The engine hummed steadily as Jun Hao drove his car smoothly down the road, heading toward the city center. The morning had been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving his body relaxed and his heart light, filled with lingering warmth and satisfaction. Yet, as he glanced at the digital clock on the dashboard, his expression shifted slightly, a hint of worry creasing his forehead. It was already well past midday, much later than he had intended to leave.

"Damn... it’s gotten this late already," he murmured to himself, shaking his head slightly. "Can I still show up at this hour? I bet people are going to talk or think I’m being irresponsible. Don’t tell me I’m going to get scolded or get some dirty looks."

He let out a soft sigh, drumming his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. Although he was anxious about arriving so late, a small sense of reassurance crept in as he thought about his best friend. "But then again... Ao Jin is behind all of this. He’s the real owner. Knowing him, the staff there probably wouldn’t dare show any dissatisfaction or attitude toward me, no matter how late I arrive. Still... it doesn’t feel right to just come and go as I please like this."

That lingering sense of guilt and unease wouldn’t go away, so he decided to do something about it. He activated the hands-free system in his car and dialed Ao Jin’s number. It rang only twice before the familiar, cheerful voice of his best friend echoed through the speakers.

"Hello? Bro? What’s up? Calling me at this hour... something important happened?" Ao Jin asked, his tone casual and bright.

Jun Hao cleared his throat, feeling a bit awkward as he spoke. "Nah, nothing bad, Jin... I just feel really uncomfortable about everything, honestly. Yesterday I left in such a rush, didn’t even stay to help wrap things up or oversee the closing properly. And today... well, it looks like I’m going to be arriving really late at the center. I’m really sorry about this... has anyone complained or said anything about it there?"

Ao Jin laughed heartily on the other end, the sound loud and relaxed. "What are you worrying about so much? Seriously, bro, you don’t even need to work hard there at all, remember? Your position is just as an observer, basically standing in for me to keep an eye on things. You’re practically like the boss already, hahaha. Just take it easy!"

Jun Hao frowned slightly, shaking his head even though Ao Jin couldn’t see him. "How can I just take it easy like that? I’m still representing you, you know. It’s my responsibility."

"If I say you can, then you definitely can!" Ao Jin interrupted, his voice turning firm but friendly, filled with absolute confidence. "Come on, who actually owns that place? It’s me. And who would dare to be unhappy or have a problem with the person I trust the most? Nobody! Hey... is there someone there making you feel uncomfortable or disrespecting you? Just tell me their name, and I’ll fire them right now. Problem solved."

Jun Hao was taken aback, touched deeply by the unwavering support and absolute protection his friend was offering. He hadn’t expected Ao Jin to be this bold and this fully on his side.

"No, no, no! That’s not what I meant at all!" Jun Hao said quickly, his voice softening with gratitude. "Thank you... seriously, thank you so much, bro. I really appreciate it."

"Enough with the formalities, bro. Just relax," Ao Jin replied warmly. "Think of the company as your own, okay? Treat yourself like the boss there, standing in my place. You have full freedom, just enjoy it, bro, do whatever you want."

Ao Jin paused for a moment, then continued, his tone becoming more serious yet deeply sincere, showing the depth of their bond. "Oh right, one more thing. If you ever need any funds or money for anything, you just tell me. I know you never ask for things, and I’m not worried about you running short on cash anyway—your family is well off enough as it is. But... if one day you really are short on something, or if you have a personal project or anything you want to start, whatever it is... just say the word. I’m always ready to help you out, anytime."

Jun Hao fell silent for a second, genuinely moved by his friend’s generosity and trust. "Thanks, bro... really, thanks a lot."

"Alright, alright, I’ll hang up now then. Okay? Stay chill, bro, just enjoy being the acting boss," Ao Jin said with a final laugh before ending the call.

Jun Hao put his phone down, shaking his head from side to side slowly while a wide, genuine smile spread across his face—a mix of amusement and heartfelt gratitude.

"Damn... having a friend this good and this understanding actually makes me feel even more guilty for slacking off," he muttered with a soft chuckle, eyes crinkling happily. "He always makes everything so easy and puts so much trust in me. I really am lucky to have a best friend like Ao Jin."

The anxiety and guilt he had felt earlier had completely vanished, replaced by a warm sense of comfort and confidence. He knew now that today was going to be an easy, stress-free day, exactly as Ao Jin had said.

But before he continued driving straight to the center, he remembered he needed to make one more call. He scrolled through his contact list and found the number saved. He pressed dial and waited.

After a few rings, a sweet, professional female voice answered. "Hello? Bailong Reflexology Center, this is Guo Ying speaking. How may I help you?"

"Hello, Guo Ying, it’s me... Jun Hao," he said with a slight grin.

"Ah! Jun Hao! Oh, I’m sorry! It just slipped out, it’s just my habit whenever I pick up the phone, hahahaha!" Guo Ying replied cheerfully, her tone light and playful.

Jun Hao laughed softly, enjoying her friendly energy. "Nah, don’t mention it. Listen... here’s the thing. It looks like I’m going to arrive really late today. I’m only on my way now... yeah, at this time already. I’m so sorry about that."

"Oh, don’t worry about it at all, Jun Hao," Guo Ying responded immediately, sounding completely unbothered. "Actually, I haven’t even arranged or set up your schedule for today yet, so you’re totally fine. Take your time, really. Besides... Boss Ao Jin gave very clear instructions a long time ago. All of us staff here already treat and regard you as our Second Boss."

Jun Hao chuckled, shaking his head again. "Wow... Ao Jin really went that far just for me, huh? He really spoils me too much."

"That’s how much he trusts you!" Guo Ying said warmly.

"Alright then," Jun Hao said casually, making up his mind right there. "Actually... I think I’m going to go get some food first. I haven’t eaten anything since I left the house this morning, so I’m heading to a restaurant first. I’ll come over only after I’m done eating. So... don’t prepare or make any schedule for me yet, okay?"

"Got it, don’t worry about a thing," Guo Ying reassured him smoothly.

Then she added, her voice turning a little mischievous and amused. "And hey... just so you know... I will reschedule everything properly, and I’ll only build your schedule once you actually arrive. But... fun fact... there have been quite a few customers asking specifically for you today. About five or six people already, actually, all wanting to be treated by you personally."

Jun Hao raised an eyebrow, surprised but amused. "Oh really? And what did you tell them?"

"I told them... that you were called away urgently by the Boss for important business!" Guo Ying said with a giggle, proud of her excuse.

Jun Hao burst out laughing, genuinely entertained by her quick thinking. "Haha... you really are something else, Guo Ying. You really know how to talk your way out of things. Alright, I’m hanging up now. Bye bye!"

"Bye bye, Second Boss! See you later!" she chirped before the line went dead.

Jun Hao tossed his phone onto the passenger seat, a wide, relaxed smile plastered on his face. He turned the steering wheel smoothly, changing his route completely. Instead of heading toward the reflexology center, he drove in the opposite direction, aiming for the busy commercial district where he knew there were many good restaurants.

He leaned back comfortably in his seat, feeling completely carefree. He thought back to the beautiful sight he had left behind at home—Lianhua lying limp but happy, her body still trembling softly, filled with the toys he had left inside her, still dripping sweet nectar even as he walked out. Then he thought of Ao Jin’s words, giving him total freedom, and Guo Ying treating him like a boss without question.

Everything was perfect. His woman was happy and satisfied waiting for him at home, his best friend made his work life effortless, and everyone respected him. He hummed a soft tune, driving leisurely toward his lunch, deciding to take his sweet time today. After all, he was the Second Boss now, wasn’t he? He could do whatever he pleased.