Chapter 37: Arrival in Huaguo

After dozens of hours in the air, the plane finally touched down steadily at S City International Airport. In the VIP passageway, Pei Xi was already waiting anxiously. The moment he caught sight of Lin Zhiwei, he hurried over to help with her luggage. “Miss Lin, you must be exhausted. The young master is recording at the moment, but there’s a welcome dinner arranged for you this evening.”

Lin Zhiwei waved her hand in a carefree manner, her tone hearty. “Steward Pei, you’re too polite. There are fans and paparazzi everywhere in the country; let him do as he pleases. No need to mind me.”

Pei Xi nodded, his impression of Lin Zhiwei improving. Though their interactions had been brief, it was clear Lin Zhiwei genuinely wanted to help the young master—this put his mind further at ease.

“By the way, when can I start? I’m truly excited to begin working,” Lin Zhiwei said, her oversized sunglasses and simple casual attire unable to conceal her elegance.

Some ground staff and workers whispered among themselves, speculating about which heiress she might be. She had returned quietly, with only one person to pick her up, yet she passed through the VIP channel, shrouded in mystery.

“Everything has been arranged. You can begin whenever you wish. However, the young master feels you must be tired from the long journey and suggests you rest for a few days.”

“Steward Pei, really, there’s no need to be so formal. We’ll be colleagues from now on,” Lin Zhiwei said with a playful wink. Pei Xi, noting her delicate features and mature manner, was momentarily flustered and blushed slightly before replying, “Understood.”

Lin Zhiwei shook her head. “I’m really just an ordinary person. There’s no need to stand on ceremony—just call me by my name, or I’ll feel uncomfortable.”

Pei Xi smiled and nodded in agreement.

An hour’s drive brought them to her accommodations—a hotel apartment nestled in a lively yet quiet part of the city. Lin Zhiwei was more than satisfied and couldn’t help but admire Ling Ziheng’s knack for arrangements.

“The young master is currently staying on the eighteenth floor; you’re on the sixteenth. It’ll be convenient for you to keep in touch,” Pei Xi said, handing her the keys.

Lin Zhiwei nodded approvingly. “Your young master has excellent taste. Also, please bring me the profiles of our company colleagues this afternoon, as well as information on the latest variety shows we’re negotiating. I’d like to review everything today.”

Pei Xi hadn’t expected Lin Zhiwei to throw herself into work so decisively. In truth, he’d never thought she’d be of much real help—her status was what could be leveraged. After quickly explaining some daily matters, he left to make the necessary arrangements.

Lin Zhiwei sent her parents a message of reassurance, tidied up a bit, then opened her laptop to catch up on the latest entertainment news.

Despite the long journey, she wasn’t the least bit tired. It would probably take several days to adjust to the time difference, but fortunately, S City was still as familiar as ever.

As she opened the entertainment section, Chu Chuo’s figure dominated the headlines. The latest news was about his confirmed participation in a variety show, though the specifics remained under wraps.

In the video, his flamboyant voice practically leapt from the screen: “A variety show? Of course I don’t mind. I’ve just accepted one, so let those old-timers and young upstarts learn a thing or two.”

Lin Zhiwei rolled her eyes. Only Chu Chuo could get away with such talk—anyone else would have been torn apart by now.

Unwilling to see that arrogant face any longer, she closed her laptop. Deep down, she sensed that with Ling Ziheng’s shrewdness, Chu Chuo was hardly a worthy adversary. On the surface, at least, Chu Chuo was impulsive, unrestrained, openly flaunting his lifestyle—a public persona that was already on the verge of collapse.

She wandered downstairs for a while and had lunch. Right on time, Pei Xi delivered the files she had requested.

As Lin Zhiwei perused the documents, she asked, “Are these really all the people in the studio?”

“Yes, just these few. The young master doesn’t like having too many people around,” Pei Xi replied.

“And how were the recent variety shows selected?”

“The studio prefers personal interviews, behind-the-scenes features, or shows about country life.”

Lin Zhiwei shook her head. “No, those only attract die-hard fans and will pull him further and further away from the mainstream. Unless he plans to devote himself to non-commercial art-house films in the future, he’ll just become more irrelevant in the entertainment world.”

Pei Xi did not deny it. Indeed, if their aim was to avoid hype, then distancing themselves was the only way. But if they got involved in orchestrated scandals, it would be equally unacceptable for the young master to be manipulated or exploited.

“I’ll discuss this with him. In fact, competition can be interesting—it’s all about the approach.” A flash of cunning crossed Lin Zhiwei’s eyes. Rather than sit and wait for things to happen, it was better to seize the initiative.

“You’re absolutely right, Miss Lin,” Pei Xi said, looking at her with admiration. He remembered watching her navigate the disciplinary meeting with calculated steps, realizing then that she was someone with real skill. Now, it was clear she understood the situation completely.

“Pei Xi,” Lin Zhiwei said, her gaze thoughtful, “I truly want to help. But if there’s ever anything I need to know, I hope you won’t keep it from me. I won’t become your adversary.”

Pei Xi was taken aback, then lowered his head. Did Lin Zhiwei know something?

Noticing his sudden unease, Lin Zhiwei realized her guess was correct. It seemed Ling Ziheng had other motives for entering the entertainment industry here. Whatever his purpose, it didn’t concern her—as long as she could help, everyone would benefit.

Pei Xi glanced at Lin Zhiwei from the corner of his eye, suddenly feeling there was nowhere to hide. No wonder the young master was fond of her—a person so transparent and perceptive was someone anyone would admire.