Sang Lu was so excited she could hardly contain herself.
She racked her brains and unleashed a torrent of flattery at Feng Yan—
Praising his "visionary business acumen," his "keen foresight like piercing golden eyes," declaring that "while talent is common, a true patron is rare," and vowing to "give her all to march toward a glorious future together."
Feng Yan: "…"
Sang Lu rattled off the compliments effortlessly.
Even Fang Assistant, who was driving in the front seat, was left dumbfounded.
He silently marveled:
Wow, the missus really knows how to talk.
Like… well, a chatterbox…
Feng Yan tilted his head slightly, his gaze lazy and half-lidded.
Propping his elbow up, he watched as Sang Lu rambled on without pause.
Noticing Fang Assistant frequently glancing at them through the rearview mirror, Sang Lu enthusiastically pulled him into the conversation.
Sang Lu: "Little Fang, what? You said you also knew our project got funded?"
Fang Assistant: "???"
Huh?
He hadn’t said a single word.
Sang Lu: "What? Little Fang, you said you also think our show concept is amazing?"
Fang Assistant chuckled, playing along smoothly:
"Missus, your program must be fantastic! President Feng has impeccable judgment—every project he backs is a surefire success. Wishing your new show massive popularity and success!"
"Hahaha, thanks for the good wishes!"
Sang Lu loved hearing auspicious words.
She straightened up with exaggerated seriousness, then leaned slightly toward Feng Yan with a playful grin.
Inching just a tiny bit closer.
"Gotta soak up some good luck~"
Inside the car, the air felt thick and still.
Her small movement stirred a faint current, carrying her sweet fragrance straight into Feng Yan’s senses.
Unavoidable. Inescapable.
The next day.
Jing City Television Station.
Director Wang made a special announcement during the routine meeting.
"At the recent sponsorship fair, Group D’s project stood out impressively. A new energy vehicle brand under Feng Corporation secured exclusive title sponsorship as the show’s official car, and several other brands joined as co-sponsors."
"Everyone in Group D has done outstanding work. Keep it up—rest assured, the project bonuses will be substantial."
The moment he finished speaking,
Group D erupted in cheers.
"Hell yeah!"
"Niiice—"
"Woo-hoo—"
Amid the noise, a few hushed whispers slithered through.
"Did you hear? Group D landed that huge investment because someone put in some… extra effort behind the scenes."
"Extra effort? What kind?"
"You know what I mean…"
The speaker cast a meaningful glance toward Sang Lu.
"No way, you mean Sang Lu? Doesn’t seem like her. Plus, isn’t she married?"
"Being married just makes it bolder."
"Oh… that explains it. Rumor has it she just got married, but no one’s ever seen her husband pick her up from work. Weird, right?"
The murmurs buzzed.
Director Wang cleared his throat and continued:
"Sang Lu, you’ll serve as assistant director for the new variety show. You contributed significantly to the proposal—treat this as valuable experience for leading your own projects in the future."
A veteran at the station, Director Wang had a sharp eye for talent. He recognized Sang Lu’s capabilities and had high hopes for her.
"Thank you, Director Wang!"
Sang Lu’s reply was bright with excitement.
After the meeting,
Luo Kai and a few others went to the rooftop for a smoke.
The rumors festered.
"See that? One word from Director Wang, and she jumps from assistant to assistant director. Wonder what kind of ‘effort’ she put in, huh?"
"Disgusting. Back when she was interning here, I actually tried hitting on her. She completely brushed me off. Turns out she just doesn’t settle for average guys like us, tsk tsk…"
"Obviously. If you drove a luxury car, she’d hop right in."
They exchanged lewd looks, smoke curling around them.
Suddenly,
a sharp voice cut through.
"What the hell are you talking about? Sang Lu isn’t like that!"
Everyone turned.
It was Little Duan, an intern from Group D.
Luo Kai sneered. "Oh? Playing the white knight for her? Save it. Even if she’s climbing her way up the ladder, she’d never glance at a nobody like you."
