Chapter 29

The next day, Liang Shi went to the seventeenth floor in person. To be honest, this was her first time visiting Yao Lei's office. Unlike her minimalist style, Yao Lei's office had quite a lot of things.

Having called ahead, Liang Shi simply knocked on the door and went in. Yao Lei, with her superior work experience, greeted her with a smile: "New coffee machine, want to try my brewing?"

Making coffee for her while holding her Hermès bag was, of course, an honor for Liang Shi: "Of course, thank you, Yaelis."

Soon, a latte was placed in front of her.

"Try it, these are coffee beans I had a friend bring back from Yunnan. By the way, Director Liang is such a busy man, what brings you here to see me? Is there something important?"

The beans were indeed good beans, with a lingering fragrance and a mellow taste. She praised the craftsmanship before explaining the purpose of her visit: "I heard a couple of days ago that you were discussing the spokesperson for the Young series of lipsticks. Your preferred candidate is Shen Yue, who is quite famous now. Although I shouldn't be asking about your department's affairs, the final advertising shoot will be done in our department, so I came to ask Director Yao about the situation in advance."

Yao Lei smiled and glanced at Liang Shi: "Chen Yue is indeed my preferred candidate, and the proposal has been given to the two leaders, but they haven't given me a reply yet, so I haven't contacted Southern Entertainment. What, do you have any thoughts?"

"The sales department's data analysis of lipsticks in the annual report shows that Fanning's sales strengths are still concentrated in a few series favored by mature women. The Young series is at a disadvantage in the same product category, and most of its sales come from duty-free shops. These lipsticks, which are not heavily promoted and are not Fanning Group's main products, don't have an advantage in the eyes of buyers. If they just want to try it, they will choose the lower-priced duty-free shops. That's why I heard that General Manager Li held a meeting with your department to discuss how to increase sales in this lipstick category, and the fastest way is to find an influential celebrity to endorse it. General Manager Li hasn't informed our creative department about the advertising shoot yet, but it should be soon. As for my thoughts, considering her appearance and popularity, I think Shen Yue can definitely bring us the results we want. She is also my first choice for the female lead in the advertisement. Actually, I have already privately discussed this with General Manager Fang of Southern Entertainment. If Fanning agrees, he has no objections."

After hearing what she said, Yao Lei's expression was no longer as relaxed as before. Sure enough, no one comes to the temple without a reason. This Liang Shi is a formidable opponent in the future.

"Director Liang has such extensive resources! I must thank Director Liang for doing so much for our office!"

She did interfere in some matters, but she had her own purposes.

"We're all working for the company. Of course, I just happened to have dinner with Mr. Fang and we talked about this. As for future work, that's up to you, Mr. Yao, to arrange."

Liang Shi took out a business card from his pocket and pushed it to Yao Lei: "This is President Fang's business card. However, if Director Yao already has his contact information, then consider it presumptuous of me."

Yao Lei gently picked up the business card: "I haven't actually worked with Southern Entertainment before, Director Liang, thank you."

Domestic companies face intense competition, and handling interpersonal relationships is an art. Liang Shi knew that her behavior today was a bit excessive, but she did not regret it.

"Director Yao, you don't need to be so wary of me. I'm a loner, and probably because I'm an orphan, I don't have many ambitions. My only ambition is to work hard and strive for promotion and a raise. Today's matter is entirely because I want to do my job well. Shen Yue's matter is not the only way out. If the leadership doesn't agree, just pretend I was never here."

Yao Lei narrowed her eyes. She hadn't expected Liang Shi to say something like that. She had indeed heard that Liang Shi was an orphan, but she didn't expect it to be true. Actually, they were quite similar, both devoted to their work and straightforward.

"Director Liang came to talk to me about this personally, which shows he really cares about the company. After all, you're both under General Manager Li's command. We haven't communicated before, but if there's anything at work, we can communicate more. I admire capable people, and you're so beautiful. To be honest, I really like your style of dress and your outfit. If you have time, we could get together privately."

Since learning about Yao Lei and Li Junqian's affair, she has gained a new understanding of Yao Lei. A person who can make such a decision must be pretty good.

"Sure, I really hope to become friends with Director Yao. Let's go shopping together sometime. I have something to do, so I'll head down now."

