The watch on his left wrist was constantly being glanced at. The whole morning, Xiao You Ren was so excited to get back to work. It had been a few days since he and several other employees had finished their project. Now each of them was back to work in his room, as usual.
For the umpteenth time, Xiao You Ren glanced at his watch and immediately stopped working, typing the hour hand at one in the afternoon. Which means break time has arrived. He cheerfully brought himself to the front of Zheng Liam's room. Wait for the boy to come out and they will have lunch together. I don't know since when Xiao You Ren started to feel comfortable with their company. He even blatantly scraped the distance. Normally, Zheng Liam would approach him first and invite him to lunch or go home together. Now Xiao You Ren did it more often, although it was not uncommon for Zheng Liam to approach him first.
Time flies, their relationship is getting closer. The people around could even feel it.
"Liam Ge, come on, rest together!" Xiao You Ren smiled brightly as soon as the door opened wide. Zheng Liam poked his body out from behind the door and smiled, before accepting his junior's invitation.
They ate in the cafeteria in the company building. Xiao You Ren brought his tray which was already filled with several kinds of food. Placed it on the table and was about to sit across from Zheng Liam. A familiar voice squeaked at the side of his ear.
A girl jogged towards him and without permission hugged him from behind saying, "Ren Ren, I miss you."
Xiao You Ren just let it go. Not because it felt comfortable, but Zhao Yuzi was often like that since they no longer worked at the same place. After enough drama, Zhao Yuzi dragged the chair next to Xiao You Ren and sat down. Completely ignoring the existence of Zheng Liam who started to put on a cold face.
From time to time Zhao Yuzi's small hand also grabbed Xiao You Ren's plate of French fries, because the girl hadn't had time to order anything. They talk about things both ways. Sometimes Zhao Yuzi and Xiao You Ren, or Xiao You Ren and Zheng Liam. The man who was older than them really looked annoyed with Zhao Yuzi, so he decided to ignore the poor girl.
"Oh yes. I heard that our work was a great success and it said there would be a celebration for it," Zhao Yuzi said with a gleam of happiness on her face.
"I wish there really was." She put his palms together, right in front of her chest.
"Sure, we'll have dinner together on Saturday." Johnny joined them and sat down next to Zheng Liam. They stared at him in surprise. The reason is that Johnny is rarely able to eat together with other people, especially in the employee cafeteria. Usually the man would have lunch in his room, alone, or go out with CEO Wang.
Realizing the three people's gazes were only on him and with a question hanging in the corner of the eye. Johnny immediately said, "What are you guys looking at? The CEO went home to his lover who was sick, so I stopped by here."
The three of them immediately nodded in understanding.
"Phi John, about that dinner. Will everyone come along?" Xiao You Ren asked with a doubtful face. After all, Xiao You Ren never attended events that were crowded with people. Not that he's an agoraphobe. It's just that since his mother's departure, he never got close to anyone else. Always dependent on Han Yu, assuming that his older brother is the only one he has and one in billions of humans to trust. Xiao You Ren never attended campus events with his friends, if not really required so he was forced to attend. For him one or two people are enough to be friends who will one day be forgotten.
Johnny finished his chewing first before replying, "No. Only those involved in the impromptu project. Since you are the leader, it is absolutely obligatory to follow him."
His hand then reached for a tissue to wipe the corners of his lips, while glancing at Xiao You Ren. Doubt could be clearly imprinted on the younger man's face.
"Don't even think about running away. Make sure you come along."
Johnny's words invited Zheng Liam and Zhao Yuzi to look at Xiao You Ren as well. The man lowered his head slightly with his hands playing on the half-empty plate.
"Don't worry, I will take Xiao You Ren." Zheng Liam said very lightly. Causing Xiao You Ren to quickly turn his attention to her.
A wide and sincere smile was clearly visible on Zheng Liam's face. It managed to make Xiao You Ren's heart race a little faster than before. A feeling of calmness began to spread to the core of his heart. Xiao You Ren was fixated on that smile, as well as the eyes that looked at him gently. To the extent that in his heart he wondered about what feelings alighted in his heart.
Zheng Liam finished his meal, followed by Xiao You Ren and Johnny. As for Zhao Yuzi, she only ate half of it, because she was the last one to order food. Johnny took Zheng Liam off first to help him out a bit. So they left Xiao You Ren and Zhao Yuzi behind.
