Tong Kai took Jiang Zijian to a self-service steakhouse. After they sat down, Tong Kai went to the front desk to pay the bill but struggled with the process. He said to the cashier manager, “Never mind, I’ll pay by card.” He casually took out a black card and added, “The color of your lipstick looks nice.”
“Thank you,” the cashier manager smiled and said, “Let me offer you a fruit platter.”
“Excuse me, may I ask how well you want the steak cooked?” The waiter came to take their order.
“Eight points,” Tong Kai faithfully followed the script he was given.
“I’ll have the same way as well,” Jiang Zijian added, “But not too well-done.”
The waiter noted it down, and the two began chatting happily. Jiang Zijian asked Tong Kai what he liked to do in his spare time, and Tong Kai said he enjoyed browsing Douyin (TikTok). Tong Kai asked Jiang Zijian where he lived, and Jiang Zijian told him the hotel provided dormitories with eight people in one room. He would visit his parents in the village on weekends.
“I haven’t been to your hotel yet,” Tong Kai said. “The decoration must be nice.”
“It’s not worth it. A glass of water costs sixty yuan. It’s ridiculously expensive. Only fools go there to spend money. What’s the point of having money if you do that?”
“That’s right.” Tong Kai looked at the wallet in Jiang Zijian’s hand and casually said, “Wow, that is a high-quality replica LV. Was it a gift from a friend?
*Lv-Louis Vuitton.
Jiang Zijian: “I bought it as a birthday gift for myself on Taobao. Do you like it? I can buy you one another day.”
Tong Kai: “Replicas are getting more and more like the real thing nowadays.”
At the same time, he appreciated Jiang Zijian’s honesty; honesty is the best quality a person can have. However, he suddenly felt something was amiss. According to his current setting, how could he know what’s real and what’s not?
But Jiang Zijian didn’t think too much about it and casually said, “Yeah, many people like to buy branded items, but it’s not worth it.”
The steak was served. It was sizzling with steam and covered in pungent sauce, sticking to the iron plate like a lump. The vegetable salad had something unknown stuck to it, and the cream soup was floating with foamy bubbles.
Both of them tried their best not to look at it. Tong Kai had a bite of the salad, while Jiang Zijian stirred the cream of mushroom soup in a bowl with a spoon, creating an atmosphere of satisfaction.
To divert his mind from the food, Tong Kai asked Jiang Zijian about his zodiac sign and used an app to check their compatibility. The compatibility was 95%. Despite the noisy atmosphere in the restaurant with customers shouting, there seemed to be a different kind of romantic ambiance between them.
Jiang Zijian began to regret slightly. If they really got together, they would have to come to this restaurant every year to celebrate their anniversary. As he thought about it, he suddenly had an idea – he could buy this restaurant and revamp it.
Tong Kai said, “I didn’t go to university, and that’s my lifelong regret.”
“It’s okay,” Jiang Zijian comforted him, “You can study through self-taught examinations; it’s the same. I’m preparing for the adult college entrance exam. I’ll take it next year.”
Tong Kai said, “Then, let’s study together when you’re free. The teachers often praised me when I was in vocational school.”
“Okay,” Jiang Zijian said, “When I bring the registration guidelines and study materials next time, we’ll study together!”
Tong Kai suddenly felt touched. During this time, he received a call from his assistant, who said, “Boss, the representatives in US are asking if you can hold an impromptu meeting, it will take only twenty minutes of your time. Also, Mr. Hu hopes you can come back as soon as possible.”
Tong Kai frowned, “I’m out now, I don’t have time. Tell them to wait.”
“How can you make your customers wait? When they booked you, it means they approve of you,” Jiang Zijian said.
Tong Kai instantly snapped back to reality and quickly smiled, “You’re right, I’ll head back now.”
“Shall I send the driver to pick you up?” the assistant said. “He’s getting impatient in the office.”