……………

The news of Shen Yue endorsing the Young series lipsticks was quickly announced on the company's intranet. At the same time, Li Junqian also called a regular meeting with them, assigning their department to be responsible for the filming of the advertisement. After several revisions to the Group A lipstick proposal, Liang Shi received Li Junqian's approval email and then arranged the schedules for the advertising director, props, and actors. The filming was scheduled for next Friday.

Finally, she had a weekend to relax. Fang Tong invited her out to dinner, but Liang Shi happened to have bought a ticket to a photography exhibition and politely declined Fang Tong's invitation. To be honest, she didn't have any romantic feelings for Fang Tong, and if she asked him out too often, it might give him the wrong impression.

The photography exhibition wasn't very large; it seemed to be organized by photographers who dream of holding an exhibition at least once in their lifetime. There wasn't a fixed theme, but it was divided by region: geography, culture, and people.

Each work is marked with the date of shooting and the origin of the photo. For example, the largest work in this exhibition area is a polar bear eating on the ice, which was taken by the photographer during an Arctic scientific expedition.

Further in, there are works depicting tropical rainforests. The filming locations could almost circle the globe. Liang Shi was quite curious about what kind of person Huo Zhongming was.

When she saw the character section, Liang Shi felt she absolutely had to meet Huo Zhongming. His sense of camera presence was amazing; he captured the essence of each character and magnified it infinitely in the shot. It was incredible.

Especially this close-up photo of a Miao girl, smiling broadly, with exquisite Miao silver ornaments on her head, it's as if this photo could turn into a GIF at any moment.

"This photo had a strong impact on you?"

The girl's teeth weren't perfectly straight, and her freckles and pores were clearly visible on her face. But what first came to her mind in this photo was her pure and beautiful smile and her clear eyes. Even though she was thousands of miles away from the Miao village, she could still feel the wonderful atmosphere of life there.

The speaker was a man. She had been standing and meditating for so long that she hadn't noticed when he had arrived; he was probably a visitor as well.

"Indeed, it's very moving. If I had the time, I'd really like to stay in a Miao village for a while. Shanghai is a big melting pot; the girl's eyes and smile have long since disappeared from my face. As the saying goes, people care most about what they lack, and that's probably why I've been looking at this for so long. What do you think of this piece?"

The man smiled and pointed ahead: "There are a series of photos of Miao villages ahead. It must be very comfortable to stay there. Maybe you'll want to book a plane ticket and fly there after you leave this exhibition hall."

Looking at the smiling man, and considering the meaning behind his words and his familiarity with the exhibition, Liang Shi could easily guess who this man was.

She extended her hand with a warm smile: "Hello, Mr. Huo."

Huo Zhongming raised an eyebrow, seemingly not quite realizing how clever this woman was to guess who he was, but he quickly smiled and shook hands with her.

"You are very smart."

Liang Shi shrugged: "Many people say that. I really didn't expect that the author who has made so many good works is actually a young man. It's a pleasure to meet you."

After saying that, she took out a business card from her bag and handed it over: "I don't mean anything by it, I just really admire Mr. Huo's talent."

Huo Zhongming hesitated for a moment before taking the business card: "Ms. Liang, I don't have the habit of carrying business cards with me, I'm sorry. Also, I'm not a young man anymore, it's past New Year's Eve."

Liang Shi turned his head to the side and smiled, pretending to be angry: "Mr. Huo, I'm going to get angry if you say that. I'm the same age as you, and I still consider myself a young man. If you want to be an old man, don't drag me into it."

Huo Zhongming accompanied him throughout the rest of the visit. The two got along quite well, and Liang Shi could explain about the angles and reasons behind most of the photos. This made Huo Zhongming take a lot of extra glances at Liang Shi.

Before leaving, Huo Zhongming asked her to wait a moment. Although Liang Shi didn't know what he was going to do, she didn't rush to leave and chatted with him about the Miao village.

She really wanted to go.

"Brother Huo, why are you in such a rush? I rushed over from the film set, I'm exhausted. Here, your business card!"

Seeing the dark-skinned young man panting, Liang Shi smiled and took a bottle of mineral water out of his bag: "You've had a hard time, have some water?"

Ji Xin was so startled by the bottled water the beautiful woman handed him that he didn't even breathe. His eyes darted back and forth between the woman and his boss, wondering if his boss had suddenly become a fan and fallen in love with her at first sight.

Liang Shi took Huo Zhongming's business card and smiled, "Actually, there's no need to go to so much trouble. We get along well, adding each other on WeChat is just as good."

