Chapter 535: Showing Off in Public, The Return Trip

The moment their gazes met.

Wen Ruan turned around, a bright and warm smile blooming on her face: "Hello, Zhang Yan. You’re even more delicate and beautiful in person than in your photos."

She had heard the other girl's story from Tang Song, and in her heart, she truly felt pity for this young girl.

Soft and fragile, delicate and lovely, with a pair of almond eyes that were incredibly pure.

Her first impression of her was far better than those "monsters" like Jin Meixiao, Liu Qingning, or Su Yu.

Moreover, her own level had changed now.

In the past, when facing those women, she was always the weaker party who needed help and guidance.

Su Yu gave her a luxury mansion and helped her clean up the mess at the printing factory; Jin Meixiao helped her best friend settle cross-border business and gave her a top-tier black card. Now, the tables had turned, and it was her turn to be the "big sister."

Thinking about it actually made her a little excited.

Looking at Zhang Yan again, she became more and more pleasing to the eye.

This pitiful little look—at a glance, she seemed very easy to bully... no, very easy to get along with.

"Director Wen, hello." Zhang Yan pursed her lips nervously, blushing slightly.

Then, imitating the others, she reached out her hand with a slight tremor.

This was a director of the Nebula International Group, a celebrity she could only see in magazines, and even more, the big boss of her future company.

If it weren't for the experiences of the past few days that had caused her to grow rapidly, she would certainly be too nervous to speak clearly right now.

Looking at that slender, fair hand, Wen Ruan blinked, then suddenly opened her arms, using her own ample E-cup chest,

to give Zhang Yan a solid, soft, and intimate hug.

"I'm very happy to meet you."

Taken by this sudden assault from the "big" sister.

Zhang Yan's eyes widened instantly, her cheeks flushed red, and she stammered, not knowing what to say.

Wen Ruan chuckled and let her go. "Don't be so nervous. And about the address, I've always wanted to correct it—just call me Sister Wen Ruan, or just Sister. There's no need for honorifics."

Zhang Yan lowered her head, saying awkwardly: "Okay, thank you—Sister Wen Ruan."

"That's more like it." Wen Ruan held her hand with satisfaction. "How is your mother's situation? I heard from Tang Song that the results of the comprehensive check-up were coming out today."

"Yes." Mentioning her mother, Zhang Yan's expression became a bit more solemn. "The doctor said the situation is better than expected, meeting the treatment standards, and we can start preparing very soon."

"That's good, that's better than anything else. Don't overthink it, and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Modern medicine is very advanced..."

"I know, thank you, Sister Wen Ruan." Zhang Yan looked at her, moved.

The two chatted just like that, from work to life, from the cultural customs of Yangcheng to the snowy scenery of Yancheng.

Wen Ruan always managed to toss out topics at just the right moment, guiding the introverted Zhang Yan to open her heart bit by bit.

She didn't pry into any private matters regarding Tang Song, nor did she condescendingly offer any "life advice"; she simply shared joys and sorrows like a sister caring for her younger sibling.

Gradually, Zhang Yan's tense body completely relaxed.

She discovered that chatting with this Director Wen was a very comfortable and pleasant experience.

The innate affinity and powerful empathy she possessed made people unconsciously want to be close to her and trust her.

After chatting for a good while.

Wen Ruan signaled to her assistant, Wang Dandan, who was standing to the side.

Wang Dandan immediately opened the shopping bag in her hand, took out an exquisitely packaged gift box, and handed it over.

"It's our first time meeting, and I don't know what you like." Wen Ruan placed the gift box into Zhang Yan's hands. "A fountain pen. It's not anything particularly valuable, but I think it suits a talented woman like you. I hope you like it."

The gift box was Montblanc, and the Meisterstück series fountain pen inside glowed with a warm luster under the lights.

The pen body was slender and elegant, the nib exquisite—it was very beautiful.

