Zhou Yi and Jiang Ruolan returned to the company together.
At the entrance, two strikingly handso security guards sat in their crisp uniforms, looking as if they were cast straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. Their good looks made even the mundane task of guarding seem cinematic.
"Mr. Zhou, Miss Lan," both n stood up, smiling warmly as they greeted Zhou Yi and Jiang Ruolan.
The two young n were nad Xu An and Ye Chen.
Both had graduated from a prestigious film academy. While they were undeniably attractive by ordinary standards, in a place teeming with beautiful people like their alma mater, they lacked connections or influential resources to stand out.
After graduation, finding suitable work proved difficult. Small film crews paid poorly and demanded long hours, so they eventually settled into these roles as security guards under Zhou Yi.
Xu An and Ye Chen no longer harbored lofty ambitions. The gap between dreams and reality had beco painfully clear during their ti at the academy, leading them to adopt a more relaxed attitude toward life.
This job was easy and comfortable—just sitting here looking presentable suited them fine. Why not enjoy it? As for the future, they figured they'd cross that bridge when they ca to it.
Zhou Yi nodded faintly with a smile before heading inside.
Xu An and Ye Chen exchanged quiet words.
"Mr. Zhou seems really down-to-earth, nothing like those other bosses."
"My dad always says the bigger the boss, the humbler they are."
As soon as Zhou Yi entered, the two stunning twin receptionists lit up with radiant smiles and greeted him in sweet, lodic voices: "Good afternoon, Mr. Zhou."
Zhou Yi responded with a polite nod and a smile.
The mont Zhou Yi appeared, everyone in the office looked up.
"It's Mr. Zhou! Oh my goodness, I'm so nervous. During my interview, I couldn't even look at him—he's just too handso."
"Does this an we're finally getting so work? I'm so excited!"
"Wu Ying, your crush is back. You must be thrilled."
"Do you think if I asked Mr. Zhou for an autograph, he'd kick out?"
"Don't be silly. There'll be docunts for him to sign eventually. Just wait."
Zhou Yi's presence sent waves of excitent through the female employees, especially his number one fan, Wu Ying.
Jiang Ruolan placed the coffee she had purchased on the table and stood a respectful step behind Zhou Yi, subtly emphasizing the difference in their statuses.
"Mr. Zhou, your arrival has brought joy to everyone," Jiang Ruolan said with a gentle smile.
The employees remained hesitant to speak up; after all, Zhou Yi was still their boss, and years of ingrained deference to authority kept them cautious.
Zhou Yi offered a warm smile. "Everyone has worked hard during my absence. Since I've been away, communication has been limited. Now that I'm back, let's celebrate. When are you all free? Let's organize a team-building outing."
Worked hard?
If lounging around the office playing gas, sipping coffee, and snacking counted as hard work, then yes, their mouths had certainly been busy.
But Zhou Yi's words only fueled their enthusiasm. One of the bolder employees quickly chid in:
"Mr. Zhou, do you have any new assignnts for us? Team building can wait. Work cos first!"
"Yes, yes, fun can co later. Work is the priority."
Zhou Yi simply smiled. "The work is already here. Ruolan will brief you shortly."
The office erupted in cheers.
Hidden among the crowd, Fan Hong felt perplexed. Why were these people so excited about receiving work? Wouldn't it be better to coast along?
Fan Hong was a mole planted by the boss of Longcan Company.
"But the team-building event is still happening. First, colleagues from different departnts need to get to know each other better. It'll make future collaborations smoother."
"Ruolan, distribute the cakes and coffee to everyone. Then go over the upcoming work arrangents."
After Zhou Yi gave his instructions, Jiang Ruolan began handing out treats while explaining the company's next project. Each departnt had distinct responsibilities, so she provided a general overview, leaving specifics for departnt heads to discuss later.
Once Zhou Yi and Jiang Ruolan retreated to their offices, Fan Hong deliberately turned to a few familiar colleagues.
"Do you think Mr. Zhou let us slack off earlier, and now that he's back, we'll have to work overti? It might get tough."
Sitting beside him were Wu Ying and another male colleague.
"Don't worry, Mr. Zhou isn't like that. Just relax."
