Ch70 - (II). What kind of business is done in a hotel room?

A cold wind swept past the government building, lifting the hem of Rong Jun’s unbuttoned overcoat and sending a shiver down his spine. He tightened it around himself and jogged to the roadside, flagging a taxi back to his hotel.

That day, he had finished work before nightfall, an actual rare occurrence. As soon as he returned, he called Yan Chen.

Glancing at the time, he realized it was already well past Yan Chen’s usual off-duty hours.

Puzzled, Rong Jun walked to the window and drew the curtains, then hung his suit in the wardrobe. Left in only his underwear, he tried calling again but Yan Chen still didn’t pick up.

He assumed Yan Chen was simply busy, likely working late as usual. After all, Yan Chen had never caused him worry before. Tossing his phone onto the bed, he headed into the bathroom for a hot shower.

…

After showering and drying his hair, Rong Jun stared at the call log, there were three unanswered calls from him yet Yan Chen still didn’t call him back.

What could he possibly be doing?

He couldn’t come up with an answer. For the past three years, Yan Chen’s life had revolved almost entirely around him. Every call from him would be answered almost immediately, every need noticed. That constant care had become a comfort he’d taken for granted.

Today’s silence felt… just so wrong.

He had once told Yan Chen not to center his life on him, hoping he’d have a life of his own. But now that it seemed to be happening, Rong Jun felt an unfamiliar sting of unease.

“Is there something wrong with me…” he muttered, sighing and inwardly criticizing himself.

The more he tried not to think about it, the stronger the unease grew. He imagined a future where Yan Chen didn’t revolve around him, and a tight knot of anxiety formed in his chest.

Rong Jun sat up abruptly, his brows furrowed, clicking his tongue in frustration. He knew he was worrying over something that might never happen, but still, he felt powerless.

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Rong Jun paused, processing the sudden command. “Understood.”

Fixing a flawed draft was no small task. Hopefully, the issue wouldn’t involve too many people.

He grabbed a coat, slipped it on, and headed to Councilor Feng’s room while calling the others to inform them.

…

Feng’s suite was far larger than a standard office, with a small meeting area. Five people, including Rong Jun, sat around, flipping through thick stacks of documents. For long stretches of hours, the only sound that could be heard was the rustling of paper.

Fortunately, the issue wasn’t critical. Once the main problems were resolved, there was still time to revise the draft. A collective sigh of relief filled the room.

“You’ve worked hard this time,” Councilor Feng said, patting Rong Jun’s shoulder.

Rong Jun had become indispensable. Whenever problems arose, he was the first to be called, often at the cost of his own peace, even on holidays he would be on call.

In the past, he might have replied, “It’s my duty”. Now, he could only offer a faint polite smile.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” He stood, saying goodbye to his colleagues quickly before heading to the door.

Checking his phone, as expected, several missed calls glared back at him. He dialed Yan Chen immediately.

“Go back and rest first,” Yan Chen said, his tone gentle, carrying an almost imperceptible warmth. Rong Jun’s lips twitched at the subtle affection.

Just as he stepped into the corridor, a voice called behind him: “Rong Jun, your coat.”

He turned, accepting it. “Thank you.”

“Get some rest.”

“Mm.” Rong Jun nodded. He draped the coat over his arm and moved to leave.

Then he looked up at the corridor and froze.

A figure stood in front of him.

Someone who shouldn’t be here at all!

Before he could process it, the man’s expression shifted from stunned disbelief to simmering anger.

He knew exactly what was going on in Yan Chen’s mind right now.

Rong Jun quickly spoke, trying to explain before Yan Chen misunderstand him. “Yan Chen, I was just handling official work inside.”

“Work?” Yan Chen’s emotions snapped. Years of his restraint shattered in an instant.

He yanked Rong Jun forward, pressing his body against him so sharply that Rong Jun’s face collided with his chest.

This time, Yan Chen didn’t hold back. His eyes were bloodshot, his grip strong and his voice hoarse with fury.

“What kind of work gets done in a hotel room?!”

Pain shot through Rong Jun’s arm, but still, he tried to explain his side. “It was urgent. There were others inside too—”

Yan Chen cut him off. “So all these days, you’ve been working in his room?”

“No—”

“Or have you been doing this all along, and I just found out today?”

“Yan Chen…” Rong Jun’s voice wavered, but he forced it steady. “Let’s go inside first. I’ll explain everything.”

“Give me your room key,” Yan Chen said, his voice dripping with coldness.

A chill ran down Rong Jun’s spine.

His mind racing.