Chapter 2: The Times We Know/Arc 1.1

Wang Tao slowly opened his eyes and was met with a black ceiling. He lay on a king sized bed covered in black and white sheets. The large open room had a brown wooden desk in front of the bed and a bookcase on the left side of the room. On the one window in the bedroom, hung a thick black curtain to block out the sunlight and the A/C above the bed was still running as it circulated cold air around the room.

After a few seconds, he sat up and placed his bare feet on the carpeted floor and glanced at the walls he'd painted. They were in the scenery of a lotus pond surrounded by dark lanterns with small black and purple flames inside and the work was done skilfully.

Looking away, Wang Tao stood up and quickly got ready to go out.

_ _ _ _ _

Currently, in this world he is 27. His identity was that of the son of a middle classed couple who'd passed away when he was 17. To cope with the grief, the son took a year off from school but had secretly committed suicide within that time. This was the period in which Wang Tao entered this world. The original had always been at the top of his class and had a scholarship, so Wang Ta managed to continue school without his parents' support.

Once he turned 23, Wang Tao applied to be the personal assistant of a prosperous company and was accepted by the CEO of Zhou Industries, Zhou Jian. It's been five years since he was hired.

As he drove his car to the office, he remembered those five years in this world. The earliest memory started a month after he got his new job.

.

.

.

In the bustling city, on the highest floor of a building was a large, spacious office with floor to ceiling glass windows.

The crowds could be seen shuffling along the streets as cars zoomed by. To the side of the room were two small couches facing each other with a glass table between them. In front of the windows, was a wide wooden desk and seated behind it was none other than the new CEO, Zhou Jian.

Zhou Jian carefully observed his assistant who was standing before him. The man's long silver hair and eyes were incredibly eye-catching. The face was expressionless, complementing the emotionless eyes. His cold aura which was suppressed still leaked out a bit, almost unnoticibly, but the CEO's sharp eyes caught it.

[ He's definitely not ordinary. Middle class family?...He doesn't match his background at all. ]

A peculiar feeling rose in him, evoking Zhou Jian's curiosity.

"How are you adapting?"

"Well."

Wang Tao looked at the CEO after his curt answer, expecting to be dismissed now. The CEO was a bit dumbfounded at how his assistant answered.

[ Were things so bland for him? ]

"Is the job easy enough?"

"Yes."

"Do you like it?"

"..."

He asked a few more questions and realized that the other would barely respond so he just watched his assistant silently. An akward silence passed until the CEO just dismissed him. Wang Tao bowed before exiting the room and headed to his office.

A few weeks later, Zhou Jian sat in the car and glanced at his personal assistant who was gazing out the window. Cars flashed across the highway as the buildings passed by. The beautiful colors of blue, pink and orange blended, creating an aesthetic sunset.

Wang Tao picked up on everything but his eyes didn't show a single emotion, not even a bit of awe or appreciation at the wonderful sight.

[ Does he not feel anything? Maybe it's a mask? I wonder what for though...]

"How are you?"

Zhou Jian carefully observed the other but noticed that there was no reaction. His assistant had simply looked over and stayed quiet. It seemed like he'd judged it as an unnecessary question and chosen not to answer.

"How has your day been?"

"..."

"Is it so hard to talk to your own boss?"

"...No."

Wang Tao mumbled and answered finally. Zhou Jian never thought he could feel a sense of accomplishment from making someone speak.

"Then how was your day?"

"..."

Zhou Jian's eye twitched. Those emotionless eyes looked at him but he couldn't help but feel that the man wasn't looking at him at all. Thinking of the other's stubborness, he decided to just use his authority for once.

"Since things are so hard for you, as your CEO I will educate you. From now on, you must reach five words everytime you speak. Also, you must answer when I ask you a question or for your opinion."

Finished stating the conditions, Zhou Jian felt a bit of pride and some pettiness satiated when he noticed his assistant's eye twitch in turn. Wang Tao didn't respond for a good while.

[ What is with this human?]

After weeks of his boss' approach, the young man could only think to ignore him. However, he didn't forget that he was playing a role so he struggled for a while before arduously nodding.

[ I finally got to him. He really dislikes talking doesn't he? ]

"Good, now how are you feeling?"

"I do not…know how."

Zhou Jian held back a smile as he watched in amusement as the assistant counted every word with his hands. His answer was said softly, as if he barely used any effort to speak. It seemed to be because he wasn't used to talking. The moment he was done, Wang Tao folded his arms and looked away. The CEO would think it to be to express dissatisfaction if his assistant could feel anything.

"Why don't you know?"

