Chapter 17 Can’t Eat Breakfast

Chapter 17 Too Sick for Breakfast

The celebration lasted four days, culminating in Cassi's new product launch on the final day.

Lin Yunshu had spent two full days confined to his hotel room. Only after his fever had completely subsided and the hickeys had faded enough to be barely noticeable did he finally dare to open the door and face the world.

The launch was scheduled for 10 a.m., but Lin Yunshu was up by 7.

Zhou Yu was up even earlier.

By the time Lin Yunshu pushed back the covers and sat on the edge of the bed to clear his head, Zhou Yu had already finished his workout and returned.

Having showered and changed, Zhou Yu leaned against the doorway in a fitted shirt and dress pants, watching him with an air of ease.

Lin Yunshu was still groggy.

He had slept too much over the past two days, and all that rest had left him feeling lazy. Waking up early suddenly felt uncomfortable.

His head ached, and his stomach felt upset.

Zhou Yu waited for a while, but when Lin Yunshu didn’t move, he came closer and touched his forehead. His temperature was normal.

“What’s wrong?” Zhou Yu asked, gently ruffling Lin Yunshu’s hair. “Feeling lazy today?”

Hearing this, Lin Yunshu felt a little embarrassed.

After all, he had always been diligent, never slacking off on workdays, and always arriving at the company before his boss.

He scrubbed his face vigorously and stood up. “Sorry, I’ll go wash up right away.”

“Yun—”

Zhou Yu was left behind, only managing to utter a single syllable.

He watched Lin Yunshu’s retreating back and shook his head helplessly. “I didn’t mean to rush you. Take your time, no hurry.”

Lin Yunshu gave an OK gesture, and Zhou Yu felt strangely comforted, amazed that Lin Yunshu was actually willing to listen.

The next moment, Lin Yunshu said, “Give me three minutes.”

Zhou Yu: “…”

He resignedly replied, “Take thirty if you need.”

Five minutes later, Lin Yunshu emerged.

He had only done a quick wash-up, tidied his hair, and his face was still damp.

He casually grabbed a tissue and wiped his face, which was pale and clean, making Zhou Yu unable to resist stealing a few extra glances.

Lin Yunshu picked up his clothes to change but paused, his eyes flickering over Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu: “What?”

“Nothing.” Lin Yunshu shook his head.

He never wanted to inconvenience anyone, so he gathered his clothes and headed to the walk-in closet.

Zhou Yu: “…”

It took him a few seconds to realize Lin Yunshu was too shy to change in front of him.

*This bashful?*

*What part of him haven’t I seen already?*

He walked over to the closet door and said through the closed door, “If you want to change, just let me know. I can turn around.”

There was rustling inside, and Lin Yunshu’s voice came through the doorframe: “It’s fine, I’ll just use the closet.”

Still so polite.

Zhou Yu pursed his lips.

“What’s the big deal?” he said casually. “I often walk around naked in front of you too.”

The rustling inside paused.

“I don’t have as good a figure as you,” Lin Yunshu replied, restrained and patient.

Zhou Yu mulled it over. “Are you calling me flirty?”

“…I’m not.”

“You are.”

“…”

Lin Yunshu ignored him.

Zhou Yu thought about it himself and found it somewhat reasonable.

After all, his muscles were the result of daily gym sessions, each one built through years of work from personal trainers and nutritionists.

If he didn’t show them off to Lin Yunshu every day and try to seduce him a little, Zhou Yu felt it would be wasted.

But he only did this in front of Lin Yunshu—he only showed himself to Lin Yunshu!

Could that still be considered flirty? This was love!

Zhou Yu felt a bit foolish.

The door clicked open.

Lin Yunshu’s beautiful eyes appeared behind the door.

He had changed into formal attire, once again the cool and composed Secretary Lin.

“Let’s go to work.”

There was a look of resignation in his eyes as he sidestepped Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu raised an eyebrow and followed him. Lin Yunshu sorted through documents by the door while Zhou Yu leaned in to examine his face.

*So pretty.*

How could his eyelashes be so long, fluttering like butterflies? His skin was pale too, like soft tofu. Despite having such a youthful appearance, he always insisted on presenting himself as serious and mature.

Zhou Yu’s heart nearly melted.

“…Stop looking,” Lin Yunshu said with a sigh.

Zhou Yu didn't listen, leaning in closer. Lin Yunshu had to tilt backward, lifting his head, his eyes with a hint of helplessness.

Zhou Yu suddenly noticed he didn't look well—his lips were pale and bloodless.

"Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, more serious now.

"No," Lin Yunshu averted his gaze, speaking softly, "I've rested for two days. What could possibly still be wrong?"

Zhou Yu remained noncommittal, knowing Lin Yunshu had always been one to tough things out.

"Anyway, if anything feels off, tell me," Zhou Yu said, looking at him. "Don't make me seem like some boss who overworks his employees."

Lin Yunshu couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, thank you for your consideration, boss."

They went downstairs together.

Guo Shengyao hadn't seen Lin Yunshu for two whole days and had been waiting downstairs since early.

She only knew Lin Yunshu had been sick, stuck in his room for two days to rest, but she didn't know what was wrong.

Remembering his scorching temperature that day, Guo Shengyao had been so worried she couldn't sleep. She rushed over in her heels, nearly running.

"Master!" she panted. "Master, are you okay?"

Lin Yunshu smiled and helped steady her. "I'm fine, see? I'm perfectly fine."

But Guo Shengyao wasn't convinced. "You still don't look great. You really scared me that day—you must have had a fever of 104 degrees, right? I've never seen someone that feverish still able to walk on their own, and you wouldn't even let me help..."

