Boyfriend?
Su Chenzhu is Chao Musheng’s boyfriend?!
The two of them are actually in a relationship?!
Boss Zeng closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them again to look toward the door. Chao Musheng and Su Chenzhu were still there—so this wasn’t her hallucination.
Hearing Zeng Ning bring up the misunderstanding again, Chao Musheng gave an awkward smile. Why did the girl remember this so clearly? He didn’t mind being misunderstood, but Su Chenzhu’s status was different. Rumors about a same-sex relationship weren’t exactly appropriate for him.
"I’ve heard a little about Boss Zeng’s situation. I hope you recover soon," Su Chenzhu said as he set down the fruit basket. "The collaboration between your company and Kunlun can be postponed for a month. You can resume work once you’ve recuperated."
"Thank you, Mr. Su." Boss Zeng’s biggest worry had been the Kunlun project. She never imagined Su Chenzhu would be willing to delay it for so long. "I’ll do my absolute best to complete this project well."
"No need for thanks." Su Chenzhu’s lips curved slightly. "I admire Zeng Ning. She’s determined, clever, and quick-witted. She’s put in a lot of effort to protect you."
So Su Chenzhu’s leniency was something her daughter had fought for.
Boss Zeng looked at her daughter, who was grinning foolishly, her eyes filled with both pride and heartache. No mother in the world disliked hearing praise for her child, but few mothers wanted their child to grow up because of suffering.
Zeng Ning blushed at Su Chenzhu’s compliment, but her eyes sparkled. Uncle Chao’s boyfriend said she was great too!
Su Chenzhu still had an important meeting to attend back at the company. After accompanying Chao Musheng to visit Boss Zeng, he returned to the lounge to change into a more formal suit.
"Mr. Su." Chao Musheng sat on the sofa, waiting for Su Chenzhu to come out. When the lounge door opened, he immediately turned his head. "About Boss Zeng’s misunderstanding… I’ll find time to explain it to her later."
"What misunderstanding?" Su Chenzhu adjusted his tie, seemingly having forgotten the earlier incident.
Chao Musheng: "…"
If he forgot so quickly, it seemed Su Chenzhu truly didn’t care about Zeng Ning’s words.
"Oh." Su Chenzhu thought for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. "You mean the part where Zeng Ning thought we were a couple?"
Chao Musheng nodded.
"I don’t care how outsiders see me." Su Chenzhu smoothed his sleeves with deliberate calm. "But if you’re bothered, Chao Chao, I’ll have Secretary Liu clarify things with Boss Zeng."
"As long as you don’t mind, then it’s fine." Chao Musheng smiled. "Boss Zeng is smart. She won’t gossip about your private matters. Once you find someone you like in the future, she’ll naturally realize it was a misunderstanding."
"What about you, Chao Chao?" Su Chenzhu took two steps toward him. "What kind of person would you like in the future?"
"I don’t know." Chao Musheng shook his head, then noticed a glint of green on Su Chenzhu’s cuff. "Mr. Su, are those the cufflinks I bought you?"
"Yes." Su Chenzhu chuckled, running his fingers over the cufflinks as he looked at him. "I like them very much."
Hearing this, Chao Musheng’s eyes curved into crescents. There was no greater affirmation for a gift-giver than knowing the recipient cherished their present.
"Boss." Secretary Liu knocked and entered. "The meeting starts in half an hour. We should prepare to leave now."
"Alright." Su Chenzhu suddenly turned to Chao Musheng. "I’ll pick you up from the hospital tonight to see Motuan. Is that okay?"
Chao Musheng froze for a second before nodding. It had been days since he last saw Motuan—he wasn’t sure if the little one still remembered him.
"Wait for me at the hospital." Su Chenzhu’s lips lifted. "I’ll come back to keep you company after the meeting."
Secretary Liu turned away, staring intently at the health tips poster on the wall. If he’d known, he would’ve knocked a few minutes later. Right now, he felt entirely out of place.
"Secretary Liu." Su Chenzhu walked out of the ward, the warmth in his eyes lingering. "Let’s go."
Secretary Liu immediately noticed the cufflinks Chao Musheng had given him on his boss’s sleeves again.
Of course. Today was the company’s major monthly meeting—all the top executives from headquarters and branch managers would be present.
Important accessories were meant for important occasions. He understood.