Xiao You Ren glanced at the girl beside him. There was a clear doubt on his face, whether he wanted to question something or not. He continued like that for a long time, until Zhao Yuzi himself noticed the strangeness in Xiao You Ren when he saw that face.
"What's wrong, You Ren?" Zhao Yuzi asked. She pushed the tray of dirty dishes away from him and looked back at Xiao You Ren's eyes hidden in his glasses.
"Mm… nothing." A stiff smile plastered on the man's face. It was obvious that he was in doubt.
However, not Zhao Yuzi if she can't get clarity. The look on Xiao You Ren's face piqued her curiosity so much that she couldn't possibly let go of that person.
"Yeah, it's fine if you don't want to share this time. But don't be sorry if you don't have a chance to ask later." She stood up, took his tray and handed it to the cafeteria clerk.
Realizing the truth in Zhao Yuzi's words, Xiao You Ren immediately stopped the girl with his words. "Okay, I'll ask."
Zhao Yuzi smiled lopsidedly. She landed back on the chair and leaned towards Xiao You Ren. Her ears were very well prepared to listen to her friend's words. She seemed very earnest and very enthusiastic.
"I want to ask about," Xiao You Ren turned his face away from Zhao Yuzi, "what are the characteristics of people who are in love?"
His face reddened. He is shy for unnecessary things. Noticing the girl's silence, he then added his words again, "My friend asked."
Zhao Yuzi let out a heavy sigh. She stared lazily at Xiao You Ren who was starting to look like a child new to love. A moment later she raised her hand and grabbed the man's shoulder, forcing him to look into her eyes. "Listen, it's okay to fall in love. Everyone deserves to feel and share it."
The feeling of shame that had been clinging to Xiao You Ren's heart suddenly evaporated. Feelings of relief and pleasure are now dominating. He was a little grateful to have a friend like Zhao Yuzi, even though it didn't always turn out to be good for him. At least there are still one or two positive things in the girl.
The hand grip on Xiao You Ren's shoulder loosened. Zhao Yuzi put on a thoughtful look with one hand resting on the table and supporting her chin. "So you started to fall in love with Sir Liam."
Xiao You Ren shook his head. How could he know if he fell in love with Zheng Liam, when he didn't know the characteristics of people falling in love. "I do not know. You haven't answered my question just now," Xiao You Ren said casually, but looked demanding.
Zhao Yuzi slapped her forehead and began to compose the right words to say to Xiao You Ren. "Love is like… making you do something out of the ordinary. Feel happy only with something that you have often encountered. Ordinary things can turn out to be extraordinary."
...
The day for dinner together has arrived. After notifying the employees who were working on the impromptu project, Xiao You Ren returned to the employee room. He sat down in his place and began to bury his face between his hands on the table. He felt like his energy was starting to drain just thinking about tonight. There were only two hours left before working hours ended, and then at seven o'clock in the evening they would have dinner at the place that CEO Wang had reserved.
All the work has been done. Put it in saturation for the next two hours. His brain began to think about what to do, Xiao You Ren really didn't like being in a situation where he had to stay silent, while the people around him were still busy. Decided to leave and asked one of his seniors, "Liu Ge, is there anything I can help you with?"
The man named Liu Bei turned to him and showed a thoughtful face. A second later he turned again to the tablet in his hand. "I don't think so," he replied.
Xiao You Ren just nodded his head and intended to leave, looking for things to do.
However, it seems like everyone can really do their job well. So Xiao You Ren decided to go outside for a while. Walk to the vending machine which is not far from the employee room. As he turned, someone was seen standing in front of the machine. Xiao You Ren was reluctant to go there when he found out that it was Wang Xian Wei. He was about to take his steps back, but Wang Xian Wei's voice stopped him.
"Take what you want to drink." The male voice was quite deep and gave off a hint of dominance, so Xiao You Ren couldn't resist it and started walking towards the vending machine.
Meanwhile, Wang Xian Wei brought himself to the side of the machine and leaned against the wall. In his hand was a can of black coffee.
Xiao You Ren felt awkward. The man just stared at him in silence while sipping his coffee. Xiao You Ren hastily used the vending machine and made several mistakes.
