A Bowl of Wonton

 "All right, the meeting is over. You can go," Johnny said.

 The division heads started to leave the meeting room one by one.  When it was Zheng Liam and Xiao You Ren's turn to leave, Johnny stopped him, telling them to stay where they were.  Only Xiao You Ren, actually.  However, since Zheng Liam was already friends with the two people, he was able to stay there.

 "Look, You Ren."  Johnny raised his hands on the table and folded his fingers across his chest.  His body was sturdy and looked like he was about to talk about something very important.

 Xiao You Ren made him tense.  The man's face was pale and his eyes slightly droopy, hidden behind glasses.  He squeezed his hands over his thighs.

 Suddenly Johnny's laughter boomed throughout the room.  It made Xiao You Ren feel surprised and confused.  "Relax, You Ren. I was just teasing you a little," he said between laughs.  Zheng Liam and Wang Xian Wei had their faces flat, it was no secret that Johnny acted like that.

 "Stop teasing him, John. Just say it straight," Wang Xian Wei said in a calm and slightly friendly tone, though still with a cold face.

 Zheng Liam was getting annoyed that Johnny couldn't stop his laughter which made Xiao You Ren feel uncomfortable.  He moved quickly and lightly strangled the Thai man's neck from behind, surprising Johnny and gradually stopping his laughter.

 "Sorry, sorry. His face is so innocent and it looks funny."  Johnny struggled to escape Zheng Liam's giggling.  And when he managed to escape he said what his purpose was to have Xiao You Ren stay where he was.

 "You Ren, you will be the leader in making this plan."

 Xiao You Ren's big eyes widened even more, hearing that.  He shook his head and replied, "No, I-I can't."

 "I'm sure you can. I'm in charge."  Zheng Liam ruffled Xiao You Ren's hair and sat back down on the chair next to the man.

 "Yes, you can, You Ren. I kept a record of your work while working here and the results were satisfactory. Besides being fast it was also nice and tidy. The CEO himself decided that you were suitable to be the chairman for this project."

 "I trust you."  Unexpectedly, Wang Xian Wei also participated in convincing Xiao You Ren.  It was quite a shock for his two best friends.

 Xiao You Ren looked first at his division chief who nodded at him.  Then the young man nodded in agreement.

 "Remember, it's a week."  Johnny looks enthusiastic.

 After that was determined, Xiao You Ren was allowed to leave the meeting room first.  He walked away with relief.

 Inside the room, the three of them glanced at each other and smirked, mocking one of them.

 "Looks like someone has just hit puberty late."  The last two sentences were spoken with full emphasis.

…

 That morning, the sun really looks cheerful. The light straight through the gap of the tree's fingers.

 Xiao You Ren hastily carried his steps into the office building where he worked.  He looked at the queue of people in front of the employee elevator.  Xiao You Ren exhaled roughly seeing that, he would really be late.

 Just as he was about to walk towards the very back of the queue, someone called out, "You Ren, come over here!"

 Zheng Liam elegantly swung his arms overhead.  Telling Xiao You Ren to come closer to him.  The man obediently approached Zheng Liam, although he had some questions on his mind.

 "Queue with me."  Zheng Liam grabbed Xiao You Ren's hand, causing the boy to stand at the same level as him.

 "But, Ge …."  Xiao You Ren looked around.  There were several employees staring at him intently and it made him feel a little uncomfortable.

 "No problem, I have already prepared a queue for you."  The older man smiled wryly and winked at a woman standing behind Xiao You Ren with an annoyed look.

 They entered the elevator with several other employees.  Not too crowded like during recess.  While in the elevator everyone was busy with their own thoughts for a moment, because in the next second a sound was enough to disturb their hearing.  Xiao You Ren slightly lowered his head in shame, stroked his stomach and bit his lower lip.  Zheng Liam smiled amused at the man's behavior, while the other employees glanced at him.

 "You haven't had breakfast yet?"  Zheng Liam asked in a whisper.

 Xiao You Ren looked up and saw that his division chief was still smiling mockingly.

 The elevator opened and one by one people started to leave, entered the staff room and sat down at their desks.  Xiao You Ren did the same thing, only for the next week he and some of his colleagues worked in a special room.  Where they will focus on the design project, which was deleted yesterday.  He had already sat down in his chair and started to turn on his computer, sliding the mouse in his hand.  For a while they were focused on their respective work, until someone unwittingly entered their room.

 Zheng Liam took a step towards Xiao You Ren, then placed a packet of bread on the man's table.  Xiao You Ren was slightly startled by the sudden appearance of the buns on his table, lifted his head and exchanged glances with Zheng Liam who was smiling broadly.

