TuxedoTranslations

Chapter 17

The road to the airport was long, but with a flight scheduled for just past 11 a.m., they weren’t pressed for time.  

During the drive, Zhuang Yanyu kept sneaking glances at Wen Chenxi beside him, still finding it hard to believe his “brother” was coming along.  

He hadn’t mentioned it all week…  

Zhuang Yanyu’s gaze was bright. Though his usual expressions were minimal, especially when speaking with unfamiliar people, he often appeared cold and difficult to approach.  

But when he focused on someone, his attention was intense. Unlike his usual indifference, his gaze now resembled someone studying a precious treasure—earnestly memorizing every detail and locking it away in his mind.  

At the moment, his occasional glances carried that particular gaze—focused and intent. He was likely unaware of it himself, but for the person being observed, it was somewhat overwhelming.

Wen Chenxi couldn’t help but shift his gaze to meet Zhuang Yanyu’s eyes. “Why do you keep looking at me?”

Zhuang Yanyu pursed his lips. “Just confirming.”

Wen Chenxi was a bit exasperated. “There’s no need to confirm. I’ll be on the same flight with you to City H. I’m not joking.”

Zhuang Yanyu withdrew his gaze. “Oh.”

So, he wasn’t just dropping him off at the airport.

That put him at ease.

Wen Chenxi noticed his indifferent response, but the faint smile on his lips—perhaps one even he wasn’t aware of—along with the subtle dimples that appeared now and then, revealed that the fish was genuinely pleased.

Over the past week, Wen Chenxi had been working overtime relentlessly to free up his schedule for the trip to City H. Knowing that this fish was going on his first business trip—despite being someone who despised overtime—made it feel worthwhile to accompany him.

Seeing Zhuang Yanyu’s smile now, Wen Chenxi felt the past week of sleepless nights, with only three to four hours of rest each day, had paid off.

Perhaps it was the relaxed atmosphere around Zhuang Yanyu, but the fatigue from sleep deprivation finally caught up to Wen Chenxi. He took off his glasses, rubbed his temples, and tried to resist the urge to close his eyes. Reaching out, he drew Zhuang Yanyu a little closer.

Wen Chenxi asked, “Did you have breakfast?”

Zhuang Yanyu replied, “Yes.”

Wen Chenxi smiled. “Of course.”

Zhuang Yanyu was puzzled. Of course, what?

Wen Chenxi thought of Zhuang Yanyu’s obsessive habits. How could this fish possibly skip breakfast? If he had, he’d be in a listless state by now.

Sitting closer, the faint scent emanating from Zhuang Yanyu wafted into Wen Chenxi’s senses. It was a light herbal fragrance, perhaps inherited from his father’s long-time cultivation of fruit trees and medicinal plants. The scent was subtle and pleasant, soothing the weariness from Wen Chenxi’s mind.

Wen Chenxi smiled slightly. “Nothing, just thought about how consistent your meals are.”

Zhuang Yanyu earnestly replied, “The human body is fragile. Maintaining regular, healthy meals is an essential part of staying healthy.”

Wen Chenxi nodded. “True.”

Zhuang Yanyu added, “You should eat well too.”

Wen Chenxi smiled. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Zhuang Yanyu’s dimples reappeared subtly, clearly indicating his happiness.

The two chatted idly until they arrived at the airport.

While the assistant handled the check-in, Wen Chenxi upgraded all the tickets for the group. Apart from Wen Chenxi and Zhuang Yanyu, the team included five others: the project’s designated lead, another engineer, two assistants, and Manager Xu.

Manager Xu wasn’t originally scheduled for the trip, but Wen Chenxi had specifically arranged for him to join. Knowing that no one else in the group was familiar with Zhuang Yanyu, Wen Chenxi made sure someone close to him came along to ensure his comfort.

As the assistants handled check-in, Manager Xu and the project lead, Chen Kang, began looking around for Zhuang Yanyu.

Chen Kang, puzzled after a fruitless search, asked, “Which car did Xiao Zhuang take?”

Manager Xu, equally confused, replied, “Didn’t he ride with you?”

Chen Kang shook his head. “No.”

Manager Xu was about to call Zhuang Yanyu when one of Wen Chenxi’s assistants informed him, “Mr. Zhuang came with Mr. Wen. They’re already waiting in the lounge. Once we finish with the baggage, we can head straight there.”

Manager Xu was stunned. “Xiao Zhuang came in the same car as Mr. Wen?”

Chen Kang was just as surprised. “It seems Mr. Wen holds Xiao Zhuang—ah, Engineer Zhuang—in high regard.”

Manager Xu, pride swelling, remarked, “That’s not surprising. Think about it—if we pull off this project, it’ll be groundbreaking.”

Chen Kang nodded. “True. Young people these days are extraordinary. I even heard he’s self-taught! That old saying really is true: hidden talents lie among the common people.”

When the group received their upgraded tickets, excitement broke out. Traveling with Mr. Wen really had its perks!

But upon reaching the lounge, they realized Zhuang Yanyu and Wen Chenxi weren’t there. By the time the check-in was done, the pair had already boarded the plane.

Once onboard, Manager Xu finally spotted Zhuang Yanyu. He was sitting at the very front with Wen Chenxi, separated from the rest by empty seats. The two of them seemed isolated, as if in their own little world.

