Zhou Yan Zhi took out his phone and sent a message. A reply came back shortly after. He told Wen Song, “The company is fine, but the project timeline might be tight, so they’re urgently recruiting.” 

“Okay.” 

Wen Song implicitly trusted everything Zhou Yan Zhi said. 

A message from HR arrived at the opportune moment: [Forgot to tell you, this project requires an assignment to another company. Is that acceptable? It’s not out of the city, just near Changrong Avenue. How far is that from your home?] 

Wen Song pointed at the screen and turned to Zhou Yan Zhi, saying, “The assignment is to Changrong Avenue, very close to Mr.” 

Zhou Yan Zhi looked down at him, smiling faintly, “Yes, I wonder which company it is.” 

Pei Sheng’s HR asked Wen Song to sign the contract on Monday. 

Wen Song was completely bewildered, with only the words “Changrong Avenue” in his head. The company he was being assigned to was near Changrong Avenue, and Zhou Yan Zhi’s Yun Tu Group was located at number 88 Changrong Avenue. 

In other words, for the next three months, he could commute in the same direction as Mr. every day. If he had time during lunch, he could even stroll near Yun Tu. 

If…if it rained or the weather was bad, he might even be able to hitch a ride with Mr.! 

At this thought, the corners of his mouth were practically reaching his ears. He couldn’t contain his happiness. 

This happiness lasted until Monday. He woke up before 7 am, got dressed, washed up, prepared his resume and identification documents, and put them all in his backpack. 

The black leather backpack was a gift from Zhou Yan Zhi when he first entered university. He had it delivered to his dorm by his assistant. 

Wen Song, who had never seen the world, couldn’t imagine how expensive the bag was. He was too reluctant to use it, wrapping it layer upon layer with non-woven fabric. He would take it out occasionally to look at it, afraid it would get dusty. 

The housekeeper said that for his first job, he should dress respectably, so as not to be underestimated. 

Wen Song pondered and decided to take out this backpack, using his most valuable possession to make an impression. 

By breakfast, his happiness had turned into excitement. Every cell in his body was anticipating the day of his assignment. His fluctuating emotions were so apparent that even Zhou Yan Zhi noticed, looking at him frequently. Wen Song could only bury his head and drink his milk to hide his excitement. 

Five minutes passed, he had already drunk two glasses of milk, and only eaten one steamed dumpling. 

Zhou Yan Zhi asked curiously, “Don’t you like San Xian steamed dumplings?” 

“I do, I do.” Wen Song was quite embarrassed. He picked up a dumpling and put it in his mouth. 

The housekeeper put another peeled boiled egg on his plate, smiling, “Xiao Song, it’s your first day of work today, are you too excited? Even if you’re excited, you need to eat your fill.” 

This wasn’t actually Wen Song’s first job. He had worked many part-time jobs and traveled to many places, but this was the first time someone had prepared a hearty breakfast for him before work. 

Wen Song held the boiled egg, reluctant to eat it. 

“Thank you, Auntie.” 

The housekeeper reminded him again, “Remember to take your zinc tablets at work. I’ve brewed red date and goji berry tea; I’ll put it in your bag.” 

The housekeeper picked up his backpack. 

Zhou Yan Zhi also looked over, his gaze lingering on the backpack. 

Wen Song’s heart tightened. He was afraid Zhou Yan Zhi would think he was vain, showing off a designer bag on his first day of work. He shyly lowered his head, but then heard Zhou Yan Zhi ask, “Did you buy this?” 

Wen Song was stunned, “Mr. bought it for me, when I first started university.” 

Zhou Yan Zhi seemed thoughtful. 

Wen Song felt a little sad. He had protected it so carefully for almost four years, but the gift-giver didn’t even remember it. 

After a long silence, Zhou Yan Zhi suddenly asked, “Was it this black bag that I gave you when you started university?” 

He was busy with work, and had left the task of buying gifts for Wen Song to his assistant. He couldn’t remember the details, but vaguely felt that this backpack was different from what he had instructed. 

“Yes…” 

Wen Song put down his chopsticks, unable to eat anymore. 

Fearing Wen Song might overthink it, Zhou Yan Zhi said, “Black is versatile, and it’s quite suitable for work.” 

Wen Song breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Zhou Yan Zhi’s assistant had mistakenly sent him a gift that wasn’t meant for him. 

“Are you full?” 

“Full.” Wen Song nodded cautiously. 

“Let’s go.” Zhou Yan Zhi stood up and put on his suit jacket. 

Wen Song quickly wiped his mouth with a napkin, hurriedly put on his jacket, slung on his backpack, ran to the door, and put on his shoes with Zhou Yan Zhi. 

They sat side-by-side. 

Zhou Yan Zhi’s leather shoes were polished and shiny. A section of his ankle, encased in dress socks, was visible between his trousers and shoes. Although Zhou Yan Zhi had the means for extravagance, he was never frivolous. His dress and manner were meticulous and proper, his whole being clad in dark colours, possessing a kind of abstinent sexiness. 

Wen Song looked down at his faded white canvas shoes, juxtaposed with Zhou Yan Zhi’s leather shoes, a stark visual representation of the difference between them. He felt a little disheartened, but didn’t want to let negative emotions ruin his wonderful Monday, so he took a deep breath and bent down to tie a bow tie. 

