When the elevator door opened, Zhan and Yibo stood next to each other as if nothing had happened. Except for their red cheeks, nothing special had been visible about them, and those would probably only have been noticed by a particularly attentive observer anyway.

Before the two walked into the open office of the marketing department, Yibo stopped briefly and asked Zhan not to tell anyone that they already knew each other. Zhan frowned, not really understanding why it was so important to him, but finally nodded and then followed Yibo at a distance of one meter into the open office where Yibo's staff and colleagues were busily working.

As soon as the two entered the office, the staff and colleagues immediately asked Yibo for his help or advice. They were still working out the final details for a big order whose meeting was to take place later today. Therefore, Yibo didn't let himself be asked twice, so he asked Zhan to wait for a moment.

While Yibo discussed the details of the project with his colleagues and went over a few finishing touches with them, Zhan took his time to look around the marketing department. He got a hot coffee from the visitor's coffee machine, returned to the office, sat down on one of the empty chairs and watched Yibo, who was still fully occupied with his work.

After a while, Zhan's gaze fell on his wristwatch and noticed that three quarters of an hour had already passed since they had both entered the office. And still Yibo was deeply absorbed in his work. Moreover, Zhan heard the staff talking about how the meeting would be in less than 30 minutes. And therefore he knew that Yibo would not have time to talk today. Work came first, and this was no different for Zhan.

And so Zhan decided to let Yibo continue working in peace and leave. In order not to disturb Yibo, he asked one of the employees who was standing next to him somewhat thoughtfully to tell Yibo that he had left. The employee nodded silently and then turned to go back to her work.

Of course, Zhan had also been a little disappointed that they only had such a brief moment together. But he could understand it too, because work is important. Especially when, like Yibo, at his age you're in charge of a department and everyone is watching him closely. Any mistake could have serious consequences. Such as the loss of orders and therefore the income of the company.

Zhan went to the stairwell and since he was in the basement of the company, he went up the one floor where he came to the entrance area. He walked towards the two doors of the entrance area and was about to go outside when someone called out to him. For a brief moment, Zhan hoped it was Yibo. But when he turned around, he saw only Yibo's brother, Wang Hai Kuan.

Patiently, Zhan waited until Hai Kuan reached him. He escorted Zhan outside and waited to say what he wanted until they were about 50 meters from the company's building. Then Hai Kuan turned to Zhan and said, "You and my brother know each other! I clearly saw the way you looked at each other!"

Zhan frowned and lied: "I think there is a misunderstanding. For a brief moment, I thought I had seen him before. But then I realized my mistake." He could only lie if he wanted to prevent Yibo from possibly getting into trouble.

"You really don't remember, do you?"

"Remember what?"

"About that night two years ago."

"What are you talking about?"

"I was at the club that night, too! I even talked to you briefly because I was with Cheng at the time. That's also why I saw my brother and you. And that's also how I know you spent the night together."

"So..."

"Listen Zhan. I'm not going to say anything. But if you get my little brother in trouble, I won't stay so kind! I won't let you become a stumbling block to my brother! He has worked so hard for his success that I can't let someone like you destroy his success!"

"I have no intention of causing trouble for Yibo!"

"Don't forget what you just said! The best thing you can do is strictly keep an employer-employee working relationship and nothing more."

"And what if Yibo doesn't want that?"

"Now let me tell you something honestly. Yibo doesn't have time for a relationship anyway. He works from morning till night. Always between 14 and 16 hours a day. True, you will always be with him as his personal assistant. But believe me, there will be no opportunity for you to get closer during working hours. And not only because everything in the building is under video surveillance. And after work he won't have time either. Because then it's already late anyway and he always goes home immediately. On the weekends, he usually works on more ideas at home. Besides, our parents would immediately notice any change in Yibo and control him even more. And then if they found out that there was something going on between you, they would make both of your lives hell. No matter who your father is. Our father also has power and lots of money."

"Are you threatening me?"

"No, I'm not threatening you. I'm just giving you some well-intentioned advice to stay away from Yibo. Why do you think it didn't work out with Cheng and me? I truly loved Cheng. But when it comes to the job and our parents, sincere love doesn't get you anywhere. I had to break up with Cheng to protect him. I know what can happen if this comes out with you and Yibo. And that's why I advise you to leave it alone and not start anything with each other. Then it won't be so hard afterwards if it doesn't work out after all and you have to break up."