 "You're hungry, right?  Eat the bread first."

 Xiao You Ren could only nod his head and said, "Thank you, Ge."  Then took the bread and unwrapped it before eating it voraciously.

 Meanwhile Zheng Liam chose to pull up an empty chair in the room, and sat down beside Xiao You Ren.  He paid close attention to the figure of a man eating bread while doing his work.  Sensing that someone was watching, Xiao You Ren glanced over and slightly raised his eyebrows.

 "Liam Ge, don't have any other work?"  he asked innocently.  Back rushed to pay attention to the blue screen in front of him.

 "Job number two, you number one."

 Xiao You Ren gaped and spontaneously looked at the boy with a mischievous face, gaping wide, "Huh."

 Seeing this, Zheng Liam's amused laughter was simply unbearable.  He laughed so hard that Xiao You Ren's face turned red with anger and embarrassment.  Zheng Liam would return his teasing words, if only the entrance of the room had not been violently opened.

 Johnny looked poking his body with several books in hand.  The first thing that flashed in his vision was the figure of Zheng Liam sitting leisurely on a chair watching the man beside him.  Johnny heavily sighed and walked over to close the distance between him and Zheng Liam.  His hand holding the book automatically lifted and tapped right on the Zheng Liam's head.

 "Has your boss changed now?"  Johnny laughed crookedly at Zheng Liam who rubbed his head.  "Stop playing around and get back to work!"

 A little unwilling to leave, but Zheng Liam still had to go for the sake of professionalism.  Instead of entering his room, Zheng Liam turned his body into the smoking area.  He took out a pack of cigarettes from the back pocket of his satin pants.  Casually opened the door.  What he found was quite surprising.  One like Wang Xian Wei stood leaning against the wall smoking his cigarette, one hand in his pocket.  Zheng Liam briefly raised an eyebrow before following Wang Xian Wei.  Leaning beside the man.  The CEO just stared at him blankly.

 They were silent for a long time.  Zheng Liam had even started smoking his cigarette.  They were used to silence, if Johnny wasn't there.  Since college, Johnny is the link between them.  Even the reason their friendship lasted for almost five years was Johnny and his caring attitude.  Man who are shorter than them are very good at protecting the people around them.  As for Zheng Liam and Wang Xian Wei himself, the two had completely opposite traits.

 Wang Xian Wei who is indifferent to his surroundings and rarely talks much except for important matters or only with those closest to him.  Someone who cares about self-esteem and position.  And foolishly loved someone for 7 years.  That was what Zheng Liam, the man who didn't believe in love thought.  Ignoring self-esteem and position that adds to the burden on his shoulders.  Nonetheless, among the three of them, he was someone who was warmer to his surroundings.

 "What is it about our CEO that he left his job just to waste time smoking alone, hmm?"  Zheng Liam glanced at Wang Xian Wei.  "Did the stock value drop?  The company will soon go bankrupt?  Or," he inhaled, then exhaled the smoke forward, "his love cheated on him?"

 "Nonsense."  Wang Xian Wei sounded annoyed, but still wouldn't look at Zheng Liam.

 They fell into silence again, until Wang Xian Wei's cigarette had run out and he threw it in the trash beside him.  He took a deep breath.  "By the way, you are quite aggressive too."  Finally Wang Xian Wei looked at the other man in the room.  "Yes, for a man who doesn't believe in love and has rejected a lot of popular girls." 

His signature slanted smile looked annoying in Zheng Liam's eyes.

 "You're mocking me?  After all, I only think of him like my little brother."

 "Ah, brother, right."

 Zheng Liam really wanted to tear his friend's crooked smile.  How Wang Xian Wei looked so disgusting with an expression like a psychopath while teasing him.  It really pissed him off, but it was well hidden by Zheng Liam.  Of course it wasn't easy for him to show his feelings, so Zheng Liam could only assure him that he thought of Xiao You Ren like his own little brother.

 After a bit of debate, Wang Xian Wei decided to go first.  He returned to his room to dwell on the various tasks that awaited him.

 In the room where Xiao You Ren and several other special employees were.  Xiao You Ren's focus was again shaken by the figure of the girl who leaned towards him, also the ergonomic chair that the girl was sitting on was moved closer to his chair.

 "Hey, You Ren!"  the wave-haired girl whispered.

 Xiao You Ren answered 'yes' as he adjusted his glasses.  He slightly probed the happy face of the girl named Zhao Yuzi.  For some reason the hairs on his neck began to stand up, seeing a wide smile etched on a beautiful face covered in nosy.

 "By the way, what is your relationship with Sir Liam?  You guys look good together."  Zhao Yuzi's eyes widened, a frightening look in Xiao You Ren's eyes.  If only this was a horror story, maybe her eyeballs would have rolled.

