Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Undeniably, Chi Ya's feelings for Gu Huai Zhang now included not only immense respect but also a bit of pity.

...Okay, a lot of pity.

After all, he's the type who hides under the covers and cries at the sight of a kitten wielding a knife in a short video (*??ｖ?).

So when Aunt Zhang brought out a food container and asked him to deliver it to Gu Huai Zhang, Chi Ya didn’t refuse.

"That's great! Thank you so much!" Aunt Zhang happily filled the container with food, saying, "I'll add a bit more so you can eat with the young master. After eating, rest a bit and then you can meet your friend to discuss business with the young master in the afternoon."

"No, Aunt Zhang." Chi Ya hurriedly said, "I'll eat out with my friend, just prepare enough for big brother."

"Why spend money eating out? Homemade food is cleaner and healthier."

Chi Ya didn’t really want to dine alone with the family head; wouldn’t that be like undergoing torture? He quickly stopped Aunt Zhang, "No, thanks... Besides, big brother has company, doesn’t he?"

Aunt Zhang, having her rice spoon taken away, said helplessly, "Really not eating?"

Chi Ya quickly nodded, "Really not eating."

"Alright then." Aunt Zhang packed the rice into the container and layered several dishes on top, instructing him, "Remember to check who is dining with the young master. I can't believe he's still not dating anyone despite having company for meals..."

She went on, "I wonder which girl or boy has the skill to make the young master think of romance. If anyone can do that, I'll go to the temple to offer a lifelong gratitude plaque for their great kindness..."

Chi Ya couldn’t help but laugh, "With your devotion, who knows, maybe the heavens will be moved and big brother will find his love tomorrow."

Aunt Zhang laughed too, "That reminds me. It’s almost Dragon Boat Festival; I'll take leave and go to the temple in Beishan to draw a marriage fortune for the young master—they say it’s very effective!"

"Really?"

“Of course it's true! Why don’t you come with me and let the temple's head monk predict your and the second young master's marriage prospects?” Zhang Ma joyously envisioned the future, “Imagine, double happiness for the Gu family…”

“…” Chi Ya, grabbing the food container, turned and hurried away, “It’s, it’s almost lunchtime! I’ll go deliver, deliver lunch to Big Brother!”

Watching him dash off like he was fleeing, Zhang Ma couldn’t help but break into a smile.

Ah, Xiao Chi is just so shy, blushing at the slightest mention.

...But maybe getting a prediction isn’t such a bad idea? Perhaps inviting the eldest and second young masters for a relaxing trip, paying respects at the temple, might just ensure a blessed marital future!

·

The rain had stopped briefly in the morning but started again by noon. Zhang Ma insisted Chi Ya not bike in the rain, so she arranged for a security guard from the back building to drive him.

The Gu Corporation’s headquarters, located in the heart of A City's central business district, occupied an entire towering building. Chi Ya, holding his umbrella, watched the driver leave and turned around to see a majestic skyscraper in the center of the square, emblazoned with imposing golden letters - "Ming Sheng Group."

It was said that the name stemmed from the Gu brothers’ great-grandfather, whose name included the character "Sheng." The elder Gu had a renowned calligrapher, who had once fought alongside their great-grandfather, inscribe the name, resulting in these imposing characters.

Standing amidst the bustling central square, Chi Ya looked up at the skyscraper piercing the clouds, its glass windows reflecting the gloomy sky. Despite the fine drizzle, the golden characters shone brightly and distinctly.

Ming Sheng, Ming Sheng. This represented the pinnacle of wealth for ordinary people like him, yet it was also Gu Huai Zhang’s heavy shackle.

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In Zhang Ma's stories, it seemed every member of the Gu family had their hobbies and the freedom to pursue them – except for Gu Huai Zhang.

Chi Ya wondered if Gu Huai Zhang ever had any naïve dreams, any interests or curiosities. Perhaps as a boy or young man, he dreamed of being a fencer or a pilot… But he was trapped in this cage, devoid of love and warmth, filled only with cold hatred and the burden of sustaining the Gu legacy.

...All he knew was that Gu Huai Zhang had a slight penchant for sweets.

