After putting Zhou Jiaxin down by the roadside and seeing her off in her own car, Fang Miaomiao had Da Chen drive to the Wen Corporation.
"Madam, Young Master."
"Hello, receptionist sister. We're looking for Daddy."
The receptionist dotingly offered a lollipop from her desk to Wen Yan'an. "Would you like me to press the elevator for you, Young Master?"
"Thank you, but we know the way. We don't need your help, miss."
After seeing them off, the receptionist felt her energy reserves completely depleted. She quickly pulled out her phone. "Everyone, guess who I just saw?"
Staff Member 1: Who, who? It's not the old madam again, is it? The last time she visited, I had nightmares for several nights. She was just too terrifying. https:/
Staff Member 2: Exactly, exactly! I just don't understand how such a good person as the chairman could have such a petty mother. Is this like a double negative makes a positive?
Head of the Propaganda Department: Ahem, what are you talking about? Get back to work. Who came up, tell me, @Receptionist.
Receptionist: Minister, you're still playing this game?
Head of the Propaganda Department: We're working diligently. This is called staying informed in a timely manner.
Receptionist: Alright, I'll tell you. Madam and Young Master are here.
Upon reading this, the Head of the Propaganda Department almost dropped his phone.
"What's going on?" Xin Xuanlai asked, confused.
Before the Head of the Propaganda Department could respond, the elevator chimed.
Xin Xuanlai instinctively turned his head to look.
"Madam, Young Master?"
"Hello, Brother Xin Xuanlai."
"Hello, Young Master." Xin Xuanlai handed the documents in his hand to the Head of the Propaganda Department. "Madam, Master Wen is currently in a meeting with his subordinates. Why don't you go directly to the chairman's office? He can see you when he finishes his meeting and returns to his office."
Fang Miaomiao looked down at Wen Yan'an. After receiving his nod, she smiled and said, "Then I'll trouble you, Assistant Xin."
"It's my duty."
Xin Xuanlai escorted Fang Miaomiao to the office before taking the documents to the conference room.
"Why are you so late?"
"Master Wen, the Young Master has arrived. I just led him to your office."
"And Madam?"
Xin Xuanlai's eyes held a smile. "Madam is also waiting for you in the office."
Wen Zhiyan glanced at him and took the documents, immersing himself in his work.
Half an hour later.
"Xin Xuanlai, your salary will be docked for three days."
Xin Xuanlai's smile froze. *Wuwuwu, I'm sorry. If I had known my mischievous thoughts would lead to a penalty, I should have just honestly said Madam was also here.*
His little money was gone.
"Master Wen, I've already ordered food from Ju Xiang Pavilion."
Wen Zhiyan looked up at Xin Xuanlai.
Xin Xuanlai gave an awkward smile, then deflated. "Master Wen, I was wrong. I shouldn't have put Madam last, I shouldn't have spoken carelessly, and I especially shouldn't have teased you."
"Push me to the office."
"Sure thing, Master Wen." Xin Xuanlai's spirits instantly revived. After pushing Wen Zhiyan into the office, he went downstairs to get the takeout.
"Assistant Xin, what's this?" Fang Miaomiao asked, slightly taken aback by Xin Xuanlai's hurried departure.
"It's nothing. I made a mistake and I'm trying to make amends."
"You, they docked your pay?"
"How did Miaomiao know?"
"It's quite normal."
What else could make a worker dedicated to their job until death, other than their salary?
"How was the interview?"
"Well, there were ups and downs, about fifty-fifty."
"Hmm?"
"The director affirmed my performance and told me to keep up the effort and not relax." Fang Miaomiao leaned back on the sofa bonelessly. "However, given the current situation, I'll most likely be acting opposite Fang Yanhuan."
"Fang Yanhuan?"
"Yes, from the looks of it, the producer and the company behind him specifically requested Fang Yanhuan."
Fang Miaomiao guessed that the company behind the producer actually intended for Fang Yanhuan to play the female lead, Wen Wenlan the male lead, and Fei Qingqing the villainous second female lead. She didn't expect Chen Tianming to shove her in at the last minute just to keep her on the reality show.
Chen Tianming would eventually have to compromise and let Fang Yanhuan play the female lead. After all, no matter how famous he was, he stood no chance against the capital in the entertainment industry.
"Do you have to act in this drama?"
"Of course. Director Chen Tianming has gambled his reputation and fame on me. How can I back out just because I don't like Fang Yanhuan? Besides, that villain role does look very compelling. I quite like it." Fang Miaomiao thought of something and held up a finger. "Also, do you know how much they're paying me?"
Seeing her eyes sparkle, Wen Zhiyan instinctively asked, "How much is the remuneration?"
"A full million, and that's after tax!" Fang Miaomiao said excitedly.
She was considered a newcomer in this world. A million before tax for a newcomer was something she had never even dared to dream of.
Looking at Fang Miaomiao's joyful gaze, Wen Zhiyan swallowed the words, "That's just your monthly allowance."
"If Miaomiao likes it, that's good."
Fang Miaomiao said generously, "When I earn money, I'll treat you and An'an to a trip!"
In this life, she didn't want to work so hard. She had decided that after finishing the drama directed by Chen Tianming, she would travel and sightsee for a month.
"You're not taking me?"
Fang Miaomiao realized she had spoken her mind out of pure joy.
"Ah, of course I'll take you." She spread her hands, a hint of schadenfreude in her eyes. "But you and An'an, one is studying, and the other is working. You two can't go."
Wen Zhiyan opened his mouth to retort but saw Wen Yan'an standing at the doorway of the adjoining lounge.
"Mom, where are you going?"
Fang Miaomiao's body stiffened, then she quickly regained her composure. "I'm going to act. Oh, An'an, when did you wake up?"
Wen Yan'an ran into Fang Miaomiao's arms and softly called out, "Mom."
"Good boy, An'an, you're awake?"
"Mhm."
Xin Xuanlai also returned with the takeout.
The two adults and the child ate slowly in the office. Xin Xuanlai, alone and miserable, outside was agonizing over what Wen Ye's glance meant. Was he happy, not docking his pay, or did he think he had meddled too much by telling Madam that Master Wen had ordered food from Ju Xiang Pavilion specifically because she was coming?
"Ah."
Xin Xuanlai lamented as he stuffed food into his mouth. "Indeed, being an assistant isn't something anyone can do. I hope Master Wen, considering my loyalty, will deduct less of my pay."
"What are you muttering about, Assistant Xin?"
Xin Xuanlai froze. He turned around to see Miss Xie, holding a thermos, smiling at him.
"Miss Xie?" Xin Xuanlai put down his takeout box. "What brings you here?"
Xie Wanqing raised the thermos. "I'm looking for Zhiyan."