"...Because I can't feel anything"

Ensuring that he reached five words, Wang Tao shut his mouth, still not looking at his boss. His attitude obviously showed that he was not intending to ever pass the minimum. Zhou Jian noticed this and thought it comical. He realized that the other was actually answering quite honest. It was an interesting observation so he questioned Wang Tao on it.

"I have no need for…"

When the other abruptly paused, the CEO was a bit confused. Zhou Jian waited for a moment but the younger man didn't speak again.

[ ??...Oh. ]

Zhou Jian's lip turned slightly upward, his blue eyes coated with mirth. Wang Tao was so unwilling to speak that once the man realized he reached the bar he stopped. The CEO smiled inwardly, thinking that this assistant of his was quite peculiar.

[ His face is expressionless yet his every action makes me want to laugh. Quite funny. It's like a special charm of his. I bet he doesn't even realize. ]

"Continue, and it's still five words."

"Lies. I have no need."

[ Did he? ]

It was only after moments of silence before the older man couldn't help but laugh.

"Pfff, are you a robot? You actually continued where you started. You're really wierd."

Wang Tao blinked as he looked at his boss. His boss had asked him to continue, so why was that weird?

[ I don't think I'm weird. Shouldn't that be you? ]

Wang Tao was sure that he'd simply fulfilled the other's request. So then why did the man laugh? Unable to comprehend, the silver eyes moved back outside, ignoring the human.

Months later, the silver haired male sat on the chair before his boss as per instructions. He looked at the man and waited to see what would happen next.

However, his CEO didn't say anything and was focused on some work, as was so mostly. The silver eyes watched the man closely. Zhou Jian's sharp blue eyes were in deep thought, the face expressionless as he read through everything carefully. His long fingers gripped his pen, writing skillfully and elegantly.

The assistant didn't make a peek, his eyes following the man's every move as if enthralled and the pheonix eyes were unblinking. His hands resting in his lap twitched, as if nerved by something.

[ Again? What is it? ]

A bizarre emotion had risen inside him over time as he took notice of the hard-working aspect of his boss.

When working, the man would go silent, instead of pestering him to speak and an aura he couldn't quite describe would surround his boss. The CEO's visage would seem to become more profound during his concentration and Wang Tao would find himself staring.

Wang Tao was unsure of how to label this but didn't ask because he didn't think he was close enough to anyone here to question them on what it was.

A while later, Zhou Jian seemed to finally zone out from his phase. Neatening up his documents and putting them up, he faced his assistant. After apologizing for making him wait, he got straight to the point.

"Assistant Tao, could you tell me a bit about yourself? I find it very important to understand my employees to provide them a quality work experience. Especially for talented and inexperienced people like you. But unfortunately it's been very difficult to do so."

Zhou Jian gave a valid excuse but it was just cover up the personal reasons for asking. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to understand much about this mysterious man.

[ Almost as if there's nothing about him to learn. Like he's empty. ]

This thought flashed in his mind for a moment but he didn't think further. Waiting patiently, he folded his arms and leaned back.

"What do you mean by that?...I do not understand."

Zhou Jian was unsurprised at the long response as he had recently raised the limit to ten. The CEO had done this once the man was finally willing to go over the minimum. It had made him quite happy and proud to see the other speak more. Sadly, it was never too much but it was still an accomplishment.

"What do you like? What are your hobbies or preferences?"

"I don't think I have any? Am I supposed to?"

A smile crept up Zhou Jian's face. Even though Wang Tao had stayed within the minimum just now the CEO noticed that it was not intentional. This meant Wang Tao had finally spoken many words to him by free will. Zhou Jian could tell that the silver haired man was unconsciously lowering his guard around him.

"Well maybe. After all, they shape who you are. Is there nothing you'd prefer to do more than something else?"

"Not speak."

His assistant hadn't hesitated when he answered, leaving his boss speechless. The man was about to say something when he realized that it really was a preference. He sighed, unsure what to think no of this. It did count but it was a bit hard for Zhou Jian to accept this. Glancing at his assistant, he probed for more.

"Can you think of more?"

Wang Tao thought for a while.l but just couldn't come up with anything. This was never something he had considered as it was unnecessary for him.

"...No."

"Mmm, then maybe I can help you find them."

Zhou Jian caught a bit of curiosity and suspicion in the other's eyes and was startled.

[ Was it working? ]

He felt glad that his methods were effective. The CEO was a bit excited thinking of what emotions the man might show next. He thought over in his head what he could do next for a while after dismissing his assistant.

A week later, Wang Tao followed his boss into a high end restaurant observing the many expensive decorations around the place.

"Good evening Young Masters, how may I help you?"

The waiter observed the two carefully and immidiately understood that they didn't have normal backgrounds so he was extremely polite. The CEO didn't care that the person had considered both of them as rich young men. He himself sometimes wondered if Wang Tao was actually his assistant. Not thinking about it, Zhou Jian swept his cold eyes over the room and noticed that it was a bit crowded.

