Chapter 19 (Triple Update) “Let’s Go, Secretary Lin…”

Chapter 19 (Three-in-One Chapter) "Let's go, Secretary Lin..."

The press conference was heating up.

The new models to be promoted in the coming year were unveiled one after another. After Mr. Li introduced the design concepts, the event moved into the media interview segment.

No one noticed that the three media outlets escorted out before the start had yet to return. Everyone was fully focused on the stage, raising their hands in a scramble the moment the host finished speaking.

Following the prearranged order, the host called on several reporters one by one. Zhou Yu responded to each question posed.

He appeared relaxed, speaking at a measured pace, yet his gaze kept drifting, deliberately or not, toward a distant spot, a faint worry etched between his brows.

"Mr. Zhou," the next reporter stood up, reading from a prepared script, "we all know that Cassi was founded fifty years ago by the former chairman specifically for his beloved wife, Ms. Li Kaixi. Their deep affection needs no words."

Zhou Yu nodded in agreement.

The reporter continued, "Today, we also see that Cassi's highlight for next year's new collection is a gemstone necklace symbolizing enduring love. Does this perhaps also hint at an upcoming happy occasion for you, Mr. Zhou?"

"—Might we have the honor of being the first to know?"

The audience laughed and egged on, and even Mr. Li applauded with a smile.

Zhou Yu pursed his lips, paused for two seconds, and said, "There are indeed plans lately."

His words set off immediate commotion in the venue.

Although rumors about the chairman of Lin'an Group's marriage had been circulating widely lately, this was the first time Zhou Yu had acknowledged it himself.

A simple statement, but it dropped like a bombshell.

Instantly, the flashes of cameras multiplied, echoing throughout the large venue.

Zhou Yu's face was lit up in flashes by the flickering lights, but his expression remained unchanged, maintaining a seemingly cordial smile.

"I have never intended to hide any information about my marriage," he said. "When the time comes, we will make a public announcement. So, I hope everyone can give me some space."

He emphasized subtly, "Apart from official statements, any third-party news is mere rumor. Please exercise caution."

The media exchanged knowing looks.

"Alright," the reporter in the center continued, "then may I ask if Lin'an Group and Cassi have any plans—"

"Sorry," Zhou Yu interrupted.

His expression suddenly darkened as he stared toward the far corner of the venue, his brow tightening sharply.

The entire room—media and audience alike—followed his gaze curiously, but only saw the imposing, shut main doors.

The room fell silent for a moment in the venue.

"Any further questions can be handled by Mr. Li," Zhou Yu said, handing the microphone to the person beside him. "I need to step away."

*Mr. Li: "?"*

*The media: "??"*

Before anyone could react, Zhou Yu hurried off the stage and quickly vanished behind the curtains.

·

To avoid drawing attention, Zhou Yu did not exit through the main entrance of the venue. Instead, he took a staff corridor to a side door, where he found Lin Yunshu.

Lin Yunshu hadn't taken the main entrance either.

There was a small side door in the southeast corner of the venue, usually kept closed. It had been opened for this large event as an emergency exit, but few knew about it.

Lin Yunshu was sitting under a large tree outside the side door.

The street was canopied by connected trees, the tree trunk thick and gnarled. Lin Yunshu seemed like a weightless wisp amidst it all, his back slender and vulnerable.

Zhou Yu quickened his pace.

Though the distance was short, his breathing grew uneven, his heart racing.

"Yun Shu?"

He calmed his breathing, bent down, and gently placed a hand on Lin Yunshu's shoulder.

Lin Yunshu gave no answer.

Zhou Yu crouched down and softly tilted Lin Yunshu's chin.

Dappled light filtered through the leaves, illuminating a face pale as a sheet.

Zhou Yu's heart skipped a beat.

"What's wrong? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice rising with concern.

Lin Yunshu shifted slightly, showing a hint of shock upon seeing him, his eyelashes trembling slightly.

"It's fine," he shook his head. "Just a bit of a stomachache."

"Stomachache?" Zhou Yu was startled.

Lin Yunshu had actually said he was in pain?

Zhou Yu felt a part of his world tilting.

In all the years he had known Lin Yunshu, this was the first time he had heard him say he was in pain.