Ji Xin, quick-witted and eager for the sake of his boss's lifelong happiness, interjected: "Our company is newly established and doesn't have many clients yet. Our CEO, Mr. Huo, is also quite laid-back. If you have any resources, young lady, you can contact us... Mr. Huo is handsome and skilled!"

Huo Zhongming really wanted to kick this employee to death: "Don't listen to his nonsense. I just think we should reciprocate. It's getting late, so I won't bother you anymore."

Liang Shi put the business card away without saying much, then took a taxi and left. He was truly amazed by the scenery and people of the Miao ethnic group today, and immediately called Zhou Yun, a girl from Guizhou, to ask if she would like to come out for dinner. She invited him to eat Kaili sour fish soup.

...

Liang Shi was very busy this week, working overtime for Shen Yue's sake. All she had to do was ensure that this shoot went perfectly. This was her first major success this year in reviving the Young series lipsticks for the company.

There was a problem with the PPT. Liang called out "Marry" but no one answered. She took the tablet and went out to look for her, only to find a group of people chatting in the coffee area.

"What are you gossiping about, Marry? I'd like a coffee."

While making her coffee, Marry gossiped, "Director Liang, the whole company is talking about the new girl in our office. Haven't you noticed she hasn't come back yet?"

Liang Shi glanced at his watch; it was 2 PM, and he had been at work for half an hour, but Zhou Mengmeng's workstation was still empty.

"Get to the point."

Marry cleared her throat: "My colleague from the next office went to Taikoo Hui for lunch and saw her having lunch with Mr. Li. She hasn't come back yet. I was wondering how she managed to parachute into our office and act so confidently. Turns out, Mr. Li is behind her. But I never expected Mr. Li's criteria for choosing a partner to be like this."

Liang Shi pursed her lips, suppressing the discomfort in her heart. She wouldn't admit that it was the discomfort of jealousy. She tossed the tablet to Marry: "The lipstick ad copy isn't appealing. Think about it again and give me another draft before you leave work."

Back in her office, Liang Shi inexplicably became irritable and kicked off her uncomfortable high heels. There was a knock on the office door, and she said curtly, "Come in."

The woman who came in was the one who had a scandal with his boss. She was holding something in her hand and walked over with a smile: "Director Liang, I'm sorry, I was having dinner with President Li and got back late. I thought these blind boxes were cute, so I asked President Li to buy some. One for each of us in the office. There's a good chance you'll get a hidden item!"

Listen to those confident words. How could Liang Shi not understand the girl's intentions? She was late for her afternoon shift because of Li Junqian. Whether it was a private matter or a business matter, she had already made it clear. Naturally, Liang Shi couldn't ask any more questions.

However, the fact that Zhou Mengmeng could so openly talk about her dining out with Li Junqian suggests that Li Junqian had tacitly approved of it; otherwise, how could he be so unrestrained?

So, did Li Junqian ultimately accept this blind date?

Liang Shi looked at the blind box and said, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

After Zhou Mengmeng left, Liang Shi took the blind box. It was the Dimoo Date Day series.

Alright, something this obvious can only mean that Li Junqian tacitly agreed to let it go.

I can't actually be so disgusted as to throw it away, but I definitely have to out of sight, out of mind. I throw it in the drawer, take a deep breath, and continue working for this inhuman Li Junqian.

The next day, while Liang was in the studio explaining the schedule for the studio shoot the following Friday, he was immediately called to the general manager's office. Coincidentally, the vice president was also there.

Liang Shi greeted the two general managers with a smile, but then noticed that the atmosphere was a bit strange.

Upon seeing her arrive, Gu Feng led the two of them to the guest sofa. Liang Shi didn't want to sit with anyone and, disregarding the superior-subordinate relationship, sat down directly on the single sofa.

The way Liang Shi looked at Li Junqian was as if he were looking at a plague. Tsk, Gu Feng glanced at his good brother with schadenfreude.

"What brings you two, gentlemen?"

Gu Feng cleared his throat: "It's like this, I suddenly received a call from headquarters. The vice president, Richad, and his wife are coming to China for vacation. The plan is to go to Hainan, but they will land in Shanghai first, attend a private party with a friend that evening, and then depart for Hainan the next day."

Liang Shi didn't understand what the big boss's visit to China had to do with her, but he knew that the boss must need her.

"So, what do you need me to do?"