"Ah!" Zhang Yan blushed and hurriedly declined: "This, this is too valuable, I can't accept—"

She never considered herself a talented woman; at most, because of her major in Chinese Language and Literature, she had some foundation, could write articles, and recite some poetry.

"Take it!" Wen Ruan pressed her hand down, leaving no room for argument. "This is a gift for our first meeting. If you don't accept it, you're looking down on me."

Zhang Yan held the slightly heavy gift box, looking at Wen Ruan's irresistible gaze, and finally, with a red face, whispered: "...Thank you, Sister Wen Ruan."

"Let's go, take me to see your mother." Wen Ruan affectionately wrapped her arm around her shoulder.

Walking into the hospital room.

Wen Ruan immediately stepped forward, placing the flowers and imported fruit basket she had brought onto the bedside table, a sincere smile on her face. "Hello, Auntie. I am Zhang Yan's future colleague, Wen Ruan."

"Hello, hello." Zhou Hui looked at this leader who possessed such a powerful aura yet was so kind to others, feeling so nervous she didn't know where to put her hands.

"Please set your mind at ease and focus on recovering. I will arrange everything regarding Zhang Yan's work; you don't need to worry for her."

Hearing this, Zhou Hui couldn't hold back anymore, thanking her repeatedly, her eyes reddening as tears of excitement slid down.

After some warm pleasantries, Wen Ruan checked the time and stood up to say goodbye.

Zhang Yan followed closely behind her, walking her all the way to the elevator of the special care ward.

"By the way, Zhang Yan, when do you plan to handle your onboarding?" Wen Ruan turned to the side and said softly: "My suggestion is that you can sign the contract first; the social insurance and housing fund shouldn't be interrupted. Don't worry, before things stabilize on your end, I won't assign you too many tasks for now. You can focus on accompanying your mother."

This was her future capable subordinate, an important talent personally "entrusted" by Tang Song; naturally, she had to bring her under her wing as soon as possible.

"I might need a little more time."

Zhang Yan bit her lip, feeling troubled. After all, she was still being blocked by Bai Rui in her resignation process and couldn't leave for the time being.

Wen Ruan immediately saw that something was wrong and asked directly: "What? Did you run into trouble?"

"It's just a small issue with the work handover. I, I will resolve it as soon as possible." Zhang Yan stammered, not wanting to trouble the other party with those frustrating matters.

Having struggled in the workplace for many years, Wen Ruan had seen countless dirty tricks.

Looking at Zhang Yan's appearance, she pondered for a moment and guessed seven or eight-tenths of the situation.

Her eyes flickered slightly, and she said calmly: "Alright then. If there's anything, remember to tell me anytime. Don't try to shoulder it all by yourself."

Immediately after, she turned slightly to the side, pointed to Wang Dandan, who had been standing quietly beside her, and introduced: "By the way, this is my assistant, Wang Dandan."

"Ms. Zhang Yan, hello." Wang Dandan nodded with a smile.

"Hello, Assistant Wang." Zhang Yan responded hurriedly.

"That's it then. We're leaving now. Bye-bye, take care and rest well."

"Bye-bye."

The elevator doors slowly closed.

Walking out of the hospital entrance, they sat in a Toyota Alphard that had been waiting for a long time.

The moment the car door closed, the smile on Wen Ruan's face quietly faded.

She leaned back into the comfortable airline seat, her posture lazy, but her eyes were exceptionally clear.

"Dandan, tomorrow at 10:00 AM, you and General Manager Wang Chongxian of the Yangcheng branch go to Shuocheng Technology together. Just say I sent you to represent the group in offering condolences to a long-term partner and to communicate about future cooperation matters."

She paused, her fingertips tapping lightly on her knee. "Additionally, Zhang Yan's position is tentatively set as Senior Content Cooperation Manager in the Content Ecosystem Cooperation Department, P6 level, primarily responsible for content evaluation of partners.

Oh, and by the way, have General Manager Wang get to know his future new colleague, Zhang Yan, in advance."

