FSGOR Ch34

President’s Office.

When Jiang Tian proactively called him “Ge,” Chu Xuyu was secretly thrilled, though he maintained a calm and composed exterior.

He unbuttoned his suit jacket and casually tossed it onto the leather sofa, then told Jiang Tian to bring the lunchbox over to the dining area:
“I’ll go change clothes first.”

Jiang Tian responded, “Okay.”

He didn’t think the president was being picky—he could understand the desire to avoid staining an expensive suit during lunch. After all, dress suits were expensive; he’d already been stunned by the price once before.

The one he was wearing now?
Chu Xuyu had insisted on giving it to him, blocking any refusal with, “I don’t let my employees pay out of pocket.”

Jiang Tian had simply decided he’d wait until he got his paycheck to figure out how to quietly repay Chu Xuyu.

Solutions always come after problems, and when it came to doing sneaky things, Jiang Tian had plenty of experience.

He walked into the spacious office dining area, briefly flashing back to that time he tricked the president into downloading an app to watch ahem certain videos. The memory made him feel so guilty, he nearly tripped on the table leg.

When Chu Xuyu returned, Jiang Tian composed himself. The man had changed into casual clothes and—of all the empty seats—chose to sit right next to him.

The atmosphere instantly quieted.

Chu Xuyu picked up his chopsticks, calmly and elegantly eating his nutritious home-style meal, even in such a relaxed setting, he carried himself with an air of grace.

Jiang Tian, with nothing to do, simply watched—like a quiet little house pet observing its owner eat.

Within a few seconds—

Chu Xuyu asked, “Got plans for tonight?”

“Me?” Jiang Tian blinked back to awareness.

“Depends if we’re working late. If not, I’ll just head home.”

Chu Xuyu answered casually, “Then let’s work late.”

Jiang Tian took it in stride. He didn’t have any work yet anyway, and having just entered the workforce, he actually wanted to learn. In his mind, working overtime was practically a symbol of adulthood. It even felt kind of new and exciting.

“Check your phone,” Chu Xuyu said, not even looking at him. “Buy two movie tickets.”

Jiang Tian froze slightly. “…Okay.”

He did as told, scrolling through his phone. Most of the movies in theaters were low-rated flops typical of the off-season.

Then he spotted a re-release of a classic anime film. He was immediately interested—but paused. Surely Chu Xuyu wouldn’t want to watch anime with a friend, right?

“Do you want to watch that one?”

 Chu Xuyu glanced at the screen, then added simply, “Buy it.”

Jiang Tian: “…?”

Wait.

Is he going to watch it… with me?

He looked at Chu Xuyu—who was staring right back, with a look that clearly said:  Who else would I be going with?

Jiang Tian suddenly understood what kind of “overtime” this was.

He didn’t make excuses or try to wriggle out of it. The contract was signed already—there was no room for being overly dramatic.

In fact, he was rather curious. Chu Xuyu, a CEO-type, going to watch anime? That image was almost… surreal. It didn’t match at all.

“Chu-Ge,” Jiang Tian asked, “what’s the best time for the movie?”

Chu Xuyu raised a brow and said nonchalantly,
“I’m not busy this afternoon. Just pick a time.”

Hearing that, Jiang Tian chose the 8:00 PM show. He figured they’d probably eat dinner first, so he started checking food recommendations near the theater.

But Chu Xuyu interrupted him again: “Dinner’s already chosen.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Tian put his phone away and sat there quietly. After a moment, as if mustering up some courage, he finally said, “Let me treat this time.”

He didn’t sound like someone addressing a boss—more like someone whose online and real-life identities had merged. He had promised many times to meet and give gifts… all to make up for accidentally scamming the wrong person.

Chu Xuyu raised an eyebrow. “Sure.”

Jiang Tian pressed his lips into a polite employee-like smile—one that looked almost exactly like his sister Jiang Jing’s.

