31: Major projects

Lunch was brought back from the cafeteria by the assistant.

The company cafeteria tasted good, and they had the Braised Eggplant that Yan Zhuohua liked.

Yan Qinghe transferred half of his eggplant into Yan Zhuohua's bowl. "How was work this morning?"

"I spent the whole morning looking at documents; my eyes are blurry now." Yan Zhuohua took a bite of eggplant and smacked his lips with satisfaction. "Right, Uncle told me to take on a major project on the side and push it forward simultaneously. He said it'll be finalized next week."

"A major project next week? That's likely the project from the Fu Family in City C."

The Yan Family had always collaborated with the authorities in medicine and weapons testing, while the Fu Family in City C also reached collaborations with the authorities in weapons research and development. The status of the two families in their respective cities was similar; one could say the Fu Family was the Yan Family of City C. It was just that the two families were not in the same city, and their usual projects tactfully avoided each other. Why was there a sudden collaboration this time?

Furthermore, the authorities actually preferred that weapons R&D not be under the monopolistic control of a single family. Thus, they always treated both families equally, ensuring they had similar strength so they could restrain each other at certain times, with each holding a separate part of the technology and industry. This was the safest approach for the country.

Therefore, a sudden collaboration between the two families should be something the authorities were very reluctant to see. How did this project progress to its current stage?

The expression on Yan Zhuohua's face was too obvious, so Yan Qinghe easily guessed his thoughts.

"Uncle has other reasons for letting you take on this project. The part currently involved is just a precursor to a future major project. That future project is what the Fu Family, our family, and the authorities value most. It's expected to have epoch-making significance for the advancement of current weapons R&D. Therefore, as the precursor part of that project, it's best handled by someone who knows the inside story and has considerable strength and status. Once the formal project starts, the three parties will invest their greatest and most confidential forces. At that time, it should be you and I working on it together, and Mom and Second Brother will be involved throughout as lead researchers."

Epoch-making significance—no wonder it was a three-party collaboration. For a project of this level of secrecy, it was indeed safest for the direct descendants of the Fu and Yan families to be responsible, as both families had collaborated with the authorities for generations and their family members had undergone rigorous training.

Thinking of this, Yan Zhuohua basically understood Yan Muxuan's approach. So this was the reason he privately informed him of the project and even suggested letting his 'husband' help.

This Uncle was truly reliable in his work, but his speaking style was... well, lively!

Tossing the word 'husband' to the back of his mind, Yan Zhuohua returned to a serious track.

"Who is in charge on the Fu Family's side?"

Yan Qinghe stood up to pour a glass of juice for Yan Zhuohua and began tidying the mess on the table. "It's not clear yet, but it's likely someone from the direct line. Although the precursor project's confidentiality isn't high, it's of great importance, and the path behind it has been paved for a long time. Outsiders don't know much about it, and the documents have a relatively high security clearance. We'll talk more about it when we go back to the main residence this weekend. My intention for having you join the company to help me was also for this future project."

Yan Zhuohua took a sip of the juice; he understood Yan Qinghe's meaning. Since it was something for the weekend, he'd ignore it for now. Yan Zhuohua stopped considering the issue and brought up something else: "You wanted me to return to the company to help because of this project. If there wasn't this project, how did you plan to arrange for me?"

Yan Qinghe was stunned, not expecting Yan Zhuohua to ask such a question. But he quickly recovered and said with a smile, "I married you because I want to be with you for a lifetime. As for work and such, that's your freedom. I'll help you with whatever you want to do. It's only because this project is indeed important that I asked for your help. Once the project is over, I won't interfere with whatever else you want to do."

Yan Zhuohua was stunned by the words 'married you' and 'together for a lifetime,' and immediately, a warm current flowed from his heart. He was somewhat touched by the naked emotion in Yan Qinghe's words. Just as he didn't know what to say, Yan Qinghe spoke again, interrupting his mood.

"Otherwise, how did you think I would arrange for you?" Yan Qinghe had finished tidying the table and sat down beside Yan Zhuohua. He reached out to cup Yan Zhuohua's face and leaned in, their breaths instantly intertwining. "Was it to have you be my personal secretary, never leaving my side? Or like those little wives, taking care of my daily life day and night, washing my clothes and cooking for me, solving my various needs? Or perhaps a little lover kept by a benefactor, dressing up beautifully every day to please me while waiting for me to give you pocket money? Or maybe, being a canary locked at home, waiting for me every day..."

Yan Qinghe's words were cut off. Yan Zhuohua pushed him away with a flushed face, his breathing hurried and his eyes glistening with moisture. The corners of his eyes were slightly red, looking like he had been teased into a state of shame.

"You, what nonsense are you talking about? Can't you be serious!" Saying this, Yan Zhuohua moved himself further away. "Rogue!"

Yan Zhuohua was currently filled with shame and anger; that little bit of touch from before had long been submerged. He somewhat regretted why he asked such a question that sounded like it could have double meanings, giving this big rogue a chance to perform. This person used to have a cold and rational appearance; how had he become such a big rogue now? Could it be his true nature coming out?

Seeing that he had teased the person too much, Yan Qinghe smiled and leaned over to pull Yan Zhuohua into his arms. "Alright, don't be angry, don't be angry. I was wrong."

Yan Zhuohua's face was still red, and he was somewhat angry. He struggled twice but couldn't break free, so he had to let himself be held in Yan Qinghe's arms, complaining in a low voice, "All you know is how to tease me, and in the office too!"

Yan Qinghe freed a hand to gently press Yan Zhuohua's head against his chest, stroking it softly. "I know I was wrong. It won't happen next time, okay?"

Yan Zhuohua was like a cat being stroked the right way. He leaned in Yan Qinghe's arms, "I won't believe you!"

Though he spoke words of spite, his body softened, and his head unconsciously rubbed against Yan Qinghe's chest. It seemed he wasn't really angry anymore.

So easy to coax, a little kitten with a very good temper! It seems Yan Zhuoyan's suggestion was indeed good; he could try it more often in the future! Yan Qinghe's heart was full of love, thinking the person in his arms was truly adorable. He stopped stroking Yan Zhuohua's hair and helped him up. "There's still over forty minutes before work. Let's go to the lounge and sleep for a bit, shall we? Otherwise, you won't have any energy for the documents this afternoon."

Yan Zhuohua was indeed sleepy. He was led by Yan Qinghe toward the lounge inside without resistance, though his mouth kept muttering complaints: "How come only your CEO's office has a lounge and mine doesn't... Luckily I didn't agree to be your secretary..."

Yan Qinghe contentedly tucked his still-muttering wife into the bed in the lounge, holding him to coax him to sleep.

Having a wife come to accompany him for lunch and a nap on a workday—is this the joy of an office romance? Why didn't he convince Yan Zhuohua to be his secretary back then? What a pity! A pity!

Yan Qinghe also gradually fell asleep amidst his heart full of regret.