Ch. 181The staff cafeteria
Plot points and events
- Mo Chengzhou takes Yan Wen to the company cafeteria after Yan Wen asks to try the staff meals. They browse the first floor, including its limited-quantity seafood dishes, then visit the second floor.
- Yan Wen spots the pizza counter and orders a freshly made shrimp pizza with extra cheese, though it will take two hours. They return downstairs to eat while waiting.
- Yan Wen chooses Sichuan boiled pork, corn with green peppers, and braised fish, asking for cucumber instead in one portion. Mo Chengzhou carries the trays, and they eat amid the staff’s curious stares.
- Employees quickly speculate about Yan Wen’s identity. Assistant Xin confirms that he is Mo Chengzhou’s boyfriend, prompting even more gossip.
- With the cafeteria crowded, Yan Wen invites two nervous employees to share their table. He encourages Mo Chengzhou to look less stern and casually touches his chin, amusing the employees.
- When Yan Wen questions whether Mo Chengzhou wants their relationship known, Mo says he wants everyone to know and offers to introduce him company-wide. Yan Wen declines a formal announcement. They leave to collect the pizza.
Character developments and interactions
- Yan Wen is relaxed, curious, and comfortable showing affection in public. He treats the cafeteria workers and employees warmly, and gently teases Mo Chengzhou about his serious expression.
- Mo Chengzhou is attentive and openly affectionate: he brings Yan Wen to the cafeteria, remembers the dishes Yan Wen wanted, carries the food, and says he is proud to be his boyfriend. His stern manner still intimidates the staff.
- The employees move from gossip and nervousness to accepting Yan Wen as the CEO’s partner. His friendliness makes them more comfortable, while their exaggerated deference provides comic contrast.
Significant themes
- Public affection and openness: Yan Wen sees their relationship as normal and sees no need to hide it; Mo Chengzhou is eager to acknowledge it.
- Power and intimacy: Mo’s authority makes employees anxious, but Yan Wen’s easy closeness with him softens the atmosphere.
- Everyday life and belonging: Sharing ordinary cafeteria food lets Yan Wen experience Mo’s workplace and interact with its staff.