ensuring they worked. The teacups were filled with warm water, and small thermoses were placed beside them.
The task seemed simple but was surprisingly time-consuming. Just as he placed the last set of documents, Murong Yan entered with the Lingyu executives.
Even in a group of similarly expensively dressed individuals, Murong Yan stood out.
Murong Cheng retreated to the doorway, his gaze following the CEO. He was wearing a silver-gray suit with a subtle shimmer, making him look even more handsome and imposing. His dark blue tie complemented his dark eyes. As if sensing his gaze, Murong Yan looked towards the door. Murong Cheng smiled.
He was still grinning at his boyfriend when he felt another gaze upon him.
The person was standing among the Lingyu executives, wearing a striking light pink suit that clashed with the surrounding sea of black, white, and gray. He had fair skin, sharp features, and a slight resemblance to Murong Yan, but looked younger.
Could this be Murong Yan’s brother? Murong Cheng straightened up.
But the gaze directed at him was hostile, filled with open animosity, almost intimidating. He quickly looked away.
He lowered his head, rubbing his hands, and suddenly felt a sharp pain in his index finger.
A paper cut. A bright red line against his pale skin.
He left the conference room and went to the restroom to wash his hands.
The warm water stung slightly. He dried his hands and turned to find the young man in the pink suit standing by the door.
“You’re the new CEO’s assistant?” Murong Jing asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Unsure how to address him, Murong Cheng simply nodded. “Yes.”
“The documents on the table aren’t the latest version.”
Murong Cheng noticed the papers in his hand.
Murong Jing pointed to two sections. “This project name is wrong, and this plan has been changed to next year.”
Murong Cheng’s palms started sweating. “I’m sorry, I’ll correct it immediately.”
The documents were prepared by Duan Shao. It wasn’t his fault, but he was still responsible for delivering them.
He hoped Murong Yan wouldn’t be upset.
“You’re the one Brand Marketing didn’t want, aren’t you?” Murong Jing’s voice dripped with disdain.
Murong Cheng froze, his face burning under the hostile gaze.
It was true. He had come from Brand Marketing and had almost been fired.
He felt suffocated, unable to speak. Just then, he heard footsteps and looked up to see Murong Yan.
The CEO quickly assessed the situation, then stepped between them, blocking Murong Jing’s gaze.
Seeing Murong Yan protect Murong Cheng, Murong Jing’s expression darkened.
Murong Yan stared at him coldly, saying nothing.
The board meeting was about to start, and they were stuck in a standoff in the restroom.
Murong Jing smirked. “You’re quite attentive to your little lover, following him even to the restroom.”
Being called a “little lover” made Murong Cheng’s heart skip a beat. He hid behind Murong Yan.
Murong Yan remained silent.
Murong Jing narrowed his eyes. “I’m just a supporting character in today’s meeting, my presence irrelevant. Are you going to waste your time here with me, brother?”
Murong Yan didn’t move, his silence a clear answer.
“Speaking of the meeting—” Murong Jing’s eyes glinted. “Today is Guangyu’s board meeting. Only board members are allowed on the 28th floor. Some stray cats and dogs should know their place.”
He was indirectly telling Murong Cheng to leave.
Murong Cheng’s face paled. He wanted to disappear.
“He’s with me,” Murong Yan suddenly said.
“With you?” Murong Jing seemed surprised, then his smirk returned. “Then let me offer a piece of advice. Playing around with wildflowers is fine, but don’t forget, brother, you have a fiancée.”
He left before Murong Yan could respond, raising an eyebrow at Murong Cheng as he walked out.
The restroom was quiet again.
Just Murong Cheng and Murong Yan.
“Don’t listen to him,” Murong Yan said, breaking the silence, and reached for his hand.
His fingers brushed against the paper cut, and Murong Cheng flinched.
“What’s wrong?” Murong Yan noticed the red mark. “Come, let’s get it disinfected.”
“It’s just a paper cut. It’s fine,” Murong Cheng said, not moving.
Murong Yan gently pulled his arm, leading him out of the restroom.
Everyone on the 28th floor, including Yan Xiaoling, was in the meeting room.
Murong Yan retrieved a first-aid kit from the reception desk and found an antiseptic wipe.
