Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Upon hearing that Song Nian was going out to film, leaving his good friend to become a lonely guy, spending all day at the company early and returning late, the thoughtful friend Qi Ze slapped his thigh and decided to go keep this poor empty-nester company, worried his separation anxiety would flare up and cause psychological issues.

That day, outside the office on the top floor of the Li Group, Qi Ze's voice and the sound of the door opening simultaneously hit Li Yanchuan's ears, with no knock to warn him:

"Open up! I'm here to warm you up!"

"Why are you here?"

He'd already guessed who it was from the racket, glancing up lazily and putting down his pen.

"Just came to check on you, you lonely old soul."

Qi Ze replied unapologetically, then looked down as if searching for something on the floor.

Was it his imagination? When he opened the door, he'd caught a faint rolling sound, like he'd knocked something over.

"Did I just hit something?"

The answer came rolling right up.

A ball-shaped robot the size of his palm was rolling along the floor toward him.

It was something like a spherical monitor, about ten centimeters tall, with a black-and-white casing, two small rollers on the bottom, and the screen on the front blinking blue, looking more like a mini robot.

It was actually kinda cute—was it a new product from the group?

As he asked, Qi Ze crouched down to examine it, and gave the little robot a poke out of curiosity.

The round little robot wobbled in place like a roly-poly, and before Li Yanchuan could say a word, it spoke up on its own:

"Hello Mr. Qi Ze, long time no see!"

The voice suddenly came from behind the camera, giving Qi Ze a start.

And that voice—the more he listened, the more he thought he recognized it.

It seemed... a bit like Song Nian?

Just as he was pondering, the voice introduced itself:

"I'm Song Nian! Didn't you recognize my voice?"

It really was him!

Wait, no, this little ball claiming to be Song Nian?

Qi Ze stared at the ball in front of him for a few seconds, then silently shifted his gaze to Li Yanchuan:

"Did you two run into something supernatural, or am I living out an urban legend?"

"What are you thinking?"

Li Yanchuan gave him a "you're an idiot" look.

"It's the companion robot Song Nian bought."

Like it was proving itself, the little ball rolled a circle around Qi Ze, the blue light on its screen blinking, and greeted him:

"Mr. Qi, did you come to Yan Chuan to discuss work?"

"No, no, I was just passing by and came up to see."

Alright, this couple knew how to have fun—no need for him to worry. Being the nosy guy he was, Qi Ze just crossed his arms, leaned against the doorframe, and enjoyed the show.

Since it wasn't anything official, the little ball relaxed, rolling around the office with a grumble, looking left and right like a little animal on patrol.

As it rolled, it chattered away, filling the whole office with noise:

"Your plant's about to croak! Don't forget to water it!"

"Babe, I gotta say, from down here you look pretty interesting."

"You busy? If you are, I'll come bug you later."

It even missed the brakes and slid under the sofa, squealing for someone to get it out.

"I'm not busy. Are you done with your shoot?"

Li Yanchuan didn't find it annoying at all, his gaze following the rolling ball, patient as ever.

"Break time."

Song Nian chuckled, even boldly bumping into the man's leather shoes.

After rolling around, it got tired, and the little robot finally stopped in front of the desk.

"Babe, can you put me up on the desk?"

It was half pleading, half bossing, the little ball rolling back and forth like a wobbling roly-poly.

The manner was exactly like Song Nian grabbing someone's arm and shaking it, making Li Yanchuan picture his affectionate manner.

He smiled, bent down, and picked up the little gadget, placing it on the desk.

"What are you doing?"

After a simple patrol on the desk, seeing the large stack of documents in his hands, Song Nian asked curiously.

"Slaving away for you, trying to fatten up your retirement fund."

The man teased, phrasing work and earning money differently, since he'd already signed over most of his assets to Song Nian.

"Hehe, then you'd better work hard! I'm gonna spend money to support you!"

Hearing this, Song Nian put his hands on his hips in satisfaction, then, remembering the other couldn't see him, used the robot to gently nudge his hand, like a pat on the shoulder.

Even though they were miles apart, through this palm-sized little robot, they accompanied each other, sticking together as if they had never been apart.

It was only when Song Nian was called away by the director that the noisy little gadget finally shut up and went dark.

"I gotta say, you two really know how to have fun, huh?"

Qi Ze, who had witnessed the whole thing, raised an eyebrow and stepped forward, picking up the robot to examine it closely.

"I was worried you'd be lonely all by yourself, so I thought I'd come see you—guess I was overthinking."

Forget loneliness, with this much tagging along—I mean pestering—according to Li Yanchuan's personality, he'd probably be coaxed into acting like a baby.

Compared to that, I, as a single guy, am totally embarrassing myself!

"It was Song Nian's idea."

Li Yanchuan touched his lips with his hand and chuckled, his eyes brimming with tenderness, his words overflowing with undisguised smugness.

The day before he left for the crew, Song Nian secretly gave him this companion robot.

And even gave it the fancy name "darling," saying that keeping it by his side would be like having him still there.

