He Qinglu arrived at the reception area, planning to meet Meiling after the meeting.
She was already there, slumped in one of the guest chairs, scrolling through her phone and yawning repeatedly. Her hair looked messier than the last time He Qinglu had seen her.
He approached and tapped her shoulder. Startled, she shot up. "Oh! You're back! How was the meeting?" she asked, stretching every limb with exaggerated energy.
He Qinglu blinked, momentarily speechless. Every move she made seemed to make her look even more worn out.
Under his breath, he muttered, "I can't believe I was once in your shoes".
She finally straightened up, eyes curious. "So… what's next? What are we doing?"
He Qinglu rolled his eyes. "Everything".
Without waiting for a response, he headed toward the exit, Meiling trailing behind.
Though it might seem odd, that your boss is responsible for your makeover, but as the saying goes, "The appearance of your people reflects on you as a leader". If Meiling—newly promoted to Mr. Shen's secretary—looked like a mess, everyone would assume the worst about Mr. Shen. They might think he was careless or abusive.
He Qinglu first took her to the mall, trying to brief her on her duties as Mr. Shen's assistant while scanning through clothing racks. Handing her a shopping basket, he asked, "What's your shoe size? Top? Skirt? Trouser?"
"Shoe size 39. Tops large. Skirts and trousers, extra large," Meiling replied, following him as he scanned the racks.
"Do you have any style preferences? Or are you okay with anything?"
"Oh no, I'm fine with anything and everything!" she grinned ear to ear. She looked genuinely happy—lost in her own world—until a shirt was suddenly launched at her, landing right on her face. Meiling blinked, stunned. She felt as tho she was just disrespected.
He Qinglu didn't even bother to look apologetic. "You weren't close enough, so I figured you'd prefer me to throw them".
She couldn't get mad at free clothes.
Finally, He Qinglu spoke, his tone serious. "Being Mr. Shen's assistant isn't easy, especially at work".
He glanced around before continuing, "Mr. Shen prefers eating breakfast by 9AM every morning—especially when his daughter is home. Why? Because she wakes up at that time. He's got a serious daughter-complex— meaning If Miss Ziyu ever asked him to sell the company, he'd do it. But the young mistress isn't like that".
"How are you so sure?" Meiling asked, puzzled.
"Because it's impossible otherwise. You'll come to understand these little things".
Their shopping continued, eventually moving to the lingerie section. He Qinglu stopped several steps short. When Meiling asked him his reasons, he explained, "Feels like an invasion of privacy".
Meiling finished quickly because of this, and they headed to the cashier.
Next, they went to a hair salon. Meiling looked confused as to why. When they told her it was a makeover, she didn't expect head to toe treatment. He Qingl noticed and began to brief her about Mr. Shen's speech patterns.
"Although some words and sentences sound the same," He Qinglu explained, "when Mr. Shen is the one speaking, their meanings change".
She gave him a blank look.
He Qinglu pressed on. "Like the difference between 'I love your perfume' and 'You smell nice.' Both compliments, both complimenting the perfume—but only one complimenting you".
"So when Mr. Shen says 'Get her set up' instead of 'Introduce her to the office,' both means…?"
"You got the job," He Qinglu said, "but 'YOU' came with a problem. Got it?"
Meiling's brain seemed to overheat, and she needed a moment to process.
After their salon visit, Meiling changed into fresh clothes—a new shirt and trousers—ready to start her new role as Mr. Shen's secretary.
She praised her promotion excitedly while He Qinglu was just quietly relieved that now he could finally take a proper leave from work.
*******
After lunch with Ziyu, Ziyu left the office as she is aware of his afternoon meeting with Mr. Su, CEO of Yunlan Broadcasting. He was already seated—sipping tea and reviewing documents laid out neatly by He Qinglu.
"Apologies for the delay," Mr. Shen greeted, stepping in with a calm, measured tone.
"Not at all. It's always a pleasure, Chairman Shen," Mr. Su replied, rising briefly before settling again.
The two exchanged formalities before settling into the rhythm of seasoned businessmen. Mr. Su looked like the opposite of Mr. Shen. although he looked serious and calculating, he is softer and kinder by nature.
Mr. Shen folded his hands over a leather file and began, "I'll get straight to the point. I believe we have an opportunity for a mutually beneficial collaboration".
Mr. Su raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"One that involves your upcoming talent show, and my daughter", Mr. Shen started strong.
"She has been preparing to launch a talent agency called LUXA. It's set to launch in two months. The vision is clear: actors, actresses, influencers, models—curated, trained, and promoted under a single brand. But to launch properly, we need visibility. And what better stage than the biggest broadcast talent show in the country today?"
Mr. Su tapped his fingers slowly against the armrest. "You want her to be a guest?"
"No, I want her to be a judge", Mr. Shen proposed flatly.
This caught Mr. Su off-guard, "A Judge?", He repeated letting out a scoff.
"Yes," Mr. Shen replied without hesitation. "A judge—and more. Feature her in promotions, allow her to handpick a few contestants, and give her access to recruit freely from the pool. In return, Shenlong Group will fund your next broadcast initiative, including stage production and marketing".
Mr. Su leaned back, thoughtful. "That's quite a package. But tell me, why her?"
Mr. Shen smiled, already anticipating the question. He slid over a document with several headlines and magazine covers featuring Yujing Capital—the successful fashion and lifestyle brand based in Washington.
"She co-founded the media division of Yujing Capital in the U.S., alongside her best friend, Yiran—who is the CEO Of the main branch, the fashion wing. Ziyu proposed the expansion into magazines and influencer branding and within eight months, it reached international distribution. She's not just a pretty face; she understands media reach".
"I see," Mr. Su said, glancing through the portfolio. "Impressive for someone her age. Still, broadcasting is… layered. There's planning, committees, internal reviews. There are also processes to these things".
"I am aware. She maybe new to the stage but not to the industry", Mr. Shen added with a conviction that that will convince Mr. Su.
"She needs to be prepared. There is a training that comes along side this Talent show. Is she really up for this?", Mr. Su still questioned.
"100%," Mr. Shen assured him. "She'll attend your staff meeting in two weeks and can meet the programming team sooner. If your committee needs to evaluate her presence, I suggest inviting her in for a formal pitch and contract signing next week".
Mr. Su nodded slowly, clearly impressed. "You've done your homework".
"I always do. After all, my daughter happens to be the subject" Mr. Shen said, voice low but proud.
There was a brief pause. Mr. Su tapped the armrest once more before finally saying:
"Alright. I'll draft the internal memo tonight. Our marketing head will be thrilled to get someone with an actual portfolio instead of another online influencer".
He extended his hand.
"We'll move forward".
Mr. Shen accepted the handshake firmly. "Investment documents will be on your desk by the end of the week. My legal team will coordinate with yours on the final terms".
Mr. Su smiled, watching the man in front of him curiously. "Why go through all this stress for 'one girl'?"
Mr. Shen's expression didn't change, but his eyes softened.
"She is not one girl, she is my daughter and for Ziyu, I can do anything".
Silence lingered in the room, but it wasn't awkward—just heavy with understanding.
"I guess you really haven't changed all these years", Mr. Su let out a sign before smiling.
"I hope to hear from you soon," Mr. Shen added, walking Mr. Su to the elevator, where He Qinglu stood ready to escort the guest downstairs.