Shen Duoyi had been eight-tenths drunk, but now he was instantly twelve-tenths sober.

He scrambled up immediately, so panicked he didn’t know whether to get out of bed first or put on his pants. His underwear was still damp, and he looked completely unwell. Qi Shi'an grabbed his shoulders and shoved the wet towel into his hands. “Take them off, wipe yourself clean, and then go to sleep.”

After saying that, Qi Shi'an straightened his loosened tie and strode to the door. He stepped out and saw Grandpa Shen already sitting on the sofa. Without waiting for the old man to ask, he introduced himself: “Grandpa, I’m Duoyi’s colleague. He drank too much tonight, so I brought him home. He’s already asleep.”

Grandpa Shen, whose legs weren’t very strong, used the coffee table to stand up. “Thank you. He rarely does this—he must be really happy. He told me you made money in stocks and wanted to celebrate with you.”

Qi Shi'an stepped forward to support him. “He was indeed happy and drank a little too much. By the way, Grandpa, Duoyi said the restaurant had some dishes you’d like, so I brought a few for you to try tomorrow.”

Grandpa Shen thanked him repeatedly, not only out of gratitude but also because he was pleased that Shen Duoyi had such a good colleague at work. Qi Shi'an helped Grandpa Shen back into the bedroom, and once the old man was settled, he said, “Grandpa, my last name is Qi. Please give me your number. If there’s anything you need help with or if Duoyi has any issues, you can call me.”

Since it was their first meeting, Grandpa Shen waved his hands repeatedly. “No need, no need. He has childhood friends who help him; I can’t trouble you.”

Qi Shi'an then asked, “Is the fishing rod my grandpa gave you working well?”

Grandpa Shen paused, then realized. “Oh, so you’re the one who got tutoring for your brother! We chatted for ages. Yes, it works well, works well. Thank your grandpa for me. Let’s go fishing together sometime.”

Self-presentation was important, but ensuring the elder got his rest was even more crucial. Once Grandpa Shen was settled, Qi Shi'an quietly left. Before departing, he checked on Shen Duoyi. He was lying peacefully in bed, already asleep.

He truly felt reassured.

Qi Shi'an didn’t get home until late at night. After showering, he lay in bed, lost in thought. He relived the delicious dinner and the sensation of the person in his arms. His mind lingered on the moment Grandpa Shen appeared. After a brief pause, his thoughts galloped like a wild horse breaking free.

After Qi Shi'an left, Shen Duoyi had taken off his clothes himself, wiped his damp legs with the wet towel, and, still naked, rummaged through the wardrobe for pajamas. After dressing, he crawled into bed, anxious, yet ended up sleeping soundly.

Qi Shi'an let out a heavy sigh. He felt tormented—just thinking about it made him crazy. Frustrated, he grabbed his phone, intending to read some boring news to fall asleep. Instead, he saw a message from Huo Xuechuan.

“Bro, when are you bringing sister-in-law home?”

Too lazy to reply, Qi Shi'an turned off his phone. He rolled onto his side and closed his eyes, but sleep was long gone. He knew he would eventually bring Shen Duoyi home. But he wouldn’t let Shen Duoyi endure the chaos of his parents’ disapproval.

He planned to come out to his family first. He’d handle all the questioning and opposition himself. Only after they accepted it would he introduce his partner.

For most people, coming out was about determination. Qi Shi'an was never short on determination or courage. What mattered now was the method and the steps. Whether it was psychological preparation or subtle influence, he aimed to minimize disruption.

In the quiet of the night, for once free from watching the stock market, Qi Shi'an got out of bed. With the moonlight as his companion, he leaned against the headboard with his laptop and drafted a coming-out plan, estimating the potential risks.

Finally, sleep came, and the first words in his dream were: “Mom, I’ve got a partner.”

The next morning, the bright sun woke Shen Duoyi. Dizzy, he stared at the golden glow filtering through the window. He vaguely remembered going out with Qi Shi'an to celebrate last night. He’d been so happy that he drank too much.

His memory was patchy. Shen Duoyi sat up, lifted the blanket, and got out of bed to wash up. While brushing his teeth, he glanced at the laundry basket. On top were his discarded clothes—and his underwear. It was... unsightly.

