Chapter Text
It was a good Sunday afternoon and Lan XiChen is definitely in high spirit since his Brother visited him. They barely spend time with each other considering how busy they are on their work schedules. Lan Wangji’s coffee shop is getting more recognition now, he was on full support of his business and Lan Xichen visited it several times already, even recommended it to his co-workers.
Today it was his baby Brother who surprised him, bringing some food and take out coffees from his shop. They catch-up with each other, sharing stories and what’s happening with their lives now until they got interrupted with a phone call. Lan Xichen’s lips quirked with a small frown and picked up the phone excusing himself with a strained smile towards his Brother and got up to talk to his Boss.
Jiang Wanyin.
Just seeing his name on his phone is enough to rile his blood, specially during times like this. He had been working under his company for almost five years now the longest record of all the secretary that came across Jiang Wanyin’s office. The call is short, he was asking for a few documents that should be ready for tomorrow.
Lan Xichen’s usual reply consists of ‘Yes’ ‘No’ ‘It’s finished’ ‘All good’ and sorts, his Boss doesn’t engage on any type of conversation starter not even a ‘How are you today?’
Sighing he ended the call and returned to the table seeing Lan Wangji frown.
“It’s your day off, why is he calling?”
“He just doubled check something” Lan Xichen smiled at him and stared at the food.
“You should leave. Its not right” Lan Wangji commented “Always overtime, not treating you well”
“He is just like that sometimes but he is really kind” Lan Xichen smiled and Lan Wangji doesn’t look convinced “Okay... Sometimes he is kind”
“Doubt it”
“Wangji.. I dont know him personally so we should not think idly about him”
“You’ve been always tired, just think about it... You ranted to me one time”
“That was one time.. Its.. I need to vent out” Lan Xichen admited and sighed. “Sometimes he just goes overboard and demanding specially during times like this that there is a upcoming show”
Well its not like he had a very wonderful relationship with his Boss, the man is strictly business. Lan Xichen might be working for him for a long time but he barely knew anything personal aside from how his Boss likes his coffee. Or how he noticed that he had a sweet tooth, that was confidential, a few quirks he picked up during the length of his stay in the company and having an observant eyes.
Jiang Wanyin is not really a very sociable person.
Even on events and parties, Jiang Wanyin only greets the important people goes back to his seat and leaves. He even put a certain amount of minutes on how long he should entertain someone on a small talk before fleeing, he only engages on a conversation with some important people during these occasions. And if you think he would relax on the comfort of his home well, Nope. Jiang Wanyin would return back to his office.
Lan Xichen wanted to tell him off about it, it’s not healthy plus he had to be by his side too, one time he mentioned it he got scolded so he decided to shut his mouth next time, it’s not his place after all. Now that he thinks about it, for almost five years he barely did anything for himself.
He loves his job but its draining him.
And what Lan Wangji said must be something that he needed to do, to give himself a break, a new environment something to do for himself.
That’s why Lan Xichen found himself the next morning with an envelope on hand waiting for Jiang Wanyin as he fiddled with the paper.
He made up his mind.
Once Jiang Wanyin arrived and sat down on his desk Lan Xichen placed the letter on the desk before taking a step back.
“What is this?” Jiang Wanyin stared at the envelope on his table.
“A resignation letter” Lan Xichen stood in front of the table with a small smile.
“I know what it is, I can read.. But why?” his arms are crossed over his chest as he looked up to meet Lan Xichen gaze.
“To be honest, I need a break. It had been a great experience working here and under your management but I believe its time for me to do something for myself”
Jiang Wanyin’s frown deepened and he remained silent for while before he started talking. “... Do you need a raise?”
“Oh.. No! Its not about that” Lan Xichen shook his head.
“I’ll stop calling you during your off, “
“.. Thats not really about it”
Jiang Wanyin stared at him and sighed. “Well.. Its just a shame because you are..Efficient and responsible”
Lan Xichen blinked, did he just got complimented?!
“Thank you, but I’ve already made up my mind. I will finish the pending works until you are able to find a replacement”
“You!... You cant leave until this show is finish. I don’t want someone new who doesn’t know what they are doing to swap over for you during these crucial time” Jiang Wanyin pointed his pen at the folders on his table.