Even that day at his home, when Lin Yunshu was in so much pain he could barely straighten up, he had only deflected by saying, "I'm hungry."

But now he was saying it hurt?

Zhou Yu's heart wrenched.

Anxiously, he cupped Lin Yunshu's face, damp with sweat, his thumb brushing over the tear-dampened corners of his eyes.

"It's okay, no need to worry. Let's go to the hospital. It'll be alright."

He held Lin Yunshu close while pulling out his phone to call the driver, but Lin Yunshu stopped him.

"I already hailed a cab."

Lin Yunshu clutched his stomach, his voice barely a whisper, with a slight tremble.

He showed Zhou Yu his phone. The car icon on the screen was speeding closer, indicating it was just 121 meters away.

"Alright, alright," Zhou Yu went along with whatever he said, taking the phone and tucking it into his own pocket, then grasping Lin Yunshu's chilly, clammy hand. "A taxi works, it might even be faster."

Beep! Beep!

A horn sounded in the distance.

A white ride-share vehicle pulled over by the roadside. The driver, seemingly sensing something was wrong, got right out and came over to offer help.

"Thank you, but no need."

Zhou Yu politely declined the driver's outstretched hand and swept Lin Yunshu up into a bridal carry.

The driver then held the door frame for them. "Watch your head."

"Thank you."

Protecting the back of Lin Yunshu's head, Zhou Yu carefully helped him into the back seat.

Despite Zhou Yu's extreme care, Lin Yunshu couldn't help but flinch from pain, wrinkling the collar of Zhou Yu's shirt.

"Is it that bad?" Zhou Yu rubbed his back soothingly. "My fault, my fault. I'll be even gentler, okay?"

He held Lin Yunshu and carefully adjusted him into a relatively comfortable sitting position.

The driver fastened his seatbelt and prepared to drive. Zhou Yu glanced over and rattled off the last four digits for the ride: "6925. To City First Hospital, please hurry."

"Okay, okay."

The driver nodded repeatedly and hit the gas and took off.

Lin Yunshu, though in severe pain, hadn't completely lost consciousness. Being comforted by Zhou Yu as if he were a child made him feel somewhat embarrassed.

He braced against Zhou Yu's shoulder for support and sat up straight himself.

The car ride was smooth. Lin Yunshu leaned back against the seat with his eyes half-closed, never showing extreme pain, only occasionally licking his dry lips.

The spasming cramps in his stomach never ceased.

He dug into his abdomen, trying to counteract the throbbing pain, unconsciously emitting low, shaky gasps, his breathing trembling.

Zhou Yu watched him for a while, his eyes filled with helplessness.

In the end, he didn't insist on holding Lin Yunshu tightly again, just pulled him close and mopped his brow.

Lin Yunshu clenched his fists and pressed them against his stomach, indenting his thin abdomen deeply. Zhou Yu watched with alarm, worried he might hurt himself.

"Yun Shu, ease up on your hands a bit."

He patted the back of Lin Yunshu's hand.

Lin Yunshu didn't move, his fingers clenched tightly, the knuckles turning a strained white.

Zhou Yu had no choice but to soothingly rub the back of his hand until Lin Yunshu relented slightly, seizing the opportunity to grasp his fingers.

"Easy now, let go."

He massaged the back of Lin Yunshu's hand, gently working open his stiff, white fingers one by one.

Lin Yunshu's breath caught sharply.

Without the pressure to suppress it, the pain surged abruptly. Lin Yunshu's vision went dark for a second, the bridge of his nose stung, and tears nearly fell.

He instinctively tried to press down again.

"No," Zhou Yu caught his wrist. "Pressing like that'll make things worse even if there aren't any."

He replaced Lin Yunshu's hand with his own warm palm. "How about warming it like this? Listen to me, you really can't press anymore."

Lin Yunshu couldn't match his strength or energy. After struggling for a while, he had to give up and settled on gripping Zhou Yu's arm instead.

Zhou Yu flinched at the pain; fingermarks soon appeared on his forearm.

He stared blankly at the marks.

Thinking that Lin Yunshu had been pressing on his stomach with that same intensity, his heart clenched with sorrow that grew more intense.

He knew how thin Lin Yunshu's skin was.

His back was thin, and the skin over his chest and abdomen was like a layer of rice paper, faintly revealing the outline of his ribs.

