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Zhang Yuan shifts nervously on his feet. He could have sat down to wait, but he's feeling a bit too jittery for it. It's ridiculous how nervous he is. He's gone through the proposal several times already, and presented it to other people, both successfully and unsuccessfully. And still, every time he feels like this beforehand, nervous to the point where he feels nauseous.

He knows he'll be fine the moment he starts talking. It'll be fine. But right at this moment, with the way his gut is churning, it's hard to remember that. He'd skipped lunch because he knew this is how he'd be feeling. He can grab something to eat once he's done here.

"Director Luo will see you now," the secretary suddenly announces, startling Zhang Yuan.

He looks at her and she smiles at him, polite and professional as she gestures towards the door to Director Luo's office. Not every place bothers with letting Zhang Yuan talk to the actual boss of the place. It's a good sign that they're doing that but it kind of makes him even more nervous. He can't screw this up. They still need more funding.

He thanks the secretary and waits for a second, wondering if she wants to announce him first. He's gotten used to people doing that, but she doesn't get up, just gives him what seems like an expectant look. Zhang Yuan tries to smile at her, not entirely sure how well that turns out, before he hurries to the door and opens it for himself.

He steps inside to find a man sitting on one of the couches, leaning back very casually, one arm draped along the backrest. He looks younger than Zhang Yuan was expecting and a lot more casual. He's not even wearing a suit.

He grins at Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yuan's heart thumps loudly in his chest. His mouth feels dry suddenly.

"Director Luo?" Zhang Yuan asks, uncertainly.

The man's grin grows a bit wider. He makes a small agreeable hum. "That would be me. Luo Fusheng," he says and then gestures at the couch. "Please, take a seat. Zhang Yuan, was it?"

Zhang Yuan looks at the couch and then at the armchairs opposite it. "Yes, I'm Zhang Yuan," he agrees, butterflies flapping wildly in his belly. He's supposed to be less nervous once he gets to talking, not more. Not that he's gotten to the proposal yet. He'll be fine once he's talking about that.

Luo Fusheng straightens a little, moving to the side a little so that there'll be more room for Zhang Yuan on the couch. Right next to him.

Zhang Yuan gives one more glance to the armchairs, before walking over to sit on the couch.

Luo Fusheng smiles at him and leans forward interestedly. Zhang Yuan swallows nervously. He's so close that when he blinks, Zhang Yuan can easily tell how long his lashes are. Zhang Yuan swallows again.

"Now, tell me what you've got for me," Luo Fusheng says, his eyes focused on Zhang Yuan.

Zhang Yuan licks his lips and then clears his throat.

Luo Fusheng gets up. For a moment Zhang Yuan feels relieved and then a bit embarrassed as Luo Fusheng pours a glass of water, walking back to hand it to Zhang Yuan. Zhang Yuan's fingers shake a bit as he takes the glass from him. Then, Luo Fusheng sits right back on the couch next to him. At least the water helps his dry throat.

Zhang Yuan takes another quick drink and puts the glass down on the table next to them. Then, he finally starts talking.

The familiar words fall out easily, even though he can still feel the butterflies dancing in his belly. Luo Fusheng's eyes watch him with interest.