“Of course, I will finish the show first... I just informed in advance so you can find someone qualified” Lan Xichen smiled at him.
Jiang Wanyin pressed the tip of his pen on the envelope and pushed back “I am not accepting this for the time being... I will open the slot for interviews but.. Ill accept this at later date” he leaned back on his chair prompting Lan Xichen to take the letter back.
“I insist to let it rest in your hand” Lan Xichen took a step back and left.
Closing the door behind him he moved forward pass his own office located next to Jiang Wanyin’s and went straight to the kitchenette to take a glass of water, he didn’t expect that Jiang Wanyin would protest, as far as he knew the previous secretaries got an immediate resignation as they wished.
When he arrived at the kitchenette Luo Qingyang is there and some of the employees who just arrived and preparing some coffee for their morning shift.
“How was it?” Luo Qingyan or Mianmian as what everyone calls her asked. She is one of Lan Xichen’s close friends.
“I passed my resignation.. He didn’t seem to take it quite well” Lan Xichen said.
“Well you are the best one out there he probably couldn’t let you go”
“And I walked out on him”
A scandalised gasp was heard inside as they gave Lan Xichen a slow clap. ”Wow..He walked out unscathed, how brave”
Lan Xichen chuckled “Dont exaggerate”
“What? The last employee who walked out on him while he was talking is already working on a different company”
“Well that was indeed very rude” Lan Xichen frowned.
One of the employee shook his head “That girl left the building while crying”
They started chatting about the recent events that transpired and the past secretaries that worked for Jiang Wanyin, it is some stories that Lan Xichen already heard several times specifically when he was only starting, they got so engaged on their conversation that they didn’t notice their Boss is hovering in the door way.
“What a sight.. Its past..” he checked his watch and frown. “.. 8 am and I am certain I didn’t pay all of you just to have some coffee and indulge in a nice chat during working hours?”
Hearing his voice they immediately flocked outside with their head bow, muttering apologies and escaping the scene as soon as possible however Jiang Wanyin suddenly stopped one employee in the doorway before looking at her from head to toe.
“What god awful shoes are you wearing?” he asked and Lan Xichen sighed.
Here we go again, Jiang Wanyin had this habit of noticing his employees outfits. As one of the biggest fashion company in the industry, the employees of course had to live up with the expectations of looking presentable. Jiang Wanyin’s pet peeve is seeing a distasteful outfit specially if it was one of his employees.
The girl started fidgeting and Jiang Wanyin sighed. “What’s your shoe size?”
“.... 7” she murmured.
“Meet me in my office after an hour and Xichen I need you to do something” Jiang Wanyin left as fast as he arrived leaving Lan Xichen and the girl confused.
Lan Xichen followed Jiang Wanyin back to his office and they started their usual routine. That consists reviewing some documents, arranging his meeting schedules and planning the future arrangements for the person who will replace hhim Currently Jiang Wanyin is on a meeting and Lan XiChen is reviewing his schedule on his desk when he saw a familiar teen walking straight towards the office.
“Young Master Jin!” He stood up and called the boy.
Jin Ling is Jiang Wanyin’s nephew, since his parents died on the car accident Jiang Wanyin took custody of the child and raised him as his own, the boy is someone that frequents the building. Some of the employees who worked here for a long time said that this office is like his play ground he grew up here and he strolled into the place like he owns it.
“Secretary Lan! Is Uncle busy?”
“He is currently in a meeting now” Lan Xichen smiled.
“Ah.. Well I was just wondering cause you know, I have a package downstairs and I haven’t paid it yet” he murmured.
“... He froze your card?”
Jin Ling gave a quick nod “He just froze it without telling me! How awful is that!”
“You dont have a cash with you?”
“No...” Jin Ling glanced down at his floor.
Lan Xichen stared at the boy before he sighed “Alright I’ll come with you and lets see if we can settle it nicely”
“You are the best!” Jin Ling smirked as they headed down to main lobby.