It would flush with hot water, and even a light touch would leave a mark.

For such a slender frame to take such forceful pressure, the pain must be unbearable.

"Why is it so severe this time?" Zhou Yu asked anxiously. "Didn't you already have breakfast?"

It was precisely because he had eaten breakfast that it hurt.

Lin Yunshu smiled bitterly, wanting to say something, but when he opened his mouth, only a broken cry of pain came out.

He had to fall silent, biting his lower lip to focus on enduring the pain.

His exhaled breath seemed to carry an iron taste.

By the time the car door opened again, Lin Yunshu was nearly passed out from the pain, slumped limply against Zhou Yu.

His shirt was soaked through with cold sweat. Barely conscious, he was carried out by Zhou Yu and taken directly to the emergency room.

Amid the chaos, a quick emergency procedure was performed.

"Chronic gastritis, accompanied by slight bleeding," the doctor later informed Zhou Yu.

The procedure didn't take long; hemostasis was achieved via endoscopy. Zhou Yu paid extra to upgrade Lin Yunshu to a private room.

After Lin Yunshu was wheeled in and left in specialized care, the doctor called Zhou Yu alone into the office.

"What is your relationship to the patient?" the doctor asked.

"I'm his fiancé," Zhou Yu replied without hesitation.

The doctor glanced at him, then flipped through the papers in hand. "I see here that the patient is marked as unmarried?"

"We've scheduled to get married next week," Zhou Yu said. "I am his only family. You can speak directly to me; there's no need to hold anything back."

Towards medical staff, Zhou Yu always maintained politeness and respect, but his long-standing authority lent an unmistakable firmness to his words.

The doctor frowned slightly but, noting Zhou Yu's impressive bearing and presence—clearly a person of importance—hesitated for a moment before relenting.

"Alright," he set down the chart. "It's a minor gastric bleed. It seems it's been going on for a few days, but it's not severe. It's stopped now, so nothing to worry about for now."

"Alright."

Zhou Yu acknowledged, his expression still grave. "But how did he suddenly develop a gastric hemorrhage?"

"Take it easy," the doctor said. "He was born with a thinner gastric wall. It wasn't properly maintained when he was young, making him more prone to issues as an adult. He needs to be especially careful with his diet."

As he spoke, he shot a glance at the alpha before him, as if blaming him for not being attentive enough to his Omega.

Zhou Yu also felt guilty, but what puzzled him more was his confusion.

"I'm very careful about his diet," he said. "I make sure he has breakfast every day."

"That can't be," the doctor laughed. "It's obvious he hasn't been eating properly for some time. Otherwise, his stomach wouldn't have deteriorated this badly. Are you sure you watch him eat every day?"

Zhou Yu was dumbfounded, his lips moved wordlessly.

To ensure Lin Yunshu ate breakfast, he had taken charge of breakfast for the entire secretarial team, constantly varying the menu and having the chef prepare different dishes daily.

In earlier years, they would eat together, but this year, as work grew busier, he simply packed it for Lin Yunshu.

Zhou Yu recalled.

By the time he finished his work and emerged, Lin Yunshu had just finished distributing breakfast to the others in the secretary group and returned to his side to accompany him with official duties.

He had simply assumed that Lin Yunshu had already eaten with the secretary group.

He had never actually watched Lin Yunshu eat breakfast with his own eyes.

More than half the year had already passed. The more Zhou Yu thought about it, the heavier his heart felt.

So had Lin Yunshu not been eating at all?!

"Ahem."

Noticing the alpha's distressed expression, the doctor quickly offered comfort.

"Don't blame him," he said. "With his chronic gastritis, mornings are particularly tough—heartburn makes it hard to eat. It's normal to have no appetite."

Zhou Yu frowned deeply without speaking.

The doctor sighed. "Perhaps the patient probably feels skipping breakfast reduces discomfort, so he's gotten used to it—"

He paused, suddenly remembering. "Did he eat this morning?"

Zhou Yu snapped back to attention and nodded. "Is there a problem?"

"That must have irritated it," the doctor said with an expression of understanding. "His stomach hasn't been accustomed to morning meals for a while. Making him eat so abruptly would only produce the opposite effect!"