Wang Xian Wei who saw this couldn't help but speak. "Take it slow, don't be careless!" he warned. Suddenly making Xiao You Ren a little embarrassed and also nervous, he nodded his head slightly.
"Have you told the other employees about dinner tonight?" Wang Xian Wei suddenly asked.
Shortly after Xiao You Ren's boxed milk came out. Even though it was not unusual for Wang Xian Wei to question such an insignificant matter to his employees, it's just that for some reason a part of his heart didn't allow the man to leave immediately. He was just curious. About the peaceful face that seems to keep so many secrets.
Xiao You Ren gave a small nod and replied, "Yes sir." He also drank the milk box. On the other side of the vending machine, opposite Wang Xian Wei.
Wang Xian Wei took another sip of his coffee and nodded. Confused about what else to talk about.
"Is Sir Xian Wei going too?" The question just slipped from Xiao You Ren's mouth, more towards inviting. He even started cursing at his impudence in questioning it. It is certain that Wang Xian Wei will come along, he is the owner of the company.
"Yes, of course."
Again, Xiao You Ren just nodded in response and gave a small smile. As for Wang Xian Wei, he was starting to come to his senses. Never before had he attended such a celebration with his employees, if not something very important. However, what did he just say? He easily agreed to the invitation of his employees. Which even just worked a few months ago. I don't know what happened to him, but seeing Zheng Liam who was close to this man, Wang Xian Wei felt something special. To the extent that a figure as hard as his best friend can soften and start to have a crush on Xiao You Ren.
Not long after, the coffee was finished, Wang Xian Wei threw the can in the trash and went back to work. Xiao You Ren secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Wang Xian Wei was a little scary in his mind, with features as cold as ice and so domineering. Xiao You Ren could clearly feel it, although he wasn't sure exactly what kind of man he was.
After that Xiao You Ren went back to the employee room and did whatever on his computer, while waiting for the time to go home. It didn't take long, the hour hand was already at five. The employees rushed home after clearing their desks. Xiao You Ren did the same and met Zheng Liam in the hallway. They decided to go home together. Of course, Xiao You Ren was brought to the front of his apartment building.
"You Ren, I'll pick you up at six, okay." Zheng Liam smiled sweetly at Xiao You Ren, who was already standing outside his car.
Xiao You Ren's heart skipped a beat. It felt like it was going to explode from the fast pace. Just because of Zheng Liam's smile, even though it had happened many times. Even when the man was about to kiss her first, she didn't feel the speed of her heartbeat increasing. Now Xiao You Ren is sure of
"You Ren!" Ruined Xiao You Ren and his mind. "Did you hear me earlier?" Zheng Liam asked for sure.
Xiao You Ren nodded his head, "Yes." He smiled crookedly. Zheng Liam immediately took his car away from the courtyard of the apartment building, after saying goodbye to Xiao You Ren.
He walked lightly into his apartment. The stuffy and cold feeling that used to greet him when he entered the room seemed to have disappeared. This is how it feels when your heart is filled with someone, everything will feel warm and pleasant. Even Xiao You Ren, who used to wear simple clothes and didn't really care about appearance, was now very busy looking in the mirror. He felt compelled to appear attractive. However, when Zheng Liam's reflection looked comfortable with his condition like this, Xiao You Ren decided to keep his glasses on, only the front hair that used to hang down to slightly cover the eyes, was now combed slightly to the side.
Xiao You Ren looked different, it made him a little insecure, but with the feeling of liking he shook off that sense of unworthiness.
A few more minutes to half past seven in the evening. Xiao You Ren felt quite nervous, no longer because he was going to have dinner with a lot of people, but because he was going to meet Zheng Liam. He felt his heart starting to become abnormal again, as he thought about his feelings. Not wanting to get further into the strange atmosphere in his room, he got up and decided to wait downstairs. Not long after, a car that was known to belong to Zheng Liam sped toward him. Xiao You Ren smiled a little. The windshield was lowered to the side and Zheng Liam's face popped up with the same smile. Immediately Xiao You Ren entered the car. Sitting quietly, even though his heart was racing.
The car was moving fast. There was no conversation between the two of them, only occasionally heard Xiao You Ren's slightly unusual breathing. "Liam Ge, I think I like you."