He carefully dabbed it on Murong Cheng’s cut, his face close.
Murong Cheng could hear his breathing.
“Why are you so quiet?” Murong Yan asked.
Murong Cheng shook his head.
Murong Yan: “What did he say to you earlier? Before I arrived.”
Murong Cheng’s eyes widened. “He said the meeting materials were wrong! Two mistakes! Not the latest version!”
He was about to rush out and find Duan Shao to replace the documents.
Murong Yan stopped him.
“He was lying.”
Murong Cheng: “What?”
Murong Yan: “Duan Shao prepared those documents. He hasn’t even seen them. How would he know they were wrong?”
That made sense. He stopped.
He glanced at the clock. It was almost 2:00 pm. The meeting had probably started. He felt a surge of anxiety.
“CEO Murong, it’s 2:00 pm.”
Murong Yan glanced at the clock and nodded. “Yes.”
“You should go back!” Murong Cheng urged.
But Murong Yan’s gaze remained fixed on him. “Are you alright? Did Murong Jing say anything else?”
Murong Cheng shook his head, pulling at the CEO’s arm.
“I’m fine. Go to the meeting. Everyone’s waiting.”
Murong Yan studied his expression, then followed him towards the conference room. But at the door, Murong Cheng stopped.
The CEO looked at him, questioning.
Murong Cheng touched his nose. “I don’t need to go in, do I? I’m not a board member.”
While Murong Jing’s words were meant to be hurtful, they were also true. He wasn’t a board member and technically wasn’t supposed to be there.
Lost in thought, he didn’t notice Murong Yan approaching until their noses almost touched.
The meeting room was full of executives. Being this close to the CEO would raise eyebrows. He panicked. Murong Yan pulled him into the lounge next to the conference room.
The CEO closed the door and locked it.
The click of the lock made Murong Cheng’s breath catch in his throat.
The sound of voices from the meeting room next door faded as Murong Yan’s arm encircled him, his dark eyes, like obsidian, fixed on him.
“You’re coming with me. I told you, you’re with me.”
His voice was low and husky.
He leaned in and gently kissed Murong Cheng’s forehead.
A soft, cool kiss.
Murong Cheng didn’t remember what he said afterwards. He followed Murong Yan back into the meeting room in a daze.
His presence at the meeting was irrelevant.
His mind was filled with the image of Murong Yan’s face so close to his, the gentle touch on his forehead. He couldn’t focus on the meeting, nor did he want to.
Murong Yan, however, seemed perfectly composed after the kiss. He returned to his seat, instructed Duan Shao to arrange a seat for Murong Cheng, and then proceeded to present the company’s monthly report, barely glancing at his notes.
Murong Cheng was seated to Murong Yan’s right, taking Duan Shao’s usual place. Duan Shao sat at a smaller table behind them. As CEO, Murong Yan had the authority to arrange the seating however he pleased. Although Murong Jing had been hostile earlier, he didn’t object. He sat near the back, seemingly a junior member of Lingyu, not yet involved in any major projects.
After a ten-minute break, the meeting continued until past 6:00 pm.
As the meeting ended and everyone, including Murong Jing, left the room, Murong Cheng was still trying to organize his messy notes. He looked up and realized he and Murong Yan were alone.
“Where’s Duan-ge?”
Murong Yan walked over to him. “He’s escorting the guests downstairs. What are you thinking about? You seemed distracted during the meeting.”
“Sorry, CEO Murong,” he said, still feeling a flicker of anxiety despite being the CEO’s boyfriend.
Murong Yan looked at him. “Was it because of what Murong Jing said?”
“No,” Murong Cheng said quickly, shaking his head.
“Are you feeling unwell? Do you need more time off?” His voice was gentle, not at all accusatory.
“No,” Murong Cheng shook his head again. What had he been thinking about? His gaze drifted towards Murong Yan’s lips, his cheeks flushing.
Murong Yan, seemingly understanding, didn’t press further.
He walked towards the door. “Let’s go. Dinner?”
With the Lingyu executives gone, the 28th floor was quiet again.
Murong Cheng followed Murong Yan to the private elevator down to the parking garage.
The CEO drove himself, and Murong Cheng automatically got into the passenger seat.