Zhou Yu was stunned, as if unable to process the doctor's words, his expression grew distant.

"So," his back stiffened, "so it was me…"

"I'm not blaming you," the doctor quickly corrected. "And for his condition, three regular meals are definitely better."

"I just want to remind you to take it step by step, don't rush. Start with the easiest-to-digest foods, let him eat what he can manage, and stop immediately if he feels uncomfortable. Gradually increase the amount little by little, and slowly his stomach will recover."

The doctor gestured as he spoke, but the alpha across from him seemed utterly devastated, sitting there like an empty shell despite his imposing stature.

It was unclear if he had taken any of it in.

"One more thing," the doctor sighed.

Zhou Yu looked up, struggling to maintain a calm expression. "Please, go ahead."

"During the minor emergency procedure earlier, I noticed the patient's pheromone levels seemed somewhat unstable," the doctor said. "But we're in the gastroenterology department—we can't address pheromone issues here. Are you aware of this situation?"

"I know," Zhou Yu nodded. "He has some pheromone imbalance. He was previously on pheromone suppressants, but now I'm using my pheromones to calm him."

Hearing this, the doctor relaxed.

Aside from severe genetic disorders, most pheromone issues can be alleviated by a partner. Highly compatible pheromones are more effective than any medication.

"As long as you both understand the situation."

·

Leaving the office, Zhou Yu still seemed distracted.

Outside the hospital room, he closed his eyes, took several deep breaths, and tried to compose himself before pushing the door open.

Lin Yunshu was already awake but not doing well, supported by a nurse as he leaned over the edge of the bed, dry heaving.

All the composure Zhou Yu had struggled to maintain instantly shattered.

"What's going on?"

He quickly approached, taking Lin Yunshu from the nurse and holding him in his arms.

"Sir, you're here," the nurse said nervously, explaining. "He seems somewhat sensitive to the medication. He just woke up from anesthesia and is having a strong reaction."

A strong reaction?

Zhou Yu looked at Lin Yunshu's pale profile, his heart aching as he gently rubbed his back.

"If the reaction is severe, call the doctor or a nurse!" he couldn't contain his temper. "Why just watch him dry heave like this?"

The nurse flinched in fear.

Neither his appearance nor his personality was what one would call gentle; his demeanor was so aloof it bordered on harsh.

If he didn’t actively show kindness, most people would instinctively avoid him at first sight.

The nurse didn’t dare argue, standing stiffly in place.

Seeing this, Lin Yunshu gently pressed the back of Zhou Yu’s hand.

He managed to stop dry heaving and, supported by Zhou Yu, sat up, giving him a silent look.

Only then did Zhou Yu rein in his temper, softening his tone toward the nurse. "Sorry, I spoke too harshly just now."

"Not at all, not at all," the nurse hurriedly waved his hands, trembling. "I didn’t handle it well."

Zhou Yu didn’t comment further. "You can go now. I’ll take care of him here."

"Alright," the nurse replied, quickly heading toward the door. "If you need anything, just call. I’ll be right outside."

Zhou Yu waved his hand without looking up.

The door closed with a soft click.

Lin Yunshu had noticed Zhou Yu was in low spirits early on. After hesitating for a moment, he gently patted Zhou Yu’s arm.

"Don’t be angry," he said softly. "My stomach just had a bit of heartburn when I woke up. I just need to take it easy for a bit, and I’ll be fine. There’s no need to call a doctor—the staff here are taking good care of me."

"I’m not angry at anyone else," Zhou Yu said.

He was angry at himself, pure and simple.

His voice was low, with an unshakable cloud of gloom lingering between his brows.

This expression left Lin Yunshu at a loss.

Zhou Yu’s temper, to put it politely, was bold and unrestrained; to put it bluntly, he externalized everything, never internalizing his frustrations.

He had a short fuse and was intimidating when enraged, but his fury burned brightly and faded just as fast.

Lin Yunshu was adept at cooling down and smoothing the feathers of his furious boss, but he was less skilled at handling these rare bouts of melancholy.

Zhou Yu’s shirt was slightly wrinkled, his tie loosened, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing several red marks on his forearms.

It took Lin Yunshu a moment to recall that he had left those marks earlier, from where he'd gripped him too hard during a severe stomach pain episode in the car.

