Xiao Wei, who was cleaning the floor, paused for a moment and slowed her cleaning speed, eager to hear more about the high-class study companion's rules.
Jin Shuhan, feeling embarrassed, said, "The school considered that international students might have difficulty adapting here, so they… they arranged for us… to accompany them while studying."
Cheng Yuxuan's expression gradually darkened. "You also have class on Friday nights?"
"No… no," Jin Shuhan stammered.
"Then why did you say you had to be a study companion and couldn't participate in variety shows?"
"This…" Jin Shuhan became even more uneasy, seeming reluctant to speak. "The school requires us to help international students in their daily lives, so… every Friday night we have to organize social activities with them to help them integrate better."
Cheng Yuxuan pressed his tongue against his cheek and sneered, "Quite the treatment. Specifically, what kind of social activities? And what exactly is this study companion thing?"
Jin Shuhan lowered her head in shame. Even though she tried to present it as a noble cause and gave it a dignified label, she knew better than anyone how disgraceful it actually was.
Since the school introduced the study companion system, there had been some initial protests from students. However, under the pressure from the school, they ultimately chose to comply.
"Social activities involve… gatherings and parties… If the international students are male, each of them will be assigned at least three female study companions… if…"
At this point, Cheng Yuxuan lost his composure and slammed his hand on the table. His gaze turned cold as he looked at Jin Shuhan and said angrily, "Is this what you call a study companion? It sounds more like the treatment of a coal boss! Ha… How low can it get! Which university are you from?"
Jin Shuhan was startled and replied tremblingly, "Jiangdong… University."
Zhao Yanan frowned. "Cheng Yuxuan, control your emotions. Don't get worked up… Xiao Wei, you're going to wear out the floor tiles. Are you just idling?… Shuhan, please sit down."
With Cheng Yuxuan calmed down temporarily, Xiao Wei exited the office, and Zhao Yanan continued, "Shuhan, the regulations at your school are your own business, but I believe this variety show would be beneficial for your future development. If you agree, I'll send an agent to negotiate with your school. Taking a leave shouldn't be too difficult."
Jin Shuhan was anxious. "Director Zhao, taking one leave is indeed not difficult, but… if I have to take leave every week and miss these social events, the school definitely won't agree… I'm really afraid it might affect my graduation."
This rural girl's family was actually quite poor, and she had to take care of her disabled and seriously ill father. She had to be more cautious than others. Despite her potential to become a star, she didn't dare slack off and felt that securing her graduation certificate was essential.
After all, the entertainment industry is very unpredictable. If she can't make it, at least with a diploma, finding a good job wouldn't be too difficult.
Zhao Yanan's expression became serious. "Shuhan, I hope you understand that introducing you to Director Wang Long, arranging ads, and scheduling variety shows are not just because I see your acting talent, but also because I know it's not easy for you and I want to help. However, these opportunities can be given to others too. You need to cherish them and be responsible for yourself. This matter is settled. I'll send someone to negotiate. If it doesn't work out, then it will be as you wish."
Jin Shuhan nodded and said "Thank you" before Cheng Yuxuan interjected, "Don't worry. Just prepare well for your performance. I'll handle things with the school."
Jin Shuhan was stunned and looked at Cheng Yuxuan in amazement, unable to speak for a while.
The company's boss was actually stepping up for her, a minor actress with humble beginnings and no significant current value?
It was known that in the entire company, only a few top stars could attract the boss's attention. When other artists encountered difficulties, they were mostly helped by the PR or artist management departments.
Zhao Yanan glanced at Cheng Yuxuan and, after a moment of contemplation, said to Jin Shuhan, "You may go now. Cheng Yuxuan and I need to discuss something."
Jin Shuhan got up, bowed to both bosses, and exited the office.
"Cheng Yuxuan, what are you planning to do?" As soon as the office door closed, Zhao Yanan asked.
Cheng Yuxuan, reclining with a nonchalant smile, said, "I've said that I will manage the issues related to the company's artists being coerced."
Zhao Yanan replied, "This is a school regulation, not coercion. Don't cause trouble."
"Indeed, coercion that's this blatant, this shameless, and this pretentious can no longer be called coercion. Haha… I've never heard of such a thing in the whole world!"
Seeing his cynical attitude, Zhao Yanan felt a throbbing headache. Given his spoiled nature, it seemed he was determined to handle this.
"Cheng Yuxuan, I want to make my stance clear. Personally, I also find this matter very absurd and even somewhat infuriating. But ultimately, it's their school's issue. We have no say in right or wrong."
Cheng Yuxuan smirked and suddenly asked, "Dinner tonight?"
Zhao Yanan replied, "I know I can't dissuade you, but I hope you can be measured and not blow things out of proportion to avoid implicating the company."
Cheng Yuxuan said, "Consider it a housewarming celebration."
Zhao Yanan clenched her fists. "The company is on a roll right now; we can't afford any mishaps or we'll face numerous breach of contract lawsuits."
Cheng Yuxuan said, "There's a Chinese restaurant downstairs. I heard the food is great."
Zhao Yanan: …
The conversation, which had diverged into unrelated topics, ended with Zhao Yanan's exasperated "Get lost."
Cheng Yuxuan, behaving as if he were listening, exited the office cheerfully. Before leaving, he said with a smirk, "Wife, you look really good. If you smiled, then…"
Before he could finish, a folder was hurled at him. If he hadn't closed the door quickly, it would have surely left a mark on his face.
Zhao Yanan, furious, took deep breaths, her emotions a turbulent wave.
She cursed angrily, "This d*mn man! Is his brain in his pants? Every day, he's blinded by lust. He'll be struck by lightning sooner or later!"
Just as Cheng Yuxuan reached the tech department, he sneezed for no reason. After wiping his nose, he pushed open the door.
Old Five was wearing headphones, furiously typing away at the keyboard.
Cheng Yuxuan knocked on the table, and Old Five noticed someone had entered. He took off his headphones and stood up. "Big Brother, what's up?"
Cheng Yuxuan looked Old Five up and down and said with a smile, "Come on, I'll take you to buy some clothes."
Old Five's eyes widened in surprise, and he said excitedly, "Buy me something?"
"Yeah."
"Oh my god! That's so cool!"