After Lan Xichen took care of the package, paid it with his own money, thankfully it wasn’t that expensive, Jin Ling left and he returned to his office. He weren’t able to sit down yet when Jiang Wanyin called his name. Did the meeting finished early? He wondered before fixing his clothes and went inside the office.
“The meeting finished earlier than I thought” Lan Xichen looked at his watch as he approached the desk.
“I dismissed them early, their report is a mess, the designs are awful.” Jiang Wanyin leaned against his chair before he raised a brow at Lan Xichen “What did my nephew do?”
“Oh, uh.. Nothing he was just looking for you because you froze his card and couldn’t pay for the package he ordered” Lan Xichen showed him a photo of the information sheet on the package using his tablet.
“Tsk.. That brat, Did you pay for it?”
“Its not that much—”
“I’ll add it on your paycheck” Jiang Wanyin sighed and groaned before taking out an invitation letter and handed it to Lan Xichen. “Jin Guangshan is hosting a party on his yacht tomorrow I want you to come with me”
“Of course.. I would prepare then” Lan Xichen smiled and Jiang Wanyin stared at him for a moment. “Do.. You have anything else you wanted to check?”
“Yes..” Jiang Wanyin handed him a folder. “Can you check the list of attendees? Mark the important people that’s worth my Time to entertain.. Old clients, associates, new potential models”
“Of course” Lan Xichen took the folder and gave a small bow before leaving to head on his own desk.
“Where are you going?”
“On my.. desk..” Lan Xichen raised a brow.
“Do it here.. There” Jiang Wanyin pointed at a table across him and he pushed his own laptop “You can use this”
Lan Xichen blinked at the strange behaviour. Jiang Wanyin never let someone else touch his laptop, let alone share his working space with someone. For the first time in five years he was graced to use his personal laptop and Lan XiChen is a little confused but slowly moved.
“Are you sure Sir.. Im—”
“Just do as I say! If you dont want to then fine go outside!” Jiang Wanyin snapped and Lan XiChen immediately reached out for the laptop and forced a smile.
“I will do it now” he turned around and headed to the table to start his work.
.
.
.
Lan Xichen arrived home and set his coat on the rack before toeing his shoes and placing it on the side. He flopped on the couch and closed his eyes to take some rest. With the upcoming show next month everyone had been busy in the company. Jiang Wanyin may look like he doesn’t really get affected outside his office but Lan Xichen knew better than that, the man is double checking everything.
His phone chimed in notification and saw that it was his Boss.
Give him a break he just arrived!
[From: Boss Jiang
Xichen, Do you already have some to wear tomorrow?]
[To: Boss Jiang
I haven't checked my clothes yet]
[From: Boss Jiang
Don't bother, a suit will be prepared for you]
[To: Boss Jiang
Thank you, you didn't have to..]
[From: Boss Jiang
You will be staying by myside, you must look dashing.
I mean as my secretary you should look presentable! Everyone from my company should look presentable]
[ To: Boss Jiang
Of course]
[From: Boss Jiang
See you tomorrow]
Lan Xichen stared at his phone.. That was so random. Normally Jiang Wanyin wouldn’t comment much of his outfit during galas or events that he is invited. Jiang Wanyin would just swept his gaze to him and comments ‘Nice suit’ ‘That’s a good pair’ just small appreciation.
Never like this... Is it because he will be resigning that his Boss suddenly started being nice to him?
Lan Xichen shook his head, he shouldn’t think much about it a nice rest is all he needed.
.
.
.
The next morning Lan Xichen is sorting out the folders on Jiang Wanyin’s desk. His boss arrived when he was about to leave, he excused himself politely and returned back to his office only to see a box on his table, there was a note on top of it.
A simple ‘Wear it – JWY’ is written on the note and Lan XiChen glanced to the door and shook his head, well he supposed it would be his outfit this evening. Lan Xichen set the box on the side as he started with his day, they would leave early today to prepare after all so he doesn’t have anything much to do other than double check their schedule and wait for the clock to tick.
When noon comes Jiang Wanyin finally went out of his office and looked at Lan Xichen before glancing at his watch.
