Wu Zhishang's lips twitched.
"See? If I didn’t push you, how would you know you’re capable of this much? But your script doesn’t meet my standards, so you can’t work here."
"What’s wrong with it?" Zhang Xinyan suppressed her anger, thinking this Wu Zhishang was being utterly shameless.
"Quantity is there, but quality is lacking."
She hadn’t expected Wu Zhishang to brazenly backtrack like this.
"Did you ever mention quality? Your only requirement was quantity!"
Wu Zhishang knew deep down she was right.
What now? There was no way he could hire Zhang Xinyan.
"Listen, quantity without quality is just wasted effort. It’s like finding a husband—if you have too many but none are up to par, how could you possibly have a healthy baby?"
"Who would even look for that many husbands?""I meant—whatever, just leave. My standards for an assistant are too high for you."
Zhang Xinyan was seething inside, but she forced a smile.
"Says who? You haven’t even given me a chance. I worked hard to complete the task you assigned, and now you’re telling me you were just messing with me? No way—unless you have a valid reason."
Cornered, Wu Zhishang resorted to personal attacks.
"A valid reason? Fine. You’re dumb. You’re naive. How could I possibly hire you?"
"How dare you call me dumb?" Zhang Xinyan shot back, indignant.
"Your name is Zhang Xinyan—‘Xin’ means ‘heart,’ but you don’t even have ‘yan’ (cunning). Isn’t that proof enough?"
Zhang Xinyan froze. She never imagined Wu Zhishang would stoop to mocking her name. Unacceptable.
"I may lack cunning, but you lack intelligence."
Wu Zhishang countered, "My ‘Zhi’ stands for ambition, and ‘Shang’ means prosperity—my parents hoped I’d live a wealthy life. It’s just unfortunate my surname is Wu (nonexistent)."
"Oh really? Well, my ‘Yan’ means beauty, and ‘Xin’ means joy. My parents wanted me to be a happy girl. It’s just unfortunate my surname is Zhang (obstinate)."
Wu Zhishang was speechless.
Huh. You know what? That actually made sense.
"Do I have to spell it out? You’re someone my sister-in-law rejected. I don’t dare hire you—though, to be fair, you’re not bad."
Finally, Zhang Xinyan understood. This was the "valid" reason—and he’d even complimented her.
She grinned foolishly.
"Old Wu, I put you in charge, and this is how you spend your time? Flirting?"
Wu Zhishang looked up at the door and instantly stiffened. Zhang Xinyan lowered her head.
In unison, they greeted: "Hello, President Luo." / "Hello, sister-in-law."
Lin Ran: "??? So I’m just a prop?"
Luo Yao walked up to Zhang Xinyan and studied her calmly.
"Trying to take revenge where you failed? Not a bad idea."
Zhang Xinyan’s eyes widened in shock.
"President Luo, you really are my idol—nothing gets past you. Yes, I wanted to join Nuan Yao, tarnish its reputation, bankrupt the company, make Lin Ran hate me, and force you to notice me."
Wu Zhishang’s jaw dropped.
Seriously? This woman was this blunt?
Lin Ran: "What are you even talking about? We’ve met twice, and you already hold a grudge?"
Zhang Xinyan bowed to Lin Ran. "I’m sorry. I did hate you, but not anymore—I’ve found a new target."
Lin Ran: "So your hatred just… transferred?"
"Yes. Now I hate Wu Zhishang more."
Wu Zhishang: "???"
"We only met once before your interview, right?"
Zhang Xinyan glared. "So what? I’m sticking to you like glue. Whether you hire me or not, I’m not letting you go."
Lin Ran: "??? That tone, that phrasing… feels oddly familiar."
Suddenly, Luo Yao spoke.
"I won’t bully the weak. If Nuan Yao wants to hire you, I won’t stop them."
Wu Zhishang: "......"
So… was she telling me to reject her or accept her?
Inner monologue: If sister-in-law wanted me to reject Zhang Xinyan, she could’ve just given me the look. So… she’s allowing it.
I’m such a genius.
"Zhang Xinyan, congratulations. You’re hired."
Wu Zhishang extended his hand. Zhang Xinyan hesitated, then shook it.
"Th-thank you, President Wu."
Lin Ran gave Wu Zhishang a strange look. Classic Wu Zhishang—bold enough to hire Zhang Xinyan. You’re digging your own grave.
Even Luo Yao was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Wu Zhishang to have that much audacity.
Wasn’t her meaning obvious?
I won’t bully her, but you can.
But Luo Yao said nothing, instead leading Lin Ran on a tour of Nuan Yao Media.
Lin Ran walked beside Luo Yao, with Wu Zhishang trailing behind them—like Luo Yao was the real boss here.
"Brother Lin, how’d I do just now?"
"Not bad."
"What’s ‘not bad’?"
"The suburban cemetery is having a sale. You might want to check it out."
Wu Zhishang: "......"
Entering the office area, the staff were too busy to notice them—except for the receptionist, who was immediately silenced by Luo Yao with a gesture.
After a glance at the receptionist’s cleavage, Luo Yao snorted and straightened her posture.
Further inside, Luo Yao shot Lin Ran a cold look.
"The receptionist is quite pretty."
Both Lin Ran and Wu Zhishang looked up—but Wu Zhishang quickly lowered his gaze and distanced himself.
"Really? I didn’t notice. I only had eyes for you."
Luo Yao’s lips curled slightly.
"Fire her later."
Lin Ran: "Huh? …Okay."
If it made his wife happy, he’d defy the whole world.
"You exchanged two sentences with Zhang Xinyan earlier. If I hadn’t interrupted, there would’ve been a third."
Lin Ran broke into a cold sweat. "Thank goodness you did. If you hadn’t, I might’ve lost my temper. That Zhang Xinyan has crossed me twice in two meetings—she’s asking for a beating."
This answer… would do.
Luo Yao pointed at another girl. "A-Ran, what do you think of her…?"
"I think she’d be better suited for sales than sitting here as a clerk."
"Mm. Do as you see fit. Don’t compromise just because of me."
Lin Ran: Do you even hear yourself?
Suddenly, a clerk stretched her neck, turned—and froze.
"President Luo!"
The startled staff looked up and saw the legendary business heiress.
In unison, they greeted: "President Luo!"