Love Me in Another Universe

Chapter 119. Flashback (2)

 Director Gao told you to go straight to his office as soon as you got back!"

"I—" Guan Xuchen was about to explain, but decided it was more important to report to his superior first. So he thanked his colleague and headed for the director's office.

Guan Xuchen reached the door of the director's office and knocked lightly twice.

Gao Risheng (pron.: kow ree sheng), who had been reading documents on his computer, looked up, saw Guan Xuchen, waved him in, and said flatly, "Come in."

Guan Xuchen entered the office, walked up to Gao Risheng, bowed slightly, and said apologetically, "Director Gao, I'm sorry I'm late today..."

Gao Risheng smiled faintly and asked, "What's wrong, Xuchen? Did you oversleep?"

Guan Xuchen shook his head, looking downcast, "No, my phone was stolen. I went to the police station to file a report—"

"Oh, sit down and tell me about it." Gao Risheng pointed to the chair in front of him and then asked, "What exactly happened?"

After sitting down, Guan Xuchen recounted the incident, "When I was getting on the bus, someone blocked my way and asked the driver many questions, but didn't get on in the end. It wasn't until I was already on the bus that I realized my phone was gone. I think his accomplice was behind me and stole my phone while I wasn't looking..."

After listening to Guan Xuchen's explanation and glancing at the police report receipt, Gao Risheng said with concern, "You should be more careful from now on. Have you reported the SIM card lost and bought a new phone yet?

"I went to the carrier store to replace my SIM card, but I haven't had time to buy a new phone yet..." Guan Xuchen replied.

"Then go out and buy a new one during your lunch break. It's really inconvenient without a phone." Gao Risheng said kindly, "We'll count this morning as personal leave."

"Thank you, Director Gao!" Guan Xuchen said gratefully, then asked respectfully, "I'm sorry, Director Gao, I was so caught up in my own trouble just now... Did you need me for something?"

"Oh, it's nothing serious..." Gao Risheng gestured toward the office door and said, "Close the door first."

Guan Xuchen felt a little nervous, worried that he might have made some mistake at work. He stood up, closed the door, turned around, and stood in front of Gao Risheng, waiting for whatever was coming.

"Sit down, sit down," Gao Risheng pointed to the chair in front of him. After Guan Xuchen sat down again, Gao Risheng said with a smile, "Xuchen, the day after tomorrow is Sunday. Our office is holding a singles mixer—you know about that, right?"

Relieved that the matter had nothing to do with work, Guan Xuchen soon felt conflicted again after hearing the question. He fell silent for a few seconds before stammering, "I know—but on Sunday, I... I have... something to handle at home, so I probably can't make it... I'm sorry, Director Gao, I hate to decline your kindness..."

"Oh, it's nothing about declining," Gao Risheng laughed aloud. "We're just holding this to help single youths in our office to get to know each other. You skipped the last two events — a little shy, are you? Actually, I think several girls in our here would be a good match for you in terms of age and background. Why don't you just tell me honestly which girl you like. I can play matchmaker and help you get together in person."

"Oh, thank you for your kindness, Director Gao," Guan Xuchen smiled awkwardly. "I'm afraid I'm not good enough for the girls here..."

"Young man, have some confidence in yourself. You're quite good actually." As Gao Risheng spoke, his smile gradually faded. He paused for a moment, and then suddenly asked seriously, "Xuchen, tell me the truth—do you like men?"