He gently touched the marks. "Does it hurt?"

Zhou Yu pulled his arm back. "It’s nothing. I don’t even feel it."

If the marks lasted this long, how could he not feel anything?

Lin Yunshu felt a pang of guilt. "I’m sorry..."

Zhou Yu’s head snapped up.

"What are you apologizing to me for?"

"I left marks on your arm," Lin Yunshu assured him. "It won’t happen again."

Zhou Yu seemed to find this statement absurd. His chest heaved with emotion. "Lin Yunshu, you—!"

"You—!"

Lin Yunshu looked confused. "...What did I do?"

"Is the issue really the marks on my arm?!" Zhou Yu shot to his feet. "The issue is you! It’s you!"

"What’s wrong with me?" Lin Yunshu was even more baffled.

"You’re asking me?!"

Zhou Yu used every ounce of his self-control, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

"Lin Yunshu," he said, reopening his eyes and staring intently at Lin Yunshu. "Tell me, since the beginning of this year, have you eaten a single one of the breakfasts I brought for you?"

The atmosphere instantly became palpably tense.

A flicker of surprise crossed Lin Yunshu’s eyes.

"You even managed to find that out?"

"If I hadn’t discovered it, were you just going to keep it from me forever?!" Zhou Yu stared at him in disbelief.

The smoldering embers of his anger ignited completely.

Pacing back and forth by the window with his arms crossed, he pointed at Lin Yunshu with a mix of frustration and concern. "Lin Yunshu, I really... I just can’t figure you out!"

"If you’re not feeling well, can’t you say something? If you can’t eat, and you tell me, would I force-feed you? Do you really think I’m that kind of person?!"

He was both furious and heartbroken. "Or is it that I’ve treated you so poorly that after three years by my side, you’ve ended up with all these health problems, and now you’re too afraid to even tell me when you’re sick?!"

"What kind of person do you think I am? Some kind of bully?!"

...

"What’s wrong, lost your tongue?!"

As Zhou Yu erupted, Lin Yunshu actually felt a sense of relief.

It seemed he was still better at handling his boss’s explosive outbursts.

"No," he said gently. "I was waiting for you to finish."

He skillfully soothed him gently, as if he were dealing not with his superior but with a large, wronged dog having a sulk.

"So, are you done?" he asked, his gaze even encouraging, urging Zhou Yu to vent all his pent-up emotions.

Zhou Yu’s words faltered.

Lin Yunshu’s eyes were too beautiful.

Sitting on the hospital bed, looking up at the man by the window, his eyes reflected a soft light, like a gentle stream flowing within them.

Faced with such a gaze, Zhou Yu’s anger deflated suddenly.

He felt pathetic.

"Stop looking at me," he waved his hand impatiently, though his voice softened despite himself. "Go on, then."

Lin Yunshu straightened up.

His stomach still had a dull, persistent ache, and his movements were sluggish. As he tried to push himself up from the bed, a hand pressed down on his shoulder, guiding him back.

Zhou Yu had rushed over almost on reflex, steadying Lin Yunshu in one swift movement.

His actions had outpaced his thoughts, and as he realized what he was doing, he let go in frustration.

"I told you to talk, not to move around. Sit still."

"Alright, I won’t move."

Lin Yunshu grew quiet, a faint smile playing on his lips as he looked at Zhou Yu.

His face was pale, his thin frame swallowed by the oversized hospital gown, making him appear gaunt and fragile.

Yet his expression remained gentle and serene, as though he was unaware of how much his condition worried those who cared for him.

Zhou Yu turned his face away, to keep from showing a softened expression toward that face.

A few seconds later, Lin Yunshu gave his hand another light pull.

Zhou Yu barely held back a sharp inhale.

Lin Yunshu’s hand was also soft. Though his hands were always cool, his fingers were slender, his skin smooth and delicate, like holding a smooth piece of silk.

Zhou Yu was completely fed up.

“Trying to sweet-talk me now? Where was this earlier?” he said irritably. “Do you think this will make me let you off the hook?”

How was this sweet-talking?

Lin Yunshu gave a wry smile. He was just feeling stomach pain and didn't have the strength to raise his voice, so he wanted Zhou Yu to come closer.

