Otaku-1

Ruan Cunyun pulled open his wardrobe, and a thick 2D otaku¹二次元 (literally second dimension/2D) refers to 2D (japanese) culture such as anime and manga breath hit him in the face.

His gaze swept over the neatly hanging clothes.

Oversized short-sleeved shirts and shorts, anime-print T-shirts, exquisite cosplay outfits, there were also several frilly puffy skirts inside. The bottom drawer stores varieties of jewellery, ornaments, and wigs.

His gaze shifted, locking on the far right end of the wardrobe.

Ruan Cunyun reached out, pushed aside the frilly skirt of the maid dress, and took out a set of suit from the tiny gap.

White shirt, black pants, black suit jacket, and a black tie.

Black and white, rigid and boring, forming a sharp contrast with the colourful clothes packed to the brim in the cabinet.

Willing or not, from now on, this is Ruan Cunyun’s fate for the next half of his life——a corporate slave.

But Ruan Cunyun is already the lucky one among the misfortunate. This year’s employment market situation is grim, with more seekers than vacancies.

Many freshly graduated college graduates are unemployed, unable to land a job and can only stay at home.

How many people out there who wants to wear this black and white work outfit but have no chance to.

He put the folded suit on the headboard, like a dog consciously putting a collar around his neck.

The vibrating phone on the table was like a threat, pressuring him into a corner.

Ruan Cunyun’s fingers were petrified. He immediately relaxed seeing the screen showing the words “Fei Fei.” 

Ruan Cunyun casually threw himself into the lazy sofa and picked up a Manga to look over from the coffee table. His delicate ankles rubbed lightly on Master Kitty Cat’s big face cushion²抱枕 usually refers to this kind of long pillow you hug while you sleep, achieving cuddling without the smothering heat, I love them. Like this. But sometimes 抱枕 can be used to refer to (sofa) cushion, anyway it’s cushion that you hug, “Fei Fei? Why did you call?”

“I messaged you on WeChat but you didn’t reply,” Xu Feifei said.

“I was just tidying up tomorrow’s outfit, I didn’t look at my phone.” Ruan Cunyun said as he smiled restrainedly, his fingertips unconsciously jabbed at the corner of the Manga’s page.

Xu Feifei smiled and said, “Are you nervous? Isn’t it just going to work, I didn’t see you nervous on the first day at school ah.”

Ruan Cunyun whispered, “I was insomniac the whole night before reporting³When you get into college (in China), the first thing you do is to report your name to the uni to show that you are present, then they will tell you your class and dorm room. to the university.”

“I couldn’t tell at all!” Xu Feifei exclaimed in surprise. “What about this time?”

Ruan Cunyun said, “I haven’t slept well these past three days.”

The social butterfly Xu Feifei found it difficult to understand Ruan Cunyun, unable to sympathize, so he simply switched to the purpose of his call.

“Yun ah, have you seen the latest Weibo post from ‘Secret Base’? On the day of their opening tomorrow, they will randomly draw lotteries for five pieces of Teacher Balls’ personally signed art——It’s Teacher Balls! Personally. Signed art!”

Ruan Cunyun was startled, sitting up straight on the lazy sofa. He flipped open the Manga book on the carpet.

“What?”

He immediately opened up his laptop, only taking three seconds to open Weibo. Sure enough, he saw that the Secret Base’s official account had posted ten minutes ago.

@Secret Base Cafe: [Secret Base will officially open for business tomorrow to meet you all! In addition to a 40% discount for everyone, we will draw random lotteries for friends who come to our venue! The prizes are: the latest release of PlayStation (x1), Action figures (x3), original manga (x5), BALLS’ personally signed art (x5), and shopping coupon (x50). We look forward to meeting you tomorrow!]

Secret Base is a coffee shop that is about to open. Numerous otakus commented on the post: [Wow, this is the heaven of 2D culture]

In its promotional video, the bookshelf is filled with mangas, art collection books, and novels arranged by its country of origin. Each of the dining tables have a display screen, allowing the customers to watch while enjoying the food. There was a leisurely area on the side with casually placed sofas and low stools, cats they could pet, and also all kinds of video games they could play for free. The second floor was a shopping area, with official works and fanworks all around, with all kinds of things one could imagine. With the illuminating sunlight and light music, making people want to come with just a look.

