Chapter 112: How Could a Celebration Be Complete Without a Party?
After the premiere, everyone gathered in the lounge, chattering excitedly. Mei Ning boasted to Yu about her unique embroidery skills and the one-of-a-kind fabrics she had chosen, while Zhao Lei had already switched into his second work mode, contacting his media friends to check on the voting situation and the evening’s response. He was also keeping an eye on Chu Chuo’s online supporters, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Ling Ziheng changed out of his performance costume and back into a sleek black suit.
“Heading back to the company?” Lin Zhiwei asked.
“I still have some documents to handle,” Ling Ziheng said, gently stroking her head with reluctance. He wished he could take her home immediately, but without earning a bit more for his wife’s dowry, he feared the lord might look down on him.
“Pei Xi, get some food for your master,” Lin Zhiwei quickly turned to instruct Pei Xi. “And make sure to end the video conference before ten o’clock no matter what, or I’ll come after you myself,” she threatened the man before her, teeth clenched.
“Uh... okay,” Pei Xi lowered his head, clearly intimidated by Director Lin’s commanding presence.
“All right,” Ling Ziheng smiled helplessly but was inwardly delighted, his heart filled only with the girl throwing a little tantrum before him.
“Oh, by the way, is it okay to go out like this? There must be a lot of fans gathered outside,” Lin Zhiwei couldn’t help but worry.
“The car is already in the underground garage. I’ve contacted Ling Vision’s security; the entire garage is cleared out. Director Lin, there’s nothing to worry about,” Pei Xi replied earnestly.
“That’s good, then the sooner we go, the sooner we return,” Lin Zhiwei said, quickly brushing a hand across the man’s cheek while everyone else continued chatting.
Ling Ziheng clearly enjoyed this congratulatory gesture from the girl and pulled her into a tight embrace, whispering in her ear, “Definitely.”
“I’m blinded, absolutely blinded! Boss, Lin Ge, are you two ever going to stop?” Mei Ning cried out in protest. “This place is full of single dogs; have mercy and give us some comfort!”
“I just think it’s nice to look at,” Yu said excitedly, his eyes sparkling, the fire of his inner fangirl burning bright.
“Lei Ge, save me...” Mei Ning hurriedly lunged toward Zhao Lei, who was engrossed in his phone, but Zhao Lei deftly dodged, causing Mei Ning to lose her balance and fall flat on her face.
No warmth, no joy, he sat on the ground silently shedding tears.
“End-of-month bonus doubled,” Ling Ziheng’s deep, clear voice floated over, instantly giving Mei Ning the motivation to rise. “Boss is mighty! Thank you, boss! Thank you, boss’s wife!”
Lin Zhiwei wore a look of exasperation—there was really no handling him, but his recovery was impressively quick.
“Let’s split up then. Your boss keeps making money to support the family, and we’ll head back to the studio for a summary meeting,” Lin Zhiwei proposed enthusiastically.
“Sounds good, sounds good,” Yu and Zhao Lei both agreed.
“What? A summary meeting? Lin Ge, aren’t you such a workaholic? How can a party be missing at a time like this?” Mei Ning’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“This is just the first show. What kind of party is that?” Lin Zhiwei shot him a sideways glance. Had Nan Yu corrupted him, always thinking about parties...
“No, I’ve already arranged everything. Lin Ge, you’re such a cold bucket of water, your icy rain is splashing all over my face,” Mei Ning pretended to be sorrowful.
“Enough crying, let’s just go back first,” Lin Zhiwei kicked him lightly. This guy was one of those who only shaped up after a beating.
“Ow, ow, ow, Lin Ge, that hurts! Be gentle!”
...
The group laughed as they returned to the studio, but upon entering, they were stunned silent by the streamers and confetti. Nan Yu and Liang Qisheng had covered the room with party decorations and spray paint, dragging along a reluctant Yin Mi’er to help.
Only four people had returned, which was puzzling. Naturally, Nan Yu couldn’t hold back. “Where’s Brother Ling? Why hasn’t he come back?”
Lin Zhiwei endured, adjusting the streamers on her head and replied irritably, “He went back to the company to work,” casting a sharp glance at Mei Ning. So this was the party she had planned—thankfully, it hadn’t buried everyone alive.
Mei Ning hadn’t expected these two goofballs to prepare such a tacky party. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have told them.
“Alright, I’ve booked a barbecue. After the meeting, we’ll go up to the rooftop to drink and grill. Now, everyone get into the meeting room. Nan Yu, Liang Shao, help set up the rooftop later. Mi’er, come to the meeting room as well,” Lin Zhiwei led the way.
“Long live Lin Ge!” Yu cheered as he followed. He knew Lin Ge would have everything arranged properly, unlike Mei Ning, who was unreliable and prone to these wild ideas.
“Got it,” Mei Ning resigned herself as she followed into the meeting room. A big mistake—never trust these two goofballs again.
...
Liang Qisheng was used to tidying up after events and started cleaning, while Nan Yu grumbled endlessly. “Heartless man, how could he respond like this to my carefully prepared party? Such a scumbag, scumbag! Are you, Old Liang?”
Liang Qisheng shrugged without comment. He never approved of this party style anyway. If it were up to him, he’d have booked a venue and hired professionals to decorate. Now the fairy was angry.
“Hey, Old Liang, whose side are you on?” Nan Yu stomped in frustration when Liang didn’t answer.
“Of course I’m on the fairy’s side,” Liang Qisheng said quickly, bowing his head.
“Who took you in when you first came to China? Who was it?”
“Well, if you hadn’t insisted on living with the fairy from the start...”
“Alright, Old Liang, you can’t judge a book by its cover. How could you hurt me like this?”
...
Nan Yu fussed and grumbled, reluctantly beginning to clean. Ten minutes later, the delivery arrived with all the barbecue food.
“Let’s go, the barbecue’s here. Bring it up and set it out,” Liang Qisheng nudged the sulking Nan Yu.
“I’m not going. You go if you want.”
“Then you won’t get any chicken wings, squid, or pork chops.”
“Damn it, Old Liang! Can’t you beg me again?”
Nan Yu cursed but got up, deciding not to hold a grudge against delicious food. Although Lin’s kindness was unrecognized, spending money to treat others was quite thoughtful.
The two quickly directed the delivery workers to set up on the rooftop terrace.