Chapter 40: The New Official Takes Office

The next morning, Lin Zhiwei arrived at the studio right on time. Conveniently set in a prime location just five minutes' walk from her hotel apartment, the studio’s interior design was as inscrutable and profound as ever, much like the bar in the Unknown Domain. The heavy industrial style greeted her immediately, yet to balance the palette, soft grays had been chosen. The space boasted three lofty floors, with staircases wrapped in steel pipes, and unadorned walls and ceilings made of exposed brick and cement. Vast floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the interior in clear, bright light.

As Lin Zhiwei pushed open the door, she was drawn in by the candid, free-spirited aesthetic. Yet, this style seemed decidedly out of step with Ling Ziheng’s image as a celebrated actor; it felt more like a studio founded by a talented art student, perhaps one with Impressionist leanings.

Upon entering the main hall, she found an orderly array of vinyl records, film books and magazines, and an eighty-inch ultra-high-definition screen currently playing a classic by Stephen Chow, "Kung Fu."

Lin Zhiwei glanced around, nodding in appreciation. If Ling Ziheng ever retired from acting, he could certainly pursue interior design; so many subtle touches were clearly his doing.

"Excuse me... are you the new Director Lin?" came a timid voice from beside her.

Lin Zhiwei turned to see a charming girl wearing glasses, dressed in a pink sundress and a slightly vintage pumpkin cap. She smiled, showing faint dimples and soft, fair skin.

"Yes, you must be Xiaoyu. Hello," Lin Zhiwei greeted, extending her hand with a warm smile.

She had reviewed the information yesterday—Xiaoyu was Ling Ziheng’s chief assistant and head of costume and makeup coordination. Despite her youthful, adorable appearance, she was known for her brisk, decisive work ethic; a veritable little dynamo.

Xiaoyu shyly returned the smile, grasping Lin Zhiwei’s hand gently. "Yes, that's me."

All the while, she was sizing up Lin Zhiwei inwardly, thinking, This woman is stunning beyond belief! She had assumed the newcomer was a newly recruited artist for the studio, but recalled that Brother Lei had no plans to hire anyone recently. Then, remembering Manager Pei’s reminder about a new director starting today, she had expected someone older and more formidable—a career woman, perhaps. Instead, she found herself doubting: such a beautiful and cool woman?

"Xiaoyu, has the new director arrived?" called out two young men hurrying down from upstairs. The one who spoke had slick purple hair and wore a motorcycle leather jacket, exuding a bold, stylish vibe.

The other was calm and composed in a black suit, with glasses and a gentle smile.

Both stopped short when they saw Lin Zhiwei, struck speechless.

"Lei... Brother Lei, are you sure this is the new... director?" the purple-haired youth stammered.

Zhao Lei patted his shoulder and replied calmly, "Yes, this is her. Manager Pei showed me her photo—she’s indeed very beautiful."

The purple-haired young man shook his head, trying to regain composure. Where had the boss found such an ethereal beauty, and she was their future director? Unbelievable. And wasn’t the boss famously indifferent toward women? What was going on?

"Hello, everyone. My name is Lin Zhiwei. I’ll be in charge of all aspects of Ruoyu’s artistic development planning," Lin Zhiwei introduced herself confidently, her eyes sincere.

She quickly sized up the trio: Zhao Lei, in the black suit, was responsible for all project implementation and contracts, as well as crisis management—known in the industry as the 'Dark King' of entertainment. For years, he had single-handedly countered the smear campaigns orchestrated by Chu Chuo’s side.

The bold, purple-haired youth was Ling Ziheng’s personal stylist and designer. Wild and unrestrained in character, he was considered the most promising designer in the country. Despite his avant-garde appearance, he excelled in ink painting, traditional arts, and retro styles.

The black dragon-patterned suit Ling Ziheng wore for his Best Actor award was his creation: understated yet luxurious, appearing simply black at first glance, but under the red carpet and event lighting, it shimmered with vibrant ink dragon motifs—dynamic and lifelike.

The patterns, stretching from waist to sleeves, were crafted with over a dozen shades of silk thread, blending Su embroidery and hidden techniques, making the design intricate but not contrived. It perfectly complemented Ling Ziheng’s fair skin and slender waist.

"Director Lin, hello. I'm Zhao Lei, responsible for public relations and project coordination."

"Hello, Director Lin... I'm Mei Ning, but you can call me Morning. I'm Brother Ling’s designer."

Both introduced themselves, scrutinizing Lin Zhiwei as they did. Such a young and beautiful woman, as Ling’s new director—it was astonishing.

"I’ve just contacted Brother Ling. He said he’ll attend the introductory meeting later. Director Lin, shall we head to the conference room? Would you like something to drink?" Xiaoyu asked with enthusiasm, already quite fond of the new director—not only beautiful, but approachable.

"There’s no need to be so formal. Please just call me by my name. I’m currently in my senior year at Fushi University in Country M. Though I can’t claim vast experience, Ruoyu trusts me and gave me this opportunity. You’re all my seniors—please guide me."

Senior year?

Mei Ning glanced at Zhao Lei, eyes questioning: Brother Zhao, is this really okay? Are we sure she’s not just here as a relative for internship?

Zhao Lei remained unfazed, politely ushering Lin Zhiwei forward. "Then let’s call you Zhiwei. No need for formalities—after all, we’re colleagues. Ruoyu sent me your profile; your case analyses and stage planning were excellent, truly rare talents. Let’s learn from each other."

With that, he led Lin Zhiwei to the conference room, Xiaoyu following excitedly, full of admiration. To receive such praise from Brother Lei as a senior student—this young lady was clearly extraordinary.

Mei Ning, left behind, stood bewildered, wondering who he was and where he belonged. When he saw the other three already far ahead, he hurried to catch up.