Chapter 4

When Jian Anmian woke the next morning, Yan Zhimo was naturally nowhere to be seen. The section of carpet stained with ink had also been removed at some point.

During breakfast, Jian Anmian learned from Auntie Wang that Yan Zhimo had left for work at eight in the morning. Jian Anmian merely said, “Oh,” and returned to his room.

Still, it was impossible not to find the protagonist gong’s unusual behavior last night strange.

Jian Anmian sat on the edge of the bed with his head lowered, staring at the brand-new, snowy-white carpet as he slowly swung his feet.

What exactly had he done to make the protagonist gong suddenly want to divorce him?

Could it be because he wasn’t the original Jian Anmian, so the protagonist gong no longer found him appealing?

Was the power of a novel’s officially designated couple really that strong?

Jian Anmian sighed, rubbed his eyes, and sleepily collapsed into the bedding.

Forget it. He wouldn’t think about it anymore. This wasn’t something he could decide anyway. He might as well seize the opportunity to sleep again.

…

Yan Zhimo sat inside his office, tapping his fingers against the desk as he absentmindedly listened to his subordinate’s report.

After receiving no response from Yan Zhimo for a long time and hearing only the continuous tapping, the subordinate’s heartbeat accelerated along with it. He swallowed and cautiously asked, “President Yan? Was there something wrong with what I said?”

Yan Zhimo returned to his senses and stopped tapping his fingers. “No. Continue.”

The subordinate sighed in relief but still didn’t dare lower his guard. He devoted even greater concentration to the remainder of his report.

After the subordinate left, Yan Zhimo remained silent for a long while before suddenly saying to his special assistant, Yuwen Chi, “Last night, I brought the divorce agreement home and planned to have Jian Anmian sign it.”

Yuwen Chi listened quietly.

He had finally recovered some time ago and returned to his position without wasting another second.

He had no idea what Secretary Liu had fed him, but it had given him diarrhea for three whole days. That wicked woman truly deserved to die.

“Later, the pen fell, so he couldn’t sign it. I could have gone back to the study and fetched another pen, but I didn’t.” Yan Zhimo looked at Yuwen Chi. “What do you make of that?”

Yuwen Chi: “…”

I think you’re a scumbag. What else am I supposed to make of it?

Yuwen Chi maintained his smile. “I merely feel that it’s unlike you.”

Yan Zhimo paused. “Then what would be like me?”

“Ordinarily, once you decide to do something, you execute it immediately. You never tolerate the slightest delay.”

Yan Zhimo contemplated this for a long while before saying, “You’re right.”

His indecisiveness last night truly hadn’t resembled his usual personality. He must have been too exhausted from work.

He should finalize this divorce immediately.

Yan Zhimo stood at once, walked to the window, picked up his phone, and called Jian Anmian.

…

Elsewhere,

Jian Anmian was sleeping soundly when his phone suddenly rang.

He groggily felt around for it and squinted at the caller ID—

Mr. Yan.

Jian Anmian was instantly frightened awake and hurriedly sat upright.

As someone with social anxiety, he avoided speaking whenever possible. If he could type, he would never send a voice message. If he could send a voice message, he would never call. If he could call, he would never make a video call.

Jian Anmian couldn’t understand what could possibly be so important that Yan Zhimo had to call instead of sending a message. For a moment, he felt slightly resentful toward him.

However, he remained deeply intimidated by the man and only dared grumble quietly inside his heart.

He stared at the phone ringing incessantly in his hand as though he were holding a scalding-hot potato. He didn’t dare answer for a long time, and his heartbeat gradually accelerated.

Calm down. Calm down. It was only a phone call. They would finish talking and hang up soon.

Jian Anmian passed the phone back and forth between his hands and wiped the sweat from his palms.

He took a deep breath—answer!

However, Jian Anmian was so nervous that his finger slipped, and he accidentally rejected the call instead.

