IROAWTMTFL Chapter 18

Humans are a species that have curiosity written into their genes. When someone around them behaves in a puzzling way, they can’t help but explore the origins. For example, when someone is speaking and his gaze stops at a particular spot, those around him will instinctively follow his gaze to see what he’s discovered. If this discovery is captivating, within a minute, the attention of hundreds can be focused.

This was the case when Zhuang Yiyun and Yan Yan appeared in the hallway. A wave of curiosity and astonishment rippled through the crowd, drawing people’s attention towards the venue.

Yan Yan was wearing a black and white plaid overcoat, which he was taking off to hand over to the receptionist in the hallway, revealing a white suit underneath. With a slender waist and long legs, he had a slender and upright figure. From the side, his body was quite slim, exuding a youthful aura. As he thanked the receptionist, a shallow dimple formed as he smiled, blending sweetness and handsomeness flawlessly.

The men present were all dressed in standard suits, especially the group of research and development guys. Most of them didn’t understand the nuances of tailoring or color coordination; they would just pick a suit from a store and wear it casually, and often ended up resembling an assembly line of workers in their suits. In previous years, the ladies often lamented that these straight steel men might as well wear lab coats; at least that would come with a professional aura, making them more visually appealing.

With Yan Yan’s appearance, he immediately outshone these researchers. Amidst a sea of black and navy suits, his touch of white was incredibly eye-catching. Even Zhuang Yiyun couldn’t help but take a few extra glances. He hadn’t paid much attention to Yan Yan’s outfit requirements after their discussion, so he had no idea Yan Yan had prepared such an ensemble.

“What’s the matter, gege?” Noticing his gaze, Yan Yan asked somewhat nervously, “Is my outfit inappropriate?”

Zhuang Yiyun shook his head and murmured, “It looks good.”

Yan Yan tilted his head slightly, returning the smile. Unlike his polite demeanor with the receptionist, this smile was satisfied and slightly smug. As he turned his head, his full face was finally revealed to everyone.

Having properly groomed himself and applied a bit of makeup, Yan Yan stunned the entire room. The surrounding discussions buzzed like a tightly squeezed then released balloon, uncontrollable. But then, he made a move.

He raised his hand and securely looped it around Zhuang Yiyun’s arm, his left hand’s ring finger now displaying a ring that had been the subject of repeated discussions over the past few days. Moreover, it was identical to the one Zhuang Yiyun was wearing—a clear sign of marriage.

Once his identity was confirmed, the gazes on Yan Yan became much more complex. The discussions in the room were like a balloon being pinched and released, impossible to control. The leader of the R&D Group 2 happened to be standing closest to the entrance. Unlike others who hesitated because they lacked the qualifications or familiarity, Dr. Zhang, as another research group leader, didn’t share that concern. He walked up directly.

“Dr. Zhuang, fashionably late, I see.”

“I was a bit delayed due to picking someone.” Zhuang Yiyun turned his head and introduced: “Yan Yan, this is Dr. Zhang.”

“Hello, Dr. Zhang.” Yan Yan greeted. By this point, no one was speaking around them; everyone was listening to their exchange. His voice was clear and distinct, carrying a soft, understated elegance that was truly captivating.

“Who is this?” Dr. Zhang was completely in sync with his colleagues at this moment, and had a touch of anticipation after asking the question. So, no matter what role a person occupies or how high their knowledge is, it’s difficult to resist the temptation of on-the-spot gossip.

“My spouse, Yan Yan.” As Zhuang Yiyun spoke, he met the gazes around him. The words meant for Dr. Zhang were actually meant for everyone present. “He’s young and has a gentle personality. Please bear with him.”

Yan Yan’s pretended nervousness outside had turned into genuine nervousness. He lightly grasped Zhuang Yiyun’s sleeve, his face blushing.

“Spouse,” he should find this kind of old-fashioned term distasteful, but coming from Zhuang Yiyun’s mouth, why did it sound so pleasant?

Dr. Zhang smiled amiably and replied, “Of course, of course.”

The onlookers mentally cheered Dr. Zhang on: How young is he? Ask quickly!

However, Dr. Zhang was caught off guard by Zhuang Yiyun’s direct gaze, and he didn’t react immediately. Although Zhuang Yiyun was more than ten years younger than him, he carried an imposing air that made it difficult for him to bring up the topic of Yan Yan’s age.

Zhuang Yiyun and Yan Yan walked into the banquet hall, and just as everyone was reluctantly leaving the gossip behind, a voice with a smile suddenly rang out, and a tall man strode out from the crowd.

“Old Zhuang, what a miracle! I heard you’re no longer single?”

