Shen Tong arrived at the company early in the morning, and as in the past few days, Chen Xiaoyong hadn't come in.
"Sigh, she didn't come in again today?" Shen Tong glanced at Chen Xiaoyong's schedule and felt it was understandable. "She hasn't had any announcements for so many days; it's normal for her not to come in! But staying here alone for so many days is really boring!"
At that moment, Shen Tong's phone rang. It was a call from Chen Xiaoyong.
Speak of the devil. Shen Tong answered the phone, "Hello! What's up, Miss Chen?"
Chen Xiaoyong's voice came through with a coquettish tone, "Dear Tongtong."
"Am I dreaming? She actually called me Tongtong, and 'Dear Tongtong' at that..." Shen Tong was bewildered by Chen Xiaoyong's tone.
Chen Xiaoyong continued in her coquettish tone, "You're not dreaming! I've always been this gentle."
Shen Tong had the urge to hang up immediately, but to ensure her survival, she decided to listen to what Chen Xiaoyong had to say, "Okay, Miss Chen, what do you need?"
"I just need a favor," Chen Xiaoyong finally got to the point.
"Oh!" Hearing this, Shen Tong's agitation subsided. "What is it? Just tell me."
"Can you help me get a role in the film that General Manager Xia is about to shoot?" Chen Xiaoyong's voice grew more sickeningly sweet.
Shen Tong quickly refused, "Miss Chen, it's already decided that Linda Murong will star in it. Even if I wanted to help, I couldn't."
Chen Xiaoyong hurriedly explained, "I'm not asking you to help me get the lead role. I mean, could you help me get a supporting role, like the second female lead?"
"But I can't help with that either! I'm just a small assistant; I don't have that kind of influence. Maybe you should ask your agent," Shen Tong tried to make her understand her limitations.
"I don't care. You have to help me with this! I want to be in this film, and if you don't help, I'll fire you!" Chen Xiaoyong's patience ran out, and she started threatening.
What Shen Tong feared most wasn't losing her job but being unable to stay by her sister Xiaoxi's side. Xiaoxi was pure-hearted, and Shen Tong felt safer with both of them progressing in the company together. Besides, she wanted to survive well in Fengxing Entertainment.
"Alright, I'll try to get you a role!" Shen Tong had no choice but to agree.
Instantly, Chen Xiaoyong's tone softened, "I'll be waiting for your good news."
After hanging up, Shen Tong wished she could call Chen Xiaoyong over and give her a good beating. But for now, it was useless to say anything; if she wanted to keep her job, she needed to secure a role for Chen Xiaoyong.
The whole day, Shen Tong was distracted. She couldn't understand what misdeeds in her past life had led her to work as Chen Xiaoyong's assistant in this one.
What to do? As a mere assistant to a third-rate star, how could she have the qualifications to discuss arranging roles with Xia Zixuan? But if she didn't, she'd lose her job.
After much internal struggle, Shen Tong decided to approach Liang Xiaoyuan. After all, he was much easier to talk to than Xia Zixuan. She realized Liang Xiaoyuan was practically her savior: when she had no money, he appeared with money; when she had no job, he provided one; and now, when she was out of options, he was her solution!
"Liang Xiaoyuan, how about we go out for dinner after work? My treat," Shen Tong said over the phone.
Liang Xiaoyuan couldn't believe his ears, "Did I hear that right? Shen Tong is actually inviting me to dinner?"
"Take it or leave it!" Shen Tong knew Liang Xiaoyuan wouldn't refuse and threw out the challenge.
"Of course, I'll come! I need to seize this rare opportunity," Liang Xiaoyuan quickly agreed.
Shen Tong nodded, "Alright, see you after work."
After work, Shen Tong and Liang Xiaoyuan went to a rather upscale restaurant.
"This is really unusual, Shen Tong inviting me to dinner, and in such a fancy place. Just tell me what you need help with," Liang Xiaoyuan immediately guessed Shen Tong's intentions.
Shen Tong was surprised, "Liang Xiaoyuan, are you a mind reader? How do you always know what I'm thinking?"
"I'm no mind reader. At least I still don't know what you need help with," Liang Xiaoyuan said modestly.
Since Liang Xiaoyuan wasn't an outsider, Shen Tong got straight to the point, "It's like this… Chen Xiaoyong insists I help her get a role in the new film you're producing…"
"Does she think you're the general manager or the director? Expecting you to secure a role for her," Liang Xiaoyuan was speechless at Chen Xiaoyong's request.
Shen Tong was troubled, "She said if I don't help her, she'll fire me."
Liang Xiaoyuan was angry, "Let her fire you! If she does, I'll find you a star a million times better."
Shen Tong quickly said, "That won't work. If I get fired and then rely on you to find a better star, people will think it's because of my lack of ability and that I'm surviving in the company through connections."
Liang Xiaoyuan knew Shen Tong made sense and couldn't pursue further, "But this film is managed by Xia Zixuan. I don't have the authority."
"So, I still have to find Xia Zixuan myself?" Shen Tong felt apprehensive thinking about Xia Zixuan.
"Yes!" Liang Xiaoyuan nodded, "The best I can do is get you an opportunity to speak with Xia Zixuan."
With Liang Xiaoyuan's help, Shen Tong got a chance to meet Xia Zixuan.
"What do you need to discuss that required Director Liang to come to me?" Xia Zixuan asked directly.
His straightforwardness caught Shen Tong off guard, "I... I wanted to ask you for a favor."
"A favor?" Xia Zixuan questioned.
"Yes!" Shen Tong nodded, "I wanted to ask if you could give Chen Xiaoyong a role in the upcoming drama." She regretted her words as soon as she finished speaking.
Xia Zixuan sneered, "On what grounds are you making this request? As an assistant?"
Shen Tong nodded.
"Do you think I'll agree?" Xia Zixuan asked.
Shen Tong shook her head.
Xia Zixuan glanced at her bowed head and was about to leave.
"Wait!" Shen Tong called out, "I can do something for you in exchange."
"Do something for me?" Xia Zixuan repeated.
Shen Tong didn't speak, feeling ridiculous. What could someone like Xia Zixuan, who lacked nothing, possibly need from her?
"Alright then. If you can persuade Su Xiao to take the lead role, I'll grant your request," Xia Zixuan said coldly. Shen Tong didn't know her limits.
Hearing this, Shen Tong quickly looked up, but Xia Zixuan was already gone. Knowing he hated repeating himself, she didn't ask any more questions and resolved to complete this daunting task.