“Can you explain the significance of collecting this data?” Han Yi took a deep breath, suppressing the peculiar emotions stirring within him as he asked.
He was struggling to reconcile the innocent image of this “little white rabbit” with the experienced veteran now evident, who seemed to enjoy such playful antics.
“Um, about that…” Xia Yang fiddled with the soft tape measure, lightly biting his lip. With the situation as it was, there was no point in hiding it anymore. After a brief pause, he confessed, “I wanted to give you a surprise, and I need accurate data for that.”
Han Yi: “…”
Surprise?
Hearing that word, the complexity in his eyes deepened. He dreaded thinking about what kind of surprise such private data might lead to.
He feared it might be more of a shock than a surprise.
“I think maybe we should—”
“Hey, don’t tell me to forget about it,” Xia Yang interrupted, grabbing Han Yi’s hand and quickly wrapping the tape measure around his ring finger. He then bent down to carefully read the measurement on the tape.
“59 to 60 millimeters.”
Han Yi: “?”
Han Yi: “…”
Watching Xia Yang type the measurement into his notes, Han Yi closed his eyes briefly, then asked in a soft voice, “This is the size you were measuring?”
“Yes, of course. What else?” Xia Yang blinked his long lashes, a bright smile lighting up his eyes. “Since we’ve committed to each other for life, I want to give you a ring~”
Han Yi swallowed hard, momentarily speechless.
At this moment, his emotions were a mix of joy, pleasure, and other indescribable feelings.
The “little white rabbit” was still just that, but perhaps the “experienced veteran” was someone else entirely.
He needed to reflect on this.
Xia Yang had no idea what kind of mental journey Han Yi was going through.
Now that the surprise had been partially revealed, he decided to clear everything up.
“What kind of ring style do you like? Gold, platinum, or diamond?”
Han Yi gazed deeply into his eyes and said, “I like anything, because it’s from you.”
Their eyes locked, the atmosphere in the room growing more intimate. The soft orange light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow, enveloping the room in a layer of romantic tension.
Han Yi cupped Xia Yang’s face and placed a gentle kiss on his soft pink lips.
“It’s late. Let’s go to sleep.”
“Goodnight, bye-bye. I’m going back now.” Xia Yang grinned, swiftly got up, and, sticking to his principles, ran back to his own room to sleep.
* * *
The next day, he woke up late, arriving at the office just before noon. The production team was already waiting, and the filming resumed.
The director mentioned they would film a ten-minute individual interview with both the assistant and the boss separately.
“The questions won’t be too difficult; don’t worry,” the director assured, waving the list of questions.
“Alright, I’ll start then,” Xia Yang nodded, adding, “Han Yi has a meeting at 2:30.”
The individual interview took place in the adjacent multimedia room. Once everything was set up, the director asked the first question.
“Today is the fifth day of filming, nearing the end. Will you miss being here, miss your boss Han Yi?”
“Hmm, yes,” Xia Yang answered earnestly, “He’s taught me a lot, and we often discuss various topics.” Inner thought: Like kissing. Last night we even discussed the nuances of a French kiss.
Director: “Describe your boss Han Yi in one word.”
Xia Yang: “Strong.”
Inner thought: Especially in lung capacity, being able to kiss for twenty minutes without taking a breath!
Director: “After the show, would you invite Mr. Han over to your place?”
Xia Yang: “Yes.”
Inner thought: Invite? We go home together as a couple every day~
Director: “Suppose one day you realize you’re attracted to each other, that you have feelings for each other. Would you consider pursuing a relationship with him?”
Xia Yang was taken aback, wondering why the director was suddenly asking this kind of question.
Isn’t this show about the workplace? Why does it feel like they’re trying to set up a romance plot?
After a brief silence—
“Um, well… I can only say that a man as excellent and handsome as Han Yi would be hard for anyone not to fall for. I probably would.”
“Great, we’ve captured your honest thoughts,” the director smiled at him. “Thank you for your cooperation and honesty.”
Xia Yang: “…”
The director then asked a few more typical reality show questions and about his first impressions of the workplace, wrapping up Xia Yang’s interview.