“Let’s go” he motioned before walking away. Lan Xichen stared at the folders before piling them neatly on his table, picked his coat the box and his bag. He followed Jiang Wanyin outside, Sandu one of Jiang Wanyin’s trusted attendant and driver took their things as they both went inside the car.
“Lets have some lunch first..” Jiang Wanyin said and Lan XiChen nodded, as if he could object from that anyways.
“They said its going to rain” his boss murmured face turned up towards the window glancing at the cloudy sky as their car drove.
Lan Xichen observed him carefully, he didn’t say anything anymore. Sometimes he cant read this person but most of the time specially at work he knew Jiang Wanyin like the back of his hand. How he likes his documents being sorted, which pen he uses the most.. What irks him during meetings and how to pacify his temper.
It took a year or so but he realised he doesn’t really know Jiang Wanyin outside of working hours.
Well that wont matter anymore since he will be leaving soon. They might not cross paths any longer, depends on what choice he would take moving forward, for now he would do his job as efficient as he could, that’s the least he could do.
“I haven’t found anyone suitable for the position yet” Jiang Wanyin suddenly blurted out while they were having lunch.
“Oh, but aren’t those the best recommendations?” Lan Xichen asked, glancing at his Boss who gave a shrug.
“I read their resumes and its not satisfactory” He said and ate a piece of his steak, Lan Xichen raised a brow, the stack of unread folders he placed on left side of the table, usually when Jiang Wanyin reviews a finished document it would be neatly stacked on his right side.
“I didn’t see the finished folders though.. Did you even take a look?” Lan Xichen asked and blinked seeing his Boss stiffened for a bit.
“I peeked on it”
“All 13 of it?” Lan Xichen raised a brow and glanced at him.
“Are you questioning me? I said I read it, it means I read it! What makes you think otherwise?” Jiang Wanyin set his knife and fork down the familiar scowl on his face returned.
“Ah..No!Its just that you always put your finished documents or files on the left side of your table” Lan Xichen explained and Jiang Wanyin raised his brows not saying anything, the expression he gave bothered Lan Xichen and decided to continue.
“I mean I just noticed how well organised you are in your work, I haven’t seen you break that habit”
Jiang Wanyin stared at him “You.. Noticed that?” he asked as if in disbelief, there was something in his eyes that looked like he was pleased. “Ah.. See this is why I said you are efficient, how the hell am I supposed to find someone who works like you?”
“Is that your way of saying you will miss me?” Lan Xichen smiled and teased a little to ease the tension between them.
“... What—Are you being bold right now knowing you had nothing to lose?!” he pointed, ears slightly red from anger or embarrassment.
“A little” Lan Xichen brought his index finger and thumb into a pinching gesture and chuckled.
“I cant believe - - fine! You resigned, do whatever you want! I can manage on my own! I’ll definitely find someone who can do a better job than smiling all the time looking—stupid” Jiang Wanyin immediately stood up and left.
Lan Xichen sighed, whats up with him today? He really can’t take small teasing, but more importantly how come he only realised now how amusing Jiang Wanyin’s reaction was.
He was kind of cute though.
The rest of the car ride is spent in silence and Lan XiChen decided not to say something avoiding the time bomb beside him. They stopped by the hotel to change their clothes and Lan XiChen left his bag only brought his phone with him.
The suit that was given to him looks amazing, what does he even expect? If it was being hand picked by Jiang Wanyin himself it’s bound to be great. He decided to take a photo and sent it to his younger brother.
Lan Xichen smiled and left the bathroom walking back in side to see Jiang Wanyin waiting for him. For a moment Lan Xichen was stunned to see him, dressed in a black and white suit with a mismatched colors of his collar which looks like.. almost paired of his own coat.
“What? Are you done?” Jiang Wanyin asked and Lan Xichen nodded.
Lan Xichen new that Jiang Wanyin is handsome, the first time he saw him during his final interview he was stunned speechless for a few seconds before regaining his bearings. There are Several instances happened when he gets caught off guard sometimes, well it’s not only him anyways, even his employee couldn’t deny the aloof aura their Boss had.
And that was proven once they stepped foot into Jin Guangshan’s yacht.