Luo Ziling chatted with Zhao Lijing about some work arrangements, and noticed she seemed a bit distracted, so he curiously asked, "What’s wrong?"
Zhao Lijing hesitated for a moment, but still expressed her worry: "Mr. Luo, I don’t know why you entrusted me with such an important task. Recently, there have been rumors in the company saying we have an improper relationship, which is why you gave me this task. Hearing these rumors, I feel very wronged. We are completely innocent, but they say otherwise."
"Then don’t worry about what they say, as long as we have a clear conscience," Luo Ziling didn’t take it seriously. "Living in this world, we can’t escape from being affected by gossip. Ignore them, let them say what they want, and we’ll focus on our own business."
"But!" Zhao Lijing glanced at Luo Ziling with a bit of grievance and then shared her concern, "Actually, I’m also afraid that in the future, no one will fear me when I do things. Because we are innocent, they think I have no backing."
Luo Ziling was a bit taken aback when he heard this.
He looked at Zhao Lijing strangely, then smiled and said, "Are you suggesting that if we were involved, and they knew, that would be better?"
Zhao Lijing blushed and didn’t know how to answer.
"My purpose in taking over this film company is to disrupt the unspoken rules of the entertainment industry, but if I myself succumb to them with an artist, then what face do I have to criticize others?" Luo Ziling stopped smiling and said seriously, "Don’t worry about anything. Since I trust you to manage affairs, I’ll delegate authority to you. As long as you are doing the right thing, you can counter any accusations, and if necessary, find me, and I’ll back you up."
After a pause, he continued, "Possibly, in other people’s eyes, you are my lover, and that’s why they fear you, but this is unfair to you. You’ve had a spotless reputation in the past. I hope you can remain untainted. If you need my help, just say it. If someone tries to impose those rules on you, you can directly mention my name."
Zhao Lijing was rather disappointed after hearing this, but she couldn’t clarify further, nor was she willing to sacrifice her dignity.
"Thank you, Mr. Luo, for the reminder. I understand, and I’ll remember what you said. You can rest assured, I’ll ensure everything is done well and won’t disappoint you." Even though she said this, she still felt somewhat unwilling.
Though she hated those unspoken rules, there were things she willingly pursued, things she didn’t feel should be easily given up.
Feelings often have nothing to do with marriage.
So long as you’ve once possessed them, there’s no need for them to last forever – she believed this was something one must experience in youth.
Meeting someone you like in your lifetime, someone you love recklessly, is worth doing anything for them.
She thought, as long as interactions don’t involve money, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Luo Ziling naturally had no thoughts of flirting; he admired Zhao Lijing only for her capability and reputable integrity.
He believed that someone like her, given the opportunity and support, could achieve a lot.
Nurturing loyal confidants to earnestly assist him was more important than having multiple lovers – he didn’t want to indulge in frivolous affairs.
After chatting with Zhao Lijing for about half an hour and discussing some work matters, Luo Ziling was ready to leave.
Before leaving, Luo Ziling told her to get familiar with the company’s business as soon as possible, as her appointment might be announced soon.
Luo Ziling initially planned for Zhao Lijing to manage the company’s film business, directly answering to Li Jing.
But on second thought, concerned about offending Luo Yuqing, he decided Zhao Lijing should handle administrative affairs, including talent management.
For now, the film-related matters would still be left to Luo Yuqing.
"If nothing unexpected happens, you’ll be appointed as Li Jing’s assistant soon. If you have time, spend more time with Li Jing to get her opinions for easier management of your tasks in the future."
Zhao Lijing naturally agreed, expressing that she would get along well with Li Jing and cooperate effectively with her work.
When Luo Ziling left, Luo Yuqing was still immersed in her work.
He simply greeted her and left, claiming he had something to attend to.
Luo Yuqing was still busy and merely gave a polite response before letting him go.
After leaving Northern Film and Television, Luo Ziling called Lin Lan to ask if she had finished her work.
If she was done, he would invite her for dinner and let her decide what she wanted to eat.
Lin Lan agreed, saying she’d come over soon.
What Luo Ziling didn’t expect was that near dinner time, Lin Lan came over with Wuyue.
Luo Ziling was quite surprised to see the two women together but wisely chose not to ask any questions.
"Why not call a few more people and make it lively?" Lin Lan noticed Luo Ziling’s confusion and explained proactively, "Let everyone know I’ve joined your team here, so they won’t be puzzled."
Lin Lan’s high-profile joining took Luo Ziling by surprise but he ultimately didn’t refuse.
He called Yang Qingyin, Ouyang Feifei, Luo Yuqing, and others to say he would treat them to dinner.
Upon hearing it was to welcome Lin Lan, none of the women declined.
Yang Xiaodong and Wang Zhenjun were also naturally invited.
Unexpectedly, Wang Qing came along with Ouyang Feifei.
Wang Qing had returned to Yanjing to report to Ouyang Feifei, and upon hearing Luo Ziling was hosting a dinner, Ouyang Feifei brought her along.
Seeing Wang Qing, Yang Xiaodong was naturally excited, eagerly going over to chat.
But Wang Qing didn’t give Yang Xiaodong much attention, acting aloof and cold.
Yang Xiaodong knew Wang Qing was playing hard-to-get and, with so many people present, she was shy to show any intimacy, so he didn’t mind.
Luo Ziling booked a private room in a fairly upscale hotel.
He also invited Zhu Yijun and Shi Yidan for the meal, making it a lively table of over a dozen people.
Zhu Yijun and Shi Yidan appeared somewhat reserved, sitting with Wuyue and barely speaking.
Once everyone arrived, Luo Ziling announced Lin Lan’s retirement and asked everyone to support her.
Lin Lan gracefully expressed her greetings, saying she had retired and would work alongside Ling Ruonan in the future, hoping for everyone’s assistance.
Seated next to Luo Ziling, Ouyang Feifei observed quietly, then leaned over and whispered in Luo Ziling’s ear, "You have another capable female general on your side!"
Ouyang Feifei’s comment made Luo Ziling shiver.
What exactly did she mean by "capable"?