 "No, we're just superiors and subordinates.  Maybe like the brothers too, yes, something like that.  After all, it's impossible for men to have a romantic relationship, can they?"

 "Tsk, you are too innocent, You Ren.  Wait a moment!"  Zhao Yuzi pushed her chair towards her desk.  Then fiddled with the contents of the cabinets on the side of the table and drawers.  His eyes seemed to sparkle when he found a book and brought it before Xiao You Ren.  The girl's face really looks very enthusiastic, like a child.

 Xiao You Ren just stared confusedly at the girl of his age.  He couldn't lie by denying his curiosity.  Especially seeing that Zhao Yuzi was so enthusiastic about showing him the book.

 "Look!  This is a boys love manga.  Especially for you, I give you a loan.  Study well, okay.  And take very good care of it, I bought it direct from Japan."

 Zhao Yuzi thrust the book in her hand at Xiao You Ren.  But the man was still unmoved with a confused face trying to digest the girl's words.  Also wondering about 'boys love'.  Did he mean that Zhao Yuzi was one of the thousands of rotten girls a.k.a fujoshi?

 "Oh come on, You Ren.  You are the strongest bottom candidate for Sir Liam."  Zhao Yuzi forcefully put the book into Xiao You Ren's briefcase.  Meanwhile the man remained silent.  "I've worked here for over a year, but no one has been approached by Sir Liam other than you."

 No longer waiting for Xiao You Ren's reaction, the girl returned to her desk and rushed to do her work.  A happy face never leaves his expression.  In contrast to Xiao You Ren whose heart began to scream in resignation.

 Time passes quickly.  During the break, Xiao You Ren spent with his other colleagues, followed by Zheng Liam who claimed to be in charge of their project.  Regarding Zhao Yuzi, the relationship between them was getting closer.  The girl really likes to tease him secretly.  Fortunately, their work takes a lot of time, so it distracts the other colleagues a bit.  At 7 pm, they rushed to finish their work and returned to their respective homes to unwind.

 As usual, Xiao You Ren would go home using public transportation or order online taxi.  However, tonight will be different.  Zhao Yuzi said she would go home with him by bus, because they lived in the same direction.  Of course Xiao You Ren was happy.  However, his fun only lasted until he got out of the building.  In front of the exit, Zheng Liam was already waiting, leaning against the wall with a cigarette tucked between his lips.  One of his hands was hidden under his satin pants.

 When Zheng Liam's gaze found Xiao You Ren's silhouette.  The cigarette had already been moved into the trash, followed by the movement of the man walking towards him with Zhao Yuzi.

 "You Ren!"  he exclaimed.

 Those who were called by name immediately turned to the source of the voice, as did Zhao Yuzi.  They saw a tall figure walking towards them.

 "Come on, go home together!"  ask Zheng Liam.  Standing in front of Xiao You Ren who looks tilted his head.  In contrast to Zhao Yuzi who started to put on a 'lack of intake' look.  He smiled very sweetly.

 "Sorry, Ge.  I-" Xiao You Ren's words were interrupted quickly by the rotten girl next to him.

 "It's okay, You Ren.  I can go home with other friends.  You are with Sir Liam alone, using a private car is much faster, after all you said you were very hungry, right?"  Zhao Yuzi blinked one eye secretly, so only Xiao You Ren saw it.  Not waiting for the boy to wake up from his string of words, Zhao Yuzi immediately took her steps away from the two men.  Of course after saying goodbye.

 "I just remembered that the dumpling shop at the fork in the Shopping District tastes really good.  Give it a try, who knows you'll like it."  Even when Zhao Yuzi had stepped in, she still had time to give them food recommendations.  This made Zheng Liam frown.  It seemed the girl really wanted it if they went on a date.

 Again, Xiao You Ren had to curse his new friend's behavior.  He couldn't even remember when he told the girl he was really hungry.

 Zheng Liam's black car drove at a moderate speed.  Xiao You Ren just swept the scenery outside the window with a flat gaze, occasionally going to be fascinated by some simple things, such as a unique café.  He felt a little embarrassed after reading part of the comic that Zhao Yuzi lent him.  After all, Xiao You Ren started to think about the possibility of a romantic relationship between men.  Even his brain had already confirmed that, he was the underdog.  Ah, it feels better if Xiao You Ren is with a girl.

 "You Ren, want to try Yuzi's recommendation earlier?  You're hungry, right?"

 Xiao You Ren snapped out of his strange thoughts.  Looked at the man who also saw him.  Then nodded, "Yes, if Liam Ge doesn't mind."