"A private room please."

"Of course sirs, follow me."

The waiter nodded hurriedly and led the two before leading them upstairs to the VIP room. Sitting down, one could see the blurs of cars speeding by and pedestrians heading home from work through the window. The crescent moon shined, the only light in the night's darkness.

Turning away from the view, Wang Tao looked at his boss. Feeling the now familiar emotion of curiosity, he battled the urge to ask why they were here. However, Zhou Jian took note of it and explained.

"I'm gonna have you try a few dishes. See which one you like "

"Is that necessary?"

"Just wait and see...or taste."

The assistant no longer commented on it but Wang Tao still didn't see the use. Wasn't it just food? How would this help?

[ I never really ate that much did I? Maybe a sandwich every few years... ]

Zhou Jian ordered a few dishes such as Shark Fin soup and pork. A while later, workers brought in the fresh dishes.

Wang Tao sniffed the air and his eyes were soon glued to the food. The dishes looked very presentable and they raised ones appetite. The aroma wafted in the air, sending one into a state of bliss from just a wiff. As the younger man observed the foreign food closely, a slight smile appeared on his boss' face.

"Try the soup first."

Zhou Jian watched as the younger man tasted the soup. The silver eyes seemed to shine as the flavors burst in his mouth. but it was so light that Zhou Jian almost thought he imagined. Unsure, he observed his assistant more closely and confirmed that it really was so.

Meanwhile, Wang Tao didn't notice the stare, too busy wondering how he'd never tasted this before. Unconsciously, his hand started moving faster and the soup was almost gobbled up. The CEO hurriedly stopped him before he ate too much and filled his stomach, unable to try the other dishes. Zhou Jian's hand which had blocked the chopsticks paused as he pulled back. He thought his eyes had caught some reluctance from the boy.

Now at this point it didn't matter what happened as the CEO was already quite satisfied. He'd already gotten this much of a reaction from the other which was unexpected. His goal was just to help Wang Tao understand himself but he hit the jackpot instead.

[ Mm, I'm truly something aren't I? ]

Inwardly giving himself a pat on the back, Zhou Jian began introducing the silver haired man to another dish.

This continued for a while and Zhou Jian quickly came to the conclusion.

[ He's a foodie. How interesting. ]

It was the only sensible explanation. How else could he like so many different foods so much? Why else would his eyes shine every time he saw a new set of food?

[ I should bring him back in the future. ]

Wang Tao was lost in his own world, his taste buds overwhelmed by the splendid flavours. Each dish was divine with a uniqueness to it which just hit the spot. It was only after he temporarily extracted himself from the heavens that he realized something and couldn't help but blurt out to his boss.

"You aren't eating?"

Zhou Jian paused for a second as the question sunk in. He'd been so occupied with watching the other that he forgot to eat. With some embarrassment, Zhou Jian picked up his chopsticks and ate along with his assistant. After they were done, he paid and they made their way out of the building. Standing outside, the CEO glanced at the other.

"So what do you think is your favorite food now?"

"Umm, pork, spicy ribs and the candied fruit."

"See, you do have preferences. You just have to find them."

Wang Tao nodded as a warm feeling surfaced. At first, he had only listened to the conditions because his role was that of an employee and an employee should listen to their boss. Eventually it changed to being because of curiosity.

[ Spending time with him, isn't too bad. ]

Suddenly, it was as if something in him changed. The emptiness that he always felt within lessened somewhat. In the past, he'd never minded the hollowness but now he secretly felt that he wouldn't like it if things reverted back. Unknowingly, the frost in his silver eyes melted slightly.

"Thank you."

Zhou Jian was a bit startled as he looked at his assistant. Joy welled up inside the CEO when he realized that the other had properly opened up to him.

"Do you want to come again?"

"Mm-hmm."

Hearing the affirmative, Zhou Jian nodded and the two entered the car once the driver pulled up. After dropping his assistant, Zhou Jian headed home. Wang Tao stood at his doorstep for a bit before entering. He found that his experiences these past two years had been peculiar and interesting.

Lying down on the couch, he stared up at the sealing. His mind was filled with thoughts on the man, and he couldn't help but think of everything that had happened.

[ ...Zhou Jian. It's a nice name. He's just my boss but...it doesn't feel though and I think we've become close? What is our relationship actually? ]

Wang Tao sat up on the couch and searched with his phone. He quickly got an answer to his search and read through it.

"Friends…"

Wang Tao said this word softly and felt the warm feeling once more.

