Chapter 0247

"President Wu, Chairman Lin just called and asked you to send him all the short dramas," the customer service assistant said as she walked into the office.

"Tell him to wait for the update like everyone else. Just because he's the boss doesn’t mean he gets special treatment."

"But..."

The assistant hesitated, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

"No buts. What, is Chairman Lin any different from other viewers? Remember, our company’s rule is fairness for all—no exceptions, not even for the heavens above."

Wu Zhishang frowned slightly, speaking sternly while his hands remained busy shuffling between documents and his computer, his focused expression making it seem like he was handling the most critical matters in the world.

The assistant nodded obediently, like a docile little lamb, and turned to leave.

Before stepping out, she muttered under her breath, "Alright then, I’ll let Chairman Lin know that the boss lady will have to wait for the update."

"Wait, wait, wait… Hold on. On second thought, maybe I should send it to him. After all, he is the boss, and we do rely on him for our paychecks. Right?" His words tumbled out rapidly, laced with a hint of panic.

The assistant paused, offering an awkward yet polite smile.

To mask his embarrassment, Wu Zhishang cleared his throat and continued explaining.

"Chairman Lin is the founder of our company. His opinions matter, and we owe our success to him. We can’t afford to slight him over something so trivial."

The assistant nodded vigorously in agreement, her head bobbing like a pecking chick.

"President Wu is absolutely right. And let’s not forget, the chairman’s wife is Luo Yao. The heavens might not come for you, but she definitely will."

Wu Zhishang chuckled awkwardly at that, his mind conjuring up an image of Luo Yao sending him straight to meet his ancestors with a single swipe.

He knew full well that crossing Luo Yao would mean his days were truly numbered.

"You’ve got a point… Fine, I’ll handle this myself."

Wu Zhishang wasn’t entirely confident in his staff’s efficiency—this matter couldn’t afford even the slightest mistake.

Just as he was about to package the remaining content for Lin Ran, someone from HR approached.

"President Wu, there’s an applicant outside for the executive assistant position. The resume looks impressive."

Wu Zhishang had been racking his brains over finding the right assistant. The previous hires had all fallen short—some couldn’t grasp his intentions, as if they were speaking entirely different languages, lacking the seamless synergy he shared with Lin Ran. Others had been more interested in preening than working.

His ideal assistant was someone like Liu Meng—capable, meticulous, and able to handle every trivial task with precision.

"Alright, send them in. I’ll conduct the interview myself."

Straightening his collar, Wu Zhishang sat up, ready to meet the new candidate.

When a young woman walked in, he froze momentarily, surprise flickering in his eyes.

"Zhang Xinyan?"

"That’s me."

Her voice was crisp and resolute. She lifted her chin slightly, her gaze carrying a hint of something unreadable.

Wu Zhishang frowned, suspicion and wariness flashing across his face.

Staring at the woman who’d once clashed with him at Luo Corporation, he felt a ripple of unease.

"What’s the matter? Couldn’t cut it at Luo Corporation, so you’re trying your luck here?"

His tone was dripping with sarcasm, but Zhang Xinyan responded with nothing but a polite smile.

She had a peculiar trait—wherever she fell, she’d rise again.

And her method of rising? Infiltrating the enemy’s ranks.

To her, Lin Ran was the enemy. So was Wu Zhishang.

If not for them, she might not have been fired from Luo Corporation.

Now, she intended to play with fire—to get close enough to steal the tiger’s cub.

This time, she would reclaim everything she’d lost.

"That’s right. Thanks to you and Chairman Lin, I was let go from Luo Corporation. So here I am, giving this a shot."

Her voice carried a trace of grievance, as if she were the wronged party.

"What kind of nonsense is that? If you can’t take a dump, you blame the toilet—" He cut himself off, realizing the analogy was a bit crude.

He rephrased. "If your legs are weak, don’t blame the road for being uneven. You got fired because of your own shortcomings, not because of us."

"Besides, I can’t afford to hire someone like you. Try your luck elsewhere."

Wu Zhishang refused without hesitation. He wasn’t impulsive, nor would he hold a grudge over past friction.

He knew Zhang Xinyan was competent—she could easily handle an assistant role at another company.

But he dared not hire her.

She’d been fired by his sister-in-law. Bringing her on board would be a direct challenge to Luo Yao.

By now, Wu Zhishang had a rough grasp of Luo Yao’s temperament: what she discarded, others weren’t allowed to pick up.

"Then give me a valid reason. Where do I fall short of your hiring criteria? If you can’t, then I can only assume you’re abusing your power for personal vendettas."

Zhang Xinyan arched a brow, her gaze sharpening as she pressed her case.

Wu Zhishang stiffened, irritation flaring.

"Because I’m the president of this company. I decide who stays and who goes. Do I owe you an explanation? Do you even—deserve one?"

Unfazed, Zhang Xinyan took a step forward.

"I don’t accept that. If you can’t provide a valid reason, I’ll expose you. I’m not afraid to make a scene—let’s see how you handle the fallout."

"Oh, you’ll expose me? Who the hell do you think you are? Fine, if you’re so desperate—I’ll give you a chance."

To avoid further conflict—and to make her back down—he decided to set an impossible task.

"You want to stay at Nuan Yao? Then here’s your test: complete it, and I’ll hire you. Even if Lin Ran beats me to death, I’ll keep my word."

A sly grin curled his lips.

"What’s the task?"

"Write a short drama script—50,000 words—in 24 hours."

Zhang Xinyan’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"I’m applying to be an assistant, not a writer or an editor. This has nothing to do with the job. You’re just setting me up to fail."

"I don’t care. My assistant has to be all-round capable. Can’t do it? Then get lost."