My Childhood Friend, Who Is An Omega, Has Become My Personal Secretary - Chapter 13

Along the way, she kept thinking of Ji Zeyuan, and before she knew it, her mind began to wander with longing.

After Zhang Linen dropped Ji Zeyuan off at home, she received a message from Hua Jianjiu on her way back to her apartment.

“Linen, Shen Jiuyue has already discovered that you sent me to monitor her.”

Across that short line of text, Zhang Linen felt no ripple of emotion in her heart. She replied calmly: “It doesn’t matter. She can’t run away from there anyway; just keep an eye on her.”

Hua Jianjiu remained silent for about three minutes before replying to Zhang Linen with six dots.

Zhang Linen turned off her phone screen and focused on driving.

All along the way, she kept thinking of Ji Zeyuan, and before she knew it, her mind was drifting with distraction.

…

After more than twenty days of hard work, the first draft of the debut promotional video was finally edited.

The staff members who watched the finished cut all praised Director Zhang’s “divine touch.”

In reality, however, Ji Zeyuan could see that the reason the promotional film was so effective was largely due to Shen Jiuyue’s breathtakingly beautiful face.

Ji Zeyuan cast a sidelong glance at Shen Jiuyue. She saw her applauding and marvelling at Director Zhang’s superb editing skills just like the other staff members, showing no hint of the resentment or indignation one might expect when their contribution is overshadowed.

It was evident that Shen Jiuyue was someone who could keep her composure; Ji Zeyuan silently praised her in her heart.

“President Ji, what do you think?” Director Zhang looked at Ji Zeyuan with a face full of pride, his tone suggesting he was seeking credit.

Ji Zeyuan nodded, giving only a concluding remark regarding the final decision: “I think it’s acceptable.”

Director Zhang’s expression faltered. His mouth twitched, clearly dissatisfied with Ji Zeyuan’s perfunctory and flat evaluation.

Ji Zeyuan ignored Director Zhang’s foul mood and continued with concise instructions: “The promotional video can be uploaded to the official website at eight o’clock tonight.”

Having said that, she turned to look at Shen Jiuyue.

Shen Jiuyue’s eyes lit up, her palms sweating.

“Good job,” Ji Zeyuan said, the corners of her lips curving slightly.

Director Zhang’s face turned green, while Shen Jiuyue tried her best to suppress the corners of her mouth that desperately wanted to curl upward.

Coming out of the screening room, Ji Zeyuan originally intended to return directly to the company. However, as she passed the equipment room, a familiar figure caught the corner of her eye.

“Hua Jianjiu?” Ji Zeyuan spoke in astonishment. Hua Jianjiu, who was grunting while arm-wrestling with a younger girl from the same team, was momentarily distracted. In that split second, she was pinned down by the girl and lost the match.

Hua Jianjiu: “Damn it, Xiao Yuan, what are you doing? I was clearly about to win!”

Ji Zeyuan looked down at her coldly without speaking. Hua Jianjiu rubbed her hand, her stalling brain suddenly realizing: Ji Zeyuan had no idea she had been transferred to the film set by Zhang Linen.

Hua Jianjiu was instantly flustered. She looked at Ji Zeyuan guiltily and whispered: “Xiao Yuan… no, President Ji, when did you get here?”

Ji Zeyuan glanced at the winner of the arm-wrestling match. The girl, who had been high-spirited just a moment ago, immediately lost her nerve under Ji Zeyuan’s sinister gaze and slunk away.

Inside the cluttered equipment room, a dilapidated low table stood wobbling. Hua Jianjiu was huddled in front of it like a refugee seeking shelter—a truly ridiculous sight.

Hua Jianjiu endured Ji Zeyuan’s cold, scrutinizing gaze with anxiety, racking her brain for an excuse.

“When were you transferred here? Who transferred you?”

Ji Zeyuan’s voice held an undeniable authority, but Hua Jianjiu really didn’t dare to sell out Zhang Linen. The consequences of backstabbing Zhang Linen were much heavier than offending Ji Zeyuan.

“I just got transferred. I requested the transfer myself,” Hua Jianjiu answered, appearing sincere.