[ I'd always keep up walls around others, almost subconsciously. Maybe it would be fine to let them down a bit? ]

With this thought in mind, Wang Tao went to wash up before heading to bed. As he lied down, he found himself looking forward to the next day and days to come. Closing his eyes he wondered what dishes he'd try next time they return to that restaurant.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

"What?"

"I said do you want to play cards?"

Wang Tao stood silently for a moment, inwardly reluctant.

It had been three years since he got this job now and currently he had come over to his boss' home to drop some documents. He'd never expected that when he was about it leave that the man would ask him this.

[ What is cards anyway? Besides, I just want to sleep... ]

The silver haired man opened his mouth to reject but then closed it.

His boss sat at his desk, a deck of playing cards in front of him. Those piercing, beautiful blue eyes looked at him expectantly and for some reason Wang Tao felt uncomfortable all over. He tried to reject again but found himself struggling to. He sighed inwardly as he realized, much to his own surprise, that he couldn't say no.

"I guess?"

"Great! Do you know how?"

Sitting down, Wang Tao shook his head. Zhou Jian once again had his views on the man's ignorance refreshed.

[ He doesn't even know cards? ]

"Assistant Tao, where did you say you grew up again?"

However, Wang Tao didn't answer. Zhou Jian was going to ask once more but then he swore he caught a look in those silver eyes, almost as if saying 'what kind of question was that?'. With this, he swiftly changed his mind, focusing on explaining a simple card game to the other.

"I wanted to play some thing more complicated, show off my amazing and inspiring god-level skill but...oh well, oh well, how unfortunate."

With an exaggerated expression of regret and disappointment, he let out a deep sigh. Just as he looked up to see his assistants reaction, he froze.

"D-did you just..."

"What? What did I do?"

Wang Tao furrowed his brows at the exclamation, a hint of skeptism surfacing.

[ Is he trying some other act? ]

Meanwhile, despite the query, Zhou Jian didn't answer and just shook his head. The CEO then quickly calmed down but there was an obvious great joy in his eyes.

Wang Tao himself hadn't noticed but the older man had quickly caught it. At the moment of his annoyance at his CEO's dramatic acting, he had unknowingly rolled his eyes. Of course to Zhou Jian who knew he was successful at making the other feel but not so much so at making him express and show it, this was a great joy.

Dismissing his assistants question, Zhou Jian explained the rules in detail. Once done, he shared the cards and they quickly became immersed in the game.

Minutes later, the room was filled with a deafening silence.

[ Why? ]

Wang Tao stared at the cards in a daze. Looking up at his boss' red face it was easy to tell that he was suffocating from holding in laughter. A small but fleeting frown passed on his face as dissatisfaction rise up.

"Unacceptable."

Zhou Jian raised a brow as he spoke, his tone cocky but playful.

"Is it too hard for Excellent Assistant Tao to admit defeat?"

The assistant's eye twitched. He replied with conviction, his eyes stubborn.

"I haven't lost."

This was true. Wang Tao still hadn't lost yet but he was close to losing. The reason was that he couldn't quite understand it. He followed the rules, played the game but it just wasn't working.

[ This is so, so...shameful. How could something as feeble as cards stump me? If I wanted I could burn them without lifting a finger yet... ]

Wang Tao was in disbelief. Zhou Jian felt a bit bad seeing him lost so he explained what was happening.

"It's really not you. Just that the game is about luck not strategy. You were just too unlucky and kept picking wrong."

"Oh."

Wang Tao fell silent. It took a while before he moved as it was his turn. Miraculously, he'd picked right. Zhou jains smile faltered.

"It seems like your luck was being saved."

Wang Tao nodded complacently. His mood having lightened, the assistant made bolder moves. As the game which should have long ended dragged on, the older man felt some unwillingness.

Making more aggressive moves, the CEO tried to win but in the end, Zhou Jian realized that his actions were fruitless. Resigning to his fate, he picked his last card and sure enough, he'd lost.

"Congratulations..."

Zhou Jian's words were stuck in his throat. His blue eyes lit up as he gazed at the man. Wang Tao donned a tiny smile on his face yet it was so bright. Pride shown in his eyes from the abrupt switch in the game leading to his victory.

The CEO couldn't help but smile as well, no longer minding his loss.

[ I wouldn't mind losing hundred times if he always smiled like that. ]

It was a fleeting thought, so soft and distant that he almost didn't notice it. Almost as if it was in his subconscious and wasn't meant to be heard at all and was forgotten only moments after. A tinge of panic came over him but then his mind was at a loss over why.

No matter how he wrecked his brain that thought and strange emotion couldn't be recalled. In the end, he had no choice but to give up on finding it so Zhou Jian went on to praise his friend before complying with the other's request to play again.

[ And who didn't want to play at first? ]

Zhou Jian shook his head with a smile.