“Ah!” Jian Anmian covered his face in despair. “Mr. Yan, I didn’t do it on purpose!”

…

On the other end,

Hearing the automated message informing him that the line was busy, Yan Zhimo abruptly pulled the phone away from his ear and stared incredulously at the name “Jian Anmian” on the screen.

Someone had actually hung up on him?

Someone actually dared to hang up on him?!

Before Yan Zhimo could become angry, his phone immediately began ringing again.

Jian Anmian was calling him back.

Yan Zhimo snorted and petty-mindedly waited for the phone to ring for half a minute before answering.

“You hung up on me? Hmm?”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!” Jian Anmian’s soft voice came through the phone.

“I-I’m sorry, Mr. Yan. I was too nervous and pressed the wrong button. I didn’t mean to hang up on you. Please forgive me.” Jian Anmian wasn’t accustomed to speaking over the phone. His voice trembled slightly and carried a faint sobbing quality.

Yan Zhimo could even imagine the young man nervously biting his lip, his eyes faintly red with guilt as he worried that the man on the other end would scold him.

Almost instantly, Yan Zhimo’s anger vanished.

“Mm, it’s fine,” Yan Zhimo said gently. “I’m not such a petty person.”

Yuwen Chi, who had witnessed Yan Zhimo deliberately wait over half a minute before answering: “…”

Heh. He would simply watch in silence.

“Thank you, Mr. Yan. Did you call because you needed something?”

“Yes. Get ready now. I’ll have the driver pick you up and bring you to my company in a little while. We’ll sign the divorce agreement in person, then go directly to the Civil Affairs Bureau and finalize the divorce.”

“Oh, all right. I’ll get out of bed now.” The rustling of blankets sounded from the other end.

“…” Yan Zhimo couldn’t resist glancing at the time on his screen. Indeed, it was three o’clock in the afternoon, and Jian Anmian had only just gotten out of bed.

Yan Zhimo chose to stop wondering how many hours Jian Anmian spent asleep each day. “Then hurry. The driver will call you once he arrives.”

Jian Anmian: “…”

Another phone call?!

Jian Anmian didn’t dare defy Yan Zhimo, so he could only nod unhappily. After nodding, he realized that Yan Zhimo couldn’t see him and replied gloomily, “All right. I understand.”

Something stirred faintly inside Yan Zhimo.

Just now, Jian Anmian’s voice had sounded… a little unhappy, hadn’t it?

Could it be… that he didn’t actually want a divorce?

After ending the call, Yan Zhimo recalled Jian Anmian’s soft, clingy voice over the phone. His lips curled upward, and he cheerfully told Yuwen Chi, “Clear my schedule for the afternoon. I’m going to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get divorced.”

He sounded as though he were about to get married.

Yuwen Chi: “…”

Yuwen Chi remained composed. “Very well, President Yan.”

There was definitely something seriously wrong with this CEO.

…

An hour later, Jian Anmian arrived at Yan Zhimo’s company by car.

Traffic had been somewhat congested on the way there, and the car had repeatedly stopped and started. Although Jian Anmian had taken motion-sickness medicine, he still felt unwell. He sat on a sofa in the lobby, breathing heavily, his face completely pale.

Uncle Chen had just called Yan Zhimo. When he turned and saw Jian Anmian’s condition, he couldn’t help feeling sorry for him, so he poured him a cup of hot tea.

Jian Anmian quietly thanked him but didn’t dare drink it.

Heaven only knew whether he was allergic to tea leaves.

Speaking of which, he still hadn’t asked the protagonist gong for his allergen list.

It was currently working hours. In the lobby, meticulously dressed and capable-looking female office workers strode briskly in high heels, while male managers in suits and leather shoes carried briefcases with solemn expressions.

Jian Anmian disliked public places and was especially afraid of crowds. Fortunately, everyone appeared preoccupied with their work, and no one seemed to have time to pay attention to him.