The man was dressed in a navy blue three-piece suit, complemented by a gold-brown tie and pocket square with subtle patterns. His wrist sparkled with a diamond watch, exuding the word “expensive”. Yan Yan’s gaze lifted, and his phoenix eyes locked onto the figure. The man’s lips curved into a smile, exuding an authentic scent of a scoundrel.

Yan Yan froze; he looked oddly familiar. His internal recognition radar activated, retracing his memory to the day he had been rejected by Zhuang Yiyun and met a man at the Liye Bar. That man had heard his “wild idea” and offered to help.

Fuck! This guy shouldn’t recognize him, right?

The man’s expression immediately shifted into a meaningful smile —This guy recognized him…

“Welcome to Senlan, little brother?”

Hiss… Zhuang Yiyun had just been talking about how he was young and with a gentle temperament. The timing of this embarrassment was too quick! Yan Yan mentally repeated “I am not a ‘little brother’” and lightly shook the hand the man extended.

“Hello.”

“Yan Yan, right? Hello. My name is Ke Mingcheng, I’m Zhuang Bo’s old classmate and the caretaker of their research center.”

Yan Yan wanted to scoff; this guy clearly wasn’t present earlier, so how did he know his name? He definitely heard it at the bar. Great, Zhuang Yiyun’s old classmate had seen him at the bar, so he’ll probably complain to Zhuang Yiyun later! Should he ask his parents to give him an identical younger brother, and automatically make him 18?

Ke Mingcheng wasn’t quite straightforward, so Zhuang Yiyun added, “This is Ke, the vice president of our Senlan Pharmaceuticals.”

“Hello, Vice President Ke.” Yan Yan sounded obedient, but inside, he was cursing this situation for the hundredth time. Why did Vice President Ke have to go to Liye Bar? Why did he have to bump into him? He hadn’t been going there much recently… What kind of fateful connection was this?

“Just calling me that sounds so unfamiliar. Old Zhuang and I are brothers. Based on etiquette, you should call me Cheng Ge.”

Yan Yan shook his head immediately and hung onto Zhuang Yiyun’s arm, like a loyal dog eagerly barking, “I only have one gege.”

“Ugh…” That remark spoke volumes and someone nearby chimed in, “He means ‘brother-in-law,’ of course.”

The person who spoke realized it was inappropriate in this setting and quickly concealed his words. But everyone had heard it, and teasing glances landed on the two of them in waves.

Yan Yan blushed again and leaned toward Zhuang Yiyun, trying to shield himself with his shoulder, as if that could hide him. Zhuang Yiyun had a fleeting smile at the corner of his mouth, but it vanished so quickly it was almost imperceptible.

“Alright, let’s head in. Welcome again, Xiao Yan.”

The research center’s annual gathering was overseen by Ke Mingcheng, the vice president responsible for operations. This occasion couldn’t revolve solely around Zhuang Yiyun. After exchanging pleasantries, Ke Mingcheng left swiftly. Yan Yan felt uneasy but followed Zhuang Yiyun’s lead. Well, he’d take things one step at a time. What could he do? He couldn’t shut Ke Mingcheng’s mouth.

This gathering of research center staff usually involved having dinner and watching some programs. This year, with the momentum of introducing the sixth group, Vice President Ke took over the operation rights of the R&D center. He had his own ideas and advocated more exchanges among everyone. So the event was changed to a cocktail party format instead of a sit down dinner. There were no assigned seats, buffet stations were set up and no stage was present. A band performed, and dancers moved around the central dance floor, inspiring others to join.

Although the research center was home to many young individuals, everyone usually concentrated on their work, leaving little time for socializing. The unfamiliar format proved to be effective as the atmosphere was lively.

Zhuang Yiyun led Yan Yan to the buffet. He was just about to ask what he’d like to eat when members of Group Six swarmed them.

“Boss, you got a boyfriend and didn’t tell us? Is that appropriate?”

“You’ve been with us in Group Six for five years, and you secretly got out of the single club! Tell us, where did you find this pretty brother in law? Come clean today or you’re finished.”

Perhaps due to a bit of alcohol or because the news of Zhuang Yiyun no longer being single was like witnessing a divine miracle, everyone had mustered up courage. Someone led the way, and soon everyone was teasing, even Zhuang Yiyun seemed surprised, not knowing how to respond to this warmth.

In the midst of the noisy crowd, Yan Yan glanced over and noticed a person at the edge that was different from the excited colleagues around. That person seemed calm. He was not very tall, and his face appeared through the gaps in the crowd—a face that radiated restraint, paleness, and melancholy. When their eyes met, the person immediately averted his gaze vacantly.

That’s… Zhuang Yiyun’s admirer. Yan Yan was suddenly certain.

Author’s note:

Yan Yan upon seeing Ke Mingcheng: What kind of torture is this?

Yan Yan upon seeing Luan Qing: Maybe I should let Brother Zhuang experience a shura field first?