Little Duan had joined the station this year, assigned to Group D.
The team had a great dynamic, and he knew firsthand that Sang Lu was nothing like Luo Kai’s vile insinuations.
The entire proposal had been a grueling effort—countless late nights, meticulous revisions.
Sang Lu had contributed the most creative ideas.
She even treated the team to snacks and bubble tea during overtime.
Her promotion was well-deserved, and the whole group celebrated for her.
Yet here was Luo Kai, spreading disgusting rumors.
Disgraceful!
Luo Kai smirked and muttered to his buddies,
"Whatever. Let’s cut the kid some slack. Stuck in a team full of women, no wonder he’s up here sulking alone."
Little Duan’s expression darkened. He stubbed out his cigarette.
Then coolly retorted:
"I’m not here to smoke. I’m here to pick out a burial plot for your sorry ass."
Little Duan, born post-2005.
In Group D, he was the youngest intern—earnest and well-mannered.
But what the team didn’t know was this:
Online, he was a notorious trash-talker.
Gaming ID: "IAmUrDaddy, TheRiftPianist."
Luo Kai was so startled by the sudden remark that he dropped the cigarette he’d been holding between his lips.
“You dare curse at me?!”
Little Duan scoffed. “I’ve had my rabies shots—you think I’m scared of you?”
Luo Kai: “???”
Little Duan: “Did you drink laxative for breakfast? Spouting nonsense the second you open your mouth, spreading disgusting rumors about women. Sounds like you’re the one riding on someone else’s coattails. Business slow lately? Seeing competitors everywhere?”
Luo Kai was left speechless, trembling with rage. “Fuck your mother, you little—”
Before he could finish, Little Duan cut him off.
“That’s all you’ve got after stewing for so long? Your brain’s as empty as your future funeral. Shake some brain cells together before you talk to me.”
“You! You… say that again and see what happens!”
“I’ll say whatever I want. Did you buy the rights to my mouth?”
Little Duan was a seasoned pro at verbal sparring.
By the time he tossed over his shoulder, “Daddy’s got things to do—won’t interrupt your single-cell meeting,” and walked away, Luo Kai was still frozen in shock and fury.
……
Back in the D-team office, Little Duan’s face still carried a trace of lingering hostility.
Just as he was about to return to his desk, someone called out to him.
“Little Duan, Little Duan—come here!”
Sang Lu and a few colleagues were chatting in the break room.
Spotting him, she waved with a smile.
Little Duan paused, then walked over.
After a brief hesitation, he decided not to repeat the nonsense Luo Kai and his crew had spewed—no need to dirty everyone’s ears.
As he was thinking this, two paper tickets were suddenly held out in front of him.
“Didn’t you say your girlfriend loves this artist?”
Sang Lu’s eyes were bright and cheerful as she grinned.
“Here, two tickets. Take her to the exhibition~”
“!!!” Little Duan was stunned. “I can’t accept this!”
A colleague beside him chimed in:
Why the formality? You're the youngest on our team—of course we'll look out for you.
Little Duan hurriedly reached for his wallet.
“Sis, how much do I owe you? I can’t take these for free.”
Sang Lu shoved the tickets directly into his hand. “They’re complimentary from a partner. Just take them~”
Actually, she was lying.
They weren’t freebies from a partner—she’d gone out of her way to get them.
All because, last week, Little Duan had stayed past quitting time to help the women in the D-team carry their company holiday gifts downstairs.
She knew damn well no Gen-Zer liked working overtime.
Normally, Little Duan was the first one out the door the second the clock hit 5.
That day, he’d stayed back purely out of kindness, worried they couldn’t manage the heavy bags.
When someone showed her kindness, she always repaid it.
That was how Sang Lu lived.
Not wanting Little Duan to feel burdened, a little white lie to gift the tickets was harmless~
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Little Duan accepted them.
Secretly, he clenched a fist in determination.
His colleagues were so good to him.
He’d keep doing things his way too.