She rambled on.

Zhou Yu cleared his throat. "Ahem!"

Guo Shengyao's words cut off abruptly as she finally noticed the big boss standing right beside them.

Realizing she had completely ignored her boss who paid her salary, Guo Shengyao's mind went blank, and she quickly bowed deeply.

"B-boss!"

The grand gesture drew sidelong glances from those around them. Zhou Yu hurriedly pulled her up, putting on a friendly face. "Have you eaten?"

Guo Shengyao: "..."

Goosebumps erupted all over.

"N-Not yet..."

"Perfect, then join us," Zhou Yu said.

Guo Shengyao instinctively looked at Lin Yunshu. Seeing him nod in approval, she nervously agreed.

Although Zhou Yu often treated them to breakfast, this was Guo Shengyao's first time sitting formally at the same table as the big boss. She seemed stiff.

"Don't be nervous," Lin Yunshu said, patting her back with a smile. "It's just breakfast."

His smile always carried a certain warmth. Under his gaze, Guo Shengyao immediately felt reassured, as if no matter what, her shifu would always have her back.

She quietly followed Lin Yunshu and sat down beside him.

Also joining them for breakfast were Cassi's General Manager Li and Director Zhang, both familiar faces. They exchanged greetings and took their seats one after another.

The table was set with light Chinese breakfast dishes. General Manager Li, thinking of Zhou Yu and Lin Yunshu's Chinese preferences, had specifically arranged for it.

Guo Shengyao had been worried sick about Lin Yunshu for days and hadn't had an appetite. Now, seeing he was alright, her hunger returned, and she buried her head in eating as soon as she sat down.

Lin Yunshu and Director Zhang briefly went over the upcoming press conference. Quiet conversation filled the table.

Zhou Yu ate for a while. General Manager Li occasionally struck up a conversation with him, and he responded half-heartedly, his peripheral gaze kept drifting toward Lin Yunshu.

As everyone's bowls of porridge were nearly empty and it was almost time, the food in front of Lin Yunshu remained completely untouched. Zhou Yu had to speak up.

"Don't just focus on talking," he tapped on the table in front of Lin Yunshu. "Eat something."

"Okay."

Lin Yunshu obediently agreed, scooped a spoonful of porridge into his mouth, and then immediately stopped again, continuing his conversation with the female director surnamed Zhang.

Director Zhang was the same—usually quite perceptive, but around Lin Yunshu, she seemed to forget everything.

Whatever Lin Yunshu said, she smiled and agreed, her eyes almost sparkling as if under some spell.

"Lin Yunshu." Zhou Yu said again, more firmly.

His expression grew much more serious. His spoon clinked against his porcelain bowl, making a distinct sound.

Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing.

Silence fell over the table for a second.

Even Guo Shengyao lifted her face from her bowl, looking around nervously.

"Yes, yes," General Manager Li also forced a smile, giving a mock glare at her. "We said no business talk at the table, how could you forget again?"

Director Zhang quickly accepted the blame: "My fault, my fault. Secretary Lin, please eat. I'll let you eat."

It wasn't her doing the talking; Lin Yunshu knew he had been the one unconsciously steering the conversation.

He had lost his appetite for breakfast early on and didn't want to show it in front of everyone, and invite a lot of fussing.

He had just wanted to chat about something random to divert attention, but he hadn't meant for Director Zhang to take the blame. He felt rather guilty.

"How can it be your fault..." he said quietly.

The porridge had cooled somewhat. Zhou Yu called a waiter to bring him a fresh bowl. "Drink some while it's hot."

Guo Shengyao chimed in: "Yeah, Master, hurry up and eat something. Look, you've gotten thinner."

General Manager Li and Director Zhang also expressed their concern seeing this.

Unable to refuse, Lin Yunshu drank half a bowl of porridge and, under Zhou Yu's watchful eye, forced himself to eat one small steamed bun.

After breakfast, Zhou Yu and General Manager Li headed to the press conference backstage first, taking Guo Shengyao with them.

Lin Yunshu watched them leave, then turned to Director Zhang. "I need to use the restroom. Why don't you go ahead? I'll catch up quickly."

The two were supposed to oversee the event together. Director Zhang waved generously. "It's fine, Secretary Lin. You go. I'll wait for you outside. There's a car arranged here. If I leave first, you'd have to take a taxi yourself. That would be inconvenient."

Since Director Zhang was being so enthusiastic, Lin Yunshu couldn't protest further: "Please give me just a moment."

"No problem, take your time!" Director Zhang replied with a bright smile.

Lin Yunshu nodded and quickly went upstairs to the bathroom.

The moment he locked the door, his expression changed, and pain crept across his brows.

The distention and pain in his stomach was intense; he had endured it until it had nearly reached its limit.

Bent over the sink, Lin Yunshu let out a few suppressed coughs, and his stomach suddenly cramped violently.

The breakfast he had just eaten was vomited up completely.

Physiological tears spilled from his eyes. He kept gagging and coughing, his vision blurred into a haze, his eardrums feeling congested, leaving only the sound of his own pounding heartbeat in his ears.

Gripping the edge of the sink tightly, his back heaving, the mirror reflected his flushed neck and his pale, trembling fingers.

The pain was unusually severe this time, and Lin Yunshu couldn't recover for quite some time.

Normally, throwing up would make it better, but perhaps because he had eaten a bit more today, even after emptying his stomach, the pain kept twisting and hurting inside.

He had no choice but to crouch down, pressing his clenched fists against his stomach.

Burying his head, he used the pressure from his knees to drive his fists deep into his upper abdomen, suppressing the spasming organ.

Author's note: