Chapter 3The Possessive Algorithm

Jax ran a gaming company.

He had a hand in all the popular MMOs and made a fortune.

He didn't assign me a department, just said to pick a role.

So I chose the Game Design department, which interested me most.

The atmosphere was relaxed, unlike my last job.

Colleagues were young and dressed casually.

My mentor, Cole, was friendly:

"Have you played games before? Doesn't have to be ours."

I admitted shyly: "Just Candy Crush."

He wasn't surprised, just smiled.

"Perfect. I need a blank slate. Try playing our latest MMO for a week and submit a 'newbie experience report'."

I had never heard such a gentle command.

I buried myself in playing.

I recorded my feelings on the plot and the difficulties I faced.

Adrian felt neglected and protested frequently:

[Babe, you haven't kissed me in ages.]

I coaxed him: [Working. Be good.]

A week later.

I submitted my report and joined the welcome party for new hires.

It was at a Karaoke bar.

The equipment wasn't great, and there was howling from the hallway, but I felt unprecedentedly happy.

The party ended at 11 PM.

Adrian picked me up, sulking at my drunken state.

I cupped his face and kissed him loudly.

"Aww, don't be mad, boyfriend."

He turned his head. "You smell like alcohol."

I kissed him again. "Let's stink together."

Whatever emotions remained were resolved in bed.

I was dizzy, only remembering Adrian’s intense thrusts and cold face.

Waking up the next day, I was still groggy.

Adrian rarely skipped work, but he brought me warm water. "Headache? Will you drink that much next time?"

I drank the water slowly and shook my head.

Suddenly remembering I hadn't asked for leave, I grabbed my phone.

Before I could text my boss, I saw a new email notification.

It said I had been transferred to the CEO's Office.

I looked up at Adrian in shock.

"What's wrong?" Adrian sat on the edge of the bed, pinching my cheek.

"I was transferred."

Adrian took the phone and read the notice.

Silence filled the room.

I wanted to ask: Did you do this?

But I felt bad suspecting him.

I was busy last week and ignored him. He was unhappy. But surely he wouldn't...

"Probably a personnel shuffle."

Adrian held my cold hand. "Did you like the old department? I'll tell Jax to move you back?"

I tried to read his face.

"Wait, I'll call him." Adrian said.

He called Jax.

"Why move Zoe to the CEO's office?"

"We're short on people, bro!" Jax yelled. "Three assistants are on maternity leave. I haven't hired replacements yet. I want Zoe to fill in. Are you going to micromanage this too?"

Adrian defended me:

"But if Zoe likes her old—"

I stopped him, signaling him to stop.

Jax was still yelling:

"Adrian, you freak! Zoe isn't a child. If you can't let go, just lock her at home and stop unleashing her on me!"

Adrian hung up.

I spoke first: "I can go to the CEO's office."

"Will you be unhappy, babe?"

I shook my head.

As long as it was normal work and not Adrian meddling, it was fine.

He chuckled low, resting his forehead against mine.

"Did you misunderstand me just now?"

I blushed.

"A little."

He pouted. "Babe, you don't trust me."

"No, no."

I explained quickly, "You complained about me not spending time with you, and last night you were so... fierce. I thought you were unsatisfied with my job..."

Adrian laughed darkly.

He buried his head in my shoulder, his voice aggrieved:

"But I'm really sad. You suspected me so easily. You don't trust me at all."

I kissed his ear.

"Don't be sad, okay?"

He was like a giant cat, lying on top of me. "I need comfort."

Helpless, I gave him the comfort he needed.

Until the sky went dark again.

I thought hazily, Is he trying to make up for the whole week?