After the little fellow finished drinking milk, he lied in his dad’s arms, comfortably yawned, and smacked his lips.

  Seeing Zhouzhou’s bleary look that meant he was sleepy again, Lu Beichuan coaxed him to sleep.

  Under his dad’s rocking, Zhouzhou fell asleep in his dad’s arms.

  Lu Beichuan looked at his son’s cute appearance. His nose was filled with the scent of milk. He couldn’t resist lowering his head and gently kissing his son’s chubby cheek.

  After that, he placed Zhouzhou down on the bed in the resting room and informed his assistant to send the PR Director to his office. Ye Zhen wanted to go to the side room to rest too, but Lu Beichuan stopped her and had her sit on the sofa to listen.

  The PR Director had waited outside for over half an hour. Fortunately, this extra time had given him time to collect a lot of information.

  The results of his search for information had scared him into a cold sweat.

  Major publications wouldn’t dare to publish nonsense about Lu Beichuan and Shen Weiyin. However, small tabloids had covertly published hearsay as well as plots that were fabricated out of thin air. Discussions about this had spread like wildfire on forums.

  It was obvious that people had planned this. Because they knew it was fake, they didn’t dare to openly publicize it. Instead, they secretly disseminated information through small channels.

  The spreading of these rumors on small channels was equally fatal.

  The PR Department Director felt that it was going to be the end of the line for him once he entered Lu Beichuan’s office.

  He walked into Lu Beichuan’s office with a heavy heart. He glanced sideways and saw a woman sitting on the sofa. She was lazily leaning back, and her fair-skinned swan-like neck caught his imagination.

  “Director Zhou!”


  Director Zhou returned to his senses and met Lu Beichuan’s unhappy gaze. He immediately realized who this woman was.

  Before entering the office, he had heard the assistant talking about Mrs. Lu. News that Mrs. Lu had come here to bring CEO Lu lunch had spread throughout the company. Presumably, the woman sitting on the couch was Mrs. Lu.

  Lu Beichuan looked unhappy as he looked through information that Director Zhou had submitted. His expression looked increasingly grave.

  “What has the PR Department been doing lately?”


  Director Zhou felt a chill through his heart as he thought of the funding for the activities that the PR Department had organized including traveling abroad in the second half of the year.

  “I’m sorry. CEO Lu. We were negligent in this matter. I’ll definitely……”


  Lu Beichuan tossed the documents down on the table. The thud of the papers shut Director Zhou’s mouth.

  “Director Zhou, if you’re not competent enough to be a director, you can raise that issue with me. I’m sure there will be other people in the department that will be up to the task!”


  Director Zhou understood that this was his responsibility.

  “Listen. First, I don’t want to see any gossip about me on any website. Second……”


  “Can you lower your voice? Zhouzhou is sleeping.” Ye Zhen turned her head and reminded Lu Beichuan.

  Lu Beichuan was used to giving orders. He had temporarily been too shocked by the sheer quantity of the gossip as well as the content that Director Zhou had reported. Overflowing with fury, he hadn’t restrained his emotions or voice. Now that Ye Zhen had reminded him, he lowered his voice.

  “Second, immediately cancel the cooperation between Shen Weiyin and the company.”


  Director Zhou was astonished. “Cancel?”


  “Do you need me to repeat something twice?”


  Director Zhou smiled. “No no no. The contract between the company and Miss Shen will expire at the end of the month. Miss Shen had made an appointment to discuss renewing the contract at 2PM. She said……” He glanced at Ye Zhen. “She said she would come here herself and wants to discuss it directly with you.”


  Chapter 190 – But in the past two years, it had become increasingly difficult for her to understand some of Shen Weiyin’s behavior (1)

  Director Zhou felt as if his luck couldn’t get any worse today. Damn it!

  The PR Department’s environment has always been tranquil. As the director of the PR Department, his job had been leisurely. Before he had been called to the CEO’s office, he had been looking forward to the organized activities as well as the company retreat that would take place in the second half of the year. However, based on what he saw of the current situation, his following days wouldn’t be good. If he didn’t fix things, there was no chance of him enjoying those activities.

