After briefly instructing Shen Jingbing, he also entered the office building.
Most of the Nuanyao Media building was undergoing renovations, and Wu Zhishang now had an ultra-luxurious office—all thanks to Luo Yao.
After all, the entire building had been bought by Luo Yao and gifted to Lin Ran.
From its founding to earning its first bucket of gold and then owning an entire office building, the company had achieved all this in less than half a year.
When Lin Ran stepped into the CEO's office, he was instantly stunned.
"Holy crap, this office is almost as fancy as my wife's. Old Wu, you’ve gotten a bit vain lately, huh?"
Wu Zhishang scratched his head. "Nah, this was all funded by Luo Corporation. Our own real estate team handled the renovations."ᴛhis ᴜpdated by ɴoᴠel Fɪre.nᴇt
Lin Ran nodded.
"Sit down, both of you—Cousin, you too. I’ve got something to discuss. With all the recent scandals online, I plan to capitalize on this wave of attention."
Wu Zhishang and Chen Qingtian exchanged confused glances, not quite following his meaning.Lin Ran remembered—in his past life, this was exactly when Zhang Xiaolong began rising to fame because of this very issue.
Now, Zhang Xiaolong’s livestream was already wildly popular, and with Lin Ran’s backing as an investor, they could accelerate the plan.
"You know how even sanitary pads have been caught up in scandals lately. I want to produce a reliable brand, have Zhang Xiaolong promote it, and Cousin can be the spokesperson. This is doable."
Wu Zhishang frowned. "Lin, we could just find a trustworthy product to endorse. No need to manufacture our own."
Chen Qingtian sighed. "Ugh, it’s such a mess. As a woman, I don’t even know which brand to trust anymore."
Lin Ran insisted, "Old Wu, trust me. There aren’t any truly good products left on the market. We’ll make our own. This will blow up—guaranteed. Find a factory we can acquire, switch to premium materials, and start production immediately."
Wu Zhishang nodded. "I don’t fully agree, but I know you’re right—because you’re Lin Ran."
That was the bond between brothers: supporting each other even when skeptical.
Wu Zhishang then turned to Zhang Xinyan. "As the professional assistant, handle the paperwork. Show me what you’re capable of. Remember, every day you save means our product hits the market sooner. This is about safeguarding women’s health nationwide—no delays."
His words left Zhang Xinyan momentarily stunned.
Turns out, this man wasn’t entirely insufferable. There was a hint of justice in him after all.
"Understood."
With the main business settled, Wu Zhishang seized the moment before Lin Ran could leave and asked,
"Lin, your wife treats you so well. But I’ve got one question."
"What is it?"
"Our company used to rent one floor—now we own a whole building. Sure, we save on rent, but maintenance costs have skyrocketed. I’m worried we’ll end up in the red."
Lin Ran gave him a strange look.
"Did you forget what my wife said? What’s the reason companies go under?"
"No money."
"And do I have money?"
"Some, not much."
Lin Ran’s expression darkened. He rephrased.
"Does my wife have money?"
"Obviously, yes."
"Then why the hell are you worried?"
Behind Wu Zhishang, Zhang Xinyan shot Lin Ran a disdainful glance, thinking, Pathetic freeloader. No shame.
"Lin, honestly, I still don’t get it. What does she even see in you? And did you two really know each other as kids?"
This question piqued not just Wu Zhishang’s curiosity but also Chen Qingtian’s—she leaned in, eager to hear.
Zhang Xinyan, too, was dying to know.
Just how many secrets existed between Lin Ran and Luo Yao?
Lin Ran studied their gossip-hungry faces. "You wanna know?"
All three nodded like puppets.
"Fine, since we’re brothers, I’ll tell you. But get ready."
Wu Zhishang barked, "Assistant Zhang, prepare the stuff."
Zhang Xinyan: "???"
"Sir, I don’t follow."
Chen Qingtian rolled her eyes at Wu Zhishang before gently explaining, "He means drinks and snacks."
Zhang Xinyan: "What for?"
Wu Zhishang’s face turned stern. "I said prepare it, not question it."
"...Yes, sir."
Once Zhang Xinyan returned with the refreshments, she finally understood their purpose.
Lin Ran sat regally in the boss’s chair.
"Well? We’re waiting," the trio urged eagerly.
He glanced at Zhang Xinyan. "Why are you still here? Get out."
She blinked. "I’m not allowed to listen?"
Lin Ran smirked. "You could... but stories aren’t free. My livestream storytelling earns millions in tips."
Zhang Xinyan: "I don’t have that much. How about 500?"
Lin Ran: "The hell? That’s insulting. Out."
"Then name your price."
"At least a month’s salary."
"Fine. Keep it."
Lin Ran grinned at Wu Zhishang. "See? Saved the company some expenses with just a few words."
Wu Zhishang and Chen Qingtian both facepalmed.
"Now talk," they demanded.
Lin Ran feigned innocence. "Wait, hold up. Assistant Zhang paid up. What’s your excuse?"
They froze—realizing they’d walked into a trap.
Wu Zhishang: "Screw this, I’m out."
Chen Qingtian: "Cousin, dreams cost money. You wouldn’t crush mine, would you?"
Lin Ran: "Tell you what—no money needed. Just kiss each other right here, and I’ll spill."
Chen Qingtian stiffened. Wu Zhishang mumbled shyly, "I... I wouldn’t mind..."
She yanked him by the collar. "Oh, you like kissing? Should I line up a few girls for you to take turns with?"
"No, no! My bad!"
Releasing him, Chen Qingtian glared at Lin Ran. "Are you talking or not?"
Lin Ran narrowed his eyes. "No one threatens me except Luo Yao."
She scoffed.
"Oh dear, whatever shall I do? I did witness my cousin harassing... Zhang Xinyan. Right, Wu?"
Wu Zhishang nodded vigorously.
Zhang Xinyan: "Absolutely. And he docked my pay."
Lin Ran’s eye twitched. He’d underestimated Chen Qingtian.
"Fine, fine. Here’s the truth: I did know my wife as kids. It was a dark and stormy night..."
Of course, Lin Ran only shared the rosy bits, omitting the messy details.
Meanwhile, let’s shift our focus to the female lead.
Next up: Luo Yao’s grand performance.