“I’ll go back myself,” Tong Kai was cautious this time. “Wait for me for half an hour. You… um… get some bear-shaped cookies for Mr. Hu…let him to eat and watch TV for a while.”
Assistant: “Um… Boss, Mr. Hu and the rest are all on a video call with the representatives. And they’re getting anxious, I don’t think they want snacks and TV right now…”
“Do that first,” Tong Kai said, “I’m hanging up now.”
“I’ll see you off,” Jiang Zijian said. He didn’t feeling like eating anymore, so he stood up.
Tong Kai knew for sure that something had gone wrong at the head office of Nuolin Law Firm, causing trouble for them again. Tong Kai said, “I’ll take the subway; it’s just two stops away.”
“I’ll see you off…”
“No need, brother. Continue eating, don’t waste…”
“Right, oh, don’t forget the coffee.”
“Of course,” Tong Kai remembered. Both of them took their coffees and left the restaurant.
Jiang Zijian scanned the shared bicycles, picked one, and waved goodbye to Tong Kai at the intersection. “See you tomorrow?”
“How about the day after tomorrow?” Tong Kai said. “I have the day off, so I’ll call you.”
“Deal, goodbye.”
Tong Kai got off the subway, found a trash bin, and threw away the coffee. He walked past the entrance, came out through the exit and went into an underground parking lot of a mall. After rummaging around for a while, he finally found his car key. He pressed a button, and the Ferrari’s headlights turned on. Tong Kai got into the car and drove away.
Jiang Zijian rode the shared bicycle to the next intersection, returned it to the station, and then headed to the nearest Jiangman Continental Hotel. The Doormen stood up straight as he approached. Jiang Zijian went downstairs, got into his Aston Martin, and feeling uncomfortable in his T-shirt, he changed into another shirt in the driver’s seat before driving off.
“Boss Jiang, have you had dinner yet?” The manager stood by the post and respectfully asked, “We received some fresh truffles today. Would you like to try them?”
Jiang Zijian was in a good mood today. He rolled down the car window and said, “I’m going to my friend’s place for dinner. Dispose of this for me, thanks!”
Jiang Zijian handed her a full large cup of vanilla latte and waved goodbye before driving off in his sports car.
Tianhe spent a full three days in the study and finally came out, his hair messy and face haggard. It just so happened that Jiang Zijian was waiting for him in the living room and having lunch. Auntie Fang brought over bird’s nest porridge and placed it on the table, saying, “You must be really busy. Have some porridge to cool down.”
“I have to tell you…” Jiang Zijian couldn’t wait to share his recent date with Tianhe.
After tidying himself up, brushing his hair, and feeling much better, Tianhe listened to Jiang Zijian’s detailed account of how he found true love through careful interpretation of the script.
Tianhe had some porridge, and it tasted really good, awakening his taste buds that had been numb for three days.
“It’s full of loopholes,” Tianhe summarized after listening to Jiang Zijian’s sharing.
Jiang Zijian said, “Wu Shun managed to find you find another company. This time, they might be able to provide a guarantee for you. Go meet them today.”
“Let’s do it another day,” Tianhe said. “My schedule is already set. I have to apologize to the companies one by one today, and then hire a new assistant. I also need to visit some institutions in a few days.”
Jiang Zijian said, “Wu Shun is quite enthusiastic. I really suggest you talk to him. We didn’t have much of a chance last time… Oh? Why don’t I become your assistant?”
Tianhe replied, “No! What if you mess around with someone’s director again… I won’t be able to explain it.”
Jiang Zijian said, “That director last time was nice! He was young and promising, and with a baby face.”
Tianhe said, “Oh? I thought you’ve changed your taste. Wu Shun should be good, right?”
Tianhe looked at Jiang Zijian suspiciously, his eyes filled with a playful smile. Years of understanding between them allowed Tianhe not to even say it out loud and Jiang Zijian understood. “He’s not interested in me! We never discuss those topics. But I know what you’re thinking, and you’re guess is the same as mine.”