  The PR Department only dealt with negative news that might be harmful to Lu Corporation, so Director Zhou hadn’t taken that small-scale hearsay evidence seriously. He boasted that a large corporation didn’t need to fuss with gutter trash. How could Director Zhou have anticipated that this position, which he had worked so hard to get, would be at risk because of those insignificant tabloids.

  It’s true that a single small act wouldn’t have any major effect by itself. However, that single event had rippled effects. It was like how a small leak could sink a great ship if nothing was done about it. Director Zhou didn’t consider the damage done to Lu Beichuan’s public image over time.

  Director Zhou was an industry insider. He could see through the sequence of movements done by online marketing. All of the gossip was connected to Shen Weiyin. She was definitely involved in those rumors somehow. She might have even been the one that started them.

  There were a few people in the entertainment industry that looked innocent, but none of them were simple.

  However, everyone knew that Shen Weiyin was a member of the Shen’s. No one would dare to go against a member of the Shen’s. It would only bring bad luck down on their heads.

  What’s more, Shen Weiyin was now a popular actress. So to put it bluntly, Lu Corporation was the one that was profiting from having Shen Weiyin endorsing a perfume brand by one of their affiliates.

  Thus, Director Zhou never thought there was anything wrong with continuing the endorsement deal.

  But now, it seemed that CEO Lu was going to disregard the long-time friendship between the Lu’s and the Shen’s and cancel the contract with Shen Weiyin?

  Director Zhou was deeply annoyed with himself for not putting an end to the gossip earlier. Coveting small gains had caused today’s situation.

  “CEO Lu, I think you should reconsider this matter?”


  “Reconsider?”


  Director Zhou summoned up the courage to say, “From my professional point of view, with Miss Shen’s current reputation and status, it’s beneficial for us if she continues to endorse our product. We’ve also added up the sales of the product in recent years. During the years that Miss Shen has been endorsing the product, the sales and reputation of the affilite’s company’s perfume brand has been greatly improved. The most optimal option is for Miss Shen to continue endorsing this product. We can’t find someone that’s a better candidate than Miss Shen.”


  Lu Beichuan only coldly looked at his “capable subordinate” Director Zhou. He didn’t say anything.

  Director Zhou wasn’t good at guessing other people’s opinions based on their expressions. Seeing that Lu Beichuan didn’t say anything, he misunderstood and thought that his boss agreed with his point.

  Immensely pleased with himself, Director Zhou continued, “CEO Lu, how about you go chat with Miss Shen when she comes to the company at 2PM?” He pushed up his glasses. “If the contract is canceled, the product will suffer in sales and reputation, so there’s no benefit in doing that. I hope that you can carefully consider this matter.”


  “Are you telling me that you can’t find a single person in the entertainment industry to replace Shen Weiyin in endorsing this product?”


  Director Zhou nodded. “We’ll be releasing new products soon, and it’ll take time to find a new spokesman and negotiate and sign a contract with that person. It really would be difficult to replace Miss Shen.”


  Lu Beichuan put down the pen and threateningly looked at Director Zhou with narrowed eyes. As someone that did his work swiftly, he naturally didn’t like subordinates that were sloppy and sluggish with their work.

  Chapter 191 – But in the past two years, it had become increasingly difficult for her to understand some of Shen Weiyin’s behavior (2)

  “Shen Weiyin’s endorsement contract ends next month. Are you saying that you can’t find someone to replace Shen Weiyin as the spokesperson when I’m giving you over a month of time?”


  Director Zhou finally understood the actual meaning of his boss’s words. He felt a cold chill from his earlier brainless words.

  There was nothing that couldn’t be done in the workplace. If you couldn’t do it, there would naturally be someone available that could do it. If someone could do something that you couldn’t, then you could only hand over your position.