The thing that attracted Ruan Cunyun the most is the “individual area,” which has independent small rooms partitioned with curtains. There are tatami mats and computers in each room. And you can bring books and snacks over to nest there for an afternoon.

When Secret Base sent out the promotion, a large number of acute otakus were attracted. Ruan Cunyun and Xu Feifei had initially arranged to go there on weekend, but the account suddenly decided to organize lotteries with Teacher Balls’ signed art pieces as prizes!

Just so you know, BALLS is a Madame⁴太太 (in internet language) is an address for extremely capable fan creators (fanfiction authors, fanartists, etc.). They are used mainly for women, the men are usually called 大大 (da da) who only posted pictures but didn’t interact, didn’t give out autographs, didn’t draw prizes, and appears to have no 2D otaku friends. Simply a heartless, high-yielding art-making machine.

BALLS’ art collection books rarely have signed versions, signed art is even unheard of.

But this time, when a coffee shop opened, Teacher Balls was actually willing to send out five signed art pieces!

Drawn personally on paper and signed!

This is an absolutely priceless treasure for Balls fans.

Sure enough, the comment section was filled with joy.

Some of them said, “There are so many prizes, the boss is impressive,” while some others screamed, “Teacher Balls’ signature?? Am I hallucinating? Am I dreaming?”

Ruan Cunyun’s blood was boiling, his heartbeat was racing as he sent out a string of “aaaaahhhhhhhhh” in the comment section.

Ruan Cunyun excitedly said to Xu Feifei, “I changed my mind. I will go to Secret Base even if tomorrow is the end of the world.”

“Haha, I knew it! Indeed Teacher Balls’ brainless fanboy.” Xu Feifei succeeded, “but I want the action figure.”

Ruan Cunyun, “Tut, don’t rob me when I draw it out.”

“See you in the public square’s fountain tomorrow night at 7.30,” Xu Feifei said.

As soon as he heard “tomorrow,” Ruan Cunyun’s expression crumbled, “I don’t want to go to work. I want to fast forward to tomorrow night.”

Xu Feifei graduated at the same time as him, and had started working last month, and thus could be considered as “senior in the workplace”.

Senior Xu educated Ruan Cunyun seriously, “You can get money if you go to work. If you have money you can be a homebody without worrying about food and clothing. If you are a homebody, you can live happily with 2D characters all your life, isn’t it wonderful ah!”

Ruan Cunyun’s eyes drooped, “But I don’t want to meet strangers or explain my hobbies to my colleagues.”

“Are you stupid? Are you having a blind date in the company?” Xu Feifei tsk-ed, “You don’t have to tell your private life to colleagues, especially when you just started working, just work hard.”

“Then what should I do if they ask me about my daily life?” Ruan Cunyun was bitter. He is really not good at dealing with unfamiliar circumstances. Just the thought of having to socialize with a lot of people made his scalp numb.

“If I say I like reading Mangas, they would likely think I’m unreliable.”

After all, most people still believe Mangas are picture books, those are only read by children.

Xu Feifei, “I’m teaching you then. If they ask you about your hobbies, just say ‘sports, travelling, music.’ That would give you the image of a sunny young normie guy!”⁵As in people who live their life to the fullest by participating in many (“normal”) activities and socializing

The receiving education Ruan Cunyun, “Okay.”

Xu Feifei finished up his speech brimming with hope, “Once you get through tomorrow’s work, you can go to the 2D paradise at night, Go!”

Thinking about it this way, life indeed seemed to hold some hope. And with that, Run Cunyun peacefully fell asleep.

*

Zhufang Technology is located in a building in the Central Business District.

On Monday morning, unfamiliar men and women dressed neatly in suits shuttled under the tall buildings in hurry.

Ruan Cunyun clutched at his briefcase, feeling like a bare bubble that would immediately burst once a gust of wind called ‘work’ blew.

Ruan Cunyun’s expression remained calm, like the gently blowing wind and cloud. But only he himself knew how anxious he was.

