Full-time Boyfriend

Chapter 8:    Taking root and sprouting ①

Translator: Aafkee

Proofreader: DDDDDDDD:

During work, Chen Yifei went to the company’s planning and strategy department to learn. The manager of the department attended Yan Yu’s short meeting last Saturday, and Yan Yu’s statement, “you guys should learn from Assistant Chen”, has left a deep impression on him. Now that he sees Chen Yifei for himself, the manager fully understood that Yan Yu was not exaggerating at all.

Chen Yifei, who was making notes, noticed the manager staring at him. He smiled, “What’s wrong? Are there any problems, manager?” The manager felt as if he had taken instant damage from that bright smile alone. Although Chen Yifei was only an assistant, his position in their Chairman’s heart is much higher than the department manager’s. How can he keep his head up as Chen Yifei’s senior like this? The manager smiled helplessly, “No problem at all. It’s just that I can’t help but be impressed by your talents. Chairman Yan was giving you such high praises in last week’s meeting.” Chen Yifei smiled lightly,

“There are still a lot of things I need to learn.” “Haha, there’s no need to be humble.” Back in the office, Chen Yifei realised that Yan Yu was having an online meeting. Chen Yifei did not want to disturb them, but Yan Yu waved at him and asked him to come over, “Chen Yifei, help me brew a cup of tea.” Chen Yifei gave an affirmation, went to brew the tea and placed the cup at the corner of Yan Yu’s desk. Yan Yu’s meeting ended just in time. Yan Yu stretched, took a sip of tea and said, “CEO Zhang said that he was tempted to poach you.”

Upon hearing that, Chen Yifei was sure that CEO Zhang would not have been so upfront about it if he was serious. Chen Yifei being capable is a well-known fact, which actually gave considerable pressure on Yan Yu. If Chen Yifei was to be poached one day, Yan Yu would be so broken-hearted. Even if it was only for the sake of the company’s future, Yan Yu must keep an invaluable talent such as Chen Yifei in their company no matter what.

If Chen Yifei is to be poached by another company, Yan Yu will not hesitate to offer two times of whatever is offered by the other company to make sure Chen Yifei stays. Chen Yifei drove Yan Yu back to his house after they got off work, and went to do groceries alone as he had promised to eat dinner with Yan Yu. Yan Yu has transferred a week’s worth of budget to Chen Yifei but upon seeing the amount transferred to him, he could not decide what he should buy at all. Yan Yu has transferred too much money, was he trying to hold a grand banquet? Yan Yu was dumbfounded when he saw how much food Chen Yifei has made, “Why is there so much food? Can the two of us even finish this?” Chen Yifei sat down, “You transferred too much money to me.” “Well, just keep the extras.”

Yan Yu has always been very generous in terms of money. Although Chen Yifei was working as his assistant, his driver and even as a caretaker, it did not feel right to Chen Yifei to receive that much money even if he does deserve to be paid more. He felt that he was receiving way too much as compared to his actual output. Yan Yu, “What do you do if you need money urgently now that you have asked for a three-month pre-payment of your salary?” “I have my own savings.” Yan Yu shrugged. To not let the food go to waste, Yan Yu forcefully ate everything, only to end up lying on the sofa and burping due to him being too full. Yan Yu suggested watching a movie, which Chen Yifei did not mind, but the movie was, unfortunately, a little boring.

Chen Yifei ended up falling asleep halfway through the movie. He initially wanted to wake Chen Yifei up and ask him to sleep on the bed but knowing him, he will probably choose to go home instead. Wanting to spend more time with Chen Yifei, he decided against it and chose to instead pull over a woollen blanket and cover Chen Yifei with it. Unlike Yan Yu, who has to toss and turn for a long while before falling asleep, Chen Yifei is a very quiet sleeper.

Yan Yu leaned his head on the side and continued to watch the slightly dull movie and ended up switching channels to watch Chen Yifei’s favourite news hooks. Upon hearing the news presenter reporting the date and time of the lunar calendar, Yan Yu realised belatedly that there were only two months left before the new year. It would probably be just in time for the company’s new year’s holiday once they are finished with their joint project with CEO Zhang. Another year of being single has passed in the blink of an eye, just that thought alone was depressing.

Yan Yu’s previous goals were all work-related, but he is determined to find himself a partner this year. Just then, Yan Yu heard a soft groan from Chen Yifei, who was still fast asleep on the sofa. He could even hear a few sentences of Chen Yifei’s sleep talks, albeit extremely faintly. Yan Yu was surprised to find out that even Chen Yifei sleep talks, and could not help himself but lean closer to listen.

Yan Yu’s movement unintentionally placed pressure on the sofa, waking Chen Yifei. He stared at Yan Yu, who was slightly embarrassed to have been caught red-handed, blankly for a while, rubbed his eyes and straightened himself, “Hm…?” Yan Yu, “Why don’t you sleep in the room? Or you’ll get a cold like last time.” Chen Yifei looked at the time and realised that it was already almost one o’clock past midnight, “You are not sleeping yet?” “I will, in a bit.” Chen Yifei probably thought it was too late anyway and was too lazy to travel back, so he nodded and went upstairs.