Half an hour later, Han Yi finished his meeting and returned to the office. The director, smiling, approached him. “Mr. Han, you’re back. We’ve finished Xia Yang’s interview. When can we start yours?”
Han Yi glanced at his watch and set down his tablet. “We can start now, but keep it to ten minutes. I have another business meeting afterward.”
“No problem, we won’t take too much of your time,” the director promised.
Han Yi’s questions were much more formal compared to Xia Yang’s.
Director: “How would you evaluate Xia Yang? After five days, do you think he’s a qualified assistant?”
Han Yi: “Of course. He’s intelligent, motivated, and hardworking. He’s adaptable and has great potential, making him a rare talent.”
Inner thought: How dare you use the word “qualified” to describe my partner? Your bonus this month is gone.
Director: “If one day Xia Yang said he wanted to become a full-time employee at your company, would you hire him?”
Han Yi: “Absolutely. I would offer him a high salary and the best position.”
Inner thought: A position as the boss’s spouse.
Director: “What qualities does Xia Yang have that you admire, or that you think are unique?”
Han Yi: “Sincerity, optimism, kindness, and the courage to face challenges head-on.”
Inner thought: And his lips are very soft.
Director: “Mr. Han, may I ask a personal question?”
Han Yi: “Go ahead.”
“Well, actually, this is on behalf of a friend. She’s the daughter of a company president, 28 years old, very beautiful, and quite shy. So she’s been…”
“Just ask the question,” Han Yi cut him off.
“Oh, right, right,” the director nodded hastily, speaking quickly. “My friend has always admired you and asked me to find out—are you married?”
“Yes, I’m married,” Han Yi said without hesitation. “My partner is the best in the world.”
He said this with firm conviction, and it was at that moment Xia Yang, passing by the corridor, overheard. He paused, turned to look into the room, and met Han Yi’s rare gentle gaze, a bright smile spreading across his face.
“The best partner in the world”—perhaps the most touching words of love.
* * *
After the interviews, the business meeting was scheduled for 3:40 PM.
It was said to be with a large domestic cultural tourism company, discussing potential project cooperation.
The production team and camera crew wrapped up filming early. Xia Yang volunteered to stay behind.
He wanted to see his man dominate at the negotiation table.
The cultural tourism company team consisted of three people: two middle-aged men in their forties and a young man around Xia Yang’s age. They looked like a father-son duo.
“Hello, Mr. Han. A pleasure to meet you,” one of the middle-aged men introduced. “This is our company president, Mr. Liao, and his son, Young Mr. Liao. They’re father and son. I’m the project director, just call me Director Zhang.”
Han Yi nodded, briefly shaking hands with them.
“Mr. Han, at such a young age, you’re already leading a group company. Remarkable, remarkable!” Mr. Liao praised, his face full of smiles. “Even your assistant is so outstanding, looks like a celebrity.”
“Yes, he is a celebrity,” Han Yi replied.
The three from the other company: “??”
Han Yi didn’t continue the topic and immediately got down to business.
“I’ll be straightforward; your profit margin doesn’t meet my expectations.”
Mr. Liao quickly adjusted his chair, sitting up straighter. “Mr. Han, let me explain. Our company’s profit margins have been thin, especially with the recent economic downturn…”
“There are two options,” Han Yi interrupted, “First, we forgo the cooperation. Second, you increase the profit margin, or show me something more valuable than your current proposal…”
“This, this doesn’t make sense, Mr. Han!”
“Then let me tell you what makes sense.”
As Han Yi explained, Xia Yang listened intently, reaching for his notebook to jot down key phrases. However, he caught sight of Young Mr. Liao staring at him.
Their eyes met for a brief moment before Young Mr. Liao smirked and raised an eyebrow, sending him a greasy, suggestive look.
Xia Yang: “…”
The negotiation ended quickly, with the cultural tourism company team saying they would reconsider and hoped Mr. Han might reconsider and show some flexibility.
Han Yi stood up, expressionless as he closed his notebook. “No flexibility. I hope you understood what I said.”
A clear rejection.
Cultural tourism company team: “…”
Watching them disappear down the hallway, Xia Yang returned to the office, looking at his man with admiration. “Boss, I now understand how empires are built. It’s all about being tough.”
Han Yi: “?”
“All about being firm,” Xia Yang corrected himself with a grin.