“Mm,” Tianhe replied, “The environment in the country is like this, especially in the civil service system.”
Jiang Zijian said, “But I can feel that he envies me for being able to come out of the closet so openly.”
“And so do all your actors, male models, and online male celebrities,” Tianhe teased, “You could form a football team with them, your father is probably already used.”
Jiang Zijian said, “But I’m serious this time! In all my years, I’ve never felt the way I feel when I see Little Kai. When I see him, I feel like it’s all part of a play. Our gaze, our personalities, I feel like we’re so compatible… When I talk, he listens earnestly, and when he talks, I want to listen earnestly too… and we rarely talk about money!”
Tianhe said, “Don’t get too deep into the role. Think carefully, what will you do if the truth is discovered?”
Jiang Zijian said, “You’re right! So, today, I came to discuss strategies with you. Now I’m clear in my mind that he fell for me when I had nothing. So, even if he demands more from me later, I will always cherish this wonderful encounter! Ah—”
Jiang Zijian stretched lazily and continued, “Besides, nobody’s demanding this and that from each other. Although, I have to admit that we don’t exactly match in terms of social backgrounds……”
“Being a perfect match means having the same aspirations between lovers,” Auntie Fang brought over some coffee and put it on the table, patiently saying, ”Perspectives can be nurtured, and if family conditions don’t match up, you can learn gradually. No one is born knowing these things.”
Jiang Zijian laughed, “Auntie Fang is right.”
Tianhe said, “I don’t have much thought about so-called ‘perfect match.’ Guan Yue is a perfect match in terms of family background, but he might as well go work on poverty alleviation.”
Jiang Zijian burst into laughter and took out his cracked phone. Auntie Fang looked at it and was about to ask if he needed to have it repaired when Tianhe explained, “He has too many scenes, so he likes to use this one.”
Jiang Zijian beamed with the shy smile of a boy in love, and with utmost seriousness, he used two fingers like a praying mantis to type a message on his phone in response to Tong Kai. He then turned to Tianhe and said, “I’ll give him a surprise when I’m ready to reveal everything. Can you help me plan it?”
Tianhe thought for a moment and said, “Take him to Paris.”
Jiang Zijian said, “When I asked about his zodiac sign last time and learned his birthday, I thought of having my uncle fly a helicopter over on his birthday. Do you think he would get angry?”
Tianhe sincerely said, “If it were me, I might get upset too, Zijian, I’m not joking.”
“Uh,” Jiang Zijian also realized he might have gone a bit too far with the idea, “What do you think if I buy the foot bath center and give it to him as a gift?”
“Hahaha—”
At that time, Tong Kai was still unaware that he might receive a foot bath center as a confession gift. He was sitting in Guan Yue’s office, enthusiastically sharing the details of what had happened in the past few days.
Guan Yue remained calm, and Tong Kai continued, “…You know, I wonder what his expression would be like if he gets to know that I am five years older than him. Now, there are two questions: First, will he get angry? Second, he seems like a top.” Tong Kai frowned and said, “He probably won’t be bothered by this. Will we just part ways after everything comes out in the open?”
Guan Yue finished reading the financial news for the day, his expression unchanged and looking very calm.
“The RMB has depreciated significantly,” Tong Kai’s thoughts always jumped around. “Since the start of the trade war, some Chinese companies in New York received investigations a few days ago, including one of our major clients. Did your big boss summon you?”
“He’s on the way,” Guan Yue replied.
“What?” Tong Kai realized the issue might be more serious and asked, “He’s coming in person?”
Guan Yue didn’t answer. Tong Kai continued, “You will get really busy with the reception.”
The CFO knocked on the door, and Tong Kai said, “Come in, I’ll leave now.”
The executive assistant followed in, straightening the suit jacket for Guan Yue to wear. Guan Yue looked at himself in the mirror, and together with Tong Kai, they left the company. Nearly ten senior executives followed suit, and six black Lincolns drove out in a grand motorcade, heading towards the airport.