But whatever Zhou Yu said, he’d let it be.

Lin Yunshu couldn't be bothered to argue over such trivial matters and said softly, “I didn’t mean to hide it from you.”

Zhou Yu’s brow twitched slightly, but he didn’t respond, waiting for him to continue.

“I’ve gotten used to skipping breakfast—it makes me feel better. Usually, we’re both so busy with work that it didn't occur to me to mention it deliberately…”

He gently moved his fingers, and Zhou Yu, the whole large man, leaned in close.

Lin Yunshu paused mid-sentence.

He glanced at his own hand, as if he'd used great force to pull him over.

Zhou Yu pressed close to him, his expression still stern, watching him from his peripheral vision.

“Keep going.”

Lin Yunshu: “…”

He cleared his throat. “It wasn’t intentional today either.”

“Hah,” Zhou Yu scoffed. “So the food knocked you unconscious and forced itself into your mouth when you weren’t paying attention?”

Lin Yunshu: “?”

He tried hard not to get sidetracked by Zhou Yu’s twisted reasoning.

“Mainly because there were others there today,” he said. “If it had just been you, I definitely wouldn’t have forced myself. If I couldn’t eat, I would’ve told you directly. Would you have forced me?”

“Of course not,” Zhou Yu said.

“Exactly,” Lin Yunshu smiled, his eyes curving. “I know.”

Zhou Yu was momentarily dazzled by that smile.

He turned his head away and coughed lightly to cover it up. “Others?”

Lin Yunshu nodded. “Shengyao and the two from the branch office were there. I didn't want to cause awkwardness.”

Zhou Yu felt the corner of his mouth twitching upward against his will.

So it was because of others… because there were outsiders present!

Right, why hadn’t he thought of that?

Lin Yunshu had never been an outgoing person and wasn’t used to others being overly kind to him. Of course, he wouldn’t want outsiders making a fuss about his condition.

The two from the branch office were one thing, but even Guo Shengyao, as close as she was, was just a young apprentice. Naturally, she couldn’t compare to Zhou Yu, who was family.

As expected, there was still a distinction between closeness and distance.

Zhou Yu felt pleased with himself.

He tapped Lin Yunshu’s forehead, his face still stern:

“You’re just being contrary.”

Lin Yunshu lowered his eyes and remained silent.

Zhou Yu felt even more affectionate toward him.

“I was… a little rough earlier. Did I scare you?”

“Not at all,” Lin Yunshu said softly.

Zhou Yu couldn’t resist gently stroking his head.

“Forget it.”

He waved his hand dismissively, secretly delighted thinking, “What can I do? I guess I’ll just have to indulge you.”

“From now on, I won’t bring outsiders to meals with us anymore.”

Lin Yunshu: “…?”

·

Because of Lin Yunshu’s sudden illness, their return trip was set back by a day.

Li Xun led the rest of the team back first, while they stayed behind and took their time boarding the flight on the third morning.

Stomach issues need to be managed over time, after all, and can't be cured quickly.

Although Lin Yunshu’s stomach bleeding had stopped, eating remained a major struggle.

In the VIP lounge, Lin Yunshu was sucking on a piece of candy as he focused on going over his work arrangements.

When Zhou Yu came in with breakfast, Lin Yunshu’s face twisted as soon as he caught the smell.

It seemed he had developed a deep-seated reluctance—or even fear—toward breakfast.

“Maybe we could put this off until tomorrow,” he tried negotiating with his boss.

“You want to save today’s breakfast for tomorrow?” Zhou Yu played dumb. “Don’t even think about it. No chance.”

Lin Yunshu: “…You know what I’m saying.”

He made a pained expression. “I really can’t eat.”

Zhou Yu sighed and got serious. “If you can’t eat today, will you be able to eat tomorrow? If you keep avoiding it, your stomach will only get worse.”

He picked up the porcelain bowl, scooped up a wonton, gently blew on it, and brought it to Lin Yunshu's lips: "Try a bite."

Lin Yunshu frowned at the light pink wonton.

It actually looked quite appealing—translucent and floating in the broth, with an enticing aroma—but he automatically felt sick, his throat clenched.

"Just one bite," Zhou Yu said pleadingly. "It doesn’t matter how little you eat. One bite today, two tomorrow, you'll gradually improve."