Manager Xu and Chen Kang considered approaching to greet them but were stopped by one of Wen Chenxi’s assistants.

The assistant whispered, “Mr. Wen and Mr. Zhuang are discussing business. Let’s not disturb them.”

Manager Xu decided against it. Talking to Xiao Zhuang would mean facing Mr. Wen, which felt daunting. Chen Kang shared the sentiment. Both returned to their seats without further ado.

However, before sitting down, Manager Xu caught a glimpse of Wen Chenxi and Zhuang Yanyu talking. For some reason, it didn’t feel like they were discussing work. Their familiarity seemed too natural, too casual—almost as if they were chatting as close friends.

Manager Xu patted his head and chuckled. He had seen Zhuang Yanyu’s résumé—just a kid from the countryside. How could he possibly know Mr. Wen? He was clearly overthinking it.  

Besides, what could they possibly talk about outside of work?  

Little did he know, the two people sitting at the very front had already moved from discussing three meals a day to hobbies and then onto life goals.  

Wen Chenxi: “No other wishes at all?”  

Zhuang Yanyu: “None. I’m very satisfied with my current life.”  

A stable job, a healthy body, and a lifelong confidant—retirement life was already so carefree and comfortable. No longer having to calculate scores for completing tasks for his “host” felt like a huge relief.  

Wen Chenxi: “Easy to please.”  

Zhuang Yanyu: “Hmm?”  

Wen Chenxi smiled.  

Just give this fish a bowl of water, and he’d probably be content. If this isn’t easy to please, then what is?  

Zhuang Yanyu: “Do you have any wishes?”  

Wen Chenxi: “Me?”  

Zhuang Yanyu’s eyes sparkled as he looked intently at Wen Chenxi. Mentally, he was already preparing a checklist to record his brother’s wishes, determined to help make them come true.  

Wen Chenxi: “I didn’t before.”  

Zhuang Yanyu analyzed his words. “But you do now?”  

Wen Chenxi glanced at him.  

The young man was once again looking at him with that focused gaze.  

If he didn’t know for sure that Zhuang Yanyu wasn’t romantically interested in him…  

Wen Chenxi smiled and suddenly reached out to cover Zhuang Yanyu’s eyes.  

Zhuang Yanyu blinked, his long lashes brushing against Wen Chenxi’s warm palm. “Why are you covering my eyes?”  

Wen Chenxi said softly, “Your eyes… are beautiful.”  

Zhuang Yanyu blinked again and, without hesitation, returned the compliment. “Oh. Yours are too.”  

Wen Chenxi’s smile deepened. “Really?”  

Zhuang Yanyu nodded. “Yes. Data shows that there are five universally recognized eye shapes considered the most beautiful, and your eyes happen to be one of them. Their shape is…”  

Even with his vision obscured, the young man’s ability to dive into a detailed analysis was undeterred.  

Wen Chenxi listened as Zhuang Yanyu earnestly and methodically delivered what was nearly a thousand-word report about eye shapes, concluding that Wen Chenxi’s were among the best-looking.  

All Wen Chenxi could do was smile helplessly, both amused and exasperated.  

After a two-and-a-half-hour flight, they landed. Since their meeting with the Hai City Group was scheduled for the next day, the afternoon was reserved for rest and preparation.  

Among the group, Zhuang Yanyu had the least to do since he was only responsible for the program system. The negotiations were up to Chen Kang and the others.  

With nothing else on his agenda, Zhuang Yanyu decided to explore the city with Wen Chenxi. This meant that his goal of traveling with his “brother” was indirectly achieved.  

After spending the afternoon sightseeing and having dinner, they returned to the hotel close to 11 PM.  

Knowing Zhuang Yanyu’s obsession with routine, Wen Chenxi made sure to turn off the lights so the fish could sleep on time without disturbance.  

After a week of grueling overtime, Wen Chenxi was utterly exhausted. The moment he lay down, a wave of relaxation washed over him at the thought of Zhuang Yanyu sleeping nearby. Sleep soon overcame him.  

Just as he was drifting off, a strange sensation jolted him awake.  

In the darkness, he sensed a figure standing by his bed.  

Wen Chenxi: “…”  

Wen Chenxi: “…Xiao Yu?”  

He turned on the bedside lamp.  

Zhuang Yanyu stood there, his bright eyes fixed on Wen Chenxi. “Ah Xi, are you sleepy?”  

Wen Chenxi’s gaze swept over the thin fabric of Zhuang Yanyu’s sleepwear and the slender wrists and ankles visible beneath. His Adam’s apple bobbed.  

Suddenly, he wasn’t sleepy at all.  

—

Author’s Note:

PS—

“50 Things to Do with Your Bro”:

– Travel with your bro: ✅  

– Sing karaoke with your bro: ❌  

– Pull an all-nighter gaming with your bro: ❌  

– Pull an all-nighter playing cards with your bro: ❌  

– Pull an all-nighter chatting with your bro: In progress…  

Zhuang Yanyu’s high-priority reminder: Staying up late is unhealthy. No more than three all-nighters allowed!  

Wen Chenxi: Thank you. I think I’ll book a different room next time… 

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