Straight Man Gets Reincarnated into an ABO Novel and Ends Up with His Rival - Chapter 21

“Welcome to GK Club.”

“Thank you, Mr. Shi.”

Wang Bupo stood inside a conference room in the Starlight Building, a freshly printed contract in hand.

The deal was solid, a three-year term, guaranteed base salary, fair cuts on endorsements and ad revenues, plus free accommodation and training facilities. All competition registration fees, both domestic and international, were fully covered.

He didn’t hesitate for long before signing.

If you looked closely, though, you’d notice his legs trembling slightly and faint shadows beneath his eyes.

“Didn’t sleep well lately?” Shi Li asked casually.

Wang Bupo smiled. “I was too excited to sleep after finding out I’d be joining your club, Mr. Shi.”

His tone was smooth and practiced. He’d picked up this kind of social grace back when he used to attend banquets in place of Wang Fugui.

Truthfully, he hadn’t slept well. Fu Jing had been keeping him up half the night these past few days.

Shi Li chuckled softly. Today, he wasn’t wearing his usual gold-rimmed glasses, and without them, his sharp, elegant features looked less distant and a little warmer. Dressed in a casual tracksuit, he looked just like an ordinary young man who’d only recently entered the workforce.

“How about we all grab dinner later?” Shi Li suggested.

Wang Bupo hesitated. It was already close to six in the evening. It was Monday, and Fu Jing had classes. Aside from last night, they hadn’t really interacted all day. He wasn’t sure how long he could hold out before the bond symptoms hit again.

Still, Shi Li wasn’t just inviting him to sit nearby where Gu Chengyu and Ji Xiao, the runner-up and third-place winners from the National E-sports Tournament.

Wang Bupo had only seen them once before, during a post-match interview.

[Reporter]: “You narrowly missed taking first place this time. Any thoughts?”
[Gu Chengyu]: “Nothing to say, really. I’m not disappointed. I’m still young, there’ll be plenty of chances.”

His impression of Gu Chengyu: calm, detached, eighteen years old.

Then there was Ji Xiao.

[Reporter]: “How do you feel about placing third? Any regrets?”
[Ji Xiao]: “Not at all! My goal was just to make it into the GK Club. Not only did I do that, but I got the same prize money as second place! Total win! Plus, ‘Ji Xiao’ ‘third place’ it’s fate, don’t you think?”

Wang Bupo had pegged him as cheerful, optimistic, and maybe a bit too energetic.

Since both of them readily accepted Shi Li’s invitation, refusing would only make Wang look rude.

Fine, he thought. I’ll just leave if I start feeling unwell. The restaurant’s probably nearby worst case, a ten-minute cab ride home. I can handle that.

So he accepted and quickly sent Fu Jing a message to let him know.

When Fu Jing saw the text, he frowned slightly. He was standing at their apartment door, holding two takeout dinners, but didn’t go in.

For days, he’d been waking up feeling… off. His eyes stung easily, and even though the autumn air was cool, his clothes always felt damp and clingy.

Maybe it was just the lingering side effects of his susceptibility period fatigue, discomfort, and that odd restlessness.

Now he sat in their small rental apartment, half-watching a comedy show on the projector, his mind wandering. He’d only managed a few bites of dinner before losing his appetite completely.

He glanced down at the location Wang had sent him. Wang hadn’t said anything about coming over, but sending his location? That was as good as an invitation.

Maybe he wanted Fu Jing to pick him up. Maybe he was worried Fu Jing might not feel well again.

Fu Jing grabbed his jacket and headed out.

Inside a high-end restaurant, a violinist played softly in the corner, filling the room with elegant, soothing music as diners enjoyed their meals.

At a four-person table, Shi Li sat across from Wang Bupo; Gu Chengyu and Ji Xiao sat opposite each other.

“The club’s dorms are all single rooms, so don’t worry,” Shi Li said when Wang mentioned wanting to delay moving in.

“Oh, it’s not that. I just have some special circumstances lately,” Wang explained quickly. “The dorms are fine.”

“If any of you need anything, just let me know,” Shi Li said, though his eyes lingered on Wang Bupo a little longer than on the others.

Ji Xiao’s eyes practically sparkled. Mr. Shi is so considerate! he thought. Not cold and intimidating at all, like the rumors say.

Wang smiled politely, picked up a slice of foie gras, and thought, Not bad. Maybe I’ll bring Fu Jing here next time.

Ji Xiao reached for the last piece, but Gu Chengyu beat him to it. Ji Xiao glared at him under the table.

What a completely ungentlemanly Alpha. Compared to Mr. Shi? Worlds apart!

Shi Li waved over a waiter. “Another order of foie gras, please.”

Ji Xiao’s admiration deepened instantly. I take it back, Mr. Shi really is divine!

“Wipe your mouth,” Gu Chengyu said dryly. “You’re practically drooling.”

Ji Xiao rolled his eyes in return.

Dinner was pleasant overall.

To Wang Bupo’s relief, his symptoms never flared up once. Maybe that meant he could now go more than ten hours without being near Fu Jing.

He felt oddly proud of himself. He’d have to test later how far they could stay apart before the connection started to act up again.

After dinner, Gu Chengyu offered to drive Ji Xiao home since they lived in the same direction. Shi Li offered to drop Wang off, but Wang politely declined.

Just as he stepped outside, his phone buzzed.

[Jing]: I see you.
[Jing]: I’m under the second streetlight to your left.