Chapter 381: When Something Happens, the Secretary Does It

Dry wood meets a raging fire. What happens next?

Tonight, for Zheng Qian and Deng Yuqing, it was destined to be a sleepless night.

Early the next morning, looking at the beauty sleeping in his arms, Zheng Qian sighed slightly.

It's over, he had ended up sleeping with her after all.

Her Favorability had even reached an astonishing 99 points.

He lit a post-coital cigarette and fell into deep thought.

Zheng Qian carefully climbed out of bed. Looking at the constantly buzzing WeChat messages, he was actually quite conflicted. Xia Xixi must have something very important, but if he just left like this, wouldn't it be too heartless?

Sometimes, having too many women really is quite a headache.

"If you have something to do, just go ahead," Deng Yuqing said gently, opening her eyes slightly. "I heard your phone vibrating just now. I... thank you for staying with me yesterday."

Zheng Qian stroked her hair with a wry smile. "I'm really sorry. There's an urgent matter at the company, and I really have to go back."

"Let me see you out," Deng Yuqing said as she tried to get up.

But before she had taken two steps, she let out a cry of surprise and nearly collapsed to the floor.

Fortunately, Zheng Qian was quick-witted and agile; he reached out and caught her in his arms.

"I'm sorry... my legs... I really can't walk..."

Deng Yuqing's cheeks were so flushed they seemed ready to drip water. Not daring to look at Zheng Qian, she hurriedly pushed him away. "Oh... alright, I'll be fine after a rest. You should hurry and go!"

"Then I'll be off. If you feel uncomfortable at all, give me a call."

Zheng Qian quickly put on his clothes and left.

If he didn't leave now, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to control himself and would tackle Deng Yuqing again.

"What's the matter?" Sitting in the car, Zheng Qian dialed Xia Xixi's number first.

"Didn't you say during the meeting that Yin Yanyan was gaining popularity too slowly, so we needed to build hype for the movie first by releasing the promotional song? But there's a problem with the producer; he doesn't seem willing to cooperate."

"I don't think we necessarily need him. I've found a few alternatives that I need you to look over," Xia Xixi said concisely.

Zheng Qian frowned slightly. "Forget the alternatives for a second. What's that guy's background?"

"He's one of the best gold-medal producers across the region. He's very high-profile and doesn't have to give face to Manager Nie Kai."

That impressive?

"Wait a second, let me ask Manager Nie Kai."

After a brief conversation, he finally understood what was going on. Ultimately, it was a matter of money.

It turned out he had already accepted an invitation from a certain singer, who happened to be in Subei, to produce a single for them. He had originally agreed to work with Manager Nie Kai, but the other party didn't seem willing to let him go. So, he had no choice but to turn down Manager Nie Kai for now.

But who knew how long they would have to wait? Furthermore, the promotional cycle for a film project was very specific; if it was too late, they would lose the heat of the discussion.

Huo Muyan had arrived in Subei a few days ago.

She had been integrating very well with the film crew recently. With the addition of this world-class costume designer team, the director was more confident, and many people had high hopes.

If a gold-medal producer were to join as well, it would surely bring even better box office appeal.

After returning to the company, Zheng Qian pulled Xia Xixi, Zhong Xiaoyao, Qin Xueli, Song Yaxian, and the others into a small meeting. He didn't know much about the entertainment industry and certainly didn't know as much gossip as they did.

"The producer's name is Mu En. Have you heard of him?"

Zheng Qian didn't actually think they absolutely had to have him, but the film crew was pushing hard, and Manager Nie Kai felt that this period was the best time for early promotion. If they missed it, it would be a great pity. He thought he'd chat with these girls, hoping to get some inspiration.

"Mu En? Big Brother Mu? Of course I know him!" Zhong Xiaoyao's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "He has been a producer for many singers. He was the music director for our biggest hit show, 'The Voice of Kyushu'!"

Qin Xueli rolled her eyes and couldn't help but play devil's advocate: "What's so great about being the music director for 'The Voice of Kyushu'? His songs are too old-fashioned. It seems you don't have much taste."

"What do you mean!? How dare you question my taste?"

"I am questioning you, so what!"

"I think you don't want your performance bonus anymore..."

"Oh, you dare to say that in front of President Zheng? President Zheng, wuwuwu... she just keeps bullying me..."

Zheng Qian held his head helplessly. He suddenly felt that calling them all over was a mistake.

Song Yaxian was calmer. Just as Zheng Qian was about to ask her for her opinion, he suddenly felt something was off.

He looked down and was shocked to find a black-stockinged heel rubbing against his calf under the table.

It turned out that Song Yaxian had no interest in discussing anything with them. Having just returned from a business trip, she had missed Zheng Qian terribly and couldn't help but want to tease him.

Seeing his embarrassed expression, the corners of Song Yaxian's mouth curled up slightly. She found that President Zheng was becoming more and more amusing.

"Stop arguing, let me speak," Xia Xixi said, frowning slightly. She pushed a stack of documents in front of Zheng Qian. "In terms of influence, Mu En is indeed the number one person across the region right now. He is highly skilled and excels at everything from arrangement to positioning."

"He has produced quite a few hit songs and is beloved by everyone."

"A producer is absolutely vital, and he is also a person who generates a lot of buzz."

"If Yin Yanyan wants to become a huge hit again, she can't do it without public buzz..."

"As for the others..."

Watching Xia Xixi's methodical analysis, Zheng Qian couldn't help but sigh. She was truly useful! When there's work, the secretary does it; when there's no work... *cough cough!*

Although Zhong Xiaoyao often bickered with Qin Xueli, she was quite capable when it came to serious business. Or perhaps wanting to impress Zheng Qian, they all expressed their own opinions.

In the end, Zheng Qian made the final decision: they would go with Mu En, and money was no object.

But when he called Manager Nie Kai, the latter stammered, seemingly hesitant to speak.

"What's going on? Spit it out!" Zheng Qian said, dissatisfied.

"Well... I asked around just now to see who Mu En is working with. Um... that female singer seems to be kept by a small tycoon in Subei who threw a lot of money at her. Young Master Zheng, your budget is..."

"A small tycoon family in Subei? Who?"

"It seems their surname is Sun. What was the name... Oh, I remember now, it's Sun Zhifeng!"

So it was this guy! Zheng Qian sneered inwardly. *Good kid, I hadn't even started dealing with you yet, and you've gone and run straight into my muzzle. Very good, excellent. This time, I will completely crush your Sun Family.*

"Manager Nie Kai, listen to me carefully. I'm giving you a direct order: no matter how much it costs, I can afford it. You have only one task, and that is to bring Mu En over to our side before tonight."

"Don't worry about that guy surnamed Sun, because their Sun Family is about to be finished."