Chapter 49: Can You Handle a Relationship Like This?

“Little Raindrop, wipe your mouth, you’re about to drool.” After the meeting, Zhao Lei and Lin Zhiwei were off to the side confirming some program details. Mei Ning nudged the girl next to her; she’d been lovestruck for hours and still hadn’t snapped out of it.

All this over that face? Come on, isn’t the Best Actor Ling right there too… Maybe you’re swooning over the wrong guy.

“Leave me alone,” Little Rain replied, clearly annoyed.

“I’m telling you, Little Raindrop, you call that handsome? Have you watched Ling too much and now it’s backfired?” Mei Ning scoffed.

Little Rain finally came to her senses, glaring at him with a proud air. “You know nothing. Handsome is a kind of aura. Ling’s handsomeness isn’t like our boss’s. This ambiguous, mysterious sort of charm… You’re uncultured and clueless, you wouldn’t understand.”

Mei Ning’s face darkened. He was a designer, for heaven’s sake—uncultured? What do girls see in people these days…

Ling Ziheng couldn’t help but smile. This girl knew how to dress. She’d said she wanted to look ordinary, but those expressive eyes gave her away instantly. No matter how much she disguised herself, a glance was all it took to betray her.

And today’s gray casual suit only accentuated her tall, slender build. The neat short hair paired with obsidian earrings—this was a look that radiated confidence, even arrogance.

Pei Xi was even more astonished. This was the third face he’d seen of Lin Zhiwei. No matter which face she wore, there was always something magical about her—each one seemed to be her, and yet not her.

Once Zhao Lei, Mei Ning, and Little Rain had left the conference room with their assignments, Lin Zhiwei leaned back in her chair and let out a long sigh. The days were a whirlwind—balancing jet lag and racing thoughts. Just these past two days, she hadn’t earned a penny, and she’d already lost weight.

“Let’s get something to eat. Today, we have to go.” Ling Ziheng picked up his jacket and locked eyes with her. The fire in his gaze made Lin Zhiwei’s cheeks flush—a Best Actor indeed, that pressure…

“Let’s go, let’s go. After exhausting myself like this, I deserve a treat.” Lin Zhiwei replied irritably, rubbing her temples as she got ready to stand.

Ling Ziheng had somehow appeared right in front of her, frowning in annoyance as he reached out with both hands. Lin Zhiwei instantly stepped back in fright, only to bump into the chair behind her, her face full of alarm, unsure what he was about to do.

Ling Ziheng steadied her waist, preventing her from retreating. Those alluring eyes sparkled as his hands reached towards her collar.

Boss… Don’t tell me you’re about to… make a move?

Ling Ziheng glanced at the fear in her eyes, shook his head helplessly, and quickly buttoned up her open collar. He spoke, “Weiwei, don’t let your cover slip.”

Lin Zhiwei coughed lightly, realizing that the boss was worried she’d blow her disguise. “Ahem, haha, you… you’re right.” As Ling Ziheng turned away, she muttered under her breath, “It’s not like there’s much to slip… flat as a board anyway.”

Ling Ziheng suddenly turned back, his expression unreadable.

“Uh… I mean, I’ve gotten thinner lately, so I need to eat more.” Lin Zhiwei quickly explained.

She really thought of everything… Ling Ziheng gave a resigned half-smile.

“You scared me—I thought you were about to hit on me.” Lin Zhiwei forced a bitter smile.

“Even if I wanted to, could you handle it?” Ling Ziheng replied coolly, then strode out of the conference room, leaving Lin Zhiwei rooted in place.

Boss, what do you mean… I’m here to sell talent, not my body…

Lin Zhiwei shook her head and hurried after him. Was the boss on his period lately? His moods swung unpredictably—he could be icy one moment and warm the next. As a loyal follower, she should be cautious and attentive, but somehow always forgot.

Once she switched to men’s clothes, she’d become bolder and more relaxed…

As the two walked out of the studio, they found themselves surrounded by a crowd of reporters. Seeing them exit one after the other, the journalists rushed forward for a chance to interview them. Pei Xi and his security team were clearly well-trained, moving swiftly to keep order:

“This is Fashion Weekly. Is this Director Lin? Can you tell us which variety show Best Actor Ling will join next? Can you share a hint?”

“I’m from Bird News. How did Director Lin come to hold this position?”

“This is Drum Film Daily. Director Lin, could you introduce yourself?”

Surrounded by layers of people, there wasn’t even room to move. Nearby, the Feather Girls—fans camped out near the studio—sat waiting with eager eyes fixed on Lin Zhiwei.

Lin Zhiwei and Ling Ziheng exchanged a glance. Lin Zhiwei spoke confidently, “Hello everyone, I am the new director of Ruoyu Studio, Lin Zhi. Ruoyu and I have always been friends; this time he gave me the opportunity, so I will give my all to support him. As for the new variety show, news will be released tomorrow. Friends in the media, please don’t worry; we’ll keep you updated with the latest information. I believe you won’t be disappointed.”

Everyone saw the man on the steps—medium height, his waist slender enough to encircle with one hand, almost fragile. Though his features weren’t striking, his voice carried a lazy strength that made people nod in agreement. The gray suit accentuated his tall figure. He brushed his short hair lightly and smiled—a smile that made his plain face shine.

“I believe in Director Lin’s abilities,” Ling Ziheng said, lips curved in a gentle smile as he gazed seriously at Lin Zhiwei. A hint of warmth thawed his icy expression.

The crowd murmured in approval, but over by the Feather Girls, quiet discussions broke out:

“Don’t you all think there’s a strong CP vibe between Ruoyu and Director Lin?” asked a girl holding a Ling Ziheng banner.

“Director Lin said they’ve known each other for ages—maybe they grew up together.”

“Yeah, Ruoyu is always gentle with his own people—a classic soft spot for insiders.”

“Do you think Ruoyu might actually like men, like the rumors say?”

“Keep your voice down—there are so many reporters around. Are you trying to make trouble for Ruoyu?”

…