He swallowed a mouthful of toothpaste foam as his fragmented memories reconnected. Qi Shi'an had brought him home, and he’d asked about that night years ago. In that situation, it was basically seduction.

Shen Duoyi gulped down the toothpaste foam and the rinsing water, feeling as full as if he’d eaten a buffet.

“Duoyi, are you up yet?”

Grandpa Shen’s voice came from the living room. Shen Duoyi jolted, staring at his reflection. Last night, Qi Shi'an had made him melt, and it seemed like Grandpa Shen knocked right at that moment. Qi Shi'an had told him to sleep, then opened the door.

He’d actually slept, feeling so secure.

“Duoyi, get up and check if the stocks have dropped.”

“Coming!” Shen Duoyi didn’t even dry his face, changed quickly, and rushed to the living room. He glanced nervously at Grandpa Shen, but the old man was focused on his snack.

“Grandpa, is it good?” He sat down opposite and confessed, “I drank too much last night. Did I disturb you?”

“No, I only heard you when I got up in the night.” Grandpa Shen was slowly writing a text on his phone. The mechanical voice announced, “Message sent successfully.”

Shen Duoyi jumped. “Who are you messaging?”

“Xiao Qi. I told him the snacks were good and thanked him.”

Shen Duoyi’s heart skipped a beat. “You have his number?!”

“Yes, he gave it to me last night and said to call if we needed anything.” Grandpa Shen took another bite of cake. “He doesn’t seem like an ordinary employee—probably a manager. Invite him over sometime.”

Shen Duoyi squirmed in his seat. This was too intense. He couldn’t handle it. Staying any longer might prompt him to flaunt Qi Shi'an inside and out, or worse, get Grandpa Shen to compare their astrological signs for compatibility.

It had to be a match made in heaven, right?

“Grandpa, I’m off to work. Take your time eating.”

“Leaving so early? Aren’t you having breakfast?”

“I’ll eat at work…” He grabbed his bag and rushed out, calling Qi Shi'an on the way, but the line was busy.

Qi Shi'an had slept late and was just waking up, leaning against the headboard on the phone. If Huo Xin hadn’t called, he’d still be asleep.

“Son, when are you bringing your partner home?”

Ah, the joys of a mother’s love. He buried his face in the pillow and replied, “What’s Auntie making for dinner tonight? I’ll come home to eat.”

There was no time to go back to sleep after the call ended. Qi Shi'an got up, went to work, and bought breakfast at the café next to the office. When he entered Ming’an, he headed straight to the consulting department, walking boldly into Team Leader Qi’s office under everyone’s watchful eyes.

Team Leader Qi was surprised to see him since such visits were rare. Qi Shi'an remained composed and said, “Let me see the Tushan Company file.”

After receiving the file, he skimmed through it and advised, “Move up the listing date. No need to say too much; just mention that the affiliated brokerage has an event, and they’ll understand.”

Leaving Team Leader Qi’s office, he proceeded to Team Leader Shen’s office. The department staff grew tense, thinking the boss was conducting an early-morning inspection.

Shen Duoyi had just turned on his computer when he saw Qi Shi'an walk in. After last night’s boundary-crossing, he pressed back into his chair, unsure how to react. He was already reacting, though; he just hadn’t noticed his face was flushed.

Qi Shi'an walked up to his desk, took out breakfast from the paper bag, and said, “I got you breakfast. Eat before you work. And you drank a lot last night; if you’re feeling unwell, take the day off.”

Shen Duoyi looked up and asked, “Did you get my grandpa’s message?”

“I did.” Qi Shi'an’s lips curved into a smile. “Grandpa is adorable. No wonder you’re so cute—it’s inherited.”

Shen Duoyi’s face reddened even more. He took the coffee and sipped it, then seized Qi Shi'an’s hand and whispered, “In front of Grandpa, you can only be my colleague or friend. There may never be a day when I can explain things. I—”

“I know.” Qi Shi'an squeezed his hand, his thumb brushing over Shen Duoyi’s hand. “Don’t worry about what I said last night at the restaurant. I care about Grandpa, but not because I want him to like me and accept our relationship. I never thought that way. I just want to show respect to him because your family is my family. That’s all.”

