The chandelier in the bedroom was adorned with photos of her on each leaf. As soon as the lights were turned on, her smiling face filled the ceiling. This was a custom design made by Chu Yuxuan for her previously.
Reflecting on the past two years of marriage, Xia Zhu felt a wave of nausea. How had she not realized sooner... Chu Yuxuan was actually that kind of person?
"Knock, knock, knock..."
After a gentle knock on the door, Gao Ning entered holding a plate of fruit.
"Xia Zhu, if you don't feel like eating a meal... how about some fruit?" Gao Ning suggested.
Xia Zhu gave a faint smile and nodded, "Alright..."
Gao Ning sat on the edge of the bed, peeled a banana, and handed it to her. "Xia Zhu, my mother has already moved to my place. Why don't you pack up and move to my place this afternoon?"
Xia Zhu took a bite of the banana and looked somewhat apologetic. "Ning Ge, let's wait a bit longer... The public opinion here has only just calmed down. I don't want the company people to talk about me again."
Gao Ning had planned to bring up the topic of marriage, but seeing Xia Zhu's lack of enthusiasm, he decided to hold off.
At that moment, Xia Zhu's manager sent her a WeChat message: "Come to the company at 4 PM. The new boss is here and wants to see all the artists."
Xia Zhu frowned and quickly asked, "Is something going on? Who is the new boss?"
Her manager, who was her high school classmate and close friend rather than a professional company manager, replied soon: "I'm at a matchmaking event in my hometown and just got the notice too... Don't be late!"
Xia Zhu responded, "...Got it. Hope you meet someone nice!"
After sending the message, Xia Zhu felt uneasy. "They say a new official always makes three fires. Among all the artists in the company, only I have negative news recently... I wonder if these three fires will burn on me..."
Gao Ning glanced at Xia Zhu's WeChat chat for a moment, then took out his phone and called his father.
"Dad, I heard Qingya Media has a new boss. Do you know who it is?"
Gao Zhensheng seemed unaware as well. "Hmm? Really? After Zhao's incident, I haven't been in touch with the Zhao family much... Who would be bold enough to take over Qingya Media at this juncture?"
Gao Ning paused and said, "Dad, since you've recently invested in a variety show, why not use that as an excuse to visit Qingya Media and find out who the new boss is? If they're reliable, we might be able to collaborate with them."
Gao Zhensheng laughed, "You rascal, it's for Xia Zhu, isn't it? Haha... Go ahead, I'm quite curious who has such big ambitions."
After hanging up, Gao Ning squeezed Xia Zhu's hand and said gently, "My little princess, don't worry. I'm here. Let's get ready and head over early."
Xia Zhu smiled warmly, "Ning Ge, thank you for always supporting me."
At 2 PM, Zhao Yanan was reviewing a document in her office when Xiao Wei knocked on the door and said, "President Zhao, Xia Zhu is here, along with someone who claims to be Mr. Gao, and they want to see our company's boss to discuss some cooperation."
Zhao Yanan's expression turned a bit strange. How did Gao Ning manage to be everywhere, like a sticky plaster? And Xia Zhu—her intelligence was truly frustrating...
After thinking for a moment, she smiled and said, "Let them in."
As soon as Xia Zhu entered, she nodded gently, "President Zhao..."
Zhao Yanan responded with a brief acknowledgment, "The appointment was for 4 PM. Why are you here so early?"
"I..."
Xia Zhu barely got a word out before Gao Ning interrupted, "President Zhao, it's nice to see you again so soon. You remember the variety show project I mentioned last night, right?"
Zhao Yanan shot him a glance, her expression neutral, "I remember."
"I'm here today representing the Gao family to discuss cooperation with Qingya Media."
Gao Ning put on an arrogant air, as if he had completely forgotten the embarrassment he had faced in front of Zhao Yanan last night.
However, given that Qingya Media was now seen as being on its last legs, Gao Ning's arrogance was somewhat understandable as he was giving them an opportunity.
Zhao Yanan, maintaining her composure, gestured towards the sofa, "Please, have a seat."
But Gao Ning sneered, "No need, President Zhao. I heard your company has a new boss? Can you still make decisions?"
Zhao Yanan maintained a polite smile, "I am the Executive President of Qingya Media. I can make all the decisions."
"Not necessarily," Gao Ning said with a smirk. "You know better than I do the situation your company is in. I think it's better if your new boss comes to talk to me. Some matters aren't as simple as keeping a kept man, wouldn't you agree, President Zhao?"
Xia Zhu tugged at Gao Ning's sleeve, whispering, "Ning Ge, please don't speak to President Zhao like that..."
Gao Ning patted her hand and gave her a reassuring look, as if he had already decided the outcome.
Zhao Yanan remained calm, a faint, almost imperceptible smile on her lips, "Are you sure you need to see our new boss?"
"Definitely," Gao Ning replied, "and absolutely!"
Zhao Yanan sighed and said, "Alright, our boss is currently busy. I'll call him now and explain. Please wait outside."
She then called Xiao Wei, "Take Mr. Gao to the reception room."
She really couldn't understand—Xia Zhu might be foolish, but this so-called young master of the Gao family was just as clueless? Or was he overconfident, truly thinking his father was the emperor of Jiangcheng?
Compared to Chu Yuxuan, he seemed more like the foolish son of a local landlord.
Meanwhile, Chu Yuxuan, inspecting the company with a group of executives, suddenly sneezed and muttered, "Who's talking about me?"
Just then, Zhao Yanan called, "The young master of the Gao family has arrived at the company. He says there's a cooperation to discuss."
Chu Yuxuan was puzzled, "Gao Ning? Why don't you handle it yourself? I'm not interested in Qingya Media's business."
Zhao Yanan replied calmly, "He insists on meeting the new boss," and added with a hint of mockery, "His fiancée is also here."
Chu Yuxuan knew she was deliberately provoking him. He chuckled and said, "Let him wait. I'm not free right now."
After hanging up, the supervisor of the municipal construction department hurried over, "Mr. Chu, let's continue... This floor you're seeing now is the internet celebrity incubation base decided by Chairman Zhao a couple of months ago. Later, Chairman Zhao... cough, cough... and it's been stalled since then..."
"Internet celebrity incubation base..." Chu Yuxuan murmured, "Is it all set up?"
"It's been ready for a long time! As soon as you give the go-ahead, we can start tomorrow!"
Chu Yuxuan nodded, "Sounds promising! Have the documents brought to my office. I'm approving this project!"