"Understood, Director Wen!" Wang Dandan nodded immediately, noting the information in her memo.

The black Alphard started silently and merged into the city's evening traffic.

Wen Ruan watched the neon streetscape flashing past the window, and the corners of her mouth finally couldn't help but slowly curl into a cunning and triumphant arc.

I have to say, I've finally experienced the thrill that Director Jin and Su Yu felt back then—the feeling of strategizing and turning one's hands to summon clouds and rain.

Hmm, it really is... a bit addictive.

*(≥≤)o**

November 8, 2023, Wednesday, Start of Winter.

Early morning, 6:50.

Sunlight broke free from the shackles of the clouds, passing through the gaps in the curtains to cast a long, narrow, and warm strip of light in the room.

Accompanied by the sound of the alarm clock, Zhang Yan slowly opened her hazy eyes.

She went through the routine of using the bathroom and washing up.

It was only when the cold water brushed against her cheeks that she became completely awake.

Returning to the bedroom, she sat on the edge of the bed.

Hesitating for a moment, she picked up her phone and tapped on the chat box she had pinned to the top.

Her fingertips hovered over the screen for a long time before she carefully typed out a line: "Is the flight today? When are you leaving?"

"Buzz, buzz, buzz—"

[Tang Song: "Yeah, the flight is at 10:00 AM today."]

Seeing the message, Zhang Yan's mood inevitably sank, like a stone dropped into a deep well.

After replying with a caring message, Zhang Yan crouched down and buried her face in Orange's warm fur.

Gently stroking its head, her gaze dimmed.

Even though she had already mentally prepared herself, when he was truly about to leave, it was inevitably painful.

Perhaps it was the fear that once he returned to Yancheng, to that world that belonged to him,

the weak connection between them would also become fragile.

Just at this moment.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A knocking sound suddenly rang out.

Zhang Yan was stunned. Who would be knocking at this time?

She walked quickly to the door and looked out through the peephole.

Her almond eyes widened suddenly, and her heart seemed to skip a beat.

With a "click," she scrambled to open the lock and pulled open the old anti-theft door with force.

"Tang, Tang Song, why are you—"

Outside the door, Tang Song, dressed in a casual suit, was standing there quietly, looking at her with a smile. "Today is the Start of Winter." He lifted the bag he was carrying, his voice as warm as jade: "Let's have some delicious dumplings together."

In the bag, one could vaguely see neatly arranged frozen dumplings.

Zhang Yan's mind went "whoosh," and all her worries and disappointment were instantly washed away by a huge wave of surprise and emotion.

"Oh, oh, okay." She responded dully, stepping aside to let him in.

"Orange, good morning." Tang Song waved at the curious orange cat.

Zhang Yan took the bag from his hand, their fingers touching, and her face turned slightly red. "I, I'll go boil the dumplings."

After saying this, she walked quickly into the kitchen.

Before long, Tang Song followed her in, leaning against the position near the doorway.

He watched her with a smile, not saying a word.

Being watched so intently by him, Zhang Yan only felt her cheeks burning, her heartbeat becoming almost uncontrollable.

Even the movements she was usually most proficient at—boiling water and turning on the stove—became sluggish and clumsy.

After putting the water on to boil, she suddenly realized she was still wearing loose, old pajamas, and her hair looked messy from just waking up.

She said in embarrassment, "I, I'll go change my clothes."

Then, she flew past Tang Song as if escaping, closing the bedroom door with a "thud."

After quite a while, she walked out again.

She had changed into a rose-red sweatshirt she had just bought online over the weekend, wearing it for the first time.

The soft color made her already fair skin look even more translucent, and she looked like a peach, fresh and sweet.

Her hair had also been carefully combed.

"Really beautiful, this sweatshirt suits you very well." Tang Song gave a sincere compliment.

Zhang Yan blushed instantly, lowering her head as she went to the stove.

Soon, two steaming plates of dumplings were placed on the table.

Zhang Yan had also carefully prepared a dipping sauce of chili and vinegar.