Shen Duoyi stared in surprise. Qi Shi'an withdrew his hand and said, “Don’t get too emotional yet; I have a condition.”

“What condition?”

Qi Shi'an leaned closer. “Call my name again.”

Shen Duoyi, holding his burger, whispered, “Shi'an.”

Qi Shi'an’s whole body melted. Just when he thought he couldn’t take any more, Shen Duoyi threw another sugar bomb: “You made me feel so good last night. No matter what you do… I like it.”

Qi Shi'an turned on his heel and left, not even saying “goodbye”. He ignored the glances from employees in their cubicles and the supervisor’s greeting. If he stayed a second longer, he’d be tempted to pin Shen Duoyi down right there.

It was hopeless. For the first time in their lives, both men were completely distracted at work.

That evening, they had dinner at the military retirement compound. The whole family gathered at Grandpa Huo’s place. Huo Xin and her friends had lost interest in stocks and sold theirs off, but their investment group was still active, sharing resources for matchmaking the single younger generation.

Qi Shi'an accompanied Grandpa Huo in the living room, watching the news. When it ended, they switched to a drama. Suddenly, Qi Shi'an said, “By the way, Grandpa, Duoyi’s grandfather thanked you for the fishing rod.”

Grandpa Huo didn’t look away. “We should be the ones thanking him. Otherwise, that rascal would have flunked his exam.”

“I admit to flunking, but not to being a rascal. I’m a handsome guy.” Huo Xuechuan popped up from behind the couch, leaning over the backrest to nuzzle Qi Shi'an. “Bro, did you see my message? When are you bringing sister-in-law home? Haven’t caught her yet? Is she pretty? Does she like having a celebrity brother-in-law?”

Qi Shi'an asked, “Do you like getting punched by your big brother until you bleed?”

At dinner, the whole family gathered around the table. Qi Shi'an noticed that the dishes in front of him were all his favorites. He glanced at Huo Xin, smiled, and served her some food. “Thanks, Mom.”

That last time he left in a hurry, he mentioned “lifelong happiness”. His family had probably been holding back their curiosity ever since. Before they could ask, he spoke up: “A college friend of mine is getting married in the U.S. next month. I’m envious.”

Everyone looked at him. Qi Jingtang asked, “Are you envious of getting married in the U.S., or envious of marriage itself?”

“Of course, marriage itself. I’m almost thirty; I want a family.” Qi Shi'an lowered his head, focused on eating.

Huo Xin and Qi Jingtang exchanged glances, then put down their chopsticks. “Sweetheart, are you and the person you like together? Why envy others? Just go for it. You can get married in the U.S., the U.K., France, or Russia. I’ve already ordered four or five custom gowns.”

Then Qi Shi'an added, “But my friend’s wedding is a same-sex marriage. His parents disowned him because of it.”

The table went silent. The crab tofu steamed quietly, but the atmosphere chilled. Qi Shi'an mused aloud, “I’ve been wondering if he should give up his marriage for his family. He was born liking the same sex; it’s not like he can force himself to love the opposite sex. I just hope everything works out for him.”

Everyone stayed quiet. Huo Xuechuan finally spoke up. “His parents probably want him to marry a woman, like most people. But if he can’t, staying single is worse. At least with a same-sex partner, he has someone. Mom, don’t you agree?”

“Don’t ask me; how should I know?” Huo Xin picked up her chopsticks but didn’t eat. “Parents act out of love. Their views might differ, but their intentions are good. It’s understandable if they can’t accept it immediately; same-sex relationships are rare and difficult.”

Qi Shi'an pressed on, “What’s difficult about it?”

Qi Jingtang explained, “For example, at work, revealing one’s orientation could lead to gossip or fewer promotions. In public, they have to be discreet and avoid intimacy. Even among family and friends, there’s misunderstanding. There are many unexpected challenges.”

Qi Shi'an nodded. “So if someone is their own boss, work isn’t an issue. Public affection depends on personality. As for family, once parents see their child overcoming social and work challenges, they shouldn’t worry anymore, right?”