Chu Xuyu’s lips curved up too, though he didn’t expose the cuteness behind the offer. After signing the document, he let Jiang Tian head back downstairs, agreeing to meet again after work.

Jiang Tian obediently followed instructions. He still felt indebted over the “emotional debt” from earlier. He wasn’t stupid. His good upbringing made him feel guilty, which in turn made him willing to cooperate with Chu Xuyu.

Compared to the kind of suggestive flirting or hookup offers he’d seen online,
having a meal and watching a movie wasn’t even a big deal.

After work.

Jiang Tian had spent the day leisurely but had still learned some workplace basics and grown more aware of his role.

At the agreed time, he waited by the elevator for his boss. As president, Chu Xuyu had his own exclusive elevator, so he deliberately came down via the regular hallway to meet Jiang Tian.

Upon arrival, he handed Jiang Tian an elevator access card and led him to the parking lot.

Instead of the usual sleek black car he often used, Chu Xuyu pulled up with a customized sports car—purple and green with a custom wrap. Any anime fan would instantly recognize the Eva Unit-01 color scheme.

“…!”

The moment Jiang Tian saw that anime-themed car, he nearly collapsed.
It was like encountering the dream car of every underfunded teenager.

Chu Xuyu could clearly see how much Jiang Tian liked it, and casually tossed him the keys—clearly suggesting he should drive.

Still stunned, Jiang Tian slid into the driver’s seat, gripping the wheel and realizing:
Chu Xuyu had done all this on purpose. Just for him.

It was… too much.

Flushed and flustered, he hurriedly started the car and drove toward the mall where they were scheduled to have dinner.

It was rush hour, and traffic near the business park was a bit congested. Thankfully the mall wasn’t far, and within twenty minutes, they arrived at the high-end BBQ restaurant Chu Xuyu had selected.

The decor was upscale. The place was located inside a premium mall and just so happened to be holding its grand opening today—the line was massive.

But what shocked Jiang Tian even more—

Was the familiar face standing at the entrance.
Who else could it be but the owner of the grilled skewer shop near his school?!

“!?!”

It felt like a glitch in the Matrix.

Before Jiang Tian could even react, the BBQ shop owner—dressed up in a suit for the occasion—spotted them and practically lit up. He bypassed everyone else and rushed over:

“Finally! The shareholder’s here!”

The boss greeted Chu Xuyu with a nod and a toothy grin, then insisted on shaking Jiang Tian’s hand.

 “Your table’s ready. This way, bosses!”

From the corner of his eye, Jiang Tian saw Chu Xuyu fighting a smile. The message was clear:
You really thought your little rich-kid lie would fool me?

Jiang Tian felt like he’d been toyed with like a pet.

Still, he forced himself to stay calm—If I pretend I don’t know anything, the awkwardness will just disappear on its own.

That strategy worked—Chu Xuyu silently accepted the loss, raised an eyebrow, and slid into the booth like any other customer.

He even stuck on one of those trendy forehead cooling patches like a younger guy would… then started grilling the skewers himself.

Jiang Tian gasped.

Since when does the boss serve the employee?!

Chu Xuyu clearly wasn’t used to serving anyone. He lifted his gaze and said lazily,
“Secretaries don’t have to treat, you know.”

“……”

Jiang Tian was pulled into his rhythm again and compromised: “Then I’ll help with the grilling too.”

The two of them sat face to face, grilling skewers. One drank beer, the other fruit juice. They talked casually about work, the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable.

Chu Xuyu, sleeves rolled up, revealed sculpted arms—his mature charisma impossible to ignore.

Jiang Tian only had that one suit. He’d left the jacket in the car, wearing just a white dress shirt with suit trousers and—oddly enough—a pair of grey vintage running shoes. The combination made him look unmistakably youthful.

With both of them striking in appearance and well-proportioned, walking together out of the BBQ restaurant and entering the premium cinema on the top floor, the atmosphere around them felt unmistakably intimate. To onlookers, they could easily pass as a stable couple—perhaps a college student dating a successful, older professional.