Chi Ya stood lost in thought until the passersby began to give him curious glances.

“Ah! I’m going to be late!” Realizing the time, Chi Ya immediately shook off his melancholy, clutching the lunchbox and dashing with his umbrella.

Oh no! It was almost lunchtime for the family patriarch, and here he was, indulging in sorrowful thoughts!

After a few steps, he couldn’t help but laugh at himself, feeling a bit foolish.

He couldn’t even muster a thousand bucks, dreaming only of dedicating his life to music through his violin, yet found himself selling his appearance in videos.

Everyone has their own pains and destinies. Struggling to support himself, here he was, sympathizing over the woes of 'Father Gu'.

Chi Ya chuckled at himself and hurried up the building’s steps, shaking off his umbrella and stowing it in a plastic bag before carrying his lunchbox inside.

The blast of air conditioning in the lobby made Chi Ya shiver. Near closing time, the hall was bustling with sharply dressed professionals, the click-clack of polished shoes and high heels echoing with a sophisticated rhythm.

Quickly spotting his destination, Chi Ya approached the reception desk and greeted politely, “Hello…”

Three elegant women at the reception were chatting about dinner plans when they saw a young man in a white shirt and jeans, carrying a large lunchbox. His clear-cut features and nervous demeanor caught their attention as he stuttered, “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the CEO’s office?”

One receptionist stood, slightly taken aback by his casual attire and the large lunchbox, maintaining her smile as she asked, “Do you have an appointment?”

Chi Ya shook his head, “No, I don’t.”

He had forgotten the need for an appointment – such formalities were from another lifetime for him.

He attempted to negotiate, “I’m just here to deliver a meal and then I’ll leave.”

The receptionist continued smiling, “I’m sorry, but without an appointment, you cannot go up.”

The staff exchanged knowing glances, each discerning a mix of surprise and disdain in the others' eyes.

They thought, how daring of this young man! Who still believes in such an outdated approach to get close to a top executive?

Was he unaware of the “tyrant’s” notorious temperament?!

It wasn’t about looking down on people, but rather on “such people”.

While the young man was quite attractive, what made him think he could charm their boss? Was it his stutter?

The receptionist, amused and disdainful, sat back down, carelessly inspecting her nails, and lazily advised, “Young man, it’s best you leave. Such tactics are outdated.”

“Just delivering a meal.” Instead of wasting time here playing the devoted type, he’d be better off sneaking into the underground parking lot to catch a glimpse of the boss after work hours.

Chi Ya was a bit perplexed: “What method?”

However, no one seemed inclined to help him. Instead, they exchanged glances, their smiles growing as they resumed their conversation, disregarding him.

Chi Ya felt a twinge of helplessness, “Alright then.”

Clutching his lunchbox and hooking the plastic bag onto his left hand, he fumbled in his pocket for his phone, murmuring, “I guess I’ll just call directly…”

Receptionist: “…………”

The chatter among the three at the desk abruptly ceased, and they all turned to stare at him.

Chi Ya glanced at them, feeling slightly uneasy, and turned away as he waited for the call to connect.

“Chi Ya?” came the deep, resonant voice from the phone, richly magnetic.

A tingling sensation brushed Chi Ya's ears, causing him to reflexively pull the phone away, then quickly bring it back, saying, “Big Brother, I’ve come to deliver your meal. Zhang Ma should have told you…”

“Yes, I know,” replied Gu Huai Zhang tersely, “Where are you now?”

“Downstairs at the company, in the lobby,” Chi Ya replied, glancing at the three receptionists and swallowing the words, “they didn’t give me directions.”

The three women seemed to be on edge, their eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

He decided not to complain.

Skipping over that part, he held the phone, looking around in bewilderment, “How do I find you?”

“Stay where you are, I’ll send someone to get it… Never mind.” There seemed to be a pause on the other end of the line, then, “You come up too.”

“Oh, okay,” Chi Ya said, “then hurry up, the food will, get cold soon.”

“Mhm.”

After the phone call ended, the receptionists instantly became enthusiastic, “The big boss is your brother? You should have said so earlier, little brother!”

