Jiang Chen spent the night at the hospital, not going home, resting on the companion bed when tired.

When he woke, he looked up to see Lu Chiyuan, freshly showered and dressed in a new suit, hair impeccably styled, standing tall before him. He was putting on his watch, morning light casting a soft glow around him.

Seeing Jiang Chen awake, Lu Chiyuan glanced at the time. “You’ve got fifteen minutes to wash up. Hurry and get ready—we’re heading to the company.”

Still groggy, Jiang Chen’s soft hair stuck up in places from sleep. He mumbled a response, sitting on the bed in a daze.

Lu Chiyuan fastened his watch, rolled down his sleeve, and picked up a paper bag from a chair, handing it to Jiang Chen. “New clothes. Change into them.”

Jiang Chen peeked inside—a pricey suit, complete with a shirt, tie, and watch.

Now fully awake, he recalled Lu Chiyuan mentioning they’d sign a contract at the company today. He hadn’t taken it seriously, assuming it could be done anytime, but it was regular work hours?

Lu Chiyuan was ready and had even brought him clothes, while Jiang Chen was just getting up. He didn’t dare imagine what Lu Chiyuan was thinking during his morning routine.

For someone so time-conscious, Lu Chiyuan hadn’t even woken him.

Not daring to ask questions, Jiang Chen grabbed the clothes and rushed to the bathroom. The door shut, and all that could be heard was the sound of running water. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, showered, and shampooed at lightning speed.

Emerging from the bathroom, he’d used only half the allotted time.

Lu Chiyuan, waiting in a chair, looked up, his eyes lighting up.

The tailored suit hugged Jiang Chen’s frame, accentuating a perfect inverted triangle from shoulders to waist. The original body’s low body fat and toned muscles gave him a slim, clothed look with substance underneath.

Jiang Chen carried a calm confidence the original lacked. Stepping out of the bathroom, he moved with a lazy, carefree air, like an innocent young master with a touch of nonchalance.

“Brother Lu, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Lu Chiyuan’s gaze swept over the tie and watch—handled well, appropriately styled, sparing him the need to coach.

He glanced at Jiang Chen’s hair, soft strands half-dry from the shower, lacking their usual slight curl due to the moisture.

It was clear Jiang Chen didn’t fuss over his hair, letting it grow naturally.

Fine, it looked decent enough.

Satisfied, Lu Chiyuan stood. “Let’s go. Leave non-essentials here—someone will clean up.”

Jiang Chen nodded, following him out.

If he’d wondered what “someone will clean up” meant, the moment the door opened, he understood.

The previously empty corridor was now lined with bodyguards, and in front of them, service staff in uniforms. Leading them was an older man, about fifty, dressed in a Chinese tunic suit, hair slicked back with a few silver strands at his temples.

His expression was kind, a gentle smile on his face.

Lu Chiyuan nodded to him. “Uncle Lin, it’s all yours.”

Lin He replied, “Don’t worry, Young Master. It’s a small matter.”

Lin He, the butler of the Lu family’s old residence, managed everything when Lu Chiyuan’s parents were away.

They’d contacted Lin He after learning of Lu Chiyuan’s accident, and Lu Chiyuan had asked them to come today.

Jiang Chen was stunned. Following Lu Chiyuan, flanked by three bodyguards in front and three behind, he felt like he was on a movie set.

Wait, yesterday it was just the two of them—where did these people come from?

[Was I sleeping that soundly? Did I miss a plot point?] Jiang Chen was baffled.

Snowball replied, [I don’t get it either, Host. You might need a gentle wake-up service—your little kitty can provide it for free!]

Jiang Chen stayed silent, and Snowball, feeling rebuffed, sighed. [Fine. Actually, your boy told them to keep quiet so they wouldn’t disturb you.]

The Lu family’s wealth meant having a butler, staff, and bodyguards was normal.

What was odd was Lu Chiyuan not calling them yesterday, instead staying with Jiang Chen and eating takeout he ordered.

Jiang Chen’s feelings were mixed.

In the novel, wealth was just numbers. Now, he felt its tangible reality.

Lu Chiyuan’s driver had the car ready downstairs. Seeing Lu Chiyuan approach, he quickly opened the door.

Lu Chiyuan got in, and as Jiang Chen hesitated between the front or back seat, Lu Chiyuan called him to join him.

The driver, unfazed, stepped back to let Jiang Chen in. One bodyguard joined them, the rest taking another car.

As the car drove off, Jiang Chen felt a bit floaty, gazing at the bright sunlight outside.

Huanyu Group’s work hours started at nine. Jiang Chen and Lu Chiyuan arrived at eight-thirty, with many employees already there.

The workplace vibe was relaxed, people chatting and laughing downstairs, holding coffee and breakfast, gossiping, and catching up.

When Jiang Chen appeared with Lu Chiyuan, he instantly became the center of attention.

Everyone glanced over, greeting them while curiously sizing up Jiang Chen.

After all, in their memory, only two familiar faces stayed close to Lu Chiyuan, and it was rare for a stranger to be so near.

Jiang Chen, uneasy under their stares, recalled from the original’s memories that he’d visited the company a few times but only to the lounge area, never the upper office floors.

This was his first real appearance at the company.

As the elevator doors opened, everyone stepped aside for Lu Chiyuan. After he and Jiang Chen entered, others filed in orderly.

Perhaps due to the CEO’s commanding presence, the elevator was quiet, earlier chatter forgotten as people dispersed to their posts with each stop.