Gu Feng raised an eyebrow at his good friend, and Li Junqian said, "Richard specifically requested that you and I go to pick him up at the airport."

Seeing Liang Shi frown slightly, Gu Feng immediately added, "Richard praised you for increasing the company's revenue last time. He's here this time to thank you specifically, and also to get to know you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

She wouldn't refuse a meeting with the head office's big boss, no matter how stupid she was. However, she was not happy that it was Li Junqian.

As if Gu Feng could read her mind, he added, "Junqian was invited into the company by Richard, and they are very familiar with each other."

Liang Shi raised an eyebrow, understanding: "What time will we land tomorrow?"

She saw someone leaning back on a leather sofa, dressed in a custom-made suit, looking at her with an air of self-importance. Tsk, she really wanted to ask him if he had enjoyed his lunch.

"I land at eight in the morning, and I'll pick you up at six-thirty."

When Liang Shi came to his senses, he realized that he was being petty again, or to be more precise, jealous. She was the one who proposed the six-month agreement, and keeping their distance was her idea. Now that he didn't want to keep the agreement, that was his freedom. It was really wrong of her to still be so upset when she heard that he was having dinner alone with Zhou Mengmeng.

She wants it all, yet she tries to maintain a facade of virtue; she's truly despicable.

"Sure, but the lipstick photoshoot is tomorrow..."

Gu Feng said casually, "It's nothing, just a minor celebrity. You can handle her."

Liang Shi: "..."

That's really the tone of a big boss or a rich young master.

"Okay, if there's nothing else, I'll head back to the shed. I still have a lot to take care of."

Liang Shi breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped into the elevator. She had deliberately avoided looking at Li Junqian's face, afraid that the scumbag would upset her again.

It was really early. Liang Shi was woken up by her alarm clock at 5 a.m. Although she was still very sleepy, she knew that a big shot was coming today, so she had to be presentable. She picked out a suit from her wardrobe that was neither too flashy nor too cheap, and by the time she was all ready, it was only 6 a.m. She checked her phone, but there was no message. This man was frighteningly disciplined and punctual.

Isn't he afraid of any accidents happening on the road?

"Fine, I'll prepare breakfast when I have time." Just as she finished making simple sandwiches, the doorbell rang. Liang Shi raised an eyebrow. Was this guy really going to come and invite her in person? What a waste of time.

The door opened, and there he was.

"Is there any need to come and urge them? You can just make a phone call and I'll come down. This would be a waste of time."

Li Junqian didn't give her a direct answer. Instead, he smiled and asked her, "Won't you invite me in for a seat?"

Liang Shi frowned, wondering what this man was up to.

"No need, I can just grab a bag and go. There probably isn't any breakfast here at this hour, but I made a sandwich so I can eat it on the way. Mr. Li, would you mind waiting for me at the door for a minute?"

Clearly, Li Junqian at the door had no intention of waiting. As she turned around to get her sandwich and bag, someone took it upon themselves to change into slippers.

"I'm telling you, you..."

"The plane is two hours late. Are you going to feed me a sandwich in the car or in your living room?"

Liang Shi: "..."

Goodness, they were definitely prepared.

"Please make yourself at home, Mr. Li. The sandwiches are on the table, and the orange juice and milk are in the refrigerator."

Liang Shi went to the room to get his bag, but to his surprise, this person really didn't treat him like an outsider and had already started cooking in the kitchen.

"Mr. Li, if we're in a hurry, there's no need to heat the milk, is there?"

Li Junqian turned to the side, stirring the milk pot with a spoon in one hand: "In winter, eating too much raw or cold food can easily cause stomach pain. If there is an emergency at the airport, it will be difficult to get to the hospital in a short time."

As expected of the big boss who insists on having a plan for everything he does. But then again, eating cold, heartless white food first thing in the morning makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it.

The milk had been boiling for a short while when the whole kitchen was filled with a milky aroma, and Liang Shi's stomach rumbled twice in time. Then he heard someone chuckle: "Take out the takeout sandwiches, the milk will be ready soon."

Listen to him, he talks as if he's the master of this house!

She gave a curt "Oh".

The two ate breakfast facing each other. Seeing his calm demeanor, Liang Shi couldn't help but ask, "Were we the ones who arranged the entire reception for Mr. and Mrs. Richard today?"

The man across from me, eating with refined manners, put half a sandwich back on his plate, wiped his handsome fingers with a tissue, and took a sip from the milk glass beside him.

