Chapter 16 – Paper Man 15
Not long after arriving at the office, an assistant delivered a new phone already loaded with several popular games.
Luo Yuan brought Su Tang over and settled him on a comfortable sofa with his phone, even stocking up on his favorite snacks while reminding him not to overindulge since they’d be having lunch later. It was as if he fully understood Su Tang’s laid-back nature.
Su Tang felt thoroughly satisfied, though he couldn’t quite grasp why Luo Yuan had bothered bringing him to the office at all. Everyone else is working while I’m the only one playing games. That’s so awkward… he thought, though the sentiment quickly evaporated.
At first, he felt a bit self-conscious, but once he got absorbed in the game, he casually grabbed a handful of chips and took a swig of cold cola. Holy shit, this is fucking amazing. Now that I’ve got something to compare it to, it’s even better.
Sometimes Su Tang got so engrossed in the game that he’d laugh or curse out loud. The next moment, he’d cover his mouth and sneak a glance at Luo Yuan, desperately trying to suppress his reactions. But Luo Yuan remained completely unaffected, as if surrounded by an invisible barrier that blocked out all noise, focused intently on his work.
In truth, Su Tang only saw the surface. Unbeknownst to him, Luo Yuan’s gaze burned into him with such intensity it bordered on the unsettling.
At noon, lunch was delivered to the office.
When Luo Yuan called Su Tang over to eat, Su Tang was engrossed in a movie at its most exciting part, unable to tear his eyes away. Luo Yuan warned that the food would get cold, and only when he took away Su Tang’s phone did the latter reluctantly follow behind him.
Still preoccupied with the film’s plot during lunch, Su Tang accidentally burned his tongue. With a hiss of pain, Luo Yuan immediately frowned, forcefully grasping his chin and ordering, “Open your mouth.”
Seeing the tongue merely reddened and shrunken in pain, Luo Yuan’s expression softened slightly. But then he swiftly took away Su Tang’s bowl.
“…Brother,” Su Tang protested silently, “I’ve only eaten two bites!”
No matter how pitifully he pleaded, Luo Yuan refused to return the bowl. Instead, he picked up a spoon and began feeding him.
“…Fine,” Su Tang conceded inwardly. At least this was better than going hungry.
Su Tang opened his mouth obediently, eating bite after bite without the slightest embarrassment. He even marveled inwardly at how wonderful this life could be—where food came to your mouth and clothes to your hands.
At that moment, an assistant entered to discuss the afternoon meeting with the CEO. Witnessing this scene, she nearly froze in shock. Am I blind?! Is this their cold-hearted corporate demon? Feeding someone so nauseatingly affectionately?! I never imagined the CEO would be this disgustingly sentimental in romance. Ugh, this sour stench is truly indescribable.
Caught completely off guard by this 10,000-point emotional assault, the assistant clung to her last shred of composure and hastily retreated from the battlefield.
After finishing the bowl of rice, Luo Yuan asked Su Tang if he wanted more. When Su Tang shook his head, a flicker of regret crossed Luo Yuan’s eyes, clearly disappointed at the end of their feeding ritual.
With dinner finally concluded, Su Tang immediately reached for his phone to resume the movie he’d been watching. But when he extended his hand toward Luo Yuan, he found himself thwarted.
“I want to watch with you,” Luo Yuan declared.
Su Tang had no objections; discussing the plot with someone else sounded appealing. But Luo Yuan hadn’t seen the earlier parts—would he even understand?
Luo Yuan settled onto the sofa. As Su Tang approached to sit beside him, Luo Yuan’s arm shot out, pulling Su Tang onto his lap. A second arm wrapped around his waist in a possessive embrace.
Su Tang froze.
“Better view than the phone screen,” Luo Yuan said matter-of-factly.
His words made sense, but his posture was a bit…
Su Tang glanced up at him without comment, then tapped the phone screen to start the video. He leaned back against Luo Yuan’s chest, settling into a more comfortable position.
From this angle, Luo Yuan had a perfect view of Su Tang’s soft, pale ears tinged with a delicate pink. They looked so adorable he almost wanted to give them a playful bite.
Luo Yuan’s lips curved into a faint smile, his amusement barely contained.
As the movie neared its end, Su Tang—who’d grown accustomed to his recent full nights’ sleep—began to yawn. His eyelids drooped, head nodding rhythmically as he swayed in Luo Yuan’s arms. Finally, he collapsed into the crook of Luo Yuan’s arm, drifting off to sleep. His flushed cheeks puffed slightly, petal-like lips parting naturally as his breathing slowed into deep, even breaths.