What Jian Anmian didn’t know was that outside his field of vision, the female office workers seemed to be bustling around but had actually passed him several times without leaving. The male managers pretended to check their watches while waiting for someone but were secretly peeking at him from the corners of their eyes. The receptionist had even openly entered the group chat and begun slacking off.

【Isn’t Uncle Chen President Yan’s personal driver? Why did he bring such an adorable little boy here~】

【Is he President Yan’s relative?】

【I don’t believe it. Pics or it didn’t happen.】

【[Photo.jpg]】

【Aaaaaah, he’s so obedient, soft, and adorable! What kind of pure and beautiful little cutie is this~~ It’s a pity that the mask hides his face, but stolen content that’s fine. Let Auntie take it off and give you a kiss ^3^】

【Front-row tip from the CEO’s secretarial office: President Yan quietly got married not long ago~ His spouse is an eighteen-year-old boy~】

【What? My dream man got married?! My heart is broken, boohoohoo!】

【Fuck, could this be him?】

【Looks like it. He’s so adorable, no wonder even President Yan couldn’t resist. [Lights cigarette]】

【Tsk, tsk. Who would have guessed President Yan was so secretly passionate? Eighteen years old~~~】

【Am I the only one shocked that President Yan is gay? If I’d known sooner, I would’ve made a move, boohoohoo!】

【Person above… did you just come out?】

The person who wanted to kiss him: 【Σ(っ°Д°;)っ】

【You dared to kiss President Yan’s wife. You really have a death wish.】

【Kissing everything you see will only bring you misfortune. [Lights cigarette]】

CEO’s Special Assistant—Yuwen Chi: 【[I’ll Just Watch You Silently Without Saying Anything.jpg]】

【??? Why is Yuwen in this group? Who the hell was stupid enough to let him in?】

System: [A member recalled a message.]

【Special Assistant Yuwen, please let me explain! I have absolutely no designs on President Yan’s wife! Please don’t tell President Yan! QAQ!】

Yuwen Chi sighed internally: Unfortunately, the poor little thing was about to stop being President Yan’s wife.

CEO’s Special Assistant—Yuwen Chi: 【You should all watch yourselves. President Yan is already taking the elevator down.】

【!!!!!】

【Thank you for the warning, Special Assistant Yuwen! Goodbye, Special Assistant Yuwen!】

System: [You have been removed from the group chat.]

Yuwen Chi: “…”

They certainly knew how to discard someone after using him!

Jian Anmian was holding his cup of tea and staring into space when the lobby abruptly fell silent. He looked over in confusion and saw the CEO’s private elevator slowly open, revealing Yan Zhimo’s handsome, impassive face.

He wore a sharply tailored black suit and an elegant, understated luxury watch around his wrist. After stepping out of the elevator, his calm gaze swept around the lobby before meeting Jian Anmian’s dazed eyes. The corner of his mouth lifted. Then, in front of everyone, his gleaming leather shoes carried him step by step toward Jian Anmian.

Yuwen Chi followed closely behind him. He approached Jian Anmian, extended a hand, and smiled politely. “Hello, Mr. Jian. I’m Yuwen Chi, President Yan’s special assistant.”

Yan Zhimo frowned slightly. Then, without changing his expression, he pushed Yuwen Chi’s hand back. “There’s no need to shake hands. Mianmian doesn’t like other people touching him.”

Soft gasps sounded all around them.

Yuwen Chi: “…”

I think there truly is something seriously wrong with you!

Jian Anmian blinked and said to Yuwen Chi, “…Hello.”

There he was—the all-purpose CEO’s assistant found in every domineering-CEO novel!

He could help the CEO build a corporate empire and help the CEO pursue his wife. Whether the command was, “Five minutes. I want all the information on this man,” or, “The weather has turned cold. It’s time for the Wang Corporation to go bankrupt,” the CEO’s assistant could always flawlessly complete every task assigned to him. His chances of dying from overwork were second only to those of the CEO’s long-suffering doctor friend.

