No Ghosting Allowed

Zhou Qingbo is a carefree supervisor at Qingshan Group, a company preparing for its initial public offering. He prefers a relaxed lifestyle, often described as a salted fish, and actively avoids the strict, high-pressure environment enforced by his elder brother, Zhou Cangshan, who serves as the company's CEO. Zhou Qingbo has maintained his bachelorhood with pride, despite persistent interference from his friend Ge Xing, who operates as an enthusiastic matchmaker within their social circle. After Zhou Qingbo suffers a series of misfortunes attributed to bad luck, Ge Xing arranges a blind date with a man named Pei You, claiming he is a mature and stable partner. Zhou Qingbo reluctantly attends the meeting at a resort, where he discovers Pei You is far more rigid and formal than advertised. Pei You, a finance professional who has endured thirty-two failed blind dates, approaches the encounter with clinical efficiency, discussing asset division and relationship timelines before the meal even concludes. Zhou Qingbo finds the interaction unbearable and politely ends it, leaving Pei You confused but resigned to another rejection.

Days later, Zhou Qingbo is summoned to his brother's office to assist with the IPO audit process. He is tasked with coordinating with the external audit team, only to discover that the lead auditor is Pei You. The unexpected reunion forces Zhou Qingbo to conceal his sexual orientation from his conservative brother, leading him to fabricate a story that he and Pei You were classmates in a junior high school knitting camp. Pei You, understanding the implication, cooperates with the lie to protect Zhou Qingbo's privacy. Despite the awkward beginning, their professional relationship gradually improves as they work side by side. Zhou Qingbo, who lacks financial expertise, relies on Pei You's guidance, while Pei You is surprised by Zhou Qingbo's genuine and unpretentious nature beneath his lazy exterior.

As they spend more time together, the dynamic between them shifts. Zhou Qingbo begins bringing Pei You lunch daily, appreciating his patience and diligence, while Pei You starts to see past Zhou Qingbo's superficial laziness to his underlying kindness and loyalty. The tension from their failed blind date dissipates, replaced by a comfortable camaraderie. Pei You notices small details about Zhou Qingbo, such as covering him with a jacket when he falls asleep at work, while Zhou Qingbo finds himself increasingly drawn to Pei You's quiet steadiness. The story explores the contrast between Zhou Qingbo's desire for freedom and Pei You's structured approach to life, as they navigate the complexities of work and personal boundaries. Their interactions reveal that while they may seem incompatible on the surface, they share a mutual respect and a growing, unspoken connection that challenges their previous assumptions about relationships and partnership.