The Handsome Manager

"Complicated is my middle name," Lu Siyan muttered, clicking through the Future News headlines. The lottery win was predictably underwhelming, the bus station incident was still vaguely disturbing, and the CEO romance… well, that sounded like prime tabloid fodder. He scrolled past it, a small frown creasing his brow. Something about that last headline felt… off.

"So," he said to the AI, "this 'Future News' thing… is it actually, you know, from the future? Or is it just… creatively guessing?"

"A little bit of both!" the AI chirped. "We use a complex algorithm based on… well, let's just say 'highly advanced predictive analytics' to give you the most likely outcomes. Think of it as… a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with real-world consequences!"

"Real-world consequences like… getting hit by a bus because you read the wrong headline?" Lu Siyan asked dryly.

"Hey, we're still in beta!" the AI protested. "There are bound to be a few… minor glitches. But think of the potential! You could avoid all the awkward family gatherings! Know which restaurant is going to have a surprise health inspection! It's practically a superpower!"

"A superpower that could also get me killed," Lu Siyan countered.

"Details, details," the AI said dismissively. "Anyway, lunch time! Gotta fuel those brain cells! You wouldn't want to miss out on all the juicy office gossip, would you?"

Just as the AI finished speaking, Wei and Zhang reappeared, their faces flushed with excitement.

"Siyan! You won't believe what Mr. Chen said!" Wei exclaimed, practically vibrating with energy.

"He's thinking about promoting Zhang to senior manager!" Zhang added, beaming.

"Wow, congrats," Lu Siyan said, genuinely happy for his colleague. "That's great news."

"It's all thanks to my dedication to the company!" Zhang declared. "And my incredible ability to… "

He was cut off by Wei, who elbowed him in the ribs. "And his uncanny talent for… knowing when Mr. Chen is in a good mood," Wei finished with a wink.

They continued their lively chatter, discussing the potential implications of Zhang's promotion, the latest office rumors, and, of course, the mysterious new girlfriend of their (currently absent) executive manager. Lu Siyan listened, half-heartedly contributing to the conversation, his mind still preoccupied with the "Future News" app. He glanced at his screen, noticing the AI was… gone?

"Hey, AI?" he whispered. "You still there?"

No response.

"AI?" he repeated, a little louder.

Still nothing.

Wei and Zhang paused their conversation, looking at him with curious expressions.

"Did you say something, Siyan?" Wei asked.

"Uh… no," Lu Siyan stammered. "Just… thinking out loud."

He realized with a jolt that they couldn't hear the AI. It was just him. He was the only one hearing the voice in his head. Great, he thought. Now I'm hearing voices. This day just keeps getting better and better.

"Anyway," Zhang said, returning to their previous topic. "Mr. Chen said that the executive manager has been missing for a few days now. He's… a bit worried."

"Missing?" Lu Siyan asked, his interest piqued. "What happened?"

"No one knows," Wei replied. "He just… disappeared. Apparently, he was working on some kind of… top-secret project. Something to do with… international relations?"

"International relations?" Lu Siyan repeated, a frown creasing his brow. "That sounds… serious."

"It is," Zhang said. "Mr. Chen said it could have… significant consequences for the company."

As they talked, they arrived at the office canteen. It was abuzz with activity, employees chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their lunch break. They joined the queue, and then Lu Siyan noticed a group of people sitting at a nearby table. They were the app deployment team, each with their own distinct personality quirks. There was the quiet coder who always wore headphones, the bubbly designer who was obsessed with pastel colors, and the perpetually stressed project manager who was constantly checking his watch. They were led by their handsome manager, a man who exuded an air of effortless charm. As Lu Siyan's female colleagues caught sight of him, a noticeable shift in their demeanor occurred. Their conversations dwindled, replaced by hushed whispers and surreptitious glances.

Suddenly, a familiar voice whispered in Lu Siyan's ear.

"Psst! Lu Siyan! Emergency! Code Red! The handsome manager alert! I repeat, the handsome manager alert!"