Upon arriving at the company, the HR led Ruan Cunyun through the onboarding procedures and brought him to the floor where the Technology department was.

The company’s tendency can be predicted from its decorations.

A large open space illuminated by light, neatly connected ivory white long table, with thick carpet covering the floor. To the right is a glass door to the meeting room, with an electronic screen to display the reservation status.

Imposing, precise, rational.

When Ruan Cunyun arrived at his workstation, there were already people sitting next to him. The HR and one of the ladies said something, the two smiled shallowly, then the HR left.

Ruan Cunyun remembered that this lady was one of his interviewers, named Shen Feiyu.

Should he take the initiative to greet his superior? How should he address her, Miss Shen? Yu Jie? Would calling her like this make her seem too old?

Ruan Cunyun was at a loss but his expression still remained expressionless, while Shen Feiyu had already strode over, skillfully saying, “Ruan Cunyun? Welcome to Zhufang. I am the person in charge of this project, just call me Rain⁶Shen Feiyu’s yu means rain.”

Conversation being initiated by others made Ruan Cunyun a lot more relaxed. He bowed slightly, “Hello, Sister Rain.”

Shen Feiyu smiled for a second, clapped her hands, and loudly said, “Good morning everyone, come and meet the new recruit.”

A large number of people came circling him, many novel and friendly gazes fell on Ruan Cunyun. He was surrounded like a little chick surrounded by a group of eagles.

He clutched the corner of his clothes in distress.

Ruan Cunyun had practiced his self introduction many times before, thus he recited it quite fluently.

The others introduced themselves one by one. There are a lot of names and new faces. Ruan Cunyun’s smile was shallow, his mind blank, not remembering even one of them.

“Xiao Ruan, we don’t have to wear a full suit,” a man with glasses pointed at his own short sleeves. “We are all coding peasants⁷Means programmer, so we don’t have to wear formal clothes.”

Ruan Cunyun indeed noticed that everyone was wearing casual clothes. And then there’s him, the only one foolishly wearing a three piece suit. He quickly said, “Sorry, I will change tomorrow.”

It’s not time for work yet, everyone continued to chat.

A man asked him with a smile, “What does Xiao Ruan usually like to do?”

Sure enough, this question got asked. Ruan Cunyun kept his polite smile and recited the answer prepared by Xu Feifei: “Sports, travelling, music.”

The man clapped, “Hey, I also like sports! What do you like? Tennis? Football? The company has a badminton club. Do you want to join?”

Ruan Cunyun’s smile froze, unable to answer.

His favorite sport is taking off shoes, lying flat on the bed, getting under the blanket, closing his eyes, and breathing.

Fortunately, Sister Rain timely saved the day, “It’s almost time. Let’s chat later.”

Ruan Cunyun was inwardly rejoicing, then he heard her say, “Why don’t we go out and have hot pot tonight? My treat, we can also get to know new colleagues better.”

Everyone in the team was okay-ing one after another. It’s a tradition to go and have a meal together when welcoming new recruits.

A thunderbolt out of the blue. Ruan Cunyun’s face turned pale.

“What about Classmate Ruan, are you free tonight?” Sister Rain courteously asked him.

Of course not! He’s going to Secret Base tonight to win Teacher Balls’ signed art! He doesn’t want to go for dinner with unfamiliar colleagues. Help!

Ruan Cunyun met their expectant gaze, then weakly smiled like a laborer, “….Hm, I’m free.”

Suddenly he felt a gust of cold wind on his back, and the colleagues in front of him instantly became more serious.

Their sight all focused on the same place behind Ruan Cunyun’s back, “Good morning, Mr. Qin.”

When Ruan Cunyun turned around, he saw a collar with a neatly tied tie. The fresh breath of an aftershave scent hit him in the face.

When he looked up, he saw a man in a crisp suit, looking at him.

Ruan Cunyun had already done his homework and recognized him as the co-founder and CTO of Zhufang, Qin Fanglu. But he has only seen his photos online, this is the first time he saw the person himself.

