After returning to the office, Wang Yibo shut his office door.
No one knew what he was doing inside—the blinds were drawn. Some bold young women tried to sneak a peek and said he was on the phone.
No one knew what kind of phone call could last the entire afternoon.
Xiao Zhan wasn't as nosy as they were. He spent the time learning more about Yunshen Credit and got his first client list from Xiao Xue. Starting the next day, he would begin calling each name on the list, greeting them warmly and launching into his sales pitch.
He looked at the names on the list—some of them were notable figures, suggesting Yunshen's reach extended quite far.
As the end of the workday approached, Xiao Zhan packed up his things and was just about to stand up when Wang Yibo's office door opened.
About half of the company had already left. Wang Yibo was headed to the restroom, which meant he naturally passed by Xiao Zhan's desk. When he came out of the restroom, Xiao Zhan had already grabbed his briefcase, ready to go.
Seeing this, Wang Yibo said, "No more work in your hands? Off running home when there's nothing to do?"
Xiao Zhan couldn't believe he was about to have a discussion about 9-6 culture at a high-interest loan company with Wang Yibo—who used to work at an overseas investment bank.
"President Wang, I've finished all my tasks for today. And besides, it is after office hours now."
...He wasn't even earning that much—who'd be willing to work overtime endlessly?
Wang Yibo didn't argue. He just looked at him calmly for a moment and, surprisingly, let it go.
"Alright, go on. See you tomorrow."
Xiao Zhan smiled. "See you tomorrow."
He turned around and had just taken a step forward when he heard Wang Yibo say casually:
"If you've got the time, you should consider changing your watch. The company's image is already hard enough to maintain. If employees are seen wearing cheap knockoff luxury goods, it doesn't sound good—people might gossip."
Xiao Zhan froze mid-step.
The watch he was wearing had been a birthday gift from Jiang Cheng. He'd reportedly spent almost his entire year-end bonus on it. Ever since Xiao Zhan received it, he had worn it constantly—it was something he cherished deeply.
Anyone would be upset to hear it dismissed like that. Xiao Zhan's face instantly darkened.
"This watch was a gift from Jiang Cheng. It's not a fake."
Wang Yibo, seeing how furious he was, actually looked even calmer.
"I'm no luxury expert, but I happen to know quite a bit about Omega watches for some personal reasons. If you don't believe me, feel free to take it to an official store and ask."
"What are you really trying to say, Wang Yibo?" Xiao Zhan's voice had grown sharp.
Just then, someone came walking toward them. Seeing this, Wang Yibo chose not to continue the argument and simply said:
"I wasn't trying to say anything. I just spoke up because I noticed it."
He walked past Xiao Zhan, pausing slightly as he went by.
"See you tomorrow."
***
After the unpleasant encounter with Wang Yibo, Xiao Zhan returned home with a heavy mood.
Jiang Cheng was already home, having eaten and now curled up on the sofa playing video games. Xiao Zhan glanced at the takeout on the table—it was from his favourite restaurant. He greeted Jiang Cheng, then silently picked up a bowl and chopsticks and began to eat.
The meal was tasteless. Several times Xiao Zhan wanted to ask Jiang Cheng something but kept holding back, feeling that he shouldn't be doubting him like this.
He could still clearly remember the moment Jiang Cheng gave him the watch. Xiao Zhan had been eyeing that Omega model for years. The watch box had been lying in the middle of a bed of roses—if not for the brand logo on the lid, Xiao Zhan might have thought Jiang Cheng was giving him a ring.
He remembered being so moved—that Jiang Cheng had remembered something he liked for so many years.
Jiang Cheng had hugged him then, kissing him amidst candlelight and roses.
"I came straight home after leaving the store. I wanted to see the look of surprise on your face. Xiao Zhan, if it's something you like, I'll get it for you."
It had sounded like something you say to coax a child, but Jiang Cheng had been saying that line since they were kids. Xiao Zhan went from never taking it seriously to slowly believing it.
Sure, Jiang Cheng had plenty of flaws and bad habits, but when it came to Xiao Zhan, he was always good to him.
Torn with doubt, Xiao Zhan stayed silent. Jiang Cheng was too focused on his game to notice. Xiao Zhan stared at the dial of the watch glinting under the light, then suddenly stood up.
"Jiang Cheng, I'm heading out to grab a few things. Want me to bring anything back?"
Jiang Cheng didn't suspect a thing. "Bring back a Coke."
Xiao Zhan nodded. He drove around the neighborhood for a while before eventually pulling into the mall parking lot.
Even as he cursed himself internally, Xiao Zhan walked into the Omega boutique. He should trust Jiang Cheng... and yet, the moment he stepped inside, it felt like a desperate gamble.
The boutique staff spotted the well-dressed, handsome man and greeted him with a bright smile.
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
Xiao Zhan took a deep breath and rolled up his sleeve, holding out his wrist.
"I lost the warranty card for this watch. Could you help me print a new one?"
The staff member reached out her hand. "Of course, sir. Please let us examine the watch."
The truth didn't keep him waiting long. The staff soon returned, eyes subtly uneasy, and gently informed him that the Omega classic model he brought in—after being inspected—was a counterfeit.
It was fake.
In what felt like a moment of mercy, as if trying to help him save face, the young woman at the counter kindly added,
"Maybe you were tricked by a reseller? Do you still have the receipt? If so, you might be able to get your money back. With something as intricate as a watch, it's always safest to buy from the official store. It might cost more, but at least you're guaranteed the real thing. There are just too many scams these days."
Jiang Cheng had said he bought it from the official store. He wouldn't go through a reseller—he never had.
Xiao Zhan heard a loud roaring in his ears. He didn't even know how he made it out of the mall, driving home in a daze.
Once again, the scene of Jiang Cheng giving him the watch replayed in his mind. Every expression, every word now felt like a cruel joke. All the warmth, all the emotions he felt that night—it had all become a mockery.
Was it about the value of the watch? Of course, people like nice things. Who doesn't like expensive gifts?
But what devastated him more wasn't whether the watch was real or fake.
When he got home, Jiang Cheng noticed he came back empty-handed and looked confused.
"Didn't you go out to buy something? Why didn't you get anything?"
Xiao Zhan scrambled for his excuse. "I forgot my wallet, so I just went for a walk to help with digestion."
Jiang Cheng had been unmotivated at work and unhappy lately, and he'd just lost a few rounds in his game. He wasn't in the mood to push further. Even though Xiao Zhan's vague response raised a slight suspicion, Jiang Cheng didn't feel like digging or cheering him up.
He replied absently and turned his attention back to the game.
Xiao Zhan just stood there, watching Jiang Cheng in silence.
The watch on his wrist—once a treasured gift—now felt like it was burning his skin.
He turned and went into the bedroom, swallowing the sour sting in his chest, and quietly removed the watch from his wrist.