Fifty Shades of Wang (Yibo x Zhan)

Mr. Zhan

As the elevator door closes I click on floor 27. Yes, I work as a barista at Cafe Euphoria. This was my first time being so close to Mr. Wang. I didn't even know how to behave. I pinch my nose cringing at the moments that I fumbled over my words. Also what the hell were those questions?!? I pull out my phone and tap aggressively conveying my disappointment in Qingqing, how dare she put me in such a position?!? I sigh as I hear the elevator doors open.

"Xiao Zhan!! You're here at last!! Please save me!!!!" My manager, Liam, whines dragging me by the forearm behind the cafe counter. "Mew called off because of an emergency so I'm all alone and it's almost full-on rush hour. Please help me!!"

"Okay okay, I got you," I respond as I put on an apron and roll up my sleeves. I will change after the rush. I start making the orders based on the tickets lined up. There were already five and none of them were done. First order is an iced caramel macchiato so I start by adding ice into a plastic cold drink cup and then three pumps of caramel shots and then add some cold milk in. Once those are all in, I turn on the automatic espresso maker and place a shot glass under it.

While it's brewing, I start on the next order which is two strawberry smoothies, both with coconut milk. I rush to grab a bottle of coconut milk and add 36 ounces of it into the blender. I pause to add the espresso shot into the macchiato before it dies and drizzle caramel sauce over top, cover it with the appropriate lid and then call the order out after setting it on the serving counter. I then continue to put a bunch of ice and 6 pumps of the strawberry purée into the blender since I'm doing two drinks in one, I start it up and then walk away to get the next order started.

Liam is great at grilling and cashiering so we divided our duties as such because I'm the best at drinks out of our whole team. As I am serving a hot coffee, I hear a familiar voice... is that... Mr. Wang? Nah, it can't be! I cover the hot coffee paper cup and call out the order. When I look up, our gazes meet and heart skips a beat as I freeze in that moment. He winks at me which startles me back into reality as I rush to make the next drink.

"Fancy seeing you here, Mr. Xiao. How long have you been working here?" He asks observing my process as I glance up at him to acknowledge his presence with a shy smile.

"Um... I've been working here for about 3 months now," I respond politely.

"Really? Incredible how I've never met you and I visit the cafe at least once a day."

"I know, I wondered the same because they kept telling me that the CEO has the same drink everyday and it was a big emphasis on making sure the drink is perfect."

"Ah... the pressures of coffee making," he chuckles softly looking away for a moment allowing me a view of his beautiful side profile.

"Gosh, he's gorgeous. That should be illegal," I whisper unintentionally causing his gaze to meet mine in astonishment. Crap! He heard me!!!

I look away quickly finishing up the order ahead of his. I call the order out and then return to ask as if nothing happened, "Do you prefer salt in your caramel or just on the whipped cream for your salted caramel latte?"

"Oh my gosh, you can put it in the base??" He asks so shocked by this information.

I look at him concerned and say, "Yes, I don't drink it any other way. It's my favorite on a day that I'm craving salt," I lick my lips then purse them sheepishly.

He smiles in amazement and says, "Give me your version, I wanna try it. Nobody has ever offered me that version, but I've always wondered why it's called a salted caramel latte when there is absolutely no slt in the base! It's ridiculous!! Every other coffee shop does it that way too," he vents freely finishing with an excited smirk.

"Well then, we can make it our signature drink based on how we make it," I wink at him as I begin steaming the milk for his drink. While it's concluding the steaming, I add the caramel sauce and salt into a cup and start up the espresso shot. When the milk is ready I clean the steamer and then add the espresso shot in when it's ready and stir it with a metallic spoon. I then add the steamed milk into the cup artistically creating a leaf on top. I show him the design which compels him to impressively address me, "Wow, can everyone do this kind of art?"

"No not everyone and it's technically a waste of time because most people takeout. But for those that want a drink in the cafe I usually go the extra mile. Would you like whipped cream or the caramel drizzle or salt sprinkle? What would you like?"

"You..." he whispers under his breath before clearing his throat and shaking his head, "It's perfect, thank you," he takes it as I offer it to him.

"You're most welcome! Have a great rest of your day, Mr. Wang. Hope to see you again soon," I smile softly.

"You will tomorrow," he winks as he goes in to take a sip. His eyes close as his Adam's Apple dances from him swallowing the drink. His lips are parted slightly as he sighs in pleasure. Wow... he is really a gorgeous man... Wow...

His dreamy gaze meets mine and he says, "This is amazing, Mr. Xiao, thank you." I just chuckle speechlessly as he continues to say, "See you tomorrow," he winks again with a smirk as he walks away to meet his secretary and they head out.

The minute he is beyond view, my knees give out from under me. I didn't realize how much he affected me until that moment. "Ge!! Are you okay?? Please don't be sick too!!"

I take a few deep breaths and say, "I'm fine, I'm fine," he helps me up and I pat him on the shoulder gratefully. We both continue to do our duties.

Tomorrow... I'll see him again tomorrow...

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