Her voice was unexpectedly pleasant.

And she herself—unexpectedly pure and clean.

What kind of trick did Gu Xingyi pull to win over a woman like this?

The onee-san silently pondered, a hint of complexity flickering in her eyes.

Well… only someone like her would have the eyes to spot potential in the utterly useless Gu Xingyi back then.

“And these two are?”

The onee-san rarely looked away first, but now she shifted her gaze to Tao Lele and Yun-jie.

“Tao Lele, my assistant. This is Yun-jie, my manager.”

Xia Xiyao replied earnestly.

This onee-san had been very courteous to her, but something about her reactions felt odd. Xia Xiyao tilted her head slightly in confusion, then, as if realizing something, her gaze dimmed a bit.

So she came with her own team. Well… it does save some trouble.

Yang Chenglin nodded at Tao Lele and Yun-jie in greeting before turning back to Xia Xiyao.

“I’ll show you around first. After all, this will be your workplace for the next two years—it’s best to get familiar with it early. After the tour, I’ll take you to the artist apartment.”

“Okay! Thank you!”

Xia Xiyao nodded politely.

They followed Yang Chenglin into the building. Along the way, Tao Lele was utterly stunned—this place was leagues more luxurious than the Tianmei Entertainment branch in Jiangcheng!

And she kept spotting celebrities who were regulars on trending searches!

This was on a whole different level compared to the Tianmei branch. Back in Jiangcheng, even a second-tier singer like Liu Qian could throw her weight around!

Yang Chenglin led them up to the 11th floor by elevator and enthusiastically explained, “This whole floor is dedicated to recording studios, equipped with top-tier professional gear!”

She opened one of the unused studios for them to see.

“We use three floors for singers. The 11th floor is all recording studios. Next, we’ll go to the 12th floor—that’s the lounge area. Most singers spend their time there when they’re not in sessions. Every room is private and assigned to a specific person.”

After the studio tour, Yang Chenglin brought them to the 12th floor. Along the way, many people greeted her, their faces carrying strange hints of flattery.

What caught Xia Xiyao’s curiosity was the envy in their eyes when they looked at her.

She didn’t get it—wasn’t Yang Chenglin just the Deputy Director of HR? Why was everyone acting so deferential?

Even stranger, a bald middle-aged man with a badge reading “Director of HR” actually stopped to greet Yang Chenglin—and even smiled politely at her!

Flustered but polite, Xia Xiyao returned the greeting. This Director Zhang seemed so courteous—it was a bit overwhelming.

Back at Tianmei’s branch, no matter what position someone held, they always acted like they were superior.

At the end of the corridor, Yang Chenglin stopped and gestured toward a door.

“This will be your personal lounge. When you’re not on schedule or busy, feel free to rest here.”

Xia Xiyao looked up. The lounge door was closed, secured with a keypad lock. Her name was written clearly on the doorplate.

As she entered the code, Yang Chenglin explained, “The default password is six sixes. You can change it later. Alright, come in and take a look.”

The door opened, and the group stepped inside.

“Wow!” Tao Lele was the first to gasp. The lounge was huge and extravagantly furnished.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of bustling downtown Modu. The pale gray curtains were neatly tucked aside, ready to be drawn. A massive plush sofa could easily fit three Tao Leles lying side by side.

TV, fridge, air conditioning—everything was included. And most impressively, it had a leisure area with a tea bar and tables—perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests.

Aside from Yun-jie, who stayed calm, even Xia Xiyao was shocked. She had never seen such a luxurious lounge before.

Tao Lele looked like she might faint from joy. Compared to her time at Tianmei… okay, that place didn’t even deserve dogs! Nothing hurts more than realizing just how bad things were before.

If no one else had been present, Tao Lele might’ve already flopped onto the couch and rolled around.

Seeing their stunned expressions, Yang Chenglin chuckled.

“Not everyone gets this treatment. Top-tier resources come with top-tier lounges.”

!!!

Hearing that, Tao Lele suddenly didn’t think Gu Xingyi was so terrible anymore!

Even after they left the lounge, Tao Lele was still giddy. That’s when a door next to theirs opened, and a glamorous woman stepped out in high heels, followed by a bespectacled assistant.

She gave them a surprised look, which vanished quickly, then smiled as she greeted Yang Chenglin.

“Yang-jie, giving a tour personally today?”

“Mm. Lina, heading out?”

Yang Chenglin replied calmly.

“Yeah, there’s a fan meeting this afternoon. Gotta go. I’ll leave you to it, Yang-jie.”

With that, Lina cast a glance at Xia Xiyao and the others but didn’t say hello. She walked away gracefully in her heels.

“Let’s head out too. It’s already noon. The upper floors are just meeting rooms—not much to see unless we’re holding a company meeting.”

“Shall we head to the artist apartment? Drop off your luggage and then go get lunch—my treat!”

Yang Chenglin turned around with a bright smile and spoke to Xia Xiyao.

!!!

Xia Xiyao couldn’t help thinking—she was being way too nice.

Overall, Xia Xiyao was having a good first impression of the company, though something felt a little off—certain people were clearly being extra friendly to her.

In the elevator, Xia Xiyao suddenly asked in a soft voice, “Director Yang… are you and Gu Xingyi very close?”

The moment she asked, she saw it—Yang Chenglin’s smile froze for just a second.

So it was like that? Xia Xiyao lowered her gaze slightly, her heart stirring with emotions she couldn’t name.

“We’re alright. I was the one who received him when he first came. I’ve been handling the collaboration, so we’re familiar, that’s all.”

Yang Chenglin answered quickly.

“Mm.”

Xia Xiyao only replied softly and said no more.

When they exited the building, Yang Chenglin led the way in her gray Mercedes. Xia Xiyao followed slowly behind.

As soon as Tao Lele got in the car, she started gushing nonstop about how amazing everything was. It wasn’t until Yun-jie shot her a look that she suddenly realized—Xiyao-jie didn’t seem so happy anymore?

She’d looked perfectly cheerful earlier!

“Xiyao-jie, what’s wrong?”

Tao Lele leaned forward, resting her arms on the seat, curiosity written all over her face.

“Huh? Nothing’s wrong, Lele. Keep talking.”

“...”

This is nothing?! Tao Lele was baffled. She turned to Yun-jie for help.

Yun-jie just smiled silently.

She could tell at a glance—someone had fallen into the vinegar jar.