  Lu Beichuan’s meaning was very clear. If he dared to say that he couldn’t find a replacement, then after he stepped out of this office, he would no longer be the PR Director.

  Original translation is from fuyuneko dot org. If you’re reading this elsewhere, this chapter has been stolen. Please stop supporting theft.

  In a cold sweat, Director Zhou deliberated his words as he slowly said, “This…… I’ll do my best to get this done.”


  Ye Zhen, who was sitting on the couch and listening to their conversation, found Director Zhou’s response laughable.

  His boss had already issued his order, and yet Director Zhou, a little director, dared to comment and pass judgment. If he wasn’t stupid, then he had to be greedy. For him to become a director, he couldn’t be stupid. Thus, it could only mean he was greedy.

  She lazily said, “CEO Lu, since your PR Director can’t get this done within a month, don’t give him a hard time. I’ll take care of it.”


  Lu Beichuan doubtfully looked at her. “You?”


  Ye Zhen raised an eyebrow and asked, “You don’t believe me?”


  Ye Zhen looked as if she was full of confidence and pledging in all seriousness. Lu Beichuan chuckled. “I believe you.”


  The sweat on Director Zhou’s back increased. He deeply felt that his position as the director wasn’t secure. He unsteadily said, “Then…… Miss Shen wanted to talk to you at 2 PM today. How do you……”


  Lu Beichuan rebuked, “You need me to personally meet with a spokesperson that’s getting replaced? What do I pay the PR Department for?”


  Director Zhou repeatedly nodded. “Okay, I’ll definitely take care of this.”


  After Director Zhou left, the office was peaceful again. Lu Beichuan looked at Ye Zhen, who was idly looking at a magazine and drinking. He doubtfully asked, “Have you already chosen who you want to be the new spokesperson?”


  Ye Zhen nodded. “Of course.”


  “Tell me, who is it?”


  Ye Zhen faintly smiled. She mysteriously said, “I have to keep this a secret, but you don’t have to worry about it. This person’s popularity isn’t any lower than Shen Weiyin’s and I can definitely negotiate a contract with that person within a month.”


  “When you say it like that, I’m even more curious.”


  “Let’s put down this curious matter for now. Miss Shen is coming here to discuss renewing the contract with you at 2PM. I heard that the Shen’s and Lu’s are family friends. Is it okay if you don’t go to see her?”


  Lu Beichuan didn’t think there was anything wrong with this. Looking at his little wife, who was racking her brains to say more about this issue, he chuckled.

  “The friendship between the Lu’s and the Shen’s is something in my grandfather’s generation. Later on, there were less interactions, and the relationship between the two families naturally grew more distant. Shen Weiyin and I saw each relatively often before I was seven. But after that, we saw each other less. We were in the same grade in high school, but in different classes. We went to the same college, but we had different majors. We rarely saw each other. The rumors online are pure fabrication. You don’t have to believe in them.”


  “So you’re saying that you’re not close with Shen Weiyin?”


  “Not close.” Lu Beichuan looked at her with a burning gaze and a faint smile. “Does this bother you a lot?”‘


  Ye Zhen dryly laughed to hide her guilty conscience. “We’re husband and wife. Any issue that would be harmful to a harmonious marital relationship has to be resolved. Besides…… I was just casually asking.”


  “Casually asking?” Lu Beichuan stared at the side of Ye Zhe’s face. Under his staring, Ye Zhen blushed. She felt extremely guilty.

  Ye Zhen coughed and changed the topic. “Don’t you think there’s an issue with certain people that have high-level positions in your company? For example, that Director Zhou.”


  Chapter 192 – But in the past two years, it had become increasingly difficult for her to understand some of Shen Weiyin’s behavior (3)

  At the mention of Director Zhou, Lu Beichuan’s expression turned cold. There were 33 floors to this company building, and there were many departments, services, and employees. He couldn’t keep an eye on everything.

  Director Zhou had obviously overstepped professionally.

  “I’ll take care of this issue.” He looked at Ye Zhen’s eager expression. For lack of a better option, he smiled and asked, “Don’t tell me you have a candidate for the PR Director position too?”