Huo Xin hesitated. “I suppose…”

Qi Shi'an finished his meal calmly. He noticed Grandpa Huo watching him silently. Respecting his grandfather’s sharp instincts, he ended the conversation by getting up for more rice. “Enough talk. I’m busy next month anyway and can’t attend his wedding.”

Qi Jingtang, an intellectual, understood the subtext. Huo Xin was still processing. Qi Shi'an ate quietly, satisfied that the first step of his plan—“guided awareness”—was complete. He rewarded himself with a chicken leg.

He didn’t leave that night and went straight to the office from the retirement compound the next day. When he arrived on the 30th floor, Annie hadn’t arrived yet, but there was breakfast on his desk. He didn’t need to guess who it was from, but the door was locked. How did Shen Duoyi get in?

He called, and Shen Duoyi answered, “I guessed the password and got in.”

The password was the company’s founding date. Qi Shi'an asked, “Did you try my birthday?”

“No. Using your birthday is like having no password at all—you’re not that dumb.” Shen Duoyi was wearing headphones, typing up a proposal. “If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.”

Qi Shi'an said, disappointedly, “There is something. I went back to the military retirement compound yesterday.”

Shen Duoyi immediately stopped typing. “Something happened at home?” After a brief silence, he saved his work, grabbed a file, and stood up to leave. “Hold on; you eat first.”

Qi Shi'an enjoyed his breakfast. In less than five minutes, Shen Duoyi arrived, pretending to hold the file as a cover. Qi Shi'an put down his coffee and extended his hand, waiting until Shen Duoyi walked right up to him before stopping.

“What happened?”

“My family’s pressuring me to get married. My mom wants me to take the weekend off for a blind date.” Qi Shi'an’s acting skills were as flawless as his trading skills—he didn’t even blink.

Shen Duoyi, not doubting him, suggested, “Don’t go. Can’t you just tell Auntie you’re too busy?”

Qi Shi'an improvised, “I told her I had friends coming over this weekend, but she thinks I’m lying.”

“Then ask Mr. Zhang, Mr. You, and Miss You to visit. You guys can play mahjong.” Shen Duoyi looked down at him. “You can’t go on the blind date—you’ve already kissed me.”

Qi Shi'an leaned back in his chair, tilting his head. “Then do you want to come over to my place?”

Shen Duoyi suddenly felt he was being tricked. After all that rambling, this was probably his real goal. He pinched Qi Shi'an’s neck, leaned down, and agreed, “I’ll come over early on your day off.”

Qi Shi'an asked suggestively, “Aren’t you afraid of walking into the lion’s den?”

“I am.” Shen Duoyi’s eyes sparkled. “But I’m even more afraid of you meeting the tigress.”

The door hadn’t been closed tightly, and the sound of high heels echoed—Annie had arrived. Shen Duoyi walked around to the other side of the desk, picked up the file he’d brought, and signaled that he was heading back.

Qi Shi'an reluctantly said, “Why is today only Thursday?”

Shen Duoyi smiled, teasing him, “If you have the skills, make today Friday.” He took two steps back and waved the file. “I’m heading back. Today’s breakfast is the first serving—finish it properly.”

As his silhouette disappeared through the door, Qi Shi'an held the breakfast bag in one hand and opened his computer with the other.

Ten minutes later, Annie rushed in, a little panicked and unsure. “Mr. Qi, did you post the new system announcement?”

Without looking up, Qi Shi'an replied, “Yes. Just execute it.”

The department erupted in discussions and cheers. Shen Duoyi looked up from his proposal, confused by the commotion. At that moment, his assistant came running in, beaming. “Team Leader Shen, check out the new announcement!”

Shen Duoyi logged into the system and saw a freshly posted announcement:

“All departments will have Friday off this week. The rest days are adjusted to Friday through Sunday. Please inform each other accordingly.”

He was stunned. Before he could react, a message popped up on his phone.

Qi Shi'an wrote: “I don’t have the power to turn today into Friday, but I can make sure we don’t work on Friday. Tomorrow morning, I’ll be waiting for your knock on my door.”