Not long after Su Chenzhu left, a nurse came in to administer an IV drip. Seeing that Su Chenzhu wasn’t there and that a caregiver was looking after Chao Musheng, she seemed surprised. "Mr. Su isn’t here today?"
"He has an important meeting." The cold medicine entering his veins made Chao Musheng curl his fingers slightly in discomfort. "Can I be discharged today?"
"After the IV, we’ll need to run some tests, but the blood work will have to wait until tomorrow." The nurse replied. "If everything checks out, you can be discharged."
"Thank you." Chao Musheng sighed in relief. After days in the hospital, he reeked of disinfectant—it was unbearable.
The caregiver, worried he’d be bored, set up the bedside table and placed a laptop on it. "Mr. Chao, would you like to watch something to pass the time?"
"It’s fine, I’ll entertain myself." Noticing the caregiver’s excessive caution, Chao Musheng smiled. "You can rest on the sofa. I’ll call if I need anything."
"Of course, Mr. Chao." The caregiver sat stiffly on the sofa, eyes fixed on the IV bag, ready to switch it the moment it emptied.
"Don’t worry, this bag will take at least an hour." Chao Musheng opened his laptop, amused by the caregiver’s nervousness. "Relax."
The caregiver flushed. "Mr. Su repeatedly told me to take good care of you."
He’d expected a spoiled young master, but the man turned out to be so kind.
Seeing the caregiver’s eagerness to help, Chao Musheng suggested, "How about peeling some fruit for me?"
"Sure!" The caregiver perked up at having a task.
Chao Musheng pulled up a classic film on his laptop, but barely a few minutes in, his phone rang.
"Chao Musheng!"
The moment he answered, his mother’s voice blasted through the receiver.
Oh no. She used his full name—he was in trouble.
"Mom." Chao Musheng softened his voice, laying on the charm. "I’m here."
"Your father and I are downstairs at Dongcheng Hospital. Which floor and room are you in?" Hearing her son’s sweet tone, Chao Yin’s voice gentled slightly. "A grown man of twenty shouldn’t be acting cute. It won’t work."
"Mom, dearest mom, don’t be mad." Chao Musheng quickly gave her his room number. After hanging up, he waved at the caregiver. "Hey, can you hold the IV bag for me?"
Xiaojuan, who had just finished cleaning Room 2, saw Chao Musheng shuffling in slippers, a caregiver holding his IV bag behind him. "Brother Chao, Mr. Su isn’t here?"
If Su Chenzhu were around, no one else would be holding that bag.
"He’s at a company meeting." Chao Musheng frowned. "Why does everyone ask the same thing?"
Was it really so strange for Su Chenzhu not to be by his side? He’d gone to handle work just two days ago.
"Just asking casually." Xiaojuan's gaze drifted away nervously. "You seem in such a hurry—where are you going?"
Even if she had guessed Su Chenzhu's intentions, she wouldn’t dare say them out loud.
"My parents are here," Chao Musheng said with a grimace. "I didn’t tell them I was hospitalized. I have no idea how they found out."
No wonder Uncle Song and Auntie Chao hadn’t shown up during Chao Musheng’s hospital stay—they hadn’t known he was sick.
She had thought it was strange. Auntie and Uncle treated Chao Musheng like their most precious treasure—how could they possibly leave him alone in the hospital for days without checking on him?
Seeing how anxious Chao Musheng looked, Xiaojuan said sympathetically, "You’d better hurry over. Since you’re still on an IV, maybe Auntie won’t scold you too harshly."
Chao Musheng dashed to the elevator, ruffling his hair to make himself look even more disheveled and pitiful.
When parents were angry, a child who knew how to act cute and play the sympathy card always got off easier.
The moment Chao Yin and Father Chao stepped out of the elevator, they saw their son standing there, looking like a kicked puppy.
The oversized hospital gown hung loosely on his frame, and his messy hair made him resemble a dejected stray dog—one that was gazing at them with big, pleading eyes. What parent could resist feeling their heart soften at the sight?
"What are you doing standing here?" Chao Yin walked up to him, smoothing down his unruly hair. "If you’re on an IV, you should stay in your room and rest, not run around."
"I was afraid you wouldn’t find me," Chao Musheng said, tugging at Chao Yin’s sleeve with his free hand. "Mom, you’ve been so busy lately—why did you come all the way to the hospital?"