  Ye Zhen came to a mental halt. She stood up from the couch and walked to his desk. “Our hearts really are linked as one, really worthy of a couple that sleeps in the same bed. You can even guess what I’m thinking.”


  “Who?”


  “Her name is Qin Zhiyin. She’s a PR manager for Yidu Media. She’s been toiling in obscurity.” Ye Zhen expectantly looked at him with a pair of bright and moving eyes. “You’ll have her undying gratitude if you give her a chance.”


  “Yidu Media? What kind of company is it?”


  Ye Zhen thought it over and couldn’t remember that company’s situation, so she blurted out something she made up. “It seems to be a company that’s going to fail soon.”


  “Seems to be?” His tone was full of doubt.

  “I know you’re not confident about my suggestion. How about this? You poach her to your company and have her start as a manager. If you don’t think she has the ability to be a director, then just leave her as is. What do you think?”


  Lu Beichuan didn’t want to disappoint Ye Zhen too badly. It was just poaching an employee. It was no big deal.

  “Okay, I’ll do as you asked. I’ll have someone contact her.”


  Ye Zhen nodded in satisfaction, but she inwardly sighed.

  She felt apologetic towards Lin Zhan. She had already poached someone that would become Lin Zhan’s capable subordinate, and now, she was taking someone that would become his PR director in the future. Little by little, all of the people that would have become part of Lin Zhan’s fledgling business empire were getting taken to Lu Beichuan’s side.

  However, Lin Zhan had already parted ways with Ye Qing and was running counter to the novel’s plot. Whether or not she poached those people…… it should be fine, right?

  “Alright, I’ll resolve the gossiping issue as soon as possible. Go take a rest in the resting room. When I’m done with my work, I’ll send you home.”


  “You’ll be done with your stuff, but I’m not done yet. Don’t be in such a hurry!”


  Lu Beichuan furrowed his brow. “What do you need to do?”


  Ye Zhen faintly smiled. “You’ll know later.”


  ***

  At 2PM, Shen Weiyin, who was accompanied by her agent and assistant, came to Lu Corporation’s office. In a low-key manner, she went directly from the underground parking lot to the PR Department on the 18th floor.

  After informing the receptionist at the front desk that she had an appointment, she was led to the conference room.

  As soon as the door to the conference was closed, Shen Weiyin took off her sunglasses and put it away on the side.

  “Weiyin, what exactly are you thinking?” Shen Weiyin’s agent was an experienced agent and had been in the entertainment industry for some years. She had completely internalized the entertainment industry’s rules. She truly couldn’t understand. Shen Weiyin’s current popularity was enough for her to endorse international top-of-the-line perfume bands. Why did she want to continue endorsing a perfume brand by one of Lu Corporation’s subsidiaries? This didn’t benefit Shen Weiyin’s reputation at all.

  Shen Weiyin smiled. “Older Sister Xi, the Shen’s and the Lu’s are old friends. In the face of that, what’s a so-called well-known brand?”


  “Alright, sure.” Xi Wenjun’s tone was careless. She didn’t care about that part at all. “But you can leave negotiating the contract renewal to me. Why did you come?”


  Shen Weiyin faintly smiled. “I have my own plans.”


  Xi Wenjun was very unhappy.

  Shen Weiyin had a strong background, high status, a beautiful appearance, and talent. She was well-behaved and knew her place. In the past years, Shen Weiyin’s acting career had skyrocketed. As her agent, Xi Wenjun didn’t have to worry at all about Shen Weiyin’s resources and awards. Xi Wenjun understood that she had found a treasure.

  But in the past two years, it had become increasingly difficult for her to understand some of Shen Weiyin’s behavior.

  For example, the things circulating on the Internet about her and Lu Beichuan. No matter what the past situation had been like, Lu Beichuan was now a married man. It wouldn’t be good for Shen Weiyin’s reputation if she continued to spread those rumors.