The two sat opposite each other and began to eat.

While eating, Tang Song asked with concern about Zhou Hui's health and urged Zhang Yan to pay attention to her own rest and not to be too tired.

This meal was eaten slowly and quietly, but it was filled with gentle warmth.

After finishing the dumplings, they drank a bowl of noodle soup.

Tang Song raised his wrist to check the time and said softly: "I have to leave for the airport."

This plain sentence instantly broke the warm atmosphere in the room.

"I'll see you off." Zhang Yan stood up almost immediately, her voice carrying an urgency she hadn't even noticed herself.

Tang Song picked up Orange and rubbed its furry head hard. "I'm leaving, Orange, bye-bye."

Walking out of the unit door.

The early morning air was crisp and cool, and the sunlight stretched their shadows long.

Tang Song stopped and turned around. "That's far enough. You go back and tidy up; it's time for you to go to the company."

Zhang Yan stood there, not moving.

She just raised her head, looking at him fixedly.

Those almond eyes that were always habitually dodging were now exceptionally stubborn, locking his figure firmly in place.

Her lips trembled for a long time before she finally spoke: "Take care, and—keep warm. The lowest temperature in Yancheng is only three degrees now."

Tang Song looked at her.

At this moment, she was standing in the morning light.

The breeze blew through her smooth short hair, revealing her smooth forehead and those clear almond eyes.

Her face carried the reluctance of parting, the worry of concern, and that affection that could not be hidden no matter what.

Tang Song's heart was struck, and he opened his arms.

Zhang Yan's cheeks flushed, and after hesitating for a moment, she stepped forward and gathered the courage to hug him lightly.

Just as she was about to pull away, Tang Song suddenly lowered his head slowly.

"Ah," Zhang Yan let out a low cry and squeezed her eyes shut.

Immediately after, a soft, warm sensation came again.

Tang Song gently held her lips, sucking on them.

Gradually, his movements became more forceful.

Zhang Yan's hands rested on his chest, her body trembling continuously.

After a long time, their lips parted.

Zhang Yan seemed to still be immersed in it, her eyes hazy, her cheeks shockingly hot.

Their gazes met in the air.

Tang Song rubbed her head. "I really have to go. I'll come to see you and Auntie again in a while."

"Mm—goodbye—" Zhang Yan made a faint response from her throat.

"Goodbye." Tang Song couldn't help but kiss her burning cheek again before turning around.

Under Zhang Yan's gaze, he left, looking back every few steps.

Walking out of the residential complex gate, he sat into the Rolls-Royce that had been waiting on the side of the road.

The car door closed with a steady "thud," as if completely separating two completely different worlds.

Lin Muxue, sitting on the other side, said softly: "Director Tang, shall we set off now?"

Her eyes were full of curiosity, but she was tactful enough not to ask more.

"Yeah, let's go, back to Yancheng!" Tang Song let out a light breath and leaned back into the soft seat.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom started slowly.

The streetscape of Yangcheng receded rapidly outside the window.

Those old streets full of the atmosphere of life were gradually replaced by the modern CBD filled with high-rise buildings, followed by the open fields and greenery along the airport expressway.

Tang Song's hand, at some point, had naturally placed itself on Xiaoxue's thigh, which was wrapped in top-tier black silk and had an amazing texture.

He rubbed it gently and rhythmically.

Lin Muxue's cheeks flushed slightly, her legs rubbing together lightly, occasionally clamping Tang Song's hand, emitting a sticky nasal sound.

The way she looked at Tang Song was as if she were about to catch fire.

Last night, Tang Song still stayed with Wen Ruan, and she had no chance to eat "Tang Song meat."

Once they got on the plane later, she would probably have to take a bite to satisfy her craving.

Soon, the magnificent Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport slowly came into view.

After a two-week interval, Tang Song finally began his return journey.

Morning, past 9:00, Shuocheng Technology.

