This was the first time in his life that Su Pu stepped into the CEO’s office.
And the owner of this vast office was his husband.
Once inside, Li Jichuan gestured for Su Pu to place the coffee on the desk.
Su Pu ran over to set it down, then hurriedly took the chance to look around, examining the space his husband had spent so much time and effort curating.
“Curious?”
Li Jichuan had already maneuvered the wheelchair to sit at the desk, taking a sip of the coffee.
Display cases held many personal collectibles, which Su Pu scrutinized carefully, feeling his eyes might not be enough.
He stole a glance back at his husband, nodded twice, then turned to continue observing.
Li Jichuan’s lips curled. “Take whichever you like. Consider it a gift.”
This time, Su Pu didn’t look back at him; he shook his head while surveying the room. These items must hold great significance, and he had nowhere suitable to store them. He certainly couldn’t put them on their bedroom nightstand. Taking what isn’t his habitually wasn’t his style.
“Did you make this coffee?” Li Jichuan asked again.
Su Pu nodded affirmatively.
“Hmm… not as good as last week…” Li Jichuan tasted another sip and smacked his lips in evaluation.
Su Pu’s face fell immediately. He had spent a long time perfecting hand-brewed coffee—the peak of his skill. Some coffee enthusiasts even traveled from out of town just to try it.
Hearing this, Su Pu immediately rushed over to the desk, panting, signing rapidly in excitement to describe the flavor of these beans.
Li Jichuan stared at him for a moment, suppressing a smile, reminding him gently, “Sorry, can you type it out? I don’t understand…”
Su Pu froze for a moment, realizing his mistake, and quickly pulled out his phone, typing furiously.
“I mean, I understand that this time you rushed production to meet delivery times. I can taste your urgency.”
His flying fingers paused abruptly. Su Pu looked up, dazed, staring at Li Jichuan.
“I compared your coffee from last week to today’s. Last week, it was cold, but the flavor remained. This time, the body is lighter; acidity is fine, but the other aromas didn’t fully come through.”
Su Pu thought for a moment, deleted his long-winded explanation, and retyped:
【Last time, I used two ice cubes mixed with coffee grounds to bring out citrus notes. This time… I didn’t have the chance…】
“Right,” Li Jichuan said. “This one lacks a touch of sweetness.”
Su Pu thought for a moment, lowered his gaze, and typed.
Director Li, are you heading out later?
Ever since the accident, Li Jichuan had drastically cut down on outside engagements, handling most of his work in the office.
He shook his head. “No. Why?”
Then wait for me. I’ll go make you another cup properly this time. I promise it’ll be better.
Li Jichuan raised a brow. “Confident, aren’t you?”
Heat crept up Su Pu’s cheeks, and he gave a shy smile.
I’ll try my best.
He was about to head out—eager to prove himself—when Li Jichuan caught him by the wrist.
“Hold on.”
Su Pu turned back, confused.
Li Jichuan filled a cup with warm water from the desk dispenser and handed it to him. “Go sit over there for a bit. Finish this before you go downstairs.”
Su Pu: “?”
Li Jichuan exhaled heavily, his meaning unmistakable. “Some people are about to pant themselves into a little bellows.”
Hearing that, Su Pu’s blush deepened. His embarrassment made his breathing even louder, the air feeling thinner by the second.
Li Jichuan slid his own bone-china teacup toward him. “Be good. Go over there and catch your breath…”
…
Ten minutes later, his face still bright red, Su Pu finally went downstairs.
Before he left, Li Jichuan had handed him a VIP access card—one that let him take the private elevator to the top floor without security registration.
The little mute boy stumbled back to the shop in a daze, immediately brewed another pour-over, and sent it right up.
But this time, Li Jichuan was in a meeting, so Su Pu gave the coffee to the receptionist. As he stepped into the elevator, he even caught sight of Frank walking out of the restroom, eyes red from crying.
In that instant, an already unbelievably good day became even better.
By four-thirty, Su Pu was wrapping up his tasks and even helped a coworker with a few delivery orders.
“Our handsome, kindhearted little Bodhisattva Su~” Ouyang announced as he finished the accounts. “I’ve got a makeup exam this Saturday. Can you cover my morning shift tomorrow?”
Ouyang was a nearby university student majoring in business, dreaming of soaring upward and joining the white-collar crowd in the company upstairs.
Su Pu was easygoing; whenever he could help, he did. And he didn’t have plans for the weekend anyway.
Ouyang glanced over, saw Su Pu wiping down the equipment, and immediately hurried over to butter him up.
“Oh, no, no—let me do that. How could I let my benefactor handle grunt work? Leave it to your little bro!”
His naturally funny Northeastern accent made the whole thing even more endearing. Su Pu laughed so hard his eyes curved, not even noticing when the rag was snatched from his hand.
“Bro, someone came looking for you earlier,” Ouyang added, jerking his chin toward a row of seats in the corner. “I’ll finish the rest here. Go talk to him. Just don’t forget to clock out later!”
Still smiling, Su Pu followed his gaze—then his expression tightened instantly.
Su Hui?
Why was he here?