Ji Zeyuan sneered: “Who are you trying to fool? Why would you give up being the Brand Planning Manager just to come here and do odd jobs?”

Hua Jianjiu frowned, cold sweat pouring down. Just then, Shen Jiuyue’s figure flashed past the door. She had a sudden stroke of inspiration and blurted out a reason that never failed.

“I’m a fan of Shen Jiuyue. I came here for her.”

Ji Zeyuan’s tense expression relaxed slightly. She thought to herself: This scumbag woman was just kissing someone else at the company a few days ago; how is she suddenly transferring for the sake of being a fan today?

Ji Zeyuan raised her hand and gave Hua Jianjiu a heavy rap on the head, clicking her tongue: “Nonsense. If you leave, who will do your original job? Me?”

Then she muttered a few more words: “I was wondering why I haven’t seen you lately. So it was because of this.”

Hua Jianjiu cried inwardly: President Ji, are you saying the company runs just fine without me?

“Do you think the company pays you to chase stars? You muddled thing, get back to work immediately,” Ji Zeyuan said with mock anger.

On the surface, Hua Jianjiu nodded slowly with a look of misery, but inside she was throwing a party: Finally, I can go back.

Ji Zeyuan checked her watch. There were still two hours before her next scheduled appointment, and it was currently lunchtime.

Now that the final cut of the promotional video was out, the film set would likely be on break this afternoon.

“Have you eaten?” Ji Zeyuan asked Hua Jianjiu.

Hua Jianjiu flashed a bright smile: “Is President Ji going to treat me to lunch?”

Ji Zeyuan curled her lips into a smile: “Sure, the money will be deducted from your salary.”

Hua Jianjiu’s face instantly fell.

Ji Zeyuan poked Hua Jianjiu hard in the center of her forehead with her index finger and said, “Someone who neglects their duties doesn’t deserve to have me treat them to lunch.”

Hua Jianjiu hung her head dejectedly and pouted, “Then I’ll treat you. You wicked capitalist.”

Ji Zeyuan looked at Hua Jianjiu’s useless, cowardly state without a word, but finally said: “Forget it.”

“We haven’t had a private meal together since returning to the country. I’ll take you somewhere good.”

Hua Jianjiu’s drooping head instantly snapped upright.

As the two walked out of the film set, they came face-to-face with Shen Jiuyue’s production van.

When Ji Zeyuan emerged, Shen Jiuyue opened the car door and stepped out.

“President Ji,” Shen Jiuyue’s voice was somewhat tense and hurried.

Hua Jianjiu stared at her fixedly, sweat almost breaking out, fearing she might say something she shouldn’t.

Fortunately, Shen Jiuyue was merely asking for contact information.

“I won’t always bother you, President Ji,” Shen Jiuyue added as a guarantee.

Ji Zeyuan did feel a certain level of admiration for Shen Jiuyue, and it wasn’t the first time Shen Jiuyue had asked for her contact info.

She silently reviewed Shen Jiuyue’s performance during this period. To summarize, although Shen Jiuyue was occasionally a bit flippant, overall she was someone who dared to think and act, yet understood boundaries and when to step back.

Giving contact information to such a person usually wouldn’t cause any trouble.

Thus, after a rich internal monologue, Ji Zeyuan said: “Since Miss Shen has put it that way, it would be a bit impolite of me not to give it.”

Shen Jiuyue’s smile was tinged with excitement: “President Ji, does that mean you agree?”

Ji Zeyuan nodded: “It’s just contact information. Miss Shen doesn’t need to be too expectant.”

The tiny flame of hope that had just ignited in Shen Jiuyue’s heart was ruthlessly extinguished by the bucket of cold water Ji Zeyuan poured on it.

Still, at least there was now an opportunity to contact Ji Zeyuan privately, Shen Jiuyue thought to herself in consolation.

…

“Xiao Yuan.” Once outside the company, Hua Jianjiu reverted to using the friendly address for Ji Zeyuan.

Ji Zeyuan didn’t even look up, staring down at the menu: “Spit it out.”