Lulu returned from the pantry and saw Zhang Yan staring blankly at the computer screen, so she couldn't help but lean over.

Lowering her voice, she said through gritted teeth: "The more I think about it, the angrier I get! That dead pervert, Fatty Bai, is truly shameless! I didn't sleep well all night last night. Look at these dark circles under my eyes; they're almost falling to my chin!"

She had already received a formal offer from Nebula International and was starting work next Monday.

But listening to Zhang Yan's description, unless they voluntarily gave up their performance bonuses for the past three months and that unpaid business trip expense, they would be blocked.

Lulu knew clearly in her heart that when it truly came to choosing one of the two, she would definitely choose Nebula International.

A job opportunity at a big firm, and in a department with great development potential—this was an opportunity she had dreamed of grasping.

Even if she had to pay tens of thousands out of her own pocket to start the job, it would be worth it.

But the frustration and anger in her heart could not be suppressed no matter what.

Her salary wasn't high to begin with, and she relied entirely on desperate overtime to earn that bit of performance pay, but now, look at this.

Zhang Yan listened to her low complaints, her gaze also filled with worry.

Although she had already prepared to fight back hard, she still couldn't help but feel uneasy in her heart.

Just at this moment, a message popped up in the DingTalk work group.

[Content Director - Bai Rui: "@everyone, meeting in the conference room."]

Zhang Yan's expression tightened instantly, and she let out a light breath before standing up.

The entire content department, including her and Lulu, actually only had eight people in total.

The atmosphere in the conference room was somewhat oppressive, and many people secretly cast their gazes toward Zhang Yan.

After all, regarding what happened yesterday afternoon, Bai Rui had shouted so loudly that it had already spread throughout the company.

No one expected that someone as honest as Zhang Yan would be so tough.

"Creak—" The door to the conference room was pushed open, and Bai Rui's chubby figure walked in.

His expression was serious, and his gloomy gaze first swept over Zhang Yan before he sat down at the front position.

The air in the conference room instantly became even more oppressive.

Zhang Yan sat in the corner, feeling somewhat restless.

In such an occasion, being the focus of everyone's attention and facing her direct supervisor, she still felt some deep-rooted timidity in her heart.

"Alright, let's start the meeting." Bai Rui cleared his throat and placed his laptop on the table.

Everyone hurriedly sat up straight, looking straight ahead.

Bai Rui said: "First, let's talk about a new regulation. Starting from today, everyone must submit a daily work report to me before getting off work, detailing all work content, progress, and time spent for the day! Ensure work saturation!"

As soon as these words were spoken, a suppressed, subtle gasp sounded in the conference room. Things like daily work reports were the most typical "tightening spells" used to torture employees—tedious and completely meaningless.

At most, it just made the big boss think he was a capable manager.

Bai Rui paused, his tone shifting: "Secondly, let's talk about the 'Whale Fall Sea' project. The marketing conversion rate last week was very unsatisfactory! It didn't even reach 60% of our KPI! The client is already very dissatisfied!"

He projected a data report onto the screen, with several items marked in red.

"Copywriting! Our copywriting has a huge problem! The soft articles don't look like soft articles, the product recommendations don't look like recommendations—they have no appeal! The users aren't buying it at all! Zhang Yan, you come and report. As the main writer for this project, explain to everyone why the data is so ugly? How exactly did you do your work?"

Everyone's gaze focused on Zhang Yan again, filled with sympathy and helplessness.

Everyone knew that for a book's marketing, the copy was at most the most basic link; the early-stage placement channels, mid-stage promotional intensity, and late-stage reputation maintenance were the main elements affecting the final result.

Bai Rui's words clearly meant to dump all the blame onto Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan's face turned pale, and she took a deep breath before slowly standing up.

After a moment of silence, she said: "Director Bai, the positioning of this project was problematic from the beginning, and the marketing budget was also cut in half midway—"

Before she could finish her words.

Bai Rui slammed the table with a "bang," glaring at her with an oppressive gaze. "I asked you to come here to work,

not to pass the buck!"