Yan Yu shouted, “The room opposite mine is cleaned, you can sleep in there.” Chen Yifei replied sleepily, “Okay.”

Yan Yu turned off the television and went back to his room after hearing Chen Yifei closing the bedroom door. Yan Yu lied in bed, but his eyes were wide opened and staring blanking at the ceiling, thinking about how Chen Yifei has to come over to his house for dinner so often and how troublesome it must be as Chen Yifei had to drive back every time. He decided he should just ask Chen Yifei to live here.

If Chen Yifei does live here together with him, the accommodation initially prepared for the assistant can be rented out to earn some extra cash on top of not having to travel to and fro just to fetch him to the office. It is a perfect plan that can kill two birds with one stone. It all depends on whether or not Chen Yifei would agree to this arrangement. Yan Yu thought it through and decided to discuss this with Chen Yifei after the new year. When Yan Yu woke up the next morning and was still half asleep, he had completely forgotten that Chen Yifei had stayed over for the night until he saw the breakfast prepared and served on the table.

Yan Yu could hear the sound of water splashing from his yard. He leaned out the window and found Chen Yifei watering the flowers with a water hose in his hand. Yan Yu usually leaves such tasks to the cleaning lady, so he honestly had no idea what was planted in his own garden. Yan Yu suddenly shouted, “Chen Yifei!”, giving Chen Yifei a shock. Chen Yifei turned and faced him, giving him a look. Seeing that he had gotten away with surprising Chen Yifei, Yan Yu laughed out loud and said, “Are you in such a good mood that you’d even water the plants?” Chen Yifei looked at him begrudgingly, “They are gonna dry up and die if I don’t water them.”

Thinking back, it had indeed been a long time since Yan Yu had last called for the housekeeper. Besides, the weather had been really dry in recent days. Yan Yu, “Do you want me to help?” “Go ahead and have breakfast, I am done soon.” To be honest, Chen Yifei was more afraid that Yan Yu would drown the flowers if he was to come and help out. Yan Yu shrugged and went back into the dining room.

He was even more determined to ask Chen Yifei to stay with him now. As it was the last project before the year ends, all the departments went all out and worked hard as it would affect their year-end bonus. Chen Yifei was busy contacting and communicating with all departments, ensuring to go through all the documents before they reached Yan Yu’s hand.

Chen Yifei had finished his work for today and returned to Yan Yu’s office. Seeing that Yan Yu had not yet returned, Chen Yifei went ahead and boil a kettle of hot water, and poured it in Yan Yu’s mug so it would cool in time for when Yan Yu returns. Just as Chen Yifei did that, Yan Yu pushed open the door and walked in while talking on the phone, his expression serious.

Chen Yifei overheard that Yan Yu had some argument with another chairman regarding the project’s budget, and has been going back and forth a lot regarding this issue. Feeling thirsty after the long discussion on the phone, Yan Yu did not think twice before taking a mouthful from the mug on this desk, not giving any time for Chen Yifei to stop him before it was too late.

As expected, Yan Yu was burnt by the hot water and he spat out the water immediately, sucking in air rapidly to relieve the pain, his lips turning red and swollen. Chen Yifei pulled Yan Yu to the toilet immediately and made him rinse his mouth with cold water. Yan Yu felt a lot better after rinsing his mouth, but he still felt the dull pain in his mouth. Chen Yifei,

“Why didn’t you have a look before you drink it?” Yan Yu, “Why the heck did you pour boiling hot water into my mug?!” “It was meant for you to drink after it has cooled, who knew you would drink it just like that.” Chen Yifei grabbed Yan Yu’s cheeks and moved him such that he was facing him,

“Open your mouth, let me see if it is severe.” Yan Yu was reluctant, “I’m fine.” “Let me see it. I’ll get you some medicine if it is severe, it will hurt a lot if there are blisters.” Chen Yifei forced Yan Yu’s lips open and looked inside his mouth. Yan Yu’s tongue was red from the burn, looking quite pitiful.

Yan Yu’s head was forced in place by Chen Yifei’s hand, unmovable with his mouth opened. Chen Yifei, “How does it feel?” Yan Yu’s voice was a bit unclear, “It just hurts.” Chen Yifei’s face was extremely close, his face so handsome that Yan Yu reckoned he would not even punch him if he was to lean in for the kiss now. “Is it still burning?” “Duh!” Yan Yu replied, “Why don’t you touch it and see for yourself!”

Only then did Chen Yifei realised how he should not have casually grabbed his boss’s face like that. He let go immediately, the atmosphere turning awkward in an instant. Chen Yifei said, “I will get some medicine for you.” “There’s no need.”