At that thought, Jian Anmian couldn’t help quickly glancing at the top of Special Assistant Yuwen’s head.

He wasn’t even balding… How resilient!

Still smiling, Yuwen Chi instinctively touched the top of his head. Hm?

Yan Zhimo swept his gaze around them. All the heads that had popped up hurriedly ducked back down. “There are too many people here. Come upstairs with me first.”

Jian Anmian quickly nodded, resentfully thinking—

This was all because Yan Zhimo attracted far too much attention!

The man was simply too handsome and had such an extraordinary presence that he became the center of attention wherever he went, causing Jian Anmian to be stared at along with him.

How annoying.

The moment Yan Zhimo left with Jian bailiantales.com Anmian, the people in the lobby began stirring restlessly again.

【Aaaaaah! Did you all see that just now?】

【Well, fuck me sideways, now I’ve seen everything. He wouldn’t even let someone else touch his little hand. Tsk, tsk, tsk.】

【That possessiveness is terrifying. Could he possibly be any more jealous?】

【Is this the pampering love of a domineering CEO? [Doge]】

【I never expected it, President Yan. So this is the kind of man you are!】

…

Meanwhile, Jian Anmian followed Yan Zhimo into the CEO’s private elevator.

The elevator was small. With two large men like Yan Zhimo and Yuwen Chi standing inside, each of them seemed to take up half the available space.

Jian Anmian glanced at Yuwen Chi, lowered his head, and quietly edged a little closer to Yan Zhimo.

No matter what, the protagonist gong had been the first person he met after transmigrating into ​read the original at bailiantales.com​the book. The photographer didn’t count.

He was afraid of strangers. Although the protagonist gong was terrifying, Jian Anmian would still rather remain close to him than to someone even less familiar.

At that moment, the elevator passed through the dim interior of the skyscraper and entered a transparent section in the middle of the building.

Jian Anmian’s surroundings suddenly became dazzlingly bright, and his entire body was instantly bathed in sunlight. Only then did he discover that the elevator was made of glass.

The sun hung high overhead, its blinding light baking the endless streams of vehicles and pedestrians far below.

Dazzled, Jian Anmian narrowed his eyes and instinctively glanced downward.

Everything in the world seemed to lie beneath his feet. Countless tiny black dots swarmed like ants, resembling a bottomless abyss with its mouth stretched wide open, as though they were tens of millions of meters away.

Meanwhile, he seemed to be suspended in midair, liable to plummet at any moment and be smashed to pieces.

A violent palpitation abruptly swept through Jian Anmian’s entire body. Waves of cold spread across his back, his breathing involuntarily accelerated, and all the strength seemed to drain from him. His body slid weakly down the wall.

“Jian Anmian?!” Yan Zhimo hurriedly crouched to support him. Frowning, he asked, “What happened? Are you all right?”

Jian Anmian’s head buzzed, and the world spun around him. His chest felt as though an enormous boulder were lodged inside it, leaving him severely unauthorized copy constricted and breathless. Pale-faced, he moved his lips but couldn’t speak.

Yuwen Chi hurriedly said, “President Yan, he seems to be afraid of heights!”

He wasn’t merely afraid of heights. He was also hyperventilating…

He couldn’t breathe again!

Jian Anmian hurriedly pulled off his mask and opened his mouth, desperately trying to breathe. Fine beads of sweat instantly covered his previously smooth forehead, and he suddenly began coughing uncontrollably.

Yan Zhimo cursed under his breath and hurriedly slammed his hand against the nearest elevator button. In his panic, he missed several floors in succession.

Finally, the elevator made an emergency stop at the nearest floor.

Yan Zhimo scooped Jian Anmian into his arms and carried him outside. Frowning, he brushed Jian Anmian’s hair away from his forehead, revealing a pale, fragile face.

“Jian Anmian, are you feeling better? Speak to me!”