Looking at Zhang Yan's appearance, he felt a sense of pleasure in his heart.

Just at this moment.

The door to the conference room was suddenly pushed open.

HR Chen Min poked her head in, her face filled with excitement and nervousness, and said urgently: "Bai Rui, come out for a second!"

Bai Rui was interrupted, a flash of displeasure crossing his face, but he still followed her out.

"What's wrong?"

Chen Min lowered her voice and said quickly: "Stop the meeting! Hurry and have your people go back to their workstations! General Manager Wang of Nebula International Group is coming to inspect our company immediately, it's very important! Hurry and have the employees perk up, work seriously, and put on a good show! This relates to our company's projects for next year!"

Bai Rui's eyes twitched, and he said in shock: "G-General Manager Wang?! Which General Manager Wang?"

"Who else could it be? General Manager Wang Chongxian of the Yangcheng branch!"

Shuocheng Technology, as a secondary agent in Nebula International Group's vast marketing ecosystem, could be said to exist entirely by relying on them.

All their core media resources and cooperation opportunities with top KOLs originated from Nebula International.

And many of the projects they took on were the "dirty and tiring work" that Nebula International had left over and outsourced layer by layer.

And this General Manager Wang Chongxian was their biggest "sugar daddy."

In the many years since the company was founded, only some business manager had occasionally come to inspect.

Never did he expect that Wang Chongxian would actually come in person today!

Bai Rui's face flushed red instantly. "Okay! I understand!"

After saying this, he turned and ran back into the conference room, his voice booming: "The meeting ends here for today! Everyone pay attention, an extremely important partner of the company is coming soon. Everyone! Perk up immediately and show our best spirit!"

Everyone in the conference room looked at each other, then realized the seriousness of the matter and stood up one after another to walk out.

Zhang Yan stood there, her lips pursed, her breathing slightly rapid.

The humiliation of being insulted in public just now still lingered in her heart.

Lulu grabbed her hand and whispered indignantly: "Don't take it to heart, that dead fatty is just a coward who bullies the weak and fears the strong. Look at him now, acting like a lapdog. Once I get into Nebula International Group, sooner or later, I'll make him kneel and beg us."

Seemingly imagining that triumphant scene, the more Lulu spoke, the more excited she became, her eyes flashing with excitement and anticipation.

She seemed to have already seen herself and Zhang Yan sitting in a spacious and bright office in the future.

While the chubby fatty was bowing and scraping outside the door, waiting to submit a cooperation proposal.

Of course, looking at it now, this fantasy was still somewhat ethereal.

"Buzz, buzz, buzz—" Her phone vibrated.

[Tang Song: "I've boarded the plane, getting ready to depart."]

Zhang Yan bit her lip and hurriedly replied: "Mm, have a safe trip."

After sending the message, her mood instantly improved a lot.

Listening to Lulu's exaggerated and cathartic words, a smile gradually appeared on her face.

Returning to the office area.

The entire company was like a wound-up spring, entering a state of combat readiness.

Employees were either scrambling to tidy up their things or sitting upright, typing on their keyboards.

Even the big boss, Li Yufei, who hadn't appeared for a long time, rushed back from outside in a hurry.

"Holy crap! Zhang Yan, look, look!" Lulu suddenly nudged Zhang Yan's arm and said excitedly: "It's Nebula International Group!"

As she spoke, she pushed her phone screen in front of Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan looked, her gaze stunned.

The company's small WeChat group had already exploded.

[Marketing - Zhao Yuan: "I heard from our director that Nebula International's leadership is coming to re-examine our agency qualifications and communicate about deep cooperation moving forward. If it succeeds, our company will successfully survive!"]

[Finance - Li Mingmei: "I just got the news that it's the General Manager of Nebula International's Yangcheng branch leading the team! My god, this is huge!"]

The news spread quickly, and a wave of irrepressible discussion erupted in the small office area.

