32: Bagua

Although the lunch break wasn't long, the nap left Yan Zhuohua feeling fully revitalized.

He struggled to free himself from Yan Qinghe's embrace and even had to give a so-called "afternoon kiss" before he was finally able to leave the CEO's office.

He knew the man wouldn't keep his word! Messing around in the office like that!

Just before work resumed, Yan Zhuohua finally returned to the Business Department on the second floor.

As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, the people bustling about the lobby instantly fell silent. Yan Zhuohua understood; it seemed everyone had a very productive lunch break.

He smiled and nodded to everyone in greeting, then headed straight back to his office.

The moment Yan Zhuohua's figure disappeared, the crowd behind him became lively again.

"Is he really the fake young master?"

"He was the heir raised for fifteen years; how does CEO Yan dare to let him come to the company? Isn't he afraid of a power struggle?"

"Coming to the company is nothing. They're married and share a bed; what's there that they can't share?"

"In that case, CEO Yan has some real moves. Turning a powerful competitor into his wife—isn't that having both the kingdom and the beauty!"

"This really is a unique take on the 'true and fake young masters' trope. Everyone's a winner."

"It's a pity they can't have children. Otherwise, with their genes, what a perfect 'Little CEO Yan' they would have!"

"Stop dreaming. I don't believe there isn't some inside story to their marriage. It's likely just a stalling tactic by CEO Yan. Sooner or later, he'll get rid of this fake young master who took over his rightful place. When that happens, Qin Shi and the others will probably be in trouble too!"

"You're right. In wealthy families, there are only interests—where would true feelings or beauty come from? Just wait and see!"

"Then shouldn't we pick a side in advance?"

"I'm on CEO Yan's side. After all, he's the biological true young master!"

...

Yan Zhuohua shut the noisy chatter outside his door. Gossiping was human nature, and since it didn't really affect him, there was no need to care. Once a new hot topic emerged in a while, this would all blow over.

Yan Zhuohua spent the rest of the afternoon in his office reviewing departmental materials. By the time he was ready to leave work, he had finally understood everything he needed to know.

Tomorrow, he would look into the smart home project, and by the day after, he could coordinate with the Zhao family.

Thinking about the schedule for the next two days, Yan Zhuohua called Qin Shi in and told him to notify the Zhao family to finalize a project manager by Wednesday. On Wednesday, he would head to the Zhao family to assess the situation and discuss progress.

As soon as Qin Shi left the Deputy Director's office, he was intercepted by a group of people.

"What's the situation?"

"All I can say is, he truly lives up to being the former heir and the current CEO's wife. This project with the Zhao family has been dragging on for so long, yet there's suddenly significant progress," Qin Shi said with a face full of admiration.

"What progress? Tell us the details."

"What details? This is our project; how could I tell you so clearly!" Qin Shi still maintained some level of confidentiality.

"Tell me, tell me. Is there anything I'm not allowed to hear?" Yan Muxuan's faint voice drifted over from the side. Only then did everyone realize they were gathered at the doors of the Director and Deputy Director to gossip.

Everyone quickly scattered and fled, leaving only Qin Shi shivering.

Yan Muxuan didn't make a fuss; he just patted Qin Shi on the shoulder.

"You few were specifically handpicked by me. Work hard under the Deputy Director, and your future will be bright."

Xingfeng Group believed in a no-overtime policy. Just after six, most people had already left. Yan Zhuohua packed his things, stretched his stiff body, and slowly walked toward the underground garage.

Yan Qinghe was sitting in the car waiting for him.

"Today is your first day of work. Do you want to go out for a meal to celebrate?"

"I'd rather not," Yan Zhuohua said, stretching his neck. "I'm tired. Let's just order takeout. There's a department dinner tomorrow night anyway, so I don't want to go out today."

"A dinner? Can spouses come?" Yan Qinghe quickly caught the key point.

"...If you go, I'm afraid the others won't be able to enjoy their meal," Yan Zhuohua said, trying to stop Yan Qinghe for the sake of his colleagues.

"I'm going as your family member, not as the CEO. What's there to be afraid of?" Yan Qinghe insisted.

Was there a difference? Yan Zhuohua was speechless. But looking at Yan Qinghe, he knew he couldn't stop him. He offered a silent prayer for his colleagues.

In the blink of an eye, it was Tuesday evening, time for the dinner.

Quite a few people came; everyone wanted to get a closer look at this Deputy Director Yan with his legendary life story, so they arrived at the restaurant early.

When Yan Zhuohua stepped into the dinner venue with Yan Qinghe, the room instantly fell silent.

After a long while, Yan Muxuan, returning from the restroom, finally broke the silence.

"CEO Yan? Are you worried about your wife, fearing he'll go out and indulge in a life of debauchery, so you came specifically to keep an eye on him?"

Yan Muxuan was talking nonsense as usual. Yan Qinghe seemed long accustomed to it, and he even started playing along with Yan Muxuan's babble.

"That's right. My wife is too beautiful, and I'm afraid someone will lure him away, so I have to stick close."

Yan Zhuohua kicked Yan Qinghe and glared at him. "Stop talking nonsense!"

After saying that, he pulled the man along to quickly take their seats.

Behind them, Yan Muxuan sighed, not expecting the cold and aloof CEO Yan to be so double-standard, acting like a henpecked husband.

After they sat down, Yan Qinghe busied himself pouring water and rinsing the cup for Yan Zhuohua. Yan Zhuohua couldn't stop him, so he could only smile and say to everyone, "Today Qinghe is here as my family member. Everyone, please ignore him and don't feel constrained. Where's the waiter? Everyone's here, let's serve the food!"

Was there a difference? Everyone was speechless.

Fortunately, Yan Qinghe indeed stayed quiet and minimized his presence, only focusing on picking up food for Yan Zhuohua. The atmosphere gradually became lively.

Qin Shi came over with the other four team members assigned to Yan Zhuohua, carrying drinks. It was very necessary to curry favor with their immediate superior, especially one who also held the identity of the Boss's spouse.

"Deputy Director Yan, we've come to offer you a toast. We wish you and CEO Yan a happy marriage and a long life together, and we also hope our future work goes smoothly!"

Yan Zhuohua graciously picked up his glass, but Yan Qinghe snatched it from his hand.

"Someone has to drive back later, so I'll drink," Yan Qinghe said, raising his glass in a gesture before draining it in one gulp. "Thank you for the well wishes. We will be happy for a lifetime."

Yan Zhuohua paused for a moment but didn't stop him.

The dinner ended quickly. Since everyone had to work tomorrow, they didn't even drink much.

Back in the car, Yan Zhuohua didn't rush to start the engine. He turned to look at Yan Qinghe, who was resting with his eyes closed in the passenger seat, and said, "You came today on purpose, just to let everyone see how we interact."

Yan Qinghe opened his eyes. "If your past isn't revealed, it's hard to win people over. But if it is, people will start making up conspiracy theories. It's better to let them see clearly that we won't be separated, so that certain troubles don't keep finding you."

Hearing this explanation, Yan Zhuohua fell silent. He had already guessed Yan Qinghe's intention when the man blocked the toast for him; now, he had simply confirmed it.