“He’s not, my brother…” Chi Ya awkwardly smiled at them, holding the food container and cautiously stepping back a few steps before turning and quickly walking away.

He wasn’t really clueless; now he was starting to understand what they had mistaken him for.

“……”

It felt somewhat unreal, and even a bit amusing.

After all, experiencing a scenario like going to the front desk to find the big boss, being ridiculed and then having a sudden reversal, was something he had only seen in novels.

emmm wait, he suddenly remembered, this is indeed a novel.

…It's just that this world is too realistic; he had been living here for so long, subtly influenced, to the point where he started to accept everything as real—or perhaps, this is a real world.

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Everything here is real, the delicious food is real, the people are even more real, and the bonds of emotions between people... are also real.

Chi Ya leaned against the wall next to the elevator, lowering his lashes to look at his outstretched fingers.

He wondered, had he truly become a part of this place?

If he were sprinkled with a little water, would he become soggy and turn into a damp little ball of paper?

…Such a cold joke, but a thought filled with a scientific spirit.

Chi Ya amused himself with this thought, holding the food container up high, bowing his head and chuckling quietly.

When Gu Huai Zhang stepped out of the elevator, he saw Chi Ya standing beside a potted plant in the corner, his face hidden behind a lunchbox, with only his fluffy hair visible. His slender shoulders, covered by a white shirt, were trembling slightly.

A sudden tightness gripped his heart.

Was he hiding here, crying after being bullied?

As he appeared, a hush fell over the crowd, quickly replaced by greetings, "Good day, boss!"

"Good afternoon, boss—"

"Boss..."

Gu Huai Zhang nodded casually, striding towards the corner under everyone's gaze, a barely noticeable frown forming, "Why are you hiding here?"

"Ah?" Chi Ya lifted his head, his eyes still crinkling with remnants of a smile, his bright, cat-like eyes widening at the sight of him, straightening up to exclaim, "Big... Big Brother!"

“……”

It was just white concern.

Gu Huai Zhang paused, hummed in acknowledgment, and extended his hand towards Chi Ya, "Give it to me."

A faint gasp echoed around them.

"Oh." Chi Ya handed over the somewhat heavy food box. Gu Huai Zhang took it effortlessly, saying, "Let's go."

Chi Ya again: "Oh."

And reminded him, "You should eat it while it's hot."

Then, he turned and walked towards the main entrance.

"…Chi Ya." Gu Huai Zhang reached out to grab his collar, quickly letting go, "I meant for you to come up with me."

The gasps grew louder and more numerous.

Chi Ya turned back, "Ah? I think I won’t go up..."

His voice fading, Chi Ya lowered his head under the man's indifferent gaze, wisely changing his response, "Okay, okay, I’ll follow you, Big Brother!"

A fleeting, almost imperceptible smile crossed Gu Huai Zhang's eyes, quickly hidden, returning to his usual indifferent expression.

Carrying the food box, he walked towards the elevator, casting a subtle glance in a certain direction as he turned.

The doors of the CEO's private elevator slowly closed, and the numbers began to ascend.

The three receptionists went weak at the knees.

"I, I feel like... the big boss was looking at us... please tell me I’m mistaken!"

"Then I'm mistaken too..."

"The big boss actually came down to pick someone up..."

"Are we about to lose our jobs..."

"Shouldn't be, right? That young guy didn't complain, did he?"

"Are you crazy to still call him a young guy!"

"The handsome young man is kind-hearted. He didn’t complain just now, so he probably won't complain later..."

"Who knows..."

"If he doesn't complain, then I wish him and the big boss a lifetime of happiness, a perfect match, inseparable love, and a speedy blessing of children..."

"Praying!"

"Amen!"

Author's note:

Added a chapter! Aren't I awesome! (Please praise me, praise me...) (Throwing a tantrum) (Rolling around) (Spinning wildly)

Thanks to all the little angels who supported me with their votes or nutrient solutions from 2023-09-12 18:32:33 to 2023-09-13 01:01:10~

Thank you to the little angel who watered with nutrient solution: Buer 1 bottle;

Thank you so much for your support, I will continue to work hard!