Now that the company was facing operational difficulties and rumors of layoffs were everywhere, people were in a panic.

If they could really climb up this towering tree of Nebula International and get more projects and budget, that would be great news for everyone.

Lulu swallowed, saying excitedly: "It's the General Manager of our new company. I should have seen him from afar when I was interviewing, just not sure which one it is."

Zhang Yan nodded, her heart also hanging in suspense with nervousness.

Approaching 10:00 AM.

Several figures walked out from the direction of the office.

Company boss Li Yufei, leading the Marketing Director, Sales Director, and Content Director Bai Rui, walked out in a rush.

Their faces were filled with enthusiastic smiles.

Colleagues in the office area immediately restrained all small movements, and everyone perked up with twelve points of spirit.

The entire space instantly became so quiet that a pin drop could be heard, with only the sound of keyboards typing.

After waiting for three or four minutes, a somewhat chaotic sound of footsteps came from the front desk.

Everyone couldn't help but secretly drift their gazes over.

Immediately after, three unfamiliar figures, surrounded by Li Yufei and the others, appeared at the entrance of the office area.

Two men and one woman, all dressed in formal attire, their expressions solemn, looking full of aura.

Lulu excitedly nudged Zhang Yan's foot under the table, signaling frantically with her eyes that she had seen the man in the lead during her interview!

And the moment Zhang Yan saw the capable-looking young woman, the expression on her face froze suddenly.

Is that... Sister Wen Ruan's assistant—Wang Dandan?!

This...

The messy sound of footsteps echoed in the small office area.

Li Yufei was in front, bending over. "General Manager Wang, Assistant Wang, this is our company's content creation center, possessing the most professional copywriting team, having created hit marketing cases for many well-known book brands..."

Just at this moment.

Wang Dandan's footsteps in the crowd suddenly stopped.

Her gaze landed on Zhang Yan, and a polite and enthusiastic smile appeared on her face. "Ms. Zhang Yan, what a coincidence, we meet again."

Following her movement, the others also stopped their footsteps.

The sound of keyboards typing in the surroundings stopped simultaneously.

Gazes filled with shock, doubt, and disbelief focused squarely on Zhang Yan.

The smile on Bai Rui's face froze instantly, his pupils dilating in an instant.

Just now, when they met at the door, Wang Chongxian had specifically introduced that this Wang Dandan was the assistant to a director at Nebula International Group's headquarters, and her status was incredibly noble.

Yet she actually took the initiative to greet Zhang Yan, and so enthusiastically.

What is going on?!

Zhang Yan stood up almost reflexively. "Assistant Wang, hello."

Li Yufei was stunned, then asked in surprise and confusion, "This is an employee of our company, do you know her?"

Wang Dandan just nodded faintly toward Li Yufei, as a response.

Then she turned to the side, facing Wang Chongxian beside her, and said in a tone used to introduce an important person: "General Manager Wang, this is Ms. Zhang Yan, whom Director Wen specifically mentioned. She will officially join our company and serve as the Senior Content Cooperation Manager of the [Content Ecosystem Cooperation Department]."

Hearing Wang Dandan's introduction, Wang Chongxian's shrewd eyes lit up instantly.

A brilliant smile appeared on his face. "Hello, Manager Zhang, nice to meet you! Our upcoming cooperation with Shuocheng Technology just happens to need a person in charge who understands both content creation and the supplier situation to act as a gatekeeper. This is great! Director Wen has helped us solve a big problem!"

Boom—Zhang Yan transformed into a "Client Daddy" on the spot.

The entire office area seemed to have been pressed on the pause button.

The expression on Bai Rui's face froze, cracked, and finally collapsed completely.

A cold, bone-chilling chill surged up from his tailbone, instantly spreading through his entire body.

His legs began to tremble uncontrollably, and the shirt on his back was completely soaked through with cold sweat in just a few seconds.

His legs began to tremble uncontrollably, and within a few short seconds, the shirt on his back was completely soaked through with cold sweat.