"My child is sick. No matter how busy I am, I’ll make time." Chao Yin was both exasperated and worried. "Between your business trip on the cruise and now this illness, you’ve lost weight."
"He has," Father Chao agreed. "When can you be discharged? Once you’re home, I’ll make you some nourishing soup."
"I should be able to leave this afternoon," Chao Musheng said, leading his parents toward his room. "After the IV finishes, the doctor will do a final checkup, and I’ll need to come back tomorrow for a blood test."
Father Chao took the IV bag from the nurse’s hand. "Thank you for your help. I’ll take it from here."
The nurse quickly waved him off. "No trouble at all."
Mr. Chao’s parents were just as good-looking as he was.
The trio—handsome father, beautiful mother, and striking son—were the kind of family that drew attention wherever they went.
You Jiu sidled up to Xiaojuan and asked curiously, "Jiejie, are those Chao Musheng’s parents?"
Xiaojuan nodded. "Mm."
"Xiaojuan!" Chao Yin spotted her and waved. "It’s been a while. You should come visit us sometime."
"Auntie Chao, hello." Xiaojuan’s ears turned slightly pink. "I’ll definitely come when I have the chance."
She discreetly tugged at her janitorial uniform, regretting that this was how she had to reunite with Auntie Chao.
This was all that useless System’s fault!
But Auntie Chao didn’t seem to mind her outfit at all, speaking to her warmly for a few more moments before finally turning away.
"Even Chao Musheng’s parents know you this well?" You Jiu turned to Xiaojuan after the family disappeared into the room. "Sis, how many more surprises do you have hidden away?"
Xiaojuan: "..."
"If you keep imitating this world’s cringey tropes, I’ll make you regret it," Xiaojuan snapped, rolling her eyes before walking off.
You Jiu hurried after her. "Jiejie, don’t leave!"
If she left, how was he supposed to clear this level?
He had already used his forced-exit card in the last instance. If he failed this one too, he’d be stuck here waiting for death.
"How did you find out I was hospitalized?" Chao Musheng handed his parents some fruit the nurse had prepared, eager to please. "Here, have some."
"Sit properly on the bed and stop fidgeting," Chao Yin scolded lightly. "You’ll hurt your veins."
"Got it." Chao Musheng obediently settled back. "I knew you’d worry about me the most, Mom."
"You’ve been using the same old tricks since you were little." Chao Yin couldn’t help but laugh. "And you ask how we found out? Your videos are all over the internet right now."
That morning, as soon as she arrived at work, several colleagues had asked if Chao Musheng had recovered.
When she checked online, she discovered her son had gone "viral"—footage from multiple angles showed him petting a lion dance mascot’s head for an entire day.
Some colleagues even thought she was planning to push him into the entertainment industry, eagerly offering to introduce him to their talent agent friends.
No matter how many times she insisted he had no interest in showbiz, they didn’t seem to believe her.
"So it was because of those videos," Chao Musheng muttered, studying his parents’ expressions carefully. Seeing their anger had mostly faded, he added, "It was just a fever from a cold—nothing serious. You don’t need to worry."
"Even if it wasn’t serious, hiding it from us was wrong," Father Chao said sternly. "Musheng, don’t do this again, understand?"
"Understood!" Chao Musheng nodded vigorously.
"Stop teaming up on me," Chao Yin huffed. "Who’s been taking care of you these past few days? Just the nurse?"
"My boss and Secretary Liu were here too," Chao Musheng quickly explained. "They had a meeting today, so they’re not around now."
What kind of boss personally stayed at the hospital to look after an employee?
Chao Yin sighed but didn’t call him out on the flimsy lie. "I have work to finish later, so your father will stay with you this afternoon. I’ll pick you both up after my shift."
"Mom," Chao Musheng said hesitantly, "I can’t go home tonight."
"Where else would you go?" Chao Yin frowned. "You’ve just recovered—you need proper rest."
"I picked up a stray cat a few days ago," Chao Musheng said. "It’s been staying at my boss’s place. I still need to bring it home."
Chao Yin looked puzzled. "Why would fetching a cat take all night?"
The question made Chao Musheng freeze.
Right—why would it take that long?
Had he, deep down, assumed Su Chenzhu would invite him to stay over?