Under such gazes, Jiang Tian steeled himself and went to collect the movie tickets. Since he had bought a bundle deal, he also received a large popcorn bucket and napkins, preparing to enter the theater with Chu Xuyu.

Theater 2.

Because the re-released anime film was so popular, every seat was taken—mostly by younger audiences.

Even under the dim theater lights, Chu Xuyu’s striking appearance and commanding aura still stood out. Sitting in one of the best-view spots, he seemed entirely out of place in a 2D anime screening.

While the film hadn’t started and chatter still filled the space, Jiang Tian leaned in and whispered, “Should I hold the popcorn?”

He figured Chu Xuyu wouldn’t want any. But to his surprise, the man casually reached in, took a kernel, and chewed slowly, “If it’s a hassle for you, I’ll take it.”

“……”

That… wasn’t what he meant.

Because they were sitting very close, Jiang Tian found himself staring at Chu Xuyu’s profile—his straight nose, defined brows, and deep-set eyes.

 His heart suddenly skipped a beat.

 “…It’s not a hassle.”

They sat like that for a while until the film finally began on the big screen.

Jiang Tian had seen the anime years ago, so the familiar opening drew him right in.

It was a time-crossing romance—a boy and girl who switch bodies and begin leaving messages for each other. As the narrative unfolds, they slowly realize their feelings. They long to meet, and their desire to see each other grows stronger with each note.

But then—

A devastating natural disaster strikes.
They lose contact.

Desperate to find the girl he once switched lives with, the male lead leaves the capital and searches for her in her small hometown, hoping to meet the person he’s come to love.

At this part—

Jiang Tian felt a little guilty. He kept chewing on popcorn, but the sweetness seemed to have vanished.

After all, he had deleted Chu Xuyu as a friend once, hadn’t he?

He stopped watching for a moment, distracted by his thoughts. He assumed someone like Chu Xuyu wouldn’t be into this kind of film anyway. Maybe he’d fallen asleep?

But then, a glance to the side told him otherwise—

 Chu Xuyu was watching the screen intently, his sharp features softened by the flickering light. Every now and then, he even reached for another popcorn kernel. Clearly, he was absorbed in the story.

“……”

Jiang Tian’s heart thumped a little harder.

He quickly averted his eyes and forced himself to focus on the film.

What he didn’t know was that Chu Xuyu had also turned to look at him—

 In his gaze was a subtle affection, warm and unreadable.

For someone like Chu Xuyu, who stood at the peak of power and status, this moment felt oddly special. His life had always been rigid and dull. But today was different—this was new.

Even this anime movie, which he never would have chosen on his own, was… strangely engaging. He found himself curious about what would happen next.

The story reached its climax.

The male lead arrived at the girl’s town—only to discover the disaster had happened years ago.

 Which meant they had always been communicating across time.

He had fallen in love with someone who only existed in the past.

He couldn’t accept it. Even if he wasn’t a hero, even if he couldn’t save the world, he wanted to do everything he could to save her—to rewrite fate.

—I like you.

—I want to see you.

It was the kind of love that surged from the heart of an ordinary boy, forming into a quiet, powerful courage.
In the end, he succeeded—he changed the girl’s fate and saved the town.

Years later, even though they’d both forgotten each other’s names, even forgotten the strange body-swapping events, that hazy feeling of love never quite faded.

And one day, they passed each other on the street—

And recognized the person they once loved.

At that moment—

The pure love theme swelled, carrying the scene’s emotions to the peak. Many audience members were sniffling, their tears flowing freely.

 Even Jiang Tian, normally so composed, felt a sting in his nose.

He hadn’t planned to cry, but then Chu Xuyu leaned over, his low, magnetic voice gently asking, “Need a tissue?”

In that instant—

With the piano music echoing, the image of the male lead fighting fate for love flashing in his mind…

Jiang Tian was overwhelmed.