Wow, how come this man looks so elegant and handsome even when eating a simple sandwich?

"Yes, but I've already made arrangements. This sandwich is pretty good."

Sure enough, this man's best quality is that he talks less and does more; it seems all she needs to do is provide him.

"So what's the schedule for today?"

Seeing him pick up the sandwich again, Liang Shi quickly changed his mind: "You eat first, we'll talk after you finish."

Li Junqian didn't like to talk while eating. After finishing his food methodically, he stared at the woman across from him who was gulping down milk because she almost choked: "No rush, eat slowly."

Liang Shigang was thinking about something else when he suddenly choked. He was still a little choked after finishing the milk: "Are you still going to drink that milk?"

Li Junqian smiled and pushed the cup to her side: "The hotel has been arranged. We'll have lunch and rest at the hotel to adjust to the time difference. The banquet in the evening has a Chinese theme. In the afternoon, I'll accompany Richard and his wife to choose their outfits. In addition, we also need to attend the banquet."

Liang Shi didn't care whether he had drunk from the milk before, and drank it down in one gulp. He didn't choke, but his words made her think too much, and she almost choked on the milk.

"Wasn't it said that you were only responsible for picking people up from the airport?"

Li Junqian pulled out a card and handed it over: "Wipe away the milk stains."

Liang Shi took it, wiped it on his lips, and waited for his explanation.

"Richard specifically communicated with the host of the dinner party to invite the two of us. Don't worry, with me here, nothing will happen."

Liang Shi silently rolled his eyes in his mind. How could this person be so narcissistic?

"I only care about my job; today's shoot is quite important."

The man across from me leaned back in his chair and chuckled, “I believe you are a good executor, but you are also a good leader. Sometimes letting go a little might allow your subordinates to achieve more.”

Looking at the entire Fanning group, it's true that only she, as the director, seems to do everything herself. Fine, let them do it, relax yourself, and train others. But she just wanted to mess with him: "So that's why Mr. Li has time to go out for lunch with female employees and is late for work in the afternoon. So you're not working so that your subordinates can get more experience?"

Li Junqian didn't understand what she meant at first, but then he realized what she was referring to.

“If you’re referring to the time I had dinner with Zhou Mengmeng, I can explain.”

Liang Shi immediately lost his appetite, as if she cared about his affairs!

"I am your subordinate, and I have neither the right nor the need to know about your affairs. I was just using an analogy, so please don't mind."

That's what they said, but the people on the other side still did what they wanted.

"Zhou Mengmeng was indeed a blind date arranged for me by my family. That day, I just wanted to make things clear to her and tell her not to bother me anymore, that's all."

Liang Shi continued to stubbornly insist, "It has nothing to do with me."

Li Junqian got up and put away the plates and cups: "I'll go wash them before I leave."

How can you expect the boss to be both the customer and the cook? Liang Shi snatched the tray away: "I'll do it. Please sit down for a bit, I'll be done in a minute."

"Okay, remember to use hot water."

Tsk, this guy's supposed to be a gentleman, offering to wash the dishes, and she just politely declined and actually gave up? Ha, what a pampered young master!

Once in the car, Liang Shi pretended to be asleep, but the journey was a bit long, and he actually fell asleep. When Li Junqian woke him up, Liang Shi thought he was late for work. He was stunned for a moment before realizing that they had arrived at Pudong Airport.

Are they almost there?

Li Junqian pointed to the corner of his mouth, meaning to show her his true colors. Liang Shi wiped her mouth with her hand, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into!

"Why didn't you say so earlier?" she said fiercely, pulling out a tissue from the car.

"I just saw it on the right too. Don't worry, I don't mind."

Liang Shi remained silent, offering a disdainful look.

"Let's go, or we'll miss it."

Liang Shi only took out his phone to check the time later. Good heavens, it was already 9:30! They had clearly set off much earlier! Wait, she's so energetic now, could it be that she just slept for a long time? And he didn't wake her up!

Oh my god, did this man stare at her while she was sleeping for hours?

Liang Shi stared at the well-dressed man in front of him and said irritably, "Pervert!"

Who knew that this person had such good hearing that they could hear her even in the noisy airport, and they even stopped and turned around to ask her what she was saying.

Liang Shi awkwardly touched his nose: "I didn't say anything. The sky outside is gloomy. I just said the weather might change."