The next morning, I walked into the office half-expecting everyone to be whispering about last night.
Instead… they were whispering about something else.
I placed my bag down. "What's going on?"
A coworker leaned in. "The devil called Manager Li at 9 a.m. They spoke for a full hour. No one knows why."
I blinked. "9 a.m.? An hour?"
He nodded solemnly, as if we were talking about the stock market crashing.
Soon, Manager Li stepped out of her cabin and called for a department meeting.
We all filed into the meeting room like we were heading into a haunted house.
I picked a seat in the second row.
But the moment Xiang walked in, I panicked and jumped to the last seat.
He didn't notice.
Thankfully.
He stood at the front, his usual stern expression in place.
"Our company is launching a new software application," he announced. "Each department must submit a proposal and presentation. The team with the best idea will win a team trip—and the winning app will be developed."
Excitement bubbled through the room.
Cheers echoed.
"And," Xiang added, "you will all work overtime until your proposal is finished."
Silence.
Someone beside me whispered, "Speak of the devil… he just revealed his true form."
I stifled a laugh.
The meeting ended, and I managed to slip out without catching Xiang's eye.
Meanwhile…
In his office, Xiang turned to his assistant. "Gu, do I look like a crazy person?"
Gu didn't hesitate. "Mmm... yes."
Xiang stared. "Excuse me?"
Gu smiled like a devil. "Sir, everyone knows you're crazy."
Then he slapped a hand over his own mouth, realizing what he had said.
Xiang's eyes widened. His face said: You did not just say that.
He walked over, placed a hand on Gu's shoulder, and pressed down hard.
"You've gotten bold, huh?"
Gu whimpered. "I—I'll be quiet…"
---
That evening, it was nearly 11 p.m., and everyone was still working on their proposals.
Suddenly, Gu arrived with five food parcels and handed them to Manager Li.
"These are from the department head."
She blinked. "He sent snacks?"
Gu nodded. "Even I'm shocked. He's changing."
She smiled and asked him to pass along their thanks.
Gu returned to the office and relayed the message.
"Only Manager Li said thanks?" Xiang asked, still staring at his computer.
Gu leaned in like he was about to stir drama. "Sir… do you want Zhou Ye to thank you personally?"
Before Xiang could respond, Gu dramatically clasped his hands to his chest and fluttered his lashes.
"T-thank you, Sir Xiang… you're my hero~" he said, eyes twinkling like a K-drama heroine in the rain.
Xiang coughed, clearly horrified, and tossed the pen from his hand like it betrayed him.
Gu bowed and walked away… not without blowing him a flying kiss.
Xiang looked like he'd just chugged spoiled milk.
---
One week later, all departments presented their proposals.
When it was my turn, Gu smirked and whispered to Xiang, "Next is Zhou Ye."
Instantly, Xiang straightened up, fixed his hair, and even put away his phone.
Gu whispered, "Ooooh~~ my hero~ getting ready, huh?"
Xiang threw a paper at his head.
I walked in, unaware of the chaos that had just unfolded.
Xiang told me to submit my proposal. As I explained, he listened intently—like he was hearing the secret of life.
When I finished, he clapped.
Clapped. Like. A. Baby.
I stared at him, confused. Smiled awkwardly.
Gu playfully patted his head. "There, there."
I couldn't help but laugh.
Xiang gently pushed Gu's hand away. "Okay, that's enough."
I glanced at them. "Sorry if I offended you both."
Gu—still deep in his acting—bowed and mimicked Xiang's voice. "It's nothing. You may go now. Thanks."
I chuckled and turned to Xiang.
Xiang said with a straight face, "Mr. Gu, please sit in my chair. I'll be your assistant now."
Gu panicked. "Sir! No! That wouldn't be appropriate!"
Xiang raised an eyebrow. Gu zipped his mouth instantly.
"Wait for the results," Xiang told me.
I nodded and left.
---
The next day, Xiang entered the office and said calmly:
"Our department has been selected by the board."
Everyone screamed.
"We're getting a one-week tour and a bonus!" someone shouted.
Excitement exploded.
"To celebrate," I said, "shall we have a party today?"
Everyone turned to look at Xiang.
To everyone's shock… he smiled.
Smiled.
"Okay," he said playfully. "It's my treat."
Cheers erupted.
People hugged him. Gu patted his head like a proud mom.
Then Gu slid his hand from his head to his chin and gently closed his mouth.
"Smile management," he whispered.
Xiang blinked. The smile disappeared instantly.
I thought, If Gu does that again, he's going to be holding a resignation letter tomorrow.
---
That night, we went to the restaurant.
Xiang sat in the middle.
I was on his left. Gu on his right.
Gu elbowed him. "You saw that, right?"
Xiang sighed. "Gu… please. Save your dignity and mine."
Gu smirked. "Then call me Mother."
Xiang muttered under his breath, "...Mother~~"
Gu proudly patted his head.
Coworkers around us stared and laughed.
A few guys whispered, "Are you two… dating?"
Xiang jumped. "W-we're not what you think!"
Gu beamed. "I'm used to the rumors."
I watched it all like it was a live drama.
Then Manager Li brought juice for a round of Truth or Dare.
The rules? Refuse to answer—you drink two shots.
The bottle spun.
First, it landed on a guy.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" Manager Li asked.
"Yes," he said. "Love at first sight. I married her."
Everyone: "OHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Then the bottle landed on me.
"Do you have a boyfriend?" Manager Li asked.
"No," I replied, a little flatly.
She raised an eyebrow. "But do you have a crush?"
Everyone leaned in. Even Xiang was on full alert.
I smiled. "Yes. I had a crush on someone in college."
Everyone gasped.
"Was he handsome?"
"Did you know his name?"
I laughed. "I don't even know his name. I don't think he ever noticed me. I've probably forgotten him by now."
Everyone turned into silence
Except Xiang—he looked like he'd just won a secret jackpot.
Gu leaned in and whispered, "Sir, this is your chance. Grab it before you lose it."
Xiang whispered back, "You're talented. I didn't even know I had a chance."
Then narrowed his eyes. "Did you leave your shame at home when you joined?"
Gu nodded proudly. "Yeah. The day I became your assistant."
Xiang stared at him like, Why do I still work with this man?