The Business Banquet

It was Shen Tong's first time attending such a grand event. She couldn't help but take in her surroundings. The opulent venue was adorned with crystal chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds. The bright lights reflected off the glassware, creating a dazzling display. Waiters moved gracefully among the guests, who were dressed in elegant suits and evening gowns. Everyone wore smiles as they mingled, toasting and chatting in low voices. The soothing sound of a violin added a touch of elegance to the atmosphere, blending nobility and luxury seamlessly.

"Never seen the world before," Chen Xiaoyong scoffed. Her haughty expression quickly transformed into a charming smile. Before Shen Tong could react, Chen Xiaoyong had linked arms with Su Xiao and swayed her way into the bustling banquet.

Watching Chen Xiaoyong navigate the event with ease, Shen Tong felt a bit more at ease herself. It was clear that Chen Xiaoyong knew how to seize opportunities. After a while, Shen Tong found herself in a corner, sipping a glass of water and taking a break. Following Chen Xiaoyong around had left her legs feeling like lead. She marveled at how Chen Xiaoyong could maintain such energy while wearing high heels. Surprisingly, even the cold-faced Su Xiao behaved impeccably in front of the leaders, displaying a calm and composed demeanor. Although he still wore his usual icy expression around her, at least it made things simpler.

"Ah, there you are." Shen Tong nearly choked on her water at the sound of the familiar voice behind her.

"General Manager, what brings you here?" Shen Tong turned around, startled to see Xia Zixuan. Was he here to check on her progress or for some other reason?

"Why? As the General Manager of Fengxing Entertainment, can't I attend these banquets?" Xia Zixuan's eyes narrowed, his tone carrying a hint of chill.

"No, that's not it. I'm just surprised," Shen Tong admitted honestly. "I didn't expect you to handle these social events personally."

"No industry has free lunches. Without effort, there are no results," Xia Zixuan's gaze bore into Shen Tong's, as if trying to unravel her thoughts.

Shen Tong quickly looked away, gazing at the venue. "Some people are born with everything handed to them, while others work their entire lives and get nothing. Isn't that right?"

Xia Zixuan's face softened as he toyed with the glass in his hand. "Is this how you treat your superior?"

Shen Tong felt a pang of embarrassment, almost forgetting he wasn't Liang Xiaoyuan. Xia Zixuan could change his demeanor faster than the weather. She straightened up and sincerely said, "Thank you for giving us this opportunity, General Manager."

"Remember what you promised me," Xia Zixuan said, his tone enjoying the respect.

"Yes, General Manager! I will seize this opportunity!" Shen Tong, still unsure why Xia Zixuan had given her this chance, was determined not to let it slip away.

Xia Zixuan looked at Shen Tong's confident profile, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. He wasn't sure what it was about her that attracted him, but he found himself willing to break his own rules for her.

Since they were in a corner, no one noticed their conversation. After exchanging some idle chatter, Xia Zixuan grew impatient and went to socialize with the officials. Shen Tong returned to ensuring her artists were doing well.

The banquet ended late, and Shen Tong fell asleep the moment she got home, not even checking her phone. The next morning, she found missed calls and messages from Liang Xiaoyuan, all concerned about the banquet.

Feeling guilty, she quickly called him back. "I'm so sorry, I was exhausted last night and fell asleep without checking my phone."

"It's okay," Liang Xiaoyuan's deep, soothing voice came through the line. "I was just worried about you. I was about to call you again when you called."

Warmth filled Shen Tong's heart. Besides her family, it felt good to have someone care about her. She blushed slightly, her ears turning red. "Thank you. I've been really busy lately. I'll make it up to you with a meal soon."

"Okay," Liang Xiaoyuan responded gently. "Make sure you eat on time. I won't have time to be your delivery guy."

Shen Tong quickly retorted, "Hmph, your deliveries weren't all that fancy anyway. Not missing much." There was a coquettish tone in her voice that she herself didn't even notice.

Liang Xiaoyuan laughed. "Alright, I'll bring you a gourmet meal next time."

Shen Tong giggled, "That sounds better."

Liang Xiaoyuan imagined her playful expression and his smile deepened. "Hurry up and have breakfast. Don't be late."

"Bye-bye."

"Bye-bye."

After the call, Shen Tong's spirits soared. She hustled Chen Xiaoyong and Su Xiao to the set, managed their food and costumes, and navigated between Linda Murong and Chen Xiaoyong, feeling like a spinning top but never tired. The best part was that Chen Xiaoyong hadn't been late recently, always arriving early at the set. Although she still acted like a peacock queen around Linda Murong, she rarely caused any disputes, often hovering around Su Xiao, who occasionally gave Shen Tong thoughtful looks.

Days were spent busy on set, and nights were filled with attending various banquets. Shen Tong barely had a moment to rest, except during the banquets. She couldn't help but wonder why she kept seeing Xia Zixuan at every event, and he always caught her slacking off. Did the General Manager really need to attend so many banquets? Shen Tong grumbled to herself, "Here again, at another banquet."

"Are you unhappy to see your boss?" Xia Zixuan's voice carried a hint of displeasure as his face darkened.

"Of course not. You're the one who pays my salary," Shen Tong smiled brightly, though she thought, "And you're also the taskmaster, who enslaves me. How can I be happy to see you!"

"Is that really what you think?" Xia Zixuan's face remained stoic.

Shen Tong felt a chill. Dealing with the iceberg prince by day and playing mind games with Xia Zixuan at night was exhausting. She replied, "Anyone would feel a bit uneasy around their boss, right? Especially one as high-ranking as you. One wrong word and it's game over."

Xia Zixuan admired her courage. She always dared to say what others wouldn't. "Then it depends on your performance."

Little did they know, their conversation was overheard by someone lurking in the shadows, and word would soon spread to others.