And if Su Chenzhu did ask, would he really agree without hesitation? That would be way too presumptuous.
"Kids grow up and make their own plans," Father Chao said, feeding Chao Yin a piece of fruit. "As long as he’s safe, that’s what matters."
Learning to let go was the first lesson parents had to accept as their children grew older.
After a pause, Chao Yin nodded. "Your father’s right. You’re an adult now—I shouldn’t try to control your life. I’m sorry."
"You’re not controlling me—you’re just caring about me!" Chao Musheng grinned. "Even when I’m eighty, I’ll still want you asking where I’m going."
"How exhausting would that be?" Chao Yin laughed, ruffling his hair before standing. "The fashion event hosted by Timeless is coming up, so I’ve been swamped. Once it’s over, let’s go out for a nice family dinner."
"Okay." Chao Musheng nuzzled his head against Chao Yin's palm. "Dad and I will follow your arrangements obediently."
Chao Yin laughed. "Such smooth talk. Just don’t grow up to be a heartbreaker."
"Don’t worry, Mom. I take after Dad—once I find someone I like, I’ll be devoted to them."
After Chao Yin left, Father Chao asked the doctor about dietary precautions for Chao Musheng, then went to the market across from the hospital to buy ingredients. He returned to the small kitchen in the ward to prepare soup for his son.
"That smells amazing." A nurse entered to remove Chao Musheng’s IV and caught the faint aroma of meat. "Mr. Chao, is CEO Su making congee for you?"
"No, it’s my dad." Chao Musheng smiled. "His soup is really good. You should try some later."
The nurse glanced at the slightly ajar kitchen door and grinned. "The hospital only allows electric appliances. For Uncle to make something so fragrant in such a simple setup, his cooking skills must be exceptional."
Just then, the ward door swung open.
Su Chenzhu walked in with his suit jacket draped over his wrist, loosening his tie as he moved. "Chaochao, I’m back late. I ordered a nutritional meal for you from Sihailou—it’ll be here in twenty minutes."
He placed his jacket on the sofa, only to notice an unfamiliar man’s coat resting on the armrest.
Was there a stranger here?
"Shengsheng." Father Chao pushed open the kitchen door. "The doctor said you shouldn’t eat anything spicy these days, so I didn’t add any pepper to the soup—"
He paused when he saw the man standing by the sofa, feeling like he’d seen him somewhere before.
"Hello, Uncle Song." Su Chenzhu tugged off his half-undone tie and spoke first. "I’m Xiao Su, Chaochao’s colleague."
"Hello, hello." Father Chao wiped his hands and gestured for Su Chenzhu to sit. "Perfect timing—I made soup. Have some with us."
"Thank you, Uncle Song." Su Chenzhu rolled up his sleeves. "I know a little about cooking too. Let me help you."
Without waiting for a refusal, he stepped into the kitchen.
Chao Musheng, who had just had his IV removed and was pressing a cotton swab to the puncture site: "..."
Had he even gotten a chance to speak?
The nurse glanced between Chao Musheng and the kitchen, then remarked with a smile, "CEO Su is so considerate."
Chao Musheng thought her expression looked a little odd.
Father Chao had assumed Su Chenzhu’s claim of cooking skills was mere politeness, but it turned out the man was being modest—this wasn’t just "a little" skill; it was chef-level expertise.
"Xiao Su, your cooking is impressive." Father Chao ladled the soup into bowls. "Are you seeing anyone?"
"There’s someone I like." Su Chenzhu wiped the rim of a bowl clean. "But they don’t know how I feel yet."
Father Chao chuckled awkwardly, unsure how to respond. He carried the soup to the table and noticed it was already laden with dishes. "Xiao Su, did you arrange for these?"
"Uncle, these are all nutritious meals ordered by the boss from a restaurant." Secretary Liu stepped forward from the doorway. "We got off work late today, so the boss was worried Xiao Chao would be hungry and had the food prepared in advance."
He quickly added, "Uncle Song, I’m Xiao Liu, Xiao Chao’s colleague and the boss’s secretary."
The boss’s secretary?
Father Chao turned to look at Su Chenzhu, who was just bringing out a dish, and finally realized why he seemed familiar.
A few months ago, after Jinghua University’s anniversary celebration, their school’s president had shared a group photo in the work chat—and Su Chenzhu was in it.