“Have you worked on any projects before?” 

Zhou Yan Zhi’s voice rang out beside him. Wen Song tilted his head to look. Zhou Yan Zhi’s gaze shifted from his bow tie to his face, leisurely asking, “Front-end or back-end?” 

“During my junior year, I participated in a project organized by the college, a fitness app. I was responsible for the back-end and also did testing.” 

“Did they use you as free labor?” 

Wen Song blushed, “Not really, it was quite a good learning experience.” 

He glanced at his watch. It was 8:13. He had an appointment with HR at 9 am at Pei Sheng. Line 1 was always congested, and he still had to squeeze onto eleven stops. If he delayed any longer, he would be late. 

But Zhou Yan Zhi seemed to have more to say. 

“At the new company, don’t let others boss you around. Refuse any work that’s not your responsibility.” 

Wen Song obediently nodded, “Okay.” 

He was about to get up when Zhou Yan Zhi said, “When you sign the contract, carefully read the terms. You haven’t graduated yet, so you’ll be signing an agreement, not an employment contract.” 

“Okay, I’ll read it carefully.” 

He was already standing up, tugging at the straps of his bag to signal Zhou Yan Zhi, but Zhou Yan Zhi seemed oblivious, continuing, “Also check the assignment clause carefully. Don’t—” 

“Mr.!” Wen Song couldn’t take it anymore. He mustered his courage, held up his electronic watch to Zhou Yan Zhi, and said aggrievedly, “I’m going to be late.” 

Zhou Yan Zhi’s eyebrows rose imperceptibly, calmly saying, “Is that so? I’m really sorry. Should I have Master Huang drive you to the Science and Technology City? Taking the elevated road from Nanhuan Road, it won’t be congested, and it’ll only take half an hour.” 

“…” 

Wen Song felt something was a little strange. 

“Otherwise, Line 1 is the most crowded right now. It’s dangerous to be squeezed in there,” Zhou Yan Zhi said. 

Wen Song thought: That’s true, for the baby’s safety. 

He couldn’t show his pregnancy yet, and others wouldn’t give way to him. There were all sorts of dangers in early pregnancy. 

Mr.’s consideration was reasonable. 

He helplessly said, “Okay.” 

He also worried about Zhou Yan Zhi, “Then what about Mr.? How will Mr. get to the company?” 

“I’ll drive myself.” 

Wen Song almost forgot that Zhou Yan Zhi had several cars. 

He followed Zhou Yan Zhi out. 

Master Huang was waiting outside the yard. Zhou Yan Zhi leaned against the car door and instructed him to send Wen Song to Science and Technology City. Master Huang agreed. 

Wen Song got into the car, fastened his seatbelt, and then leaned towards the window, looking up at Zhou Yan Zhi. 

Fei City, nearing April, had the scenery of early spring. The morning mist had dispersed, the sun was shining brightly, and the air was filled with a fresh natural scent. The breeze swayed the branches around them, ruffling Wen Song’s bangs and rippling the water in his eyes, bright as the sun and stars. 

Zhou Yan Zhi’s gaze lingered on his face for a moment, then asked him, “Have you put on the suppressant patch?” 

Wen Song nodded, “Yes.” 

He waved goodbye obediently, “Goodbye, Mr.” 

“See you tonight.” 

. 

Wen Song craned his neck, finally spotting the words “Pei Sheng Software” among a multitude of billboards. 

“Master Huang, please stop here.” 

The car slowly came to a stop. Wen Song picked up his backpack and said with a smile, “Thank you, Master Huang!” 

“You’re welcome,” Master Huang, who had just turned fifty this year, was plump and had a smile full of wrinkles. He said, “Mr. Wen, I’ll pick you up here tonight.” 

Wen Song was flustered, “No, no need.” 

“It’s fine, it’s no trouble.” 

Wen Song repeatedly refused, “Really, no need. Master Huang should go pick up Mr., picking up Mr. is more important.” 

Master Huang remembered Zhou Yan Zhi’s message, his face changed, and he pretended to urge, “You’ll be late, hurry in.” 

Wen Song was startled and quickly ran into the office building. 

The HR was a young girl named Liu Qin. She warmly greeted Wen Song, placed the contract in front of him, and said, “Take a look at the contract first, and carefully check the assignment clause. Do you have your ID card?” 

Wen Song handed her his ID card. 

“I’ll make a copy. By the way, Xiao Wen, send me your phone number again. I need to send your information to the HR of the assigned company, they need it to process your entry and exit cards.” 

Wen Song was stunned, “Okay.” 

Liu Qin was efficient and quickly returned with the copy, “Your school should have an internship certificate. Give it to me, and I’ll get the manager to stamp it for you.” 

“Ah?” Wen Song was completely bewildered. 

Why was this so different from what his roommates had described? Why was she, the HR, so nice to him, a college student? 

In a short while, the HR returned with the stamped and evaluated internship certificate, handing it to Wen Song. 

Wen Song looked at the line that read, “Excellent work performance, obedient, thoughtful, quick learner, strong professional skills,” and fell into deep thought. 

Why did he get such a good review after only ten minutes? 

Wasn’t he supposed to be a workhorse?