"I know..." Zhan began, then stopped when he saw his father's car. It stopped right next to him. However, it was just Zhan's father's driver.

"Mr. Xiao, your father sent me to pick you up." Said the driver.

"Oh okay. I was just going home anyway." Said Zhan.

"Zhan! Mark my words!" Said Hai Kuan as Zhan was about to get into the car.

Zhan turned around to Hai Kuan and replied, "Just by the way. My family also has a lot of power and money! And if your parents want to do something to me, my family will certainly make use of both. You can be sure of that! And now excuse me. I'll see you at work in four weeks." Then Zhan got into the car and the driver immediately drove off.

It had only been a little over an hour since Yibo asked Zhan for a chance and told him it wouldn't be easy because of his family. And already Zhan had a first impression of what to expect. At least as far as Wang Hai Kuan was involved.

And while Zhan was on his way home, Yibo had finally finished preparing for the meeting and noticed that Zhan had left. One of the staff saw Yibo's confused look and said, "Oh I forgot. The young man from earlier asked me to tell you that he left."

"When was that?" Yibo asked.

"About an hour ago." Replied the co-worker.

Yibo cursed inwardly. Why hadn't he talked to Zhan first before devoting himself to his work? He was worried about what Zhan would think of him now because he had completely forgotten about him because of work. Or rather, he was so engrossed in his work that he didn't notice how much time passed and that Zhan left.

But Yibo didn't have much time to ponder. He just managed to put on a clean shirt in his office and then had to go to the meeting with his colleagues. He could not allow himself to be distracted by his thoughts now and perhaps make mistakes. After all, the meeting was about an assignment for 2.8 million dollars!

Confidently, Yibo and two of his colleagues held the meeting and presented their idea. He and his colleagues had presented their idea for a whole hour and after a short private conversation between the clients, they finally got the contract for their idea. The contract was awarded to them and thus they closed a $2.8 million deal.

But that was not the end of Yibo's work. Because the clients wanted to celebrate with him and his two colleagues the conclusion of the contract and the cooperation. They had to go with them to a restaurant. And afterwards, Yibo's two colleagues accompanied their clients to a bar.

Yibo returned to the company, because there was still work waiting for him that had to be done. Because today is Friday and the next meeting is already on the coming Monday. So he still had to continue working with his colleagues. Even though it was already shortly after 7 pm.

When Yibo finally came home that evening, it had already been almost 11 pm. He was just tired and immediately went upstairs to his room. And only when he was lying in his bed after a short shower, he let the thoughts of Zhan happen again and suddenly asked himself the question, how it should and can go on with Zhan.

He had asked Zhan for a chance, yet he doesn't even really have time for himself. How is he supposed to have time for a relationship? Yet that's exactly what Yibo wants. He wants to be with Zhan. And he has wanted it for two years! But how can he balance work and a relationship?

And how can he manage to have a relationship with Zhan and hide it from his parents? Because one thing is more than clear to him. If his parents found out about him and Zhan, they would make their lives hell. Because his parents are not only homophobic, but would also never allow him to have a relationship with someone who works for them. Or the common relationship, does not bring them any advantage.

Almost two years ago, Yibo had already experienced this with his brother. At that time there were rumors that his brother had a secret relationship and their parents went totally crazy. They hired a private detective who followed his brother everywhere. At that time Yibo had told him and warned his brother.

Yibo has known for 4 years that his brother is gay and had warned him just in time. He knows, that the sister of the man his brother was with, pretended to be Yibo's brother's girlfriend. Yibo's parents were not very enthusiastic about her, because her family is not rich or powerful.

His brother had to break up with his "girlfriend" and three months later he was introduced to the daughter of a rich businessman, who he had to date and only two months later, he had to marry her. A marriage arranged out of business interest, which only serves to further increase the power and wealth of their parents.

If his brother had refused to marry her, he would have lost everything. He would have had nothing. No home, no job, no family, and certainly their parents would have made sure he couldn't find a new job anywhere else. At least not in this country.

And Yibo knows if his parents found out about him and Zhan, he would end up like his brother. He would be forced into a marriage with the daughter of a rich and powerful businessman. And just like his brother, Yibo would not be able to do anything against it. Because just like Hai Kuan, Yibo is also dependent on the favor of his family.

Nevertheless, Yibo does not want to give up the opportunity to be with Zhan. He just has to figure out how to do it so that his parents don't find out about it. And also, how this can work beside his work, as a secret relationship!