Even though they could call or video chat, since they both had jobs, sometimes one was busy and couldn't talk.

After weighing the options, having a little robot was more convenient.

—It could be used to pester him anytime, anywhere; turn it on and chat, see what the other person was doing, just like a surveillance camera.

At this, Song Nian clapped Li Yanchuan on the shoulder like an old-fashioned official and earnestly instructed him to always carry the surveillance—uh, robot—with him, so the organization could check in anytime.

Li Yanchuan smiled and kissed his hand, replying, "Yes, boss, will comply strictly."

And so, from the day he left home, he took the little robot with him everywhere—to work, home, and even to bed.

Compared to the busy Song Nian, he was indeed the one more suited to waiting for contact.

Perhaps because of the connection with this little robot, what should have been a difficult time apart became bearable, as if the other had never left his side.

"Alright, seeing you alive and well, I'll take off. Not going to disturb you lovebirds."

Qi Ze waved and left, leaving behind only the carefree silhouette of a proud bachelor.

————

During the day, filming was too hectic; he could only pester Li Yanchuan during breaks. At night, lying in bed, Song Nian finally had time to rest.

He dialed a video call, which was quickly picked up.

"Baby, baby, whatcha doing~"

With a big grin, he leaned close to the camera, but the moment he saw the screen, he froze, his mouth dropping open.

On the video was Li Yanchuan, surrounded by steaming mist, a white bathtub, the sound of splashing water, and a toned physique.

It was clearly in the bathroom.

"Are you off work?"

Li Yanchuan was perfectly calm, as if nothing was unusual.

"You—why are you taking a bath?"

Gulping, suddenly embarrassed, Song Nian buried his face in the pillow.

"You chose to call me while I'm bathing, and yet you're asking me?"

Amused by the blame that turned the tables, Li Yanchuan found it funny.

"Then you still answered when I called?"

"Of course."

With that, he angled the camera to show the companion robot on a tray by the bathtub.

Not only did he answer calls immediately, but he also carried the robot as instructed.

The robot's lens was aimed directly at the bathing spot, like it was some perfect camera angle, always waiting for a certain someone to check it out.

Seeing such thorough preparation and the confident reply, Song Nian couldn't help but call him out:

"You're just lying in wait for me!"

"Because the rabbit ordered me to be on call at all times."

No matter what he said, Li Yanchuan had a point; Song Nian let out a couple of huffs, admitting he was in the wrong.

Looking at those round eyes, Li Yanchuan let out a low laugh. He placed his phone on a stand on the tray and leaned back against the edge of the bathtub.

His arms rested on the edges, chest open wide, his full, robust pectorals completely exposed, as if ready to burst—a downright seduction.

And the man himself deliberately splashed water, wetting his chest. The honey-colored muscles gleamed, beads of water trailing from his collarbone, sliding down the prominent curves of his chest, then along the sharp lines of his abs, finally disappearing into the water.

If not for the scattered foam, the view below the surface would also be visible.

Once again, shamefully, Song Nian not only swallowed hard but also blushed deeply.

He swore this was absolutely intentional!

But unfortunately, he totally fell for it, wrapped around Li Yanchuan's finger.

Wait, was it his imagination? Didn't Li Yanchuan's chest look even better than before? Had he been working out more?

Even better than all those "daddy" influencers he'd seen online.

Even with half his face buried in the pillow, the person on the other end could easily spot the blush and asked, knowing full well:

"Why are you so red? Is it hot in the room?"

"N-no, it's not red."

Caught red-handed, Song Nian pretended to be calm. He pressed the back of his hand against his cheek to cool it, even pretended to fan himself, but it was no use.

"Really?"

As he said this, Li Yanchuan suddenly leaned in close, not just his face but his entire upper body, almost pressing against the lens.

Not only had his thoughts been read, but he also couldn't win an argument. For the first time, Song Nian felt both angry and embarrassed. His round eyes widened, like a puppy huffing and ready to stomp its feet.

Finally, out of frustration and embarrassment, he hung up the call.

A soft chuckle escaped him. Knowing he had teased too much, Li Yanchuan called back to make amends.

This time, it wasn't a video call but a voice call.

"Mad? I went too far. Sorry."

A deep, magnetic voice sounded in his ear, laced with a smile so sexy it was dizzying. Song Nian's already red cheeks burned even hotter, completely flustered by the teasing.

He cleared his throat and seized the opportunity:

"So how are you going to make it up to me? Just words won't cut it, you know."

"When you come back, I'll let you touch me all over, okay?"

Charmed by his good looks, Song Nian immediately took the bait. He pretended to be coy and stayed silent for a few seconds before reluctantly saying:

"Alright, fine."

"It's not just you who wants to—I want to touch you too, right now."

"It's too far. Wait till I get back."

Hearing this, Song Nian automatically assumed he meant a head pat, not catching the double meaning.

The answer perfectly fell into the trap. Li Yanchuan let out a low chuckle, and his words were laced with temptation:

"So, how about you touch yourself for me, right now?"