Chapter 63: Protecting You Completely

“Oh, I just remembered—I haven’t bought any daily necessities for the girl yet,” Lin Zhiwei suddenly snapped out of her daze.

Just moments ago, opening the door had revealed Ling Ziheng’s striking figure, drenched and alluring, which had left her mind utterly blank and made her forget all about the girl’s needs.

Ling Ziheng calmly finished wrapping her bandages and replied unhurriedly, “Pei Xi already delivered them.”

“Ah, thank you,” Lin Zhiwei forced a smile.

Ling, ever the schemer, could read minds without fail.

Out of nowhere, her stomach growled. Embarrassed, Lin Zhiwei averted her gaze.

“Dinner will be brought up soon,” Ling Ziheng added.

At that moment, Lin Zhiwei felt as though a tiny figure paced endlessly in her heart, whispering, “Lin Zhiwei, you’re doomed. Your boss has you wrapped around his little finger.”

Pei Xi entered just then, catching sight of his young master tending to Lin Zhiwei’s wound with a tenderness and concern that seemed limitless, while Lin Zhiwei focused intently on her files, scrolling through them with a mouse.

Heavens, where was her aloof young master now? Sitting there, serving someone else—was he a devoted househusband or a bashful lover?

Pei Xi set dinner on the table, laid everything out, and announced, “Young Master, Director Lin, dinner is served.”

Lin Zhiwei breathed a sigh of relief and turned to thank him. “Thank you, Steward Pei. You’ve worked hard.”

Pei Xi hesitated, then replied quickly, “Not at all, it’s my duty.”

Ling Ziheng said, “Thank you. Join us.”

Pei Xi waved his hands, declining, “I’ve already eaten, no need, no need.”

All because of Lin Zhiwei’s words, his standing had risen sharply today.

So much for preferring romance over friendship—the young master had become far more approachable.

“Director Lin, Miss Yin’s accommodation has been arranged. It’s near the studio and very safe. Here are the keys. The essentials have already been delivered. She can move in at any time.”

Lin Zhiwei couldn’t help but praise, “If Nanyu were half as efficient as you, Steward Pei, I could sleep easy right now.”

Pei Xi gave a wry smile at the unusual compliment, then quietly excused himself.

“Shall we visit your new employee after dinner?” Lin Zhiwei asked between mouthfuls.

Ling Ziheng replied, “It’s up to you.”

“She’s quite a beauty, you know.”

Ling Ziheng finally looked up, his gaze deep and unwavering. “I don’t see anyone else.”

“Huh?” Lin Zhiwei was puzzled.

If speaking in five-word sentences was his habit, each one seemed more cryptic than the last.

“I’ll try training her first,” Lin Zhiwei muttered to herself. “Still, I need to be cautious—can’t invite trouble again.”

Though she felt a certain fondness for Yin Mi’er, after the ordeal with Xue Yuanyuan, Lin Zhiwei couldn’t help but be wary. In the entertainment world, caution was always wise.

Ling Ziheng sipped his soup serenely. “Don’t be too kind to her.”

“Why?”

Ling Ziheng paused, turning to her with an earnest look. “You’re a man now.”

Lin Zhiwei let out an understanding “oh.” This time, a six-word sentence, but at least it was practical advice.

Indeed, she had to remember her current identity as a man—better not overdo it, lest the girl misunderstand her intentions.

Though it was late and she didn’t want to disturb her, Lin Zhiwei couldn’t set her mind at ease without seeing Yin Mi’er. After dinner, she disguised herself and went downstairs to knock on the door. She’d been out and hadn’t left any contact information, which weighed on her conscience.

When Yin Mi’er heard the knock, she rushed to open the door, flustered. The moment the door swung open, Lin Zhiwei was stunned to see Yin Mi’er holding a rag, cleaning the apartment—like a wronged little wife.

Frowning, she said, “You don’t need to do these things.”

Yin Mi’er, seeing the young man’s displeasure, lowered her head shyly. “I… I didn’t know how else to repay you. I thought I could help by cleaning up.”

Lin Zhiwei sighed inwardly. This girl had suffered so much—once a star in her own right, now even a little kindness left her feeling indebted. It seemed she would need time to heal.

She sat at the dining table and glanced at Yin Mi’er’s notes scribbled over the files she’d left. Pleased, she nodded.

Yin Mi’er hurried to hide her notes, not understanding why she felt so nervous around Lin Zhiwei. She’d been to grander occasions, but now she was as bashful as a schoolgirl.

Lin Zhiwei rested her hand lightly on the chair, her demeanor relaxed, her eyes warm. “I hesitated to disturb you so late, but I wanted to talk. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. You’ve given me this place to stay—I’m the one who should feel embarrassed,” Yin Mi’er replied with an awkward smile.

“Steward Pei already came by,” Lin Zhiwei continued. “Here’s the key to your new apartment, a new phone, and a SIM card. My number’s saved in the phone, and my WeChat is the same as the number.”

Yin Mi’er accepted the keys and phone, nodding gratefully.

“Since you’ve chosen to join our company, we’ll protect you. What happened before won’t happen again.”

Lin Zhiwei spoke with sincerity. Though her face was pale, her eyes and tone were so genuine, like warmth offered in a snowstorm, that it struck straight to the heart.

Yin Mi’er turned her head to hide her tears. Just two days before, in that cold storage room, she’d considered ending it all.

If every day was to be more unbearable than death, what was the point in living?

“I think you need this opportunity more than anyone: a chance to support yourself and realize your worth. Now the opportunity is here,” Lin Zhiwei said, hands in her pockets, gesturing to the file beside Yin Mi’er.

“The road ahead won’t be easy. Think carefully. If you want to back out, as a friend of President Zhao, I can help you live a normal life.”

“No, I want this chance,” Yin Mi’er replied without a hint of hesitation, clutching the file tightly, her words firm and resolute.

“Good,” Lin Zhiwei nodded approvingly. This was the girl she’d taken a liking to—full of backbone.

To have endured such a harsh environment for a year was proof enough of her resilience.

“Get some rest. Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll take you to your new place, then to the company to meet your colleagues and get acquainted,” Lin Zhiwei said, rising to leave. Though she wished she could give the girl more days off, work was work—if training lagged, she would only fall further behind.

As Yin Mi’er watched the slender figure disappear behind the closing door, hope flickered in her heart. In that moment, she couldn’t tell whether it was for that departing figure or for the long-lost stage she yearned for, but no matter what—she was free at last.