Chapter 42: Brother Ling Is Acting Strange

Lin Zhiwei, however, showed not the slightest anxiety about Ling Ziheng’s decision. She had already presented the plan to him last night, and he hadn’t objected.

“Go ahead,” Ling Ziheng uttered in his deep voice.

Everyone in the conference room breathed a sigh of relief.

Pei Xi, in particular, felt a genuine admiration welling up inside, but what he admired even more than Lin Zhiwei’s sharp eye for variety shows was how his own young master had been managed so seamlessly.

“Director Lin will handle the arrangements,” Ling Ziheng said, turning to Lin Zhiwei with eyes full of tenderness.

Uh… Lin Zhiwei’s heart skipped a beat. Boss, what’s with that look in your eyes? If you’re pleased with my presentation, just give me a raise and a bonus or something—no need for the smoldering glances.

Mei Ning sensed there was something unusual in the air. He nudged Zhao Lei and asked, “Lei, don’t you think Ling is acting strange today?”

Zhao Lei shot him a sideways glance. Well, well, even this blockhead noticed—impressive, that’s progress.

“Do you think maybe Weiwei has some powerful backer? Maybe she’s actually the daughter of some investor or a wealthy heiress?” Mei Ning speculated earnestly, arms folded.

Zhao Lei shook his head. Still a blockhead after all. But it’s fine if he thinks that way—at least he won’t do anything reckless.

“Something to remind you all,” Lin Zhiwei said, her eyes glinting with a mix of cunning and certainty, “I’m pretty sure Chu Chuo’s team will also choose this show.”

“Damn…” Mei Ning couldn’t help but curse aloud, forgetting all decorum. Just hearing that name made his blood boil.

—

“That’s right. Chu Chuo put out word earlier that he’d be joining a variety show. He’s notoriously picky—most shows aren’t up to his standards. His team is clearly hoping this program will help him reinvent his public image,” Zhao Lei said, a flash of cold light glinting off his glasses. This was exactly what he feared—a head-to-head clash that would surely turn into a bloody battle.

“Fortunately, I already have several stage effect designs prepared. Chu Chuo is skilled at dancing, but singing is his weakness. His usual tactic is to show off his body,” Lin Zhiwei said, utterly serious.

Mei Ning and Xiaoyu burst out laughing. Director Lin’s analysis was spot on.

“As for Ruoyu, he’s just too serious most of the time. If he can be a bit more approachable, he’ll attract a ton of fans. It’s not that difficult,” Lin Zhiwei glanced at the man beside her. In this respect, Ling Ziheng and her cousin Lin Qiongjiu were quite similar—usually unsmiling and unapproachable.

While the cold, ascetic CEO persona does attract younger fangirls, the current market is dominated by older female fans. What truly excites them is a “wolf pup”—someone who’s usually restrained but occasionally shows warmth and dominance.

Xiaoyu struggled to suppress a laugh, deeply impressed by Lin Zhiwei. Director Lin was truly fearless—she’d just said straight out that Ling was not approachable enough, and he hadn’t shown a hint of annoyance.

Thinking back to all the hardships Ling had put them through—the endless nitpicking, his impossible standards—‘difficult to serve’ didn’t even begin to cover it. At the very least, he was someone they had to treat like a living Buddha.

“Boss, to make money, you’ve got to give a little. Look at your employees—our year-end bonuses are riding on you this year. A little effort on your part could be a blessing for us all,” Lin Zhiwei said, turning to Ling Ziheng with an earnest plea.

Watching her precise analysis, Ling Ziheng felt a gentle warmth blooming inside him. Though he kept reminding himself this was just her job, he still couldn’t help being drawn to that lively smile.

Everyone in the room held their breath, waiting for Ling’s response, hearts in their throats.

“All right, I’ll do my best.”

Just four words, but the impact hit the group with all the force of a nuclear blast. He’d agreed so readily—it was impossible not to admire Director Lin’s negotiation skills.

Mei Ning clapped his hands in amazement. “Director Lin, you’re a lucky star! Better than any negotiation expert. I think I can already see my year-end bonus waving at me from the future!”

—

Pei Xi curled his lips. Negotiation expert? Please—it’s the power of love.

Zhao Lei did the same. So this is what a man looks like once he’s been won over—so obedient, even someone as aloof as Ling Ruoyu can melt in an instant.

But judging by the look of things, Ling still had a long road ahead—Director Lin was clearly not easily conquered.

Xiaoyu propped her chin up, gazing adoringly. “Wow, Director Lin is so cool in meetings—so elegant, so sharp, beautiful and commanding. I’m totally in love.”

“Oh, right, there’s one thing I need to discuss with everyone in advance,” Lin Zhiwei added, not forgetting the main point of today’s meeting. “Going forward, I’ll be appearing in public dressed as a man. Officially, the studio will say we’ve hired a male director named Lin Zhi. Please keep this in mind.”

“Tsk tsk, Director Lin can do disguise too? Incredible! I might have to retire as a designer now,” Mei Ning shook his head in mock awe.

“If Director Lin shows up as a man, he’ll be a super, super, super hottie!” Xiaoyu pounded the table in excitement, her eyes ablaze with anticipation.

With Director Lin’s looks, standing next to the boss, the two of them would be the ultimate fantasy couple for everyone.

“This is a brilliant idea,” Zhao Lei praised. “First, fans won’t object, and second, it’ll make work much smoother. Director Lin really thinks of everything.” He had some doubts earlier—after all, with Lin Zhiwei’s appearance, if they introduced her openly, it would only invite endless speculation and malice from fans and the media.

He lowered his head for a moment, his respect for Lin Zhiwei growing even deeper. Still only a senior in college, yet so shrewd and resourceful—a rare find indeed.

Looking up, he saw Ling’s gaze fixed unblinkingly on her and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. As the old saying goes, even heroes are helpless before a beauty.