“Do you have toothpaste here? You can use that to relieve the pain for now.” “Nope.” “I’ll go buy some, you can put ice in your mouth for now.” Chen Yifei went out straight away after saying that, leaving Yan Yu behind wondering where the heck he could find ice. Instead, Yan Yu rinsed his mouth a few times with cold water and returned to his desk.

At the sight of the wet documents, Yan Yu let out a sigh and moved the documents to the window to dry them under the sunlight. Chen Yifei was back in less than ten minutes. Other than medicine, he also bought a cup of cola from the KFC downstairs, taking out the ice for Yan Yu to put in his mouth. Despite Chen Yifei carefully applying the medicine,

Yan Yu still ended up with blisters in his mouth the next day, making it extremely difficult for him to eat anything. To appease Yan Yu’s discontentment, Chen Yifei has been making congee for him every day, in a different way every time, so much so that he himself has learnt a few new recipes. Taking advantage of Chen Yifei’s efficiency, Yan Yu was extremely relaxed and did almost nothing. In Chen Yifei’s words, “What else can you do other than earn money?” Yan Yu,

“I would say that’s a pretty big merit…”

Although that was what Yan Yu said, he knew that Chen Yifei could not be his assistant forever. What if his expectations for an assistant increases without a limit because of Chen Yifei? Would he not be unsatisfied with everyone else if this continues?

The night before the new year was filled with celebrations everywhere. There was even a temporary open-air performance stage at the plaza and it was crowded with people. It was so crowded that there were even policemen assigned there to maintain order.

Beside the crowded plaza, were the clubs where people with reputations organise parties and banquets. Yan Yu and Chen Yifei were sitting at the banquet table. Yan Yu has learnt his lesson from last time and would rather go back to eat Chen Yifei’s congee rather than eating random things at the banquet to risk another allergic reaction. “Chairman Yan?” Hearing that, Yan Yu turned his head and immediately stood up with a smile, “Chairman Yu, happy new year!”

The young Chairman smiled and clinked glasses with Yan Yu, “Happy new year, all the best with your business!” Chairman Yu pointed at the man behind him and introduced, “This is my assistant.” He half-joked and said to his assistant, “You gotta learn from Assistant Chen.” Chen Yifei, “You flatter me.” After a light chat, Chairman Yu asked Yan Yu whether he knew of any places nearby for some fresh air. He was honest about his reluctance towards attending this banquet due to his dislike for the atmosphere at such events. Yan Yu could understand him completely. Chairman Yu was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he was also younger than Yan Yu.

He must have already faced different types of people trying to curry favour with him, it was not surprising for him to hate such an occasion where people only concern themselves with flattering each other. Yan Yu pointed at the open-air performance stage at the plaza on the opposite side of the road. Chairman Yu expressed his thanks, left his assistant behind to deal with the other guests and left the venue alone. Yan Yu let out a sigh and sat down, “It must different to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth. I want to be like that too.” “Your children can be born with a silver spoon in theirs.” “I don’t even have a girlfriend, let alone children.”

Yan Yu rolled his eyes, “Forget it, having a child is too much effort. Didn’t you see how much Guo Shengxing has aged as compared to us? It must have been his son.” Chen Yifei did not express his opinions. Yan Yu laughed, “I would rather take care of an assistant.” Chen Yifei, “Or rather, I’m taking care of you.” “It’s not like I didn’t give you money.” Yan Yu said, “Let’s go, let’s go back early. Rather than counting down with a bunch of strangers, I’d rather go back and eat some congee.” The actual Chinese New Year lies at the end of January, and the last project of the previous year also ended successfully at around the same time. The company’s performance has increased by leaps and bounds.

Chairman Yan was so happy that he increased everyone’s year end’s bonus and gave everyone an early holiday. Yan Yu even specifically asked Chen Yifei if he wanted a yacht, to which the latter declined with no hesitation. If Yan Yu wanted to get him a yacht, it would have been more practical for him to give Chen Yifei a large sum of money instead. Chen Yifei was planning to spend the new year with his family in his hometown.

On the day Chen Yifei was travelling, Yan Yu specially sent him off to the airport. Chen Yifei’s parents were very passionate. Knowing that Yan Yu was Chen Yifei’s boss, they spent a lot of time thanking Yan Yu over and over again. Before the immigration checkpoint, Yan Yu asked Chen Yifei, “When are you coming back?” “Probably fifth or sixth*.” (T/N*: 初五初六, the fifth or sixth of the Chinese lunar calendar.) “Wanna go on a holiday when you’re back?” “Up to you.” Chen Yifei replied, “See ya.”

Yan Yu waved his hand and leaned on the railing as he watched Chen Yifei leave with his family. Yan Yu sighed. Now that Chen Yifei is not here, Yan Yu has to eat out again. This won’t do, Yan Yan thought. He has to learn how to cook, a few dishes at least, and impress Chen Yifei when he is back.