Hua Jianjiu scratched her head awkwardly and asked hesitantly, “So… don’t you feel like Shen Jiuyue might have that kind of feeling for you?”

Hua Jianjiu’s intention in asking this was to test Ji Zeyuan’s feelings on behalf of Zhang Linen. After all, if Ji Zeyuan really fell for someone else, she couldn’t imagine what crazy things Zhang Linen might do.

Ji Zeyuan glanced at Hua Jianjiu and smiled knowingly: “I know what you’re worried about. Don’t worry, I gave her my contact info out of politeness. It doesn’t mean anything else.”

Hua Jianjiu was momentarily speechless, feeling like she had swallowed a bitter pill with no way to voice her grievance.

Just after twelve o’clock, Zhang Linen sent a message punctually.

“Have you eaten?”

Ji Zeyuan took a photo of the dishes on the table and sent it over: “Currently eating. What about you?”

About two minutes passed before Zhang Linen replied.

“Where is this? Are you eating with someone else?”

“…How did you know?”

“There’s an arm in that photo.”

Ji Zeyuan thought: Where? Didn’t I just take a picture of the food?

She pulled up the photo she had just sent and zoomed in as much as possible. Only then did she see Hua Jianjiu’s “privileged” sleeve appearing in a corner of the frame.

“You could even see that? I didn’t even notice.”

“Haha, it’s quite obvious.”

A few seconds later, Zhang Linen asked again: “Who is it?”

“Hua Jianjiu. I saw her at the set, so we came out to eat together.”

“Sister Hua? Why is she at the set?”

“She requested to go there herself, to chase a star.”

“Chase a star?”

“Shen Jiuyue. I don’t know who approved her transfer. It’s truly a total disregard for organizational discipline. I’m going to deduct a month’s salary from both Hua Jianjiu and that person when I get back.”

“I’ll look into it later.”

It seemed Hua Jianjiu had helped her keep the secret. Zhang Linen breathed a sigh of relief, the corners of her mouth curving slightly as she asked: “How is the final cut? How many times do you plan to revise it?”

Ji Zeyuan replied: “No need for revisions. It’s perfect. Shen Jiuyue performed very well.”

Zhang Linen’s brow furrowed: It seems she really stood out; she even singled her out for praise.

“Haha, she came out and asked for my contact information again today.”

At that moment, someone knocked on the door of Zhang Linen’s office. She kept her head down and said, “Come in,” while replying to the message: “Did you give it to her?”

The person who entered bowed to Zhang Linen first and then said: “Secretary Zhang, there is someone claiming to be a friend of President Ji who wants to see her.”

Zhang Linen looked up upon hearing this and asked: “Did she say who she is?”

“She’s a foreigner. She says she was President Ji’s university classmate, named Mia Davis.”

Zhang Linen vaguely remembered having seen this person in Imperial City. She said: “Take her to the reception room first.”

During those few minutes, Ji Zeyuan replied to the message: “No.”

The furrow in Zhang Linen’s brow smoothed out.

“Your university roommate has come to the company to find you.”

Half a minute later, Ji Zeyuan replied: “She didn’t tell me in advance. How did you arrange for her?”

Zhang Linen replied: “I told her to wait in the reception room first.”

“Go ask her what it’s about. If it’s personal, tell her to make an appointment another time.”

“Okay, then enjoy your meal.”

“Got it.”

After Ji Zeyuan replied to the last message, she looked up at Hua Jianjiu, who was staring intently at her phone screen, and said: “Still looking? Sit back.”

Hua Jianjiu exhaled a heavy sigh of relief, still feeling lingering fear: “Remember, you must never let Zhang Linen know that you have Shen Jiuyue’s contact information.”

Ji Zeyuan found it utterly baffling: “Why?”

Hua Jianjiu was both excited and stuttering: “Just… just don’t say it. Doesn’t Zhang Linen… kind of dislike Shen Jiuyue?”

Ji Zeyuan thought back; it indeed seemed to be the case.

“Didn’t you already snatch my phone and reply ‘No’? What else can I say? Hurry up and get back to your seat. I want to eat,” Ji Zeyuan said.