 It would be a lie if he said no, because even though he didn't tell Zhao Yuzi about his hunger, his stomach was still empty.

 Zheng Liam smiled faintly.  "If it's burdensome, I won't take you, You Ren."

 After the car was parked.  The two people inside rushed into the dumpling shop.  From the number of vehicles in the parking lot, it can be seen that the shop is not empty.  The tables were packed with customers, making it difficult for them to find a place.  But the lovers seemed to have finished their dumpling-eating ritual, then left.  A waiter cleared the table first before Xiao You Ren and Zheng Liam landed their bottoms on the chairs.  They sat opposite.

 While Zheng Liam was ordering, Xiao You Ren looked around.  A strange feeling flashed through his mind, but was not questioned when the maid was still standing beside them.

 "You Ren, what dumplings do you want?"  Zheng Liam asked.

 Xiao You Ren's attention was diverted, then the man reached for the menu book.  "Just chicken dumplings." 

Even though he had only seen on the first sheet, and even then the menu was the first thing his eyes found and his lips immediately spoke.

 Zheng Liam just shrugged nonchalantly. "One serving of chicken dumplings and shrimp dumplings too, drink it?"

 He looked at Xiao You Ren, who understood his question.

 "Mineral water only," replied the younger man.

 Zheng Liam looked fixedly at Xiao You Ren for a few seconds, then looked back at the maid.  "Lemon tea two, that's all." 

 The waiter nodded and hurried away from their table.

 "Ge, something seems to be wrong," said Xiao You Ren.  His eyes swept across the shop again.  Several times even caught red-handed watching other customers.  He frowned and leaned forward, closer to Zheng Liam.  Then her thin lips twitched muttering, "Ge, this is weird.  They're all in pairs, I mean they're all with their girlfriends.  Are we in the wrong place?"  Xiao You Ren really kept the volume of his voice.

 Zheng Liam couldn't help but laugh at the behavior of the younger boy.  He thought, what's wrong if all the customers come with their respective partners?  Isn't that normal for people in their 20s and over?

 Several customers looked at Zheng Liam who was laughing, while the person in front of him looked annoyed that his cheeks were a little red.  Of course, it could not be ignored the strange comments in the minds of those who saw them.

 "So why, You Ren?  We're a couple too, right?"

 That sentence made Xiao You Ren's cheeks even redder.  His face looked shocked and ridiculous at the same time.  Zheng Liam thought it was good, seeing the man in front of him blush or get angry.  What is clear is that the red gradient on her cheeks fits perfectly on that clean little face.  Making Zheng Liam unable to escape the sight.

 "Ge, no kidding!"  Behind the round glasses that hid his blindness, Xiao You Ren was glaring, like he was threatening.  However, Zheng Liam didn't want to care, Xiao You Ren's bluff looked like a spoiled cat to him.

 Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a bowl of dumplings.  Served neatly on their table with two pairs of chopsticks and two glasses of cold lemon tea.  Xiao You Ren stared fixedly at the dish and subconsciously swallowed a rough spit.  This did not go unnoticed by Zheng Liam.

 "Uh, wait!"  Xiao You Ren stopped the waiter who was about to return from their table.  It was not only the maid who was staring at Xiao You Ren, but Zheng Liam as well.

 "What's wrong, You Ren?"  Zheng Liam watched the boy closely.

 "Didn't we order two servings, Ge?  Why did only one come?"  Xiao You Ren's gaze was divided between Zheng Liam and the maid standing at their side of the table.  He asked for an explanation.

 After thinking for a while, the maid finally answered, "Sorry, sir.  This is according to your order, chicken dumplings and shrimp dumplings, it's just that the presentation is like this.  Because in accordance with the concept of the cate, namely, in pairs.  So everyone who eats here must be with their partner and eat the food in one bowl, the aim is to bring the couple closer."

 If only there was a hinge in Xiao You Ren's mouth, it was certain that the bottom and top of his lips would part from shock.  He gave the maid a confused look, then turned to Zheng Liam who was no less surprised. Even though the man knew quite a bit about the dumpling café, he didn't expect that only couples would be able to enter.

 Having finished being surprised, Xiao You Ren giggled in amusement.  His eyes even narrowed with a slightly lowered face.  "Geez. No wonder from earlier that it looks just a couple.  Ge, we really had the wrong place."

 Zheng Liam felt strange about Xiao You Ren's attitude, but he couldn't deny how charming the laughing man was.  The waiter even joined in with a faint smile before leaving. Zheng Liam, don't ask anymore.  He was already smiling so wide he could tear his lips apart.

 "Okay, come on, eat!"  Zheng Liam grabbed his chopsticks and slightly shifted the bowl filled with dumplings towards Xiao You Ren.