Song's home was located in a strictly managed luxury residential area.
Using the address Zheng had found for her, Zoe asked someone to investigate further. The response was clear: the security was tight. Without a direct invitation from the homeowner, it was impossible even to pass the front gate.
It made sense. Someone like Song wouldn't live somewhere that just anyone could access.
With no way to proceed, Zoe had no choice but to let it go. She had done all she could. If Song still refused to forgive her, there was nothing more she could do. Yet, the guilt lingered, gnawing at her.
Setting her phone down, Zoe looked up and saw Xiaoju.
Xiaoju was the new assistant the company had assigned to her. Today was her first day.
Zoe was surprised. After openly defying He, she had assumed the company would cut off all support.
Noticing Zoe's gaze, Xiaoju quickly stood and asked, "Sister Zoe, is there anything I can do for you?"
Her youthful energy was evident. At just 18 years old, fresh out of a small town, Xiaoju had only completed a month of training before being sent here.
Her nervousness was written all over her face, which made Zoe smile. She softened her tone. "Can you grab me an iced latte?"
Xiaoju nodded, her cheeks flushing red. "Of course!" She hurried out.
At the door, she nearly bumped into Lan, who was entering.
Lan frowned at her, displeased. "Watch where you're going."
Xiaoju quickly apologized, stepping aside to let Lan pass before darting out.
Lan walked in, her tone all business. "Two brands have reached out about collaborations. They're looking to hire you as their ambassador."
Ambassador? Zoe thought skeptically. It couldn't be for anything high-profile.
She was realistic about her current standing. Well-known brands might approach her for temporary promotions or "brand friend" roles because of her rising popularity, but a true ambassador deal? Not likely.
"Which brands?"
"YiGuang Beauty Devices and XiaoZui Snacks," Lan replied.
Zoe frowned. She hadn't heard of either.
"These aren't sketchy, unlicensed products, are they?" she asked.
Lan shook her head. "Both are legitimate, though they're relatively unknown."
"What's the endorsement fee?"
"YiGuang is offering 3 million for a one-year contract. XiaoZui Snacks is 1 million for six months."
"Why the huge difference?"
"The beauty industry is a high-profit sector," Lan explained. "They're banking on your looks. They believe your image will convey trustworthiness for their brand."
Zoe was well aware of her striking appearance—not just her symmetrical features but her pale, porcelain skin that made her stand out in any crowd.
But she had concerns. "I've seen news about beauty devices causing problems. There are often consumer complaints and lawsuits. Is YiGuang's product actually reliable?"
"They're a fully certified, legitimate brand," Lan assured her.
Zoe paused before saying, "Let's hold off on YiGuang for now. XiaoZui Snacks can move forward."
Lan's expression tightened. "The company's business department wants you to accept both."
Zoe turned to look at her reflection in the mirror. Her gaze flicked to Lan standing behind her, and her tone turned cold. "I said, hold off."
She stood, her face composed but firm. "And let me be clear. If the company makes decisions on my behalf without consulting me again, I won't recognize those commitments. Any fallout will be their problem to deal with, not mine."