a little book designer wwx au for the birthday

so he forgets his birthday every year because it's not like it's that big a deal, right,

and he knows wen ning will get bullied into getting a card and some rando candy to pass around the office for everyone to sign even though god knows no one in sales actually knows him by name so why are they even signing the CARD–– it's all kind of embarrassing, really

which! he's grateful for! he's very grateful, he sits through an off-chorus round of happy birthday every year. he nibbles at the teeth-aching sweet icing of the office cupcakes bought for him and pointedly does not think about feeling more and more divorced from his body

he's prepared for another round. it's not going to be special just because lan zhan asked him out a month ago! why would it? it'd be selfish to expect lan zhan's pampering to amp up for a silly birthday.

then the first email from editorial bounces back.

wei ying stares at an automated response he does not remember setting, face growing hotter with a weird fluttering, hesitant glee as he reads it:

Hello, I will be unavailable this afternoon and unable to answer emails. For emergencies, please contact Nie Huaisang. Thank you.