Shen Li fled in a rather disgraceful manner; she was never good at dealing with emotional matters. In her view, Fang Ze confessed his feelings, she rejected him, and that should have been the end of it. Why was he looking for her again? She had made herself very clear, how could she reject him any further?
Unsure of how to face Qiao Xin and Brother Zhang, Shen Li still chose to return to the villa. Even if she was going to resign, she had to settle her pay for the past few days; she couldn't just suffer through those days without getting paid. Besides, her luggage was still at the villa.
Bed at midnight, up at four in the morning, Shen Li fell asleep before she could worry. Catching a short nap, she opened her eyes and it was already three o'clock. She hurriedly got up and went to the living room. Just as she reached the entrance, she heard Brother Zhang say, "I've advised you so many times to keep your temper in check. Who the big boss fancies is their own business. Now that Shen Li is your assistant, you should treat her better. She's not even willing to marry into wealth; she must have her own thoughts. Build a good relationship now; you never know when it'll come in handy in the future."
"I'll listen to you, it's all up to you," Qiao Xin said.
Shen Li seized the opportunity to slip away.
Since Qiao Xin didn't cause any trouble, Shen Li didn't bring up resigning; after all, it was just a matter of ten or so days, she might as well get through it. Qiao Xin's attitude toward her didn't improve much— it just went from physical assaults to occasional sarcastic and ironic comments.
Shen Li would just smile it off after listening. She had grown accustomed to this kind of talk from Fang Hongxia. She did her assistant work diligently and completed her tasks seriously; there was no need to be in a lovey-dovey relationship with her temporary boss.
The New Year was approaching, and the filming crew finally took a holiday, resuming work on the seventh day. Shen Li's workload did not reduce; Qiao Xin started to attend various variety shows, and naturally, the assistants had to follow her to different venues.
Shen Li was somewhat worried that her colleagues at the company would gossip about her, but then another piece of sensational news spread through the company, and the whole chasing by a coal tycoon became a trivial matter.
"Did you hear? Our company is getting acquired."
"It's all over the grapevine. They say it's a big company offering a very favorable price, our boss is overjoyed," someone said.
"It's strange though, why would a large company be interested in a small one like ours?"
"You think it might be because the big boss fancies one of our artists and decided to buy the company straightaway?"
"With the few artists we have, haha..."
True and false rumors were flying everywhere. Shen Li, who had a temporary job, didn't care about the change in management; at best, it was just gossip to listen to. That was until she got a call from Suo Luo: "I can't come back, something came up at home."
"What happened?" Shen Li quickly asked.
Suo Luo seemed very hesitant, saying, "Suddenly, a large company came to invest in our family's company with a very, very favorable offer."
It was as if money was falling from the sky. With such an offer, it would be very profitable even to sell the entire company. But the other party wouldn't agree, saying they trusted Mr. Su's management and the management rights would still be given to the Su Family.
"Ah?" Shen Li was surprised and said, "The agency you introduced me to is also rumored to be acquired."
Suo Luo had mentioned that the agency company was run by relatives, and normally there must be some interactions. It just felt too coincidental that both companies were being acquired at the same time.
Preoccupied with his family business, Suo Luo simply said, "I know, the offer is very suitable. We're planning to sell it and will sign the contract in the next few days."
"I just find it too coincidental," Shen Li said, feeling as though something flashed in her mind but she couldn't grasp it. She added, "You go ahead with your business first; it's important."
"Yeah, we'll talk in more detail when I come back," said Suo Luo.
After hanging up the phone, Shen Li involuntarily sighed. Although she was somewhat worried for Suo Luo, she didn't know much about business matters. Moreover, Suo Luo's family company wasn't very large, with total assets not exceeding ten million, just like this agency company—they were considered small-time. It was a stroke of fortune for a big company to take interest in them.
Just by observing the reactions at the company, one could tell. Going from workshop employees to staff of a top 500 world company overnight, with salaries and benefits rising, there wasn't anyone who wouldn't be happy about it.
"Cancel all appointments for tomorrow. With the new boss coming, we have to make a good impression," Qiao Xin said, full of pride and satisfaction. She had been floating between the third and second tiers, and the change of management might be an opportunity for her.
Brother Zhang nodded in agreement, took out his notebook, and began checking the schedule.
Qiao Xin glanced at Shen Li and said, "You don't need to come tomorrow; I'll pay you for the day."
"That won't be necessary; I'm paid by the day," Shen Li retorted.
"Tch," Qiao Xin glared at Shen Li. She had been so desperate to climb up, and yet she was only a minor celebrity who couldn't earn much. Shen Li, on the other hand, could easily marry into a wealthy family; how could Qiao Xin not be jealous?
Brother Zhang looked up at Qiao Xin and signaled her to be quiet. He smiled at Shen Li and said, "The company is planning to start a training class after the New Year, and we're in the process of selecting students. Would you like to try? I can recommend you."
"Uh, no need," said Shen Li. She had initially been somewhat interested in the glamorous life of a celebrity, but remembering the performance of Qiao Xin and Brother Zhang in the hall the other day, she immediately felt that the circle was too chaotic for her.
Brother Zhang smiled and said, "Your physical appearance is very good; it's a bit of a waste not to become a celebrity."
Qiao Xin sneered and said, "Why bother? She's waiting to marry into wealth and become a young madam."
As they were talking, commotion from outside the break room reached the door.
Brother Zhang couldn't help but stand up to open the door, and he was met with a large bouquet of red roses. A handsome man in a suit was holding the flowers, while a group of female colleagues followed him, pointing and looking inside with faces full of envy.
Qiao Xin immediately felt proud, sitting elegantly on the couch. It was common for celebrities to receive gifts from fans, but with so many onlookers, she could not help but revel in the moment.
"Which one is Miss Shen Li?"