Chapter 2The Ex-Files: Drunk Dialing Destiny

I slept until 2 PM thanks to the alcohol.

Woke up and sat on the bed thinking for half an hour.

I couldn't remember exactly what I said at the gala last night.

But I didn't forget Charles Chen's mischievous expression at the end.

His reputation with women wasn't good.

Sending a female star to a cover shoot today.

Dining with a newly debuted girl tomorrow.

Although hadn't heard of him involved with female employees.

Still scalp-numbing.

Before I could think of an excuse to refuse, a work message popped up.

"Tomorrow's dinner is a birthday celebration for a buddy of mine, you better bring a gift."

"Seize the opportunity, maybe someone casually gives an opportunity, and you can pay hundreds of thousands more in taxes."

"5:30 PM, Secretary Lee will pick you up."

Your family gathering, I shouldn't go.

I drank too much yesterday and blabbed, Mr. Chen please bear with me.

There are people with better performance than me in the company, why not give them the chance?

I deleted the refusal.

Cowardly replied "Received."

After washing up, realized I forgot to ask key info.

Is his buddy old or young, prefers western or traditional style, sexual orientation.

Know nothing.

Searched gifts for leaders on phone, homepage showed shops I bought from before.

Scarf, belt, briefcase.

Prices weren't high, price range I couldn't choose now.

But giving those to Ethan, he was always happy.

I was suddenly in a trance.

Not long later is Ethan's birthday too.

He happened to be born around Lunar New Year.

Every year on his birthday, he celebrated with me first, then rushed home to celebrate again.

Came back the next day with bags big and small.

Gifts from relatives and Sterling family partners.

Some knew he was dating, so gifted popular new season luxury goods to please him.

He picked through them, packing what I could use.

Still had to be coy, wouldn't give to me easily.

Insisted I circle him for half a day, stuttering anxiously.

Only then would he lift his chin, slowly handing over the suitcase.

I sat on the floor opening gift boxes one by one.

Ethan bent his leg leaning aside, drinking water slowly.

"Anything you like?"

I held up the most satisfactory one to show him.

He recognized it, smiling.

"Got it, talk projects with their family more next year."

I said, "You, you abuse power for personal gain."

My birthday is in autumn.

Specific day, unclear.

His gifts piled aside, as if I also had a very good birthday.

In the years apart, I haven't picked gifts for anyone.

Nor received gifts from anyone.

Screening items matching the other's temperament, preference, and status from massive options consumes energy.

I emboldened myself to contact Charles.

"Mr. Chen, what does your friend prefer? I'll prepare accordingly."

He said, "Anything is fine."

...

Then anything is fine.

I asked someone to buy a tea cake, just said expensive.

Sending tea can't be wrong.

Shop owner said the tea cake grade I wanted wasn't low, the only one in the store happened to be reserved.

Other stock needed time to transfer.

Luckily delivered before the dinner.

I picked a semi-formal commuter suit, carrying the gift box out.