“It’s not toughness; it’s protecting interests,” Han Yi explained patiently. “I have to ensure the livelihoods of ten thousand employees, ensuring they don’t lose their jobs and can get bonuses. That’s why I stick to my principles in business.”
“I get it. This is how bosses are made,” Xia Yang made a gesture of respect. “I’m in awe, in awe!”
* * *
At five o’clock, the official Weibo account for *Rookie Idols in the Workplace* released a nine-square promotional photo set.
The first five were pair photos of the five guests and their bosses, followed by group and individual photos.
Following the show’s request, Xia Yang also retweeted the Weibo post. Within moments, the comment section erupted.
@BigFootMonster: Wow, Xia Bao’s first variety show appearance, looking forward to it!
@IDon’tWantToWork: Xia Yang is so beautiful, an angel descended, a walking David statue. I could admire this face for a lifetime [drooling emoji] [drooling emoji]
@MoonBay: Ahhhh, Xia Bao’s workplace CP is Han Yi! The show really pulled off something amazing by getting this male god [thumbs up emoji] I love both so much, can’t wait for it to air!
@Pillar’sMom: Am I the only one who thinks Xia Yang and Han Yi’s promotional photos look like wedding photos?
@DogHead: You’re not alone.
@MonkeyDoesn’tEatBananas: Male god boss x beautiful assistant, can we ship this?
Xia Yang scrolled through the comments, feeling great, refreshed, and had to restrain himself from liking every comment about them being “shippable.”
Just as he was about to show Han Yi their “wedding photo” masterpiece, he noticed something floating outside the window, accompanied by a buzzing engine noise.
Looking closely, he saw two drones carrying a long banner.
The drones bobbed up and down, making the banner flutter. It was hard to read the words.
Huh? Could it be a cheesy love confession?
The bright red banner flew directly to the 37th floor, the CEO’s office. Could it be a declaration for Han Yi?
Who dared?
With that thought, Xia Yang frowned, clenched his fists, and ran to the window, straining to read the words on the banner.
Mumbling, he read out the crookedly written words—
“Today, I fell in love at first sight with you. I’ve fallen into a river of love. My name is Liao Xiaomiao. Please give me a chance. Let’s date, Xia Yang???!!!”
What—the—heck!!!
Xia Yang was stunned, feeling like nine thunderbolts had struck him at once.
He thought he was watching Han Yi’s drama, but it turned out to be his own!
Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!
As he was struck by lightning, a loudspeaker blared from below, with someone shouting up at the building.
“My name is Liao Xiaomiao. I’m in love. Please give me a chance, Xia Yang! Let’s date, Xia Yang!”
Xia Yang: “…”
He felt utterly embarrassed, wishing he could unsee the banner and unhear the loudspeaker.
To make matters worse, it was office hours, and Han Yi was just next door. Whatever the loudspeaker said, whatever the banner displayed, if he could see and hear it, so could Han Yi.
No, he had to stop this cheesy love scene immediately!
Thinking this, he grabbed the phone to call the front desk.
But just then, Han Yi walked into the room.
Xia Yang froze, putting down the phone. “Why are you here? Finished your work?”
“No, I’m here to deal with your situation first,” Han Yi said, his voice measured.
Clearly, he was already aware of the situation.
Xia Yang pointed at the phone, quickly explaining, “I was just about to call the front desk to relay a message to Mr. Liao, saying I already have someone I love. There’s no need for this futile gesture.”
“No need,” Han Yi replied. “I’ve already asked security to deliver that message.”
Xia Yang: “…”
Of course, the boss would handle things efficiently!
No wonder the loudspeaker stopped, the drones were gone, and the red banner had disappeared in just a short time.
Finally, he could relax his awkwardly clenched toes.
Looking at Han Yi’s slightly darkened expression, Xia Yang grinned and sidled up to him, playfully nudging his arm. “It’s all sorted out. Still upset? You know they say getting angry often leads to breast cancer.”
Han Yi: “…”
“I’m not angry. I’m just considering something.”
“Hmm? What?”
Han Yi looked at Xia Yang’s face, his black eyes flashing with a mix of heat and cold. “Perhaps we should consider going public with our relationship.”
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