"Even if we do have to work overti, I'm okay with it. The pay is great. I'd happily put in extra hours."
Hearing this, Fan Hong fell silent. These two were completely unfazed.
He picked up his coffee and took a frustrated sip.
It seed undermining Huanyu from within wouldn't be as simple as he'd hoped.
Fan Hong was related to Can Wang, the boss of Longcan Company. He wasn't a professional spy, which left him puzzled as to why his uncle had entrusted him with this mission.
Why, indeed?
Perhaps it was because he appeared naive and harmless, making it easy for others to lower their guard. Even if he accidentally said sothing wrong, people would likely dismiss it as an innocent mistake.
anwhile, Jiang Ruolan received a phone call and knocked on Zhou Yi's office door.
"Co in."
"Mr. Zhou, a film production team is asking if you have ti to et them now. They've brought the script and are waiting downstairs."
Zhou Yi paused. "So soon?"
Jiang Ruolan nodded. "Yes, I ntioned on WeChat that you'd be available tomorrow, but they seem eager and have arrived ahead of schedule..."
Zhou Yi set down his pen. "Let them in, then. I don't have anything pressing right now."
Robert's face brightened with joy upon receiving the news.
"Edward, Mr. Zhou has agreed to see us!"
Edward's eyes widened in excitent. He took a deep breath and smoothed out the slight wrinkles in his shirt.
"Let's go, let's go!"
Robert was visibly excited, pulling Edward along as they hurried inside.
Edward sighed. "I hope this ti we succeed."
Constant rejections had worn him down. The once-energetic graduate now felt like a shadow of his forr self.
Robert tried to reassure him. "I think Mr. Zhou is different from other bosses. Maybe he'll invest in us. We're here now, so let's give it our best shot."
Edward nodded, though deep down, he didn't hold much hope.
Carrying their script, they made their way upstairs.
"Is this the place?"
"Yes, this is it. Assistant Jiang said it's here."
"Why are there two... Are those security guards?"
Xu An noticed two figures standing by the elevator. Recalling what Jiang Ruolan had said earlier about a film team arriving, he imdiately flashed a bright smile.
"Are you Director Robert?"
Robert felt so of his tension ease at Xu An's warm and welcoming deanor.
He quickly stepped forward and replied, "Yes, I'm Robert. I've been in touch with your Assistant Jiang."
Xu An and Ye Chen opened the doors to let them in, and a cheerful receptionist greeted them.
She led Robert and Edward to the eting room and brought them water.
"Please wait a mont, gentlen. Mr. Zhou will be here shortly."
Robert waited anxiously for Zhou Yi's arrival.
When Zhou Yi entered the room, he exuded a calm confidence that imdiately put the visitors at ease.
Zhou Yi walked in, gently pushing the door open behind him. Robert and Edward imdiately rose from their seats and stepped forward to shake his hand. After exchanging only a few polite words, Zhou Yi wasted no ti in asking to see the script.
Robert could tell that Zhou Yi was a man who got straight to the point, so he promptly placed the script in front of him. He had every reason to be confident about their movie—it was sothing they had poured their hearts into crafting! Yet, countless investors had already turned them away. Most dismissed their project outright as soon as they realized Robert and Edward were rely two young college students, refusing to even glance at the script before showing them the door.
Zhou Yi didn't spend much ti on the pages. When he closed the script without finishing, Robert's heart plumted, dread seeping through him. Had Mr. Zhou found their story unappealing? Was there no hope for their project? The weight of disappointnt pressed down on Robert, and forcing a faint smile, he ventured hesitantly, "Mr. Zhou, what did you think of our script?"
Much to his astonishnt, Zhou Yi broke into a wide grin. "Good! Very good!" he exclaid. "I'm investing in this film!"
Of course, how could he not recognize it? This was a box office sensation from his past life—one that had earned rave reviews worldwide! Zhou Yi hadn't needed to finish reading because the story felt instantly familiar. It was unmistakably "Oppenheir", albeit with a new protagonist and a revised title. Still, its brilliance was undeniable, and Zhou Yi couldn't help but feel a surge of nostalgia mixed with anticipation for what lay ahead.
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