Put that way, Lin Yunshu really couldn’t refuse.

He didn’t let Zhou Yu feed him. Instead, he took the bowl and spoon from his hand and began eating little by little on his own.

His hand suddenly empty, Zhou Yu paused, surprised, before pulling it back slowly.

He had wanted to feed Lin Yunshu. Under normal circumstances, he might have taken it back and insisted that Lin Yunshu could only eat from his hand.

But right now, Lin Yunshu’s health came first. As long as he could eat, whether it was Zhou Yu feeding him or not didn’t matter.

Eating just one bite was indeed an exaggeration.

Lin Yunshu was tougher than he thought, managing five bites in a row. It wasn’t until the sixth spoonful that his movements noticeably slowed.

His lips had already turned whitish, clearly uncomfortable.

"Alright, that’s enough," Zhou Yu quickly took the bowl and spoon away, gently rubbing his back. "Take it easy."

Lin Yunshu closed his eyes and breathed deeply. A few seconds later, his chest sank heavily.

He covered his mouth with his hand, rushed into the bathroom, and locked the door.

He still couldn’t hold it down. Everything he had just eaten came right back up.

"Lin Yunshu!"

Zhou Yu anxiously knocked on the door.

He pressed his ear against it, only able to hear faint choking coughs mixed with the sound of rushing water.

"Lin Yunshu!"

Zhou Yu was frantic. He quickly called for someone to bring a key and stayed right there at the door, not daring to leave even for a moment.

"Yun Shu," he suppressed his anxiety, "Please, don’t lock the door."

When the key arrived, Zhou Yu grabbed it to unlock the door, but the lock turned from the inside first.

Lin Yunshu opened the door, leaning weakly against the frame. His lips were very pale, his eyes wet and red, his entire face drenched with water.

"It’s alright, I’m fine," he said with a faint smile.

But he was still pressing hard on his stomach.

Zhou Yu’s expression was grim. He stared at him silently for a while but ultimately relented in the face of his pale face.

He helped Lin Yunshu back, moved his hand aside, and began massaging his stomach for him.

"Why so polite with me?"

He was furious. "How embarrassing could it be to throw up in front of me? Would I laugh at you for the rest of my life or snap a picture to remember this?"

Lin Yunshu frowned and leaned into his embrace. "I know you wouldn’t, but it’s still not right."

The attendant who brought the key carefully approached with a glass of warm water.

Zhou Yu acted as if he hadn’t noticed. "What’s inappropriate about it? I walk around naked in front of you every day, and you’ve never said there’s anything wrong with that."

The attendant: "!"

Lin Yunshu: "…"

He sighed, thanked the attendant, and let the flustered employee leave before looking up seriously at Zhou Yu.

"Can I speak?"

Zhou Yu: "…"

"No," he said domineeringly.

After throwing up, he felt slightly better. Zhou Yu kept massaging his stomach, the warmth seeping through his skin, and Lin Yunshu slowly felt better.

His stomach still ached a little, but it was finally back to a level that didn’t affect his thinking.

It dawned on him late that he and Zhou Yu were too close.

Zhou Yu was holding him from behind, his back pressed tightly against Zhou Yu’s broad chest, held in an embrace.

Zhou Yu’s palm was still protecting his stomach, gently and continuously massaging him through his clothes.

Once he became aware of what this scene looked like, Lin Yunshu began to feel uneasy.

"I’m really fine now," he patted the back of Zhou Yu’s hand. "Let go. Isn’t your wrist sore?"

"Rubbing your belly a bit and my wrist gets sore? What do you take me for?" Zhou Yu asked with a laugh.

Lin Yunshu pressed his lips together, lowered his eyelashes, and fell silent. The curve from his profile to his neck was strikingly graceful.

Zhou Yu stared at him, lost in thought, for a moment.

He hadn’t actually had enough of holding him, but Secretary Lin’s nape was already turning red. If this continued, the tips of his ears would soon follow.

Zhou Yu’s heart softened. Not wanting to test Secretary Lin’s thin skin any further, he let go of him at that point.

"Since you’ve recovered, take some medicine," Zhou Yu got up to look for the medicine in his bag. "It’s almost time to board."

·

They landed in the afternoon and went back to the company together.