Finally, only Lu Chiyuan and Jiang Chen remained, heading to the top floor.

This was Lu Chiyuan’s office and lounge area, typically only visited by two assistants for work reports.

From the office, Jiang Chen looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city’s central skyline unfolding before him, skyscrapers rising like spring bamboo.

Lu Chiyuan sat at his desk, opened his computer, and made a brief internal call.

Soon, the elevator chimed, and a young man in a sharp gray suit entered, holding a document. His short, silver-dyed hair and gold earring gave him a bold, vibrant look.

He handed the file to Lu Chiyuan, leaning slightly on the desk. “President Lu, you know it’s not work hours yet. Calling the internal line—aren’t you afraid no one would answer?”

“Lu Mingxuan said you stayed late last night. I figured you’d be here,” Lu Chiyuan said, reviewing the file.

The young man flicked his hair. “With both of you gone, someone had to hold down the fort.”

“Hard work,” Lu Chiyuan said.

Then, turning to Jiang Chen, he added, “Come take a look. If it’s fine, sign it.”

Lu Chiyuan’s office was open and unobstructed. The young man had noticed Jiang Chen but hadn’t paid much attention.

Now, realizing the contract was for Jiang Chen, he turned to study him, surprise flickering in his eyes, a sly smile forming as he looked back at Lu Chiyuan. “So this is Jiang Chen… your taste, huh?”

Jiang Chen’s suit, watch, and tie matched Lu Chiyuan’s, from the same niche brand. Most wouldn’t bother splurging on such a set, and some couldn’t even if they wanted to.

Lu Chiyuan explained, “He stayed with me at the hospital last night and didn’t go home, so I had Uncle Lin prepare him some clothes.”

“Oh~” The young man dragged out the word, sounding less than serious. “He stayed with you all night?”

Lu Chiyuan raised an eyebrow, finding the comment odd.

Before he could dwell on it, Jiang Chen approached.

Lu Chiyuan handed him the file and pen, introducing, “This is Assistant Xu, Xu Chen. After you sign, he’ll show you around the company and go over your work processes. With Lu Mingxuan absent, ask him if you’re unsure about anything.”

Jiang Chen froze, looking up at Xu Chen.

[Xu Chen? The male lead’s half-brother, working at my boy’s company before being reclaimed by the Gu family? Snowball, is this world just milking my boy dry?]

The novel focused on the main couple’s meeting, with later characters not appearing early.

Since entering this world, Jiang Chen had been by Lu Chiyuan’s side, constantly encountering these characters.

It felt strange.

Lu Chiyuan, reviewing files on his computer, looked up in surprise at the thought.

Xu Chen, Gu Tingsen’s brother? Impossible.

His mother and Xu Chen’s mother were best friends, so he’d known Xu Chen since childhood and knew his family situation. Xu Chen’s parents were happily married, with only one child—Xu Chen. There’d never been any hint of marital discord.

Xu Chen, puzzled by Lu Chiyuan’s stare, touched his face and pulled out a pocket mirror. No blemishes or wrinkles from staying up—he was still dashing.

Jiang Chen pretended to read the contract, listening as Snowball explained.

[As the second male lead, Lu Chiyuan has plenty of allies, so the author naturally milked him to prop up the male lead. Xu Chen knows about his connection to the Gu family but has no interest in returning. His homecoming arc happens after Lu Mingxuan’s death.]

Jiang Chen signed his name on the contract and handed it to Lu Chiyuan.

[What’s that got to do with Lu Mingxuan?]

[He likes Lu Mingxuan! He joined Lu Chiyuan’s company to get closer to him, hoping to win him over, but Lu Mingxuan’s straight.]

Jiang Chen’s hand shook, nearly dropping the pen from the folder.

A gay guy crushing on a straight man—doomed to unrequited love!

Lu Chiyuan was also shocked. No wonder Xu Chen had refused to help his mother’s company, insisting on joining his instead, even saying he’d work for free to “experience the vibe.”

It wasn’t about the work vibe—he was into someone.

Xu Chen, satisfied with his reflection, pocketed the mirror and said to Lu Chiyuan, “You had an excuse for not coming in after the accident, but where’s Lu Mingxuan?”

Lu Chiyuan paused.

Normally, he’d answer without hesitation, but knowing Xu Chen’s feelings, he hesitated. “He got dumped.”

Xu Chen raised an eyebrow, showing sympathy before failing to hide a grin. “Serves him right. That guy’s all work, no romance. Who’d like him?”

Jiang Chen muttered inwardly, [You do!]

Snowball added, [Men and their stubborn mouths.]

Lu Chiyuan stayed silent.

Done teasing, Xu Chen tapped the desk, eyes gleaming with a new idea. “President Lu, with both of you out yesterday, I held down the fort diligently. How about a day off?”

“What for?” Lu Chiyuan eyed him warily, his fox-like grin spelling trouble.

Xu Chen yawned, covering his mouth. “To catch up on sleep.”

Jiang Chen saw through him, muttering, [Not sleep—more like chasing Lu Mingxuan.]

[Chasing Lu Mingxuan or catching Z’s—it’s all “sleep.” Same thing,] Snowball said. [What’s this called? Seizing the moment.]

Jiang Chen and Snowball gleefully gossiped, riffing off each other.

Lu Chiyuan’s head ached. He didn’t approve. “Sleep in the office. No one will bother you. When you’re up, show Jiang Chen his work duties.”

Jiang Chen: “…”

[I’m just enjoying some gossip—don’t make me the bad guy!]