Qin Fanglu is actually taller than he had imagined. From his angle looking up, he could see his sharp jawline and the shadow of his Adam’s apple. Sharp eyebrows, shapely eye corners⁸Honestly I am kinda torn on how to describe it. Qin Fanglu’s eyelids corner extend a little towards the nose like this. This kind of feature is indeed considered beautiful. , long and thin double eyelids, with a combination of ferocity and rationality, giving off the impression of a cold and stern ferrous metal.

The calmed hardbeat just a moment ago now began to thump violently, Ruan Cunyun’s brain blanking out. This is his immediate superior, should he introduce himself? What should he say?

Qin Fanglu’s gaze was indifferent, “Is the air conditioning too cold?”

There was a hint of looseness and hoarseness in his young voice, seemingly just finished a lengthy meeting.

Such a casual question, yet indescribably oppressive.

Ruan Cunyun’s palms broke out in a sweat, “Not cold.”

“No need to wear suits at ordinary times.”

After Qin Fanglu finished speaking, he turned his gaze to the front without waiting for Ruan Cunyun to respond. He raised his hand and glanced at his watch, his manner of speech turned strict and efficient, “Rain, there are still ten minutes before the meeting. Prepare for it.”

Shen Feiyu OK-ed in response while the others each returned to their workstations.

Ruan Cunyun was half a beat behind, looking at Qin Fanglu’s lowered arm, suddenly widened his eyes.

Under the watch face, there was actually a prominent cinnabar-red mole on the wrist.

The subtle sense of familiarity hit Ruan Cunyun.

That person also has the same mole on his wrist.

---

Translator’s note:

Hi!!! Hope you enjoy this novel, because I do! Also, if you see some dirty jokes, rest assured, it’s as intended as in the RAWs. Hope you guys enjoy Teacher Balls’ love story! 😀

Anyway, this novel has a sequel (on different pair). I personally liked the sequel more, I love my baby octopus!

Title: Who Says Old Otaku Can’t Get Married! (NU link)

Summary:

Song Fuzhi is a teacher. This man is in his early thirties, steady and talented, so handsome like a work of art, yet students hid when they saw him

No one would have thought that the strict Teacher Song is actually an old otaku. He liked to look at foreign characters’ figurine assembly⁹The thing here means something like Gundam that you piece together yourself., and liked an old-timer cosplayer called Octopus the best.

Teacher Octopus himself exudes the aura of a powerful Gong, and therefore was acclaimed as the Ultimate Gong Daren by the cosplayer circle. Song Fuzhi loves this point of his the most.

What saddens Teacher Song is that recently, Teacher Octopus announced that he will withdraw from the circle and return to his three-dimensional life.

Song Fuzhi looked at the ring in his hand and lowered his gaze silently. Marriage gave him no choice but to hide his hobbies. And Teacher Octopus’s withdrawal from the circle further exacerbated his impoverished spiritual life.

–

Shi Zhang and Song Fuzhi got married through a blind date. Their family and colleagues said they were a perfect match. The professor of botany is gentle and elegant, while the math teacher is graceful and charming, both of them together made a pleasing sight.

But only Shi Zhang himself knows of his possessiveness towards Song Fuzhi during his adolescence, one that he couldn’t tell no matter what. In this calm as water marriage, he had to force himself to restrain those dark instincts.

–

Later on, the calm-as-water marriage of mutual respect was ruthlessly broken.

Shi Zhang discovered that the one locked cabinet at home was actually filled with his own cosplay photobooks from when he first started to his retirement.

Song Fuzhi discovered that his gentle-as-plants husband had suddenly changed since that night, exercising had never been this fierce. So Alpha-like his legs went soft, bringing him back to his countless dreams about Teacher Octopus.

–

Later on, Octopus made a comeback, bringing along a mature and indifferent man.

Fans: Is this Teacher Octopus’ new gay friend¹⁰基友 can be gay partner or a bff of the same gender? How handsome!

Shi Zhang: This is my husband. (Proud face)

–

Marriage before love, 1V1, sweet

The background is where same-sex marriage is legal

Gong’s friends are in heterosexual relationships, the topic is covered in Chapter 36, take a note of it if you want to avoid it!!

There might be many plots with the Teacher as the Shou in campus settings.

The specific content of the car overturning can be read in the main text!