He couldn’t speak. He… couldn’t breathe…

Jian Anmian’s five fingers tightly clutched the clothing over his chest. He shook his head in pain, his [Read on BaiLianTales]earth-shattering coughs sounding as though he were about to cough up all his internal organs.

Previously, it had been night blindness plus hyperventilation. Now it was fear of heights plus hyperventilation. Why did this body insist on stacking debuffs?!

Was this ever going to end?!

Jian Anmian’s coughing left Yan Zhimo agitated and distressed—not because he found it noisy, but because of the anxious helplessness of being unable to do anything.

“Call an ambulance! Hurry!”

Yan Zhimo barked the order at Yuwen Chi, then looked at the trembling young man before him. He suddenly yanked Jian Anmian’s hand away from his mouth and forcefully pinned him against the wall. His broad palm covered Jian Anmian’s entire face as snugly as a mask.

Such a small face—Yan Zhimo had this inappropriate thought at the worst possible moment.

Jian Anmian stared through tear-filled eyes, both hands instinctively clutching the man’s arm as his chest rose and fell violently.

Their gazes met, and the world fell silent. All that remained in their ears was the muffled, intermingling sound of their breathing.

Jian Anmian suddenly noticed a tiny, faintly colored mole on the man’s Adam’s apple. It moved in and out of view whenever his Adam’s apple bobbed, making it look extremely sexy.

“Have you calmed down?” Yan Zhimo asked.

Jian Anmian froze. Realizing what he had been thinking, he hurriedly looked away with a red face. “Mm…”

Yan Zhimo released him and looked down. His entire palm was wet with saliva, as though a dog had licked it.

Jian Anmian instantly became so embarrassed that he wanted to die on the spot. His hands and feet trembled as he said, “I’m sorry! Please go wash your hand!”

“It’s fine.” Yan Zhimo accepted the tissues Yuwen Chi handed him and wiped his hand carelessly. Then he lowered his head and pinched Jian Anmian’s chin, intending to wipe him clean as well.

“Thank you, but I can do it myself.” Jian Anmian reached for the tissue in Yan Zhimo’s hand.

Yan Zhimo moved it away and asked coldly, “Are you refusing to behave?”

Jian Anmian trembled in fright and stammered, “Y-You should do it…”

Yan Zhimo nodded in satisfaction and wiped the damp little fellow clean.

Yuwen Chi silently waited for them to finish interacting before asking, “President Yan, do we still need the ambulance?”

Yan Zhimo bent down and lifted Jian Anmian into his stolen contentarms. “No. I’ll take him to the hospital now.”

Startled, Jian Anmian reflexively wrapped his arms around Yan Zhimo’s neck, only to withdraw them as though he had been electrocuted. His entire face turned crimson as he stammered, “M-Mr. Yan, I can walk by myself. Please put me down…”

Yan Zhimo’s last shred of patience was exhausted. He deliberately jostled Jian Anmian in his arms and frowned as he demanded in a deep voice, “Jian Anmian, can’t you behave?”

His body was so slender and frail that holding him felt like holding a sheet of paper. He barely weighed anything. How exactly had the Qin family raised this child? Had they truly never abused him?

Sure enough, once there was a stepfather, even his own mother became like a stepmother. They couldn’t even take care of such an obedient child. What a bunch of useless people.

Hearing his full name, Jian Anmian trembled in fear and curled up in the man’s arms like a frightened chick, no longer daring to move.

The man’s chest was so warm and broad, and the arms holding him were thick and powerful. Jian Anmian’s heart raced.

This time, Jian Anmian kept his face buried against the man’s chest for the entire elevator ride. Unable to see the view beyond the glass walls, he safely reached the ground floor without incident.

He also failed to see how everyone stared as Yan Zhimo carried him all the way to the underground parking garage.