In that photo, Su Chenzhu sat beside the university president, standing out not just for his youth and good looks but also for his air of quiet nobility. Even after just one glance, the impression had lingered in Father Chao’s mind.
Now it all made sense. So Musheng hadn’t been lying—his boss really was the one taking care of him.
But running a massive company like Kunlun and still finding time to look after Chaochao? Was CEO Su just… excessively kind?
"Thank you for taking care of Shengsheng, CEO Su." Father Chao smiled gratefully. "He’s usually easygoing, but when he’s sick, he gets picky. I hope he hasn’t been a bother."
"Uncle Song, just call me Xiao Su. Chaochao is a pillar of the company—since joining, he’s helped us overcome countless challenges. Taking care of him is no trouble." Su Chenzhu set the dish down and handed chopsticks to Chao Musheng. "I may be his superior, but I’m also his friend. Friends look out for each other—that’s only natural."
"Did you wash your hands?" Father Chao watched how smoothly Chao Musheng accepted the chopsticks and guessed how things had been between them these past few days. As a scholar who disliked flattering authority, he’d never sit idly while a boss served him.
"Right away." Chao Musheng stood up quickly.
"Chaochao, wait." Su Chenzhu followed him to the bathroom. "Your left hand just had the IV removed—don’t get it wet yet. Let me wipe your fingers with a towel."
The faucet ran steadily as Chao Musheng studied Su Chenzhu’s reflection in the mirror, noticing how long his lashes were.
The water was just the right temperature, and Su Chenzhu’s movements were meticulous. Chao Musheng could almost hear his heartbeat.
"Thank you, Mr. Su."
"If I don’t take good care of you, the R&D team lead will probably lie down at my office door again and refuse to leave." Su Chenzhu released Chao Musheng’s fingertips, then casually wiped his right hand dry too. "Let’s go eat."
"Okay." Chao Musheng looked down at his clean hands, his left fingers brushing lightly over his right knuckles.
Something felt… different.
"I’m not like you." The player stared coldly at the trio. "I don’t care about these NPCs or whether they live or die. I just want to clear the level."
"This dungeon never said killing patients would let players escape." You Jiu scoffed. "If it were that simple, would the System offer a fiftyfold reward?"
No matter how many dungeons he cleared, idiots never failed to annoy him.
"Haven’t you noticed? Every time a player gets eliminated, Patient No. 2 shows signs of waking up." The player pointed out. "How is that a coincidence?"
"Your ‘friend’ was eliminated this morning. Patient No. 2 didn’t wake until after midnight." Xiaojuan countered. "Did you just ignore that time gap?"
"You’re arguing so much because you’re afraid I’ll target the patients, aren’t you?" The player sneered mockingly. "Of course—you’re the ‘heroic bystanders’ of this world. Naturally, you can’t bear to hurt anyone."
"But are you really this world’s do-gooders?" The player had long despised their attitude toward NPCs. "And are those outside even human?"
"How did you three even rank high with such soft hearts?" The player’s tone dripped with scorn. "By being saints?"
"Yes, they are." Qi Shi answered. "Those outside are people. Living people."
“To stop me, you’d even resort to such excuses.” The player pushed open the door of the lounge. “If you’re hellbent on getting yourselves killed, that’s your business. I still want to live.”
He stood in the hallway, watching the bustling crowd of patients’ families before his gaze settled on an elderly man sitting in a wheelchair.
A new patient?
“Mr. Song.” A bodyguard stepped in front of Old Man Song. “President Su is attending to a patient and isn’t receiving visitors.”
“I’m not here for President Su. I want to see my son and grandson.” Old Man Song looked haggard, his eyes clouded as he sat slumped in the wheelchair. “A father has every right to see his own children, doesn’t he?”
“Apologies, but we’re President Su’s bodyguards. We can’t relay your message.”
Old Man Song knew they were deliberately making things difficult, but right now, no one except Chao Musheng could save Song Cheng.
The player slowly approached the old man in the wheelchair. A quick twist, and this old bastard would die by his hand.
Abandoning all pretense of composure, he shoved the wheelchair back violently, ready to cause a scene in the hospital. “At my age—”
What was blocking the wheels?
The wheelchair wobbled, then crashed to the ground with a loud clatter.
The player, whose foot had just been run over: “…”
Was this old geezer trying to scam him?
