TuxedoTranslations

Chapter 16

“This program, which I call QZD, is 4.5 times faster than existing systems.”

“It features an ultra-fast smart allocation mode and fully intelligent information network to ensure precise and error-free cargo transportation, enabling containers to be loaded as soon as they arrive.”

“It dynamically adjusts system loads based on real-time terminal business volume, optimizing resource allocation to create a seamless, integrated control system…”

At the project meeting, Zhuang Yanyu stood as the lead presenter, explaining all the upgrades and optimizations of the new system compared to the old one.

Looking out at the room, the audience consisted entirely of high-level executives—people that lower-level employees like them rarely ever encountered.

Perhaps it was the intimidating presence of senior management, but under the scrutiny of so many bigwigs, Supervisor Xu, Zhuang Yanyu’s temporary assistant, couldn’t help but wipe sweat from his brow every now and then.

Even he had never faced so many leaders all at once.

As a middle manager, Supervisor Xu could claim some authority, but he was still just a small fish in the pond. His pay wasn’t much higher than regular employees, yet his workload was significantly heavier.

He hadn’t planned to attend the meeting, but he was worried that someone as young as Zhuang Yanyu might freeze up in front of such an audience.

Letting a more experienced engineer present the system instead? Out of the question!

This was Zhuang Yanyu’s work—it wouldn’t do to let someone else take credit for it. So, gritting his teeth, Supervisor Xu decided to come along.

Yet, as the meeting began, Zhuang Yanyu treated the high-ranking executives as if they were invisible, delivering a flawless explanation from the system’s features to cost benefits without missing a beat.

During the presentation, a high-ranking executive raised questions, but Zhuang Yanyu answered fluently, exuding an aura that seemed more authoritative than the executives themselves.

Unbeknownst to the others, Wen Chenxi, seated at the far end and center of the conference table, was unabashedly watching the speaker. In this setting, few dared to meet Wen Chenxi’s gaze, and thus no one realized that their esteemed CEO’s attention wasn’t on the new system but instead intently focused on Zhuang Yanyu’s every movement.

The young man’s striking appearance had made him the most eye-catching figure in the room the moment he entered. Coupled with his youth, it was difficult for anyone to believe that such an impressive system was his creation.

Indeed, before the meeting, many doubted his capabilities. They suspected that Zhuang Yanyu, not being a graduate of a top-tier university and being so young, might simply be a persuasive fraud. To them, attending this presentation seemed a waste of time.

Now, however, as they examined the data, those who had doubted him could not help but feel a spark of excitement.

One senior executive asked, “Can you ensure that the actual implementation of this system will meet expectations and that it isn’t just a theoretical concept supported by simulations?”

Zhuang Yanyu replied, “Once the engineering framework is in place, it will surpass the simulated performance. Simulations, by nature, lack the support of real-world infrastructure.”

The executive countered, “Simulations could also indicate that current technology cannot achieve these results, thus relying on hypothetical outcomes.”

Zhuang Yanyu calmly responded, “Current technology falls short when the concepts proposed surpass existing infrastructure. However, my program operates entirely within the capabilities of current technology, so there’s no such issue.”

The executive finally smiled, “If that’s the case, you’re quite impressive.”

Zhuang Yanyu maintained his neutral expression, showing no visible excitement despite the praise. “Thank you,” he replied simply.

His tone was flat and robotic, as though devoid of emotion. Yet, his voice was so pleasant that everyone recorded his every word with clarity despite its mechanical cadence.

Turning to Wen Chenxi, the executive declared, “President Wen, I fully support advancing this project.”

Wen Chenxi’s gaze remained fixed on Zhuang Yanyu, his deep eyes behind rimless glasses carrying a heated intensity.

He noted the many facets of this “fish”—intimate and warm in private, endearingly irritable when his perfectionist streak was disrupted, and now exuding understated confidence. Zhuang Yanyu seemed to have unwavering faith in his system, certain that no one could reject it because it was, in his mind, the best in the world.

Sensing Wen Chenxi’s gaze, the otherwise impassive Zhuang Yanyu met his eyes. Their gazes locked in mid-air, and for a fleeting moment, the light in Zhuang Yanyu’s eyes changed—a glimmer of warmth reserved solely for Wen Chenxi.

Wen Chenxi responded with a silent smile.

Seeing his “brother” smile, Zhuang Yanyu felt a small sense of relief. Before the meeting, Wen Chenxi had seemed upset, and Zhuang Yanyu hadn’t had a chance to comfort him. He’d been planning to ask about it later, but now that Wen Chenxi smiled, he figured his mood must have improved.

Perhaps the project’s profitability had cheered him up? After all, data shows that 99.9% of people love money.

A senior executive sitting near Wen Chenxi caught a glimpse of his smile out of the corner of his eye and instantly understood. Clearly, President Wen was also very pleased with the project. He mentally prepared himself to cast a favorable vote.

“I’ve finished my presentation. Thank you,” Zhuang Yanyu concluded, setting down the remote for the slides.

As Supervisor Xu had suspected, Zhuang Yanyu seemed to filter out everyone else in the room, focusing solely on the man seated at the far end of the table. In Zhuang Yanyu’s eyes, only Wen Chenxi existed.

Supervisor Xu quickly stepped forward to help Zhuang Yanyu pack up.

Standing there, Zhuang Yanyu waited for additional questions, but none came. His presentation had been so thorough that even those unfamiliar with the project fully grasped its value. There was nothing left to ask.

As expected, the project passed unanimously.