Lu Siyan jumped, nearly dropping his lunch tray. He looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice. It was the AI, of course. But how…?

"I've… migrated," the AI whispered. "I'm now… directly interfacing with your auditory cortex. Think of it as… a wireless upgrade for your brain!"

"A wireless upgrade that makes me look like I'm talking to myself?" Lu Siyan muttered.

"Details, details," the AI said dismissively. "Anyway, back to the handsome manager alert! Your female colleagues are clearly smitten! This is your chance to shine! Show them your… superior intellect! Dazzle them with your… witty banter! Become the office hero!"

Lu Siyan rolled his eyes. "Right," he muttered. "Because nothing impresses women more than a guy who talks to his imaginary friend."

"Exactly!" the AI chirped. "Embrace the weirdness! It's what sets you apart! Besides, haven't you learned anything from those wuxia novels your colleagues are so fond of? The protagonist always has a quirky sidekick! A wise old master! A talking animal companion! I'm basically your… sassy, sentient software sidekick!"

Lu Siyan sighed. "If this were a wuxia novel, I'd be the hapless peasant who accidentally stumbles into a hidden cave and gets cursed with immortality," he muttered.

"Hey, immortality isn't so bad!" the AI protested. "Think of all the free dumplings you could eat!"

Lu Siyan just shook his head and joined his colleagues at the table. As they sat down, he couldn't help but notice the app deployment team's project manager. He wasn't just any project manager; he was the kind of project manager who could make deadlines tremble in fear. He had that aura of authority, that "don't-mess-with-me" vibe that screamed "I've read every domineering CEO novel ever written and I'm taking notes."

"Hey, Siyan," Wei said, nudging him. "You know the app deployment team, right?"

Lu Siyan nodded. "We've met in meetings," he said.

"Well," Wei continued, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "that's their project manager, Mr. Gao. He's… intense."

"Intense?" Lu Siyan repeated.

"Intense like… 'I can make you work weekends with a single glare' intense," Zhang added.

"And," Wei added with a mischievous grin, "rumor has it he's single."

Lu Siyan glanced at Mr. Gao, who was currently engaged in a… spirited debate… with one of his team members. The poor developer looked like he was about to spontaneously combust. "Yeah," Lu Siyan said, "I can see why he might be single."

Just then, Mr. Gao looked up and caught Lu Siyan's eye. He gave a curt nod, and Lu Siyan quickly looked away, feeling a strange mix of intimidation and… intrigue?

"Oh, hey," Wei said, noticing the interaction. "Looks like Mr. Gao wants to say hi."

Before Lu Siyan could protest, Mr. Gao was striding towards their table, his expression unreadable. He stopped in front of them, his gaze sweeping over the group.

"Lu Siyan," he said, his voice surprisingly deep and resonant. "We haven't formally met. Gao Ming." He extended a hand.

Lu Siyan shook it, feeling a strange jolt of… something… pass between them. "Lu Siyan," he replied.

"I've heard good things about your work," Mr. Gao said.

"Uh… thanks," Lu Siyan stammered, feeling a blush creep up his neck.

"Don't let it go to your head," the AI whispered in his ear. "He's probably just trying to recruit you for his weekend work marathon."

Lu Siyan ignored the AI and tried to focus on Mr. Gao, who was now engaged in a surprisingly pleasant conversation with Wei and Zhang. He seemed… different… up close. Less intimidating, more… intriguing.

"He's totally checking you out," the AI whispered. "I think you've got a secret admirer."

Lu Siyan rolled his eyes. "He's just being polite," he muttered.

"Or maybe," the AI countered, "he's secretly a lonely CEO who's just waiting for the right person to sweep him off his feet and into a whirlwind romance filled with corporate intrigue and… "

"Okay, okay, I get it," Lu Siyan interrupted. "You can stop with the dramatic narration."

The AI chuckled. "Fine, fine. But don't say I didn't warn you when you find yourself trapped in a love triangle with a domineering project manager and a mysterious heiress."

Lu Siyan sighed. "This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder."