When the Heartthrob Meets the Cold-Hearted Ex - Chapter 15

On Monday afternoon, Tang Yeran didn’t go to Qianhe Company but returned to Yifeng Magazine instead.

That morning, she had finalized the preliminary promotional plan with Qianhe’s marketing department, and both parties had reached a pleasant agreement.

At the same time, she learned that all Qianhe employees would be participating in a company team-building event this Tuesday.

With no immediate tasks scheduled afterward, it was the perfect opportunity to return to the magazine office and organize the interview materials she had gathered over the past few days.

The feature on Qianhe Company was Yifeng’s key project for the month, and the editor-in-chief had directly approved fifteen consecutive days of fieldwork for Tang Yeran.

Yet, barely a week in, she was already back at the magazine office so unusual that her colleagues reacted as if they’d spotted a panda.

The moment Tang Yeran settled at her desk, booted up her computer, and went to fetch water, three coworkers conveniently “passed by.”

“What’s going on?” Tang Yeran set down her cup, pulled out her chair, and caught Aili, the nearest one.

Caught red-handed, Aili dropped the pretense and dragged a chair over, eager for gossip.

“Yeran, how’s it been at Qianhe these past few days? Did you meet CEO Su? Is she really the ice-cold beauty everyone says? Is she easy to get along with?”

Aili wasn’t the only curious one. Many here were loyal fans of Shining Candy and had heard bits and pieces about Qianhe’s legendary reputation.

This kind of mystique was exactly what fueled everyone’s itch for details.

Previously, no one had dared to take on this hot potato themselves, but now that someone had gone first, they were all eager for a glimpse.

Tang Yeran glanced around sure enough, three more curious heads were inching closer.

Monday afternoons were never too busy, so she generously indulged their curiosity.

“Qianhe? The people there are pretty warm and energetic.

“Even though it’s a new company, every department is highly professional. There’s a reason they’ve become such a dark horse.

“As for CEO Su well, I’ve seen her, but her personal interview isn’t scheduled yet, so we haven’t interacted much.”

The first half of her answer came out smoothly, but by the last sentence, her tone noticeably wavered.

Such a vague summary naturally didn’t satisfy everyone’s pent-up curiosity. Seeing that Tang Yeran was willing to talk, they crowded around like sparrows, chattering nonstop.

“Really? I heard game companies are usually super busy. Were the department interviews smooth?”

“Did you see the new outfits for Candy’s event? Is Xue Ling still handling the art this time?”

“You’re representing Yifeng there, did CEO Su say anything special?”

Some people had a natural magnetism whether in school or at work, they never lacked company.

In just this short time back, half the digital entertainment department had gathered around Tang Yeran, leaving her momentarily unsure where to begin.

“Tch.” A sudden scoff cut through the lively chatter.

From a desk away, Beifeng looked up with a mocking smirk.

“Don’t push her too hard. The editor gave her half a month for fieldwork, but she’s back in less than a week. How ‘smooth’ could the interviews really be?

“My guess? Qianhe probably found her annoying, didn’t want to cooperate, and just made up some excuse to send her packing.”

“Didn’t you notice she was stuttering just now? If you keep pressing her like this, how is she supposed to make things up?”

These words were clearly aimed at Tang Yeran. As the newly appointed chief editor of the Digital Entertainment Department, the only person who harbored resentment was Beifeng, the department’s most senior member.

She always targeted Tang Yeran, yet never managed to land any substantial blows.

The previously lively atmosphere instantly chilled. Everyone seemed to think Beifeng had a point.

After offering Tang Yeran a few words of comfort, they all returned to their workstations.

Tang Yeran was happy for the peace and quiet. She plugged in her USB drive and began polishing her interview draft.

Only Aili remained concerned, lingering to offer careful words of encouragement.

“Tangtang, don’t listen to Beifeng’s nonsense. She’s just jealous of you.”

“It’s normal for game companies to be busy. Since President Su agreed to let you do the feature, she won’t go back on her word.”

“Go again tomorrow, and don’t feel bad about it.”

Tang Yeran typed a couple of lines into the document, both amused and exasperated.

“I’m really not upset. It’s just that I probably can’t go tomorrow either.”

The whole company was having a team-building event tomorrow, what business did she have there?

Misunderstanding her hesitation as discouragement, Aili continued cheering her on.

“Why can’t you go tomorrow? Even if tomorrow doesn’t work, there’s always the day after! We can’t give up so easily!”

She delivered the last line with dramatic fervor, even clenching her fists in excitement.

“Give up on what?” The editor-in-chief appeared out of nowhere, her high heels clicking as she approached Tang Yeran’s workstation.

Aili immediately shrank back, silently scooting her chair a couple of steps away.

Fortunately, the editor-in-chief only gave her a sidelong glance before focusing on Tang Yeran.

Tapping the desk twice, the editor-in-chief said, “Tang Yeran, President Su from Qianhe just called. Their company is organizing a team-building event tomorrow and hopes you can tag along to gather material for the feature.”

Tang Yeran blinked in surprise but nodded in agreement.

The editor-in-chief patted her shoulder approvingly. “Do your best. If this feature turns out well, I’ll put in a commendation for you with leadership.”

After the editor-in-chief left, the previously silent Digital Entertainment Department erupted in chatter.

“Wow, you’ve already infiltrated Qianhe in just a few days? Tangtang, you’re amazing!”

“No wonder you were appointed chief right away. Talent speaks for itself.”

“It’s only March, but I’m already looking forward to our department topping the charts again this year.”

Unlike her excited colleagues, Tang Yeran was more puzzled than anything.

What photos was she supposed to take at Qianhe’s team-building event? She wasn’t a professional photographer.

She opened WeChat and immediately spotted the lily avatar.

Though they’d added each other two days ago, neither had sent any messages since that awkward voice note mix-up.

Tang Yeran hesitated for a moment before closing the app again.

Whatever scheme that woman had up her sleeve, she’d deal with it when the time came.

Before leaving work, Tang Yeran received a WeChat message from Su Yang with details about tomorrow’s team-building event: location and meeting time.

A two-day, one-night trip to the newly built Xiangjiang Park in the neighboring city.

The park had great scenery and was a popular spot for visitors Tang Yeran had even seen posts about it on Douyin before.

She had originally planned to take her annual leave and go alone after completing the Chizuru project, but now the trip had been moved up.

Since it wouldn’t be a long stay, Tang Yeran only packed a couple of outfits and some daily necessities the next day.

Oh, and that long-dormant vintage camera of hers.

After all, she had a photography mission this time though she wasn’t a professional, she had to at least look the part.

Chizuru Company had rented two buses, which were more than enough to accommodate all the employees.

By the time Tang Yeran arrived at the meeting point, the first bus was just about to leave.

Puzzled, she checked her phone again: 8:50, she wasn’t late.

Other employees were still boarding in a steady stream. Tang Yeran glanced at Su Yang, who stood nearby like a cosplay ice sculpture, and stepped closer to whisper,

“You said yesterday the gathering time was 9:05, right? Why do I feel like I’m late?”

“You’re not. The second bus leaves at 9:05.” Su Yang watched the orderly boarding crowd, expressionless, but her tone sounded cheerful.

Tang Yeran was speechless inside: The last bus leaves at 9:05, and you tell me to gather at 9:05? Cutting it that close aren’t you afraid I’ll miss it?

Without turning her head, Su Yang seemed to have eyes on the back of it. “You won’t miss it. You’re always the most eager for group activities.”

That made it sound like she was just rushing over for free food and drinks.

Tang Yeran strode in front of Su Yang and patted the camera slung over her shoulder.

“See? I brought equipment this time. Of course I’d be eager, I’m on a mission. After all, I’m such a dedicated and hardworking person.”

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