Holding him like this would inevitably grow tiring, but Luo Yuan couldn’t bear to let go. He found himself staring at Su Tang’s sleeping face for an entire afternoon.
Su Tang slept soundly, completely oblivious to his surroundings.
The afternoon mirrored the morning—Luo Yuan working while Su Tang lounged around playing with his phone.
When work hours ended, Luo Yuan decided to take Su Tang shopping for clothes that fit properly. While he enjoyed seeing Su Tang wear his oversized garments at home, it was impractical for public outings. Better to reserve those for private moments when only Luo Yuan could appreciate the sight.
Outside, rain fell in a steady drizzle, the gray sky creating a hazy, ink-wash painting effect.
They arrived at the company building, waiting for their driver to come.
At that moment, a slender figure approached and asked softly, “Mr. Luo, I didn’t bring an umbrella. Could you give me a ride home?”
Luo Yuan turned at the voice. “There’s a convenience store across the street. You can buy an umbrella there.”
Chen Yingying choked on her words, not expecting Luo Yuan to be so unchivalrous.
“But… I don’t have an umbrella to get there. I’ll get wet. My home is very close, it won’t be much trouble.”
Luo Yuan frowned. “If it’s that close, just call a cab. It’s not expensive.”
Chen Yingying’s eyes reddened. “But I’m scared. What if something happens? I’m just a girl…”
Luo Yuan fell silent for a moment, considering her words.
When Chen Yingying first appeared, Su Tang’s mental alarm had sounded. He’d kept his eyes on her, worried she might interact with Luo Yuan. Initially, Luo Yuan’s refusal had eased his concerns. But seeing Luo Yuan’s hesitation, as if considering her request, made him panic. He blurted out, “I’ll drive you home!”
Determined to separate them, Su Tang thought, If he’s in a ride-hailing car with Chen Yingying, he won’t have any excuse left.
Chen Yingying froze, finally noticing the strikingly handsome young man beside Luo Yuan. Th-this… this is too good-looking…
Her eyes filled with awe, her face flushing crimson.
Luo Yuan’s expression darkened instantly. He pulled Su Tang into his embrace, clutching his hand in a vise grip as he growled, “Not happening.”
He then turned to several male colleagues nearby. “You guys don’t have umbrellas, do you? Share a ride with her.”
The men, who had long harbored feelings for the beautiful Chen Yingying, had been too intimidated to approach her while she was speaking to the CEO. Now they eagerly nodded and offered their invitations. Chen Yingying found herself surrounded, forced to smile politely as she watched Luo Yuan and Su Tang drive away, resentment simmering in her chest.
Even after getting in the car, Su Tang kept glancing back at Chen Yingying. She’s got that protagonist’s halo around her. I need to stay vigilant. But after barely two seconds, Luo Yuan’s hand clamped down on the back of his neck, forcing his head forward. No more looking back.
Luo Yuan’s face remained cold. “Do you like that type?”
Su Tang blinked, momentarily confused. If I say yes, will Luo Yuan avoid suspicion and stop interacting with me? Wait, aren’t there cases where people develop feelings for someone they initially just paid attention to because of a friend?
“No,” Su Tang quickly shook his head, stealing glances at Luo Yuan. “What about you? Do you like her type?”
Seeing Su Tang’s denial, Luo Yuan’s expression softened. Unwilling to let the woman distract him, he answered without hesitation: “I don’t.”
Both having received the answers they sought, their moods lifted considerably.
Upon reaching the mall, they headed straight for the men’s clothing section.
The salesperson immediately recognized them as high-value customers by their attire and bearing, smiling as they recommended the latest seasonal designs.
Luo Yuan personally selected pieces, having Su Tang try on anything that seemed suitable. He styled Su Tang from head to toe, the well-fitting garments accentuating his figure like a sapling stretching toward the sun—tall and upright, radiating a vibrant, youthful green.
With each outfit change, Luo Yuan experienced fresh delight. He nearly purchased every piece, once again savoring the thrill of shopping. This sensory immersion surpassed the virtual reality of video games—tangible items before his eyes, bringing both joy and satisfaction.
Eventually, Su Tang grew weary from the constant changes and collapsed onto the sofa, refusing to budge. Reluctantly, Luo Yuan acquiesced and prepared to depart. With too many bags for both to carry, they arranged for the store to deliver the purchases directly to the villa.
Author’s Note:
Female Lead (eyes sparkling with hearts): Su Tang is so handsome!
Luo Yuan: Get lost.
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