Li Xun was already waiting in the office. Seeing them return, he quickly closed the door and placed a file on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

"I’ve got to the bottom of what happened that night," Li Xun said. "It was indeed Zhou Xingde pulling the strings behind the scenes."

Zhou Yu glanced at it but didn’t pick it up.

He genuinely didn’t care about these things. Thinking about Zhou Xingde’s sneaky tricks only amused him.

But he had worn Lin Yunshu out.

Upsetting Secretary Lin was a serious offense.

Seeing Zhou Yu not reacting, Lin Yunshu picked up the folder, opened it, and had a look.

Inside were several photos from that night, showing Zhou Yu holding him in the hallway, along with some documents and confidentiality agreements.

"The photos were taken by a hotel employee," Li Xun said. "He tipped off the manager, who then privately forwarded them to Old Zhou, who then contacted the media."

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"But rest assured, we’ve dealt with everyone involved. Not a single word will leak out."

Zhou Yu said nothing, took a look at the photos, then frowned.

Li Xun tensed up. "Was there something I missed?"

Zhou Yu shook his head and leaned closer to Lin Yunshu. "This isn't a great photo."

Li Xun was baffled.

Lin Yunshu said nothing.

The serious atmosphere suddenly took a bizarre turn. Zhou Yu’s innate ease often made his subordinates feel miserable.

Lin Yunshu smiled. "It’s fine, you look pretty good."

But Zhou Yu wasn’t satisfied. He pointed at the photo for Lin Yunshu to see. "No, the composition is terrible. It makes me look shorter."

He scrutinized every detail, then laughed again. "But you look good in it. See, you have really nice fingers."

Lin Yunshu sighed helplessly. "Everything’s fine, everything’s fine."

Li Xun acted like he saw and heard nothing, silently reciting his bank balance dozens of times in those few minutes before forcing himself to maintain a professional demeanor.

"The media have been told to keep it quiet."

"Quiet about what?" Zhou Yu said leisurely. "Let them take pictures if they want."

Li Xun fell silent, unsure of his boss’s tone, and glanced at Lin Yunshu.

Lin Yunshu shook his head, signaling him to hold off for now.

"Secretary Lin," Zhou Yu asked, "what’s on the schedule this afternoon?"

Lin Yunshu checked the timetable. "You have two hours free from three to five."

"Alright."

Zhou Yu decided, standing up from the couch.

"Let’s go, Secretary Lin. Let’s get a marriage certificate."

Li Xun was shocked. "Boss?"

He quickly shot a look at Lin Yunshu, sure Zhou Yu was being too impulsive.

But this time, Secretary Lin didn’t take his side.

He showed not a trace of surprise, as if he had long anticipated Zhou Yu’s idea.

Zhou Yu instructed Li Xun, "Tell those media outlets—what are they called again?—to come and take pictures. Let them shoot freely and boldly."

He extended his hand to Lin Yunshu, then his tone softened: "First, I'll accompany you home to get your household registration booklet."

Lin Yunshu held his hand but did not stand up.

"What's wrong?" Zhou Yu thought he was unwilling to make such a big production. "If you feel burdened, we can do it privately. Don’t worry—if you don’t want it, I guarantee they won’t utter a single word."

"It’s not that."

Lin Yunshu shook his head with a smile.

The "public marriage" clause in the contract clearly stated it in black and white. Lin Yunshu had agreed precisely because he genuinely didn’t care about such things, and now he certainly wasn't about to back out.

"No need to go home. Wait a moment."

He got a sealed bag from the safe, and Zhou Yu raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Inside were both of their household registration booklets.

"All the documents are prepared. We can head straight there." Secretary Lin was meticulous and capable: "I’ve already contacted several media outlets."

-----------------------

Author's Note: President Zhou (overjoyed) (eager) (wagging his tail): Going to get married with my wifey!

His wifey (serious) (strict) (completely selfless): PR department's on standby.

————

Here it is~ Next chapter still updates at midnight tomorrow!

We'll have a little lottery then, to treat everyone like the happy couple sharing their joy with wedding drinks and sweets. [Fireworks][Orange Candy]

Meanwhile, performing acrobatics with flair to continue begging for the nutrient water, [dog holding a rose][ingot][pants]