 This was the man he had tricked once—who never truly blamed him, who never even got angry.

It all came crashing down.

Plop—

A tear rolled down Jiang Tian’s cheek.

Even though his expression didn’t change, his vulnerability in that moment was quietly heartbreaking.

Chu Xuyu was stunned.

And Jiang Tian… felt utterly embarrassed. He hadn’t expected the story to move him like this. Why was he crying?

He lifted his hand to wipe at his nose, trying to cover up his childish reaction.

“……”

 

Chu Xuyu never imagined he’d find himself in a situation like this.

In his mind, Jiang Tian was always a quiet, emotionally reserved boy—loyal, yes, and perhaps guilty enough around him to seem a little less confident, but never the type to cry so easily.

At first, Chu Xuyu genuinely wondered if he had some sort of “cute-aggression disorder”—how else could he explain the impulse to cup that handsome face, gently wipe away his tears, and say something to comfort him?

But he restrained himself. Instead, he reached into the popcorn bag, pulled out the napkin that came with their combo, and quietly handed it over—staying just within the bounds of propriety.

He had always held himself as someone above others, not the type to offer comfort. But he still lowered his voice and asked softly, “Do you usually cry this easily?”

Jiang Tian was still overwhelmed by the film’s emotions. The sweet, idealistic boy in him had always had a soft spot for pure love stories like this. He took the napkin and clenched it tightly in his hand, replying in a low voice, “…No.”

The theater around them was filled with the quiet sniffles of others tearing up. Their voices, soft and close, were heard by no one else—but someone nearby still turned their head curiously.

Feeling that gaze, Jiang Tian instinctively inched closer to Chu Xuyu, as if trying to hide.

He was still a prideful teenager deep down, especially around people his age—he couldn’t let them see him getting all emotional over a movie.

Because Jiang Tian had moved closer on his own, Chu Xuyu’s breath caught ever so slightly. His voice was tinged with concern:  “Did you cry when your leg was injured?”

“……”

Jiang Tian shook his head. “No.”

“It’s okay to cry.”

Chu Xuyu looked right at him and, with a rare gentleness, reached out the back of his hand to wipe the tear streaks from Jiang Tian’s face.
“It doesn’t mean you’re not strong.”

The warm strength in his touch washed over Jiang Tian, quietly saying: You don’t have to pretend around me. It’s okay to hurt.

Jiang Tian’s emotions gradually settled. Whatever invisible tension had surrounded him before now felt less heavy.

He could feel Chu Xuyu leaning closer—but didn’t shy away.

In fact… he even tilted his head just a little toward him.

Chu Xuyu had wanted to hold back—but instinct was stronger than reason.

 Jiang Tian’s side profile was still damp with tears, and he couldn’t help but want to… do something.

His long fingers brushed softly against the boy’s cheek as he leaned in and whispered:
“You can say no.”

“……”

Jiang Tian had a vague idea of what might happen next, and his thoughts became a whirlwind—but he couldn’t bring himself to stop or confirm it.

The distance between them slowly dissolved. Their breaths mingled. And as Chu Xuyu’s face drew nearer—Jiang Tian’s eyes fluttered shut, almost involuntarily.

But then—

He suddenly turned his face away, like a skittish puppy with a strong sense of boundaries.
It was as if he’d opened the door to his home, but only allowed the visitor to step into the entryway.

So instead—

The kiss landed softly on his cheek, right where the tear had fallen.

 It was feather-light, like a wing brushing gently across his skin—tender, not forceful in the slightest.

Jiang Tian froze for a few seconds. And when he finally processed what had happened—

Chu Xuyu had already pulled away, putting space between them again.

But the warmth of that kiss… the rush of blood in his ears, the pounding of his heart—everything made it clear:

Chu Xuyu had kissed him.

A kiss from someone so far above him—like an emperor bestowing favor—
left him feeling utterly dazed.