He assumed they were going to a fancy restaurant, but after driving for a short distance, the car turned into a residential complex.
Unlike Murong Cheng’s old apartment building, this was clearly a high-end complex, with a landscaped entrance and a large fountain. The parking spaces were above ground, a few steps from the building entrance. Although it was an apartment building, there were three elevators per floor, and only a dozen or so floors.
The hallway lighting was bright and warm, unlike the dim, flickering lights in his own building. He followed Murong Yan, looking around curiously, until they reached a door.
“Yan-ge…”
Was it too soon to be going to his apartment? He hadn’t even had a chance to protest when Murong Yan unlocked the door with his fingerprint and pushed it open.
“Welcome home, sir,” a housekeeper greeted them.
She glanced at Murong Cheng, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes, then smiled politely.
Murong Cheng, feeling strangely guilty, avoided her gaze.
“Sir, dinner is ready,” the housekeeper gestured towards the dining area.
Murong Yan nodded. “Thank you. You can go now.”
“Yes, sir,” she said and left.
The underfloor heating was a welcome warmth. Murong Yan took his down jacket and hung it on a coat rack.
A two-person dinner was laid out on the dining table, kept warm on heating pads. Murong Cheng followed him into the dining room.
Five dishes and a soup, the soup still steaming in a small heated bowl. The dishes were beautifully presented, as elegant as any high-end restaurant.
Murong Yan’s apartment was huge. Just the entrance hall and dining area were almost as big as his two-bedroom apartment.
Murong Yan pulled out a chair for him.
Four of the five dishes were light Cantonese cuisine. The fifth, a spicy Ma La Xiang Guo, stood out with its vibrant red chili oil, filled with beef, pork belly, quail eggs, and lettuce… Murong Cheng blinked. It contained everything he had ordered at the hot pot restaurant yesterday.
Murong Yan looked at him, his dark eyes unreadable.
“Do you like it? I asked the housekeeper to prepare it according to your preferences.”
The unexpected gesture warmed his heart.
“I love it,” he nodded, smiling.
They sat down to eat, Murong Cheng quietly savoring the food.
Although not as good as the hot pot, the Ma La Xiang Guo was delicious.
“I’ll be going abroad in a few days.”
Murong Yan broke the silence after a while.
Murong Cheng swallowed his food. “Oh, should I come with you?”
Murong Yan didn’t answer directly. “It’s a multi-country trip. There’s no time to apply for visas.”
So he wasn’t needed.
“Okay. How long will you be gone?”
Murong Yan hesitated. “Probably over two weeks.”
“Two weeks…”
So soon.
They had just started dating, and he would be gone for so long?
It was mid-December. If he left for two weeks… would he not see him again this year?
Perhaps sensing his disappointment, Murong Yan quickly added, “I’ll try to be back before New Year’s.”
Murong Cheng smiled. “Okay, I’ll be waiting at the company.”
“Duan Shao will be with me. Take care of yourself at the company,” Murong Yan said, his gaze fixed on him.
Murong Cheng: “Don’t worry.”
Another two weeks of doing nothing at work. He had been slacking off so much that he wasn’t sure if he should be happy about this.
Why would Murong Yan worry about him just sitting around in the office?
“Where are you going?” he asked curiously.
Murong Yan didn’t seem to mind the question. “Europe. To discuss the systems and components for next year’s new product.”
“Oh, I see.”
Murong Yan continued, “There’s a six- or seven-hour time difference. Call me if you need anything.”
Murong Cheng finished his rice. “Okay, I will.”
They walked to the door. Murong Yan entered a code on the digital lock, then took Murong Cheng’s hand and placed his index finger on the fingerprint scanner.
“Please register your fingerprint.”
The lock beeped. He removed his finger and placed it on the scanner again.
After three tries, a voice announced, “New fingerprint registered successfully.”
“You can come here while I’m away. It’s close to the company, just a short walk.”
“Huh?” Murong Cheng’s eyes widened, confused.
“You can come for dinner, or just to relax,” Murong Yan said, still holding his hand. His palm was warm and firm.
“But you won’t be here…”
Murong Yan looked into his eyes, his voice low and gentle. “I’ll tell the housekeeper. From now on, this is your home too.”