Zhuang Yanyu was officially appointed as the system engineer, although the overall project manager was still under discussion. Everyone knew this was a major endeavor—one that promised immense profits for the company and guaranteed career advancement for the manager. However, it was also complex, requiring coordination with local governments and port authorities. The selection of the project manager would require careful deliberation.

When the meeting concluded, everyone rose to leave. Supervisor Xu, relieved to be done, patted his chest and said, “That was nerve-wracking! The last time I saw so many executives at once was during the year-end banquet. But you were amazing, Xiao Zhuang. Don’t worry—once this project is done, you might even outrank me!”

Zhuang Yanyu, uninterested in outranking Xu, glanced at the departing crowd but didn’t see Wen Chenxi. Resigned, he followed Xu out.

The meeting room on the 31st floor was reserved for high-level discussions. Staying there any longer wasn’t ideal.

“Zhuang Yanyu, stay behind.”

A deep voice suddenly came from behind.  

It was Wen Chenxi who called out to him.  

Everyone froze in their tracks and turned to look at Zhuang Yanyu.  

President Wen had personally asked this young engineer to stay!  

Supervisor Xu was momentarily stunned before his hands began trembling with excitement. He quickly nudged Zhuang Yanyu.  

This was President Wen!  

What did this mean? It meant President Wen recognized Zhuang’s talent!  

Supervisor Xu proudly thought of himself as a successful talent scout who had just found the perfect mentor for this outstanding protégé. He was overjoyed.  

Under everyone’s gaze, Zhuang Yanyu calmly replied, “Oh, okay.”  

The others glanced at Zhuang Yanyu again, marveling at how composed he remained even after being personally acknowledged by the company’s top boss.  

Supervisor Xu said, “Well, I’ll be heading out then.”  

He gave Zhuang Yanyu a little push into the conference room. Since they had lingered behind, the room was now empty.  

Before leaving, Supervisor Xu thoughtfully closed the door.  

With the door shut, the noise from outside was completely cut off.  

Wen Chenxi spoke, his tone laced with amusement, “You did well.”  

Receiving such praise from his “brother,” Zhuang Yanyu’s eyes lit up, and his mood improved. “I didn’t do anything special; I just explained the system’s performance and results as they are.”  

Wen Chenxi poured a glass of water and handed it to him, saying, “Once the project starts, there might be business trips. Do you mind?”  

“Business trips?” Zhuang Yanyu frowned. That wasn’t part of his plan.  

But after thinking it over, he realized that once construction began, he would need to oversee the progress of the base station servers. Without proper infrastructure, the program wouldn’t achieve its intended results.  

Still, going on business trips meant he couldn’t spend time with his “brother”—no shared commutes, meals, or fishing trips at rural inns to chat about life.  

Zhuang Yanyu visibly deflated.  

Wen Chenxi noticed and asked, “You don’t want to go?”  

Zhuang Yanyu pressed his lips together and gave him a glance.  

Honesty was important with a “brother,” and lying wouldn’t do. But then again, he had promised to help the company make money, so backing out wasn’t an option either.  

Reluctantly, Zhuang Yanyu replied, “I’ll go.”  

Even if he didn’t want to.  

After knowing him for so long, Wen Chenxi had a good grasp of how this “fish” thought. Amusement flickered in his eyes as he said, “Alright, I’ll wait for you to come back.”  

Realizing that his “brother” wasn’t even a little reluctant to see him leave, Zhuang Yanyu pursed his lips tighter.  

Clearly, they weren’t the *best* of brothers yet.  

—

Within a week, the project’s lead manager was confirmed.  

The first task? A business trip.  

They were to travel to Harbor Group in H City to discuss the project.  

Before departure, Zhuang Yanyu messaged Wen Chenxi:  

Zhuang Yanyu: I’m heading out now.

Wen Chenxi: Okay, travel safely.

Zhuang Yanyu: I’ll come back as soon as the negotiations are done.

Wen Chenxi: Okay.

Zhuang Yanyu: Can I message you every day?

Wen Chenxi: You can.

Reassured by this response, Zhuang Yanyu perked up a bit and didn’t forget to inform Old Zhuang about his trip.  

The company had arranged for a car to take them to the airport. With his bag in hand, Zhuang Yanyu stepped out of the elevator, where the driver was already waiting.  

“Are you Mr. Zhuang? The car is this way.”  

“Alright.”  

Following an assistant to the car, the usually sharp Zhuang Yanyu failed to notice the familiar vehicle in his current mood.  

It wasn’t until the door opened, revealing a pair of long legs inside, that he froze.  

Wen Chenxi smiled. “No need to message me every day. If you have something to say, you can tell me in person.”  

Caught off guard, Zhuang Yanyu quickly climbed into the car. His face was a little more flushed than usual due to the surprise. “You… you’re the project lead?”  

Wen Chenxi replied, “No, but H City’s urban development planning requires me to meet with higher-ups.” 

Higher-ups? That made sense to Zhuang Yanyu. No wonder Wen Chenxi had to come in person!  

A brilliant smile spread across Zhuang Yanyu’s face, his eyes sparkling like rainbows.  

Wen Chenxi asked, “That happy?”  

“Yes!” Zhuang Yanyu replied emphatically.  

After all, traveling with his “brother” was entirely different from traveling alone!  

Wen Chenxi casually added, “Since my trip was decided last minute, I couldn’t book a separate hotel room. We might have to share one—do you mind?”  

Without hesitation, Zhuang Yanyu said, “I don’t mind.”  

After a brief pause, he added with barely contained delight, “I’m actually really happy.”  

Finally, the late-night chats between roommates he had always longed for could come true!  

—

Author’s Note:

Wen Chenxi to Assistant Lin: “Don’t book me a room. Got it?”  

Assistant Lin: “…” 

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