【Didn’t the little cutie only just go upstairs? Why is President Yan carrying him back out? Is he sick?】

【What? President Yan carried the little cutie to the hospital?】

【What? President Yan carried his little wife out of the CEO’s office?】

【What? President Yan fucked his eighteen-year-old wife so hard in the office that he ended up in the hospital’s obstetrics and gynecology department?】

【…He’s not intersex! He’s not intersex! He’s a boy! Have you been reading too much Haitang again?! [Angry] [Angry] [Angry]】

【President Yan says: If he really were intersex, that wouldn’t be unacceptable either. [Strokes chin] Intersex pregnancy, induced labor, childbirth…】

【President Yan is currently on his way here with a knife.】

【Warning: Incoming legal notice from the Yan Corporation.】

System notification: [A member recalled a message.]

【It’s no use. I took a screenshot, hahahaha! [Laughs maniacally] I advise you to buy me milk tea every day next month, or I might send it to President Yan!】

…

【What? President Yan’s intersex little wife gave birth to a baby inside the CEO’s office?! Σ(°△°|||)︴】

In the blink of an eye, the rumor had become completely outrageous.

Yuwen Chi sucked in a sharp breath. What kind of nonsense was this?!

CEO’s Special Assistant—Yuwen Chi: 【If you need an ophthalmology appointment, I recommend xxx Hospital. [Smile]】

CEO’s Special Assistant—Yuwen Chi: 【Also, do any of you still want your jobs? [Smile]】

【????? Why is Special Assistant Yuwen in this group chat too?! Who was it? Who let him in? Traitor!】

【Hurry and kick him out! You scared this baby to death!】

System notification: [You have been removed from the group chat.]

Yuwen Chi: “…”

Damn you all!

Once inside the car, Jian Anmian’s complexion, which had begun ​stolen content​to improve, suddenly turned several shades paler.

Yan Zhimo frowned. “What is it? Are you feeling unwell again?”

“…I’m sorry. I’m a little carsick.”

“Did you take medicine?”

“I did, but I still feel a little dizzy.” Jian Anmian weakly lowered his head. “I’m sorry.”

Yan Zhimo stared at him for several seconds before clicking his tongue. “What a bother.” He turned to Uncle Chen. “Stop the car. Switch places with me. I’ll drive.”

Although Uncle Chen found it strange, he obediently got out and exchanged seats with Yan Zhimo.

Yan Zhimo opened all the windows and met Jian Anmian’s eyes through the rearview mirror. “Jian Anmian, sit in the front. Carsickness isn’t as bad up there.”

Jian Anmian froze, warmth spreading through his heart. He shyly got out and moved to the front seat. “Thank you, Mr. Yan.”

Yan Zhimo’s expression remained cold. “Mm.”

Yet Yuwen Chi could practically see a small tail curling proudly upward from the back [stolen content]of Yan Zhimo’s dark-haired head.

Now a driver and a special assistant sat side by side in the back seat, staring at each other while enjoying their CEO’s chauffeuring service.

Uncle Chen looked at Yuwen Chi in utter confusion.

Yuwen Chi responded with a polite smile. “…”

He couldn’t stand working at this company for another second!

Yan Zhimo glanced at Jian Anmian beside him and pursed his lips. “It was my fault. I didn’t know you were afraid of heights, yet I brought you into a glass elevator. I apologize for what happened. I’m sorry.”

Jian Anmian’s little heart trembled. The scumbag gong from an angst novel had actually apologized! Wasn’t that terrifying?! Did this mean Yan Zhimo was about to start tormenting him?

Jian Anmian hurriedly said, “Mr. Yan, please don’t apologize. It wasn’t your fault. My health is simply poor.”

“I promise there won’t be a next time.” Yan Zhimo domineeringly determined the fate of his private elevator and announced coldly and imperiously, “I’ll have someone paint the elevator afterward so that the people inside can never see the sun outside again.”

Jian Anmian: “…”

Yuwen Chi: “…”

President Yan, have you forgotten that you were planning to get divorced? Of course there wouldn’t be a next time!