After finishing the meal, Han Yi gave Xia Yang a basic rundown of workplace etiquette.
He covered things like the professional demeanor expected of an assistant, high emotional intelligence, and the basic skills needed for interacting with a chairman, among other things.
This included handling workplace sexual harassment.
“I’ve just told you the fundamental principles of a real workplace. For a reality show, this should be sufficient,” Han Yi said.
Xia Yang put away the small notebook filled with notes, his eyes shining with admiration and gratitude.
“Listening to you is like reading a book for ten years. Thank you, boss. I’ll find a chance to bow to you.”
“That’s not necessary,” Han Yi raised his teacup, substituting tea for wine, and clinked glasses with him. “Wishing you all the best.”
“Fingers crossed,” Xia Yang grinned, clinking his cup as well. “I hope the show gives me a reasonable chairman.”
“…They will,” Han Yi said, pursing his lips.
After eating, the two left the restaurant and returned to the car. Xia Yang suddenly remembered something.
“Oh! I got so caught up in the lesson that I forgot I owe you an explanation.” He scratched his head sheepishly, feeling embarrassed.
From accidentally sending those photos last night to today’s denial of “husband” at the set, Han Yi had shown a lot of patience, but an explanation was still due.
“The thing is…”
“No need to explain,” Han Yi interrupted, looking down at him. “I’m not insisting on an explanation.”
Xia Yang was taken aback, feeling puzzled. “Then you came here today just to have dinner with me?”
Was his motive really that pure?
“Hmm,” Han Yi nodded. “I missed you.”
Xia Yang’s heart started racing again. His face, hidden in the car’s shadow, had a faint blush spreading from his ears.
After a moment, he looked up, straightened up in his seat, and turned to Han Yi. Even though Han Yi said there was no need for an explanation, he felt it was the right time to be honest.
“Well, actually, I’ve been seriously thinking about our relationship whenever I have time.”
“But I don’t have as much brain capacity as you, so I think a bit slower. So… I might need more time to prepare and transition into a new role.”
After saying this, he bit his lip, his gaze flickering, not daring to look at Han Yi.
He was still contemplating what to do if Han Yi disagreed when the man’s deep, magnetic voice came from above.
“Alright, take your time. I won’t rush you.” It was the second time he’d said this.
Xia Yang looked up abruptly, catching a glimpse of his reflection in Han Yi’s deep, dark eyes.
“Today is the great cold,” Han Yi said, gazing at him. “Do you know what that signifies?”
“What?”
Han Yi: “A period of dormancy, awaiting a surprising bloom of spring.”
*
In mid-January, Xia Yang successfully finished filming all the scenes for “Hidden Heart.”
As soon as the movie wrapped, the reality show “Newbie at Work” was scheduled.
Two days later, Xia Yang and his manager went to the TV station where the show was based to shoot promotional photos.
“Mr. Qi, Xia Yang, come on in!” Business Director Wang Pi enthusiastically ushered them into the VIP lounge.
Inside were a few others, all invited guests. This workplace reality show had selected two companies as “workplace trial grounds,” with five entertainers participating.
“Everyone, have some tea and get acquainted,” Wang Pi checked his watch, “One more guest hasn’t arrived yet.”
Xia Yang greeted the three present—He Doudou, Jian Fan, and Si Meng—who were all around his age.
Initially, the show had tentatively selected the four of them. The fifth was a later addition. “Hello, hello, sorry I’m late.” A male voice came from the entrance, and everyone turned to see a tall figure, standing nearly 190cm tall, almost brushing the door frame.
“Owen?” Xia Yang quickly recognized the person; it was the foreign male model he’d met at the fashion show a few days prior.
“Hello, idol,” Owen blinked his blue eyes at him, looking very excited, and then greeted the other guests before sitting down.
With all the guests present, the photographer came in to shoot some behind-the-scenes footage. Business Director Wang Pi cleared his throat, first introducing the reality show, and then explaining what the guests would be doing next.
“We’ll be taking three sets of photos: a group photo of the guests, individual shots, and one with your workplace supervisor in the reality show.”
“Now, you don’t know which company you’ll be working for or what position you’ll have. These questions will be answered by your supervisors, who should already be waiting in the studio!”
“Wow, this is so mysterious!” He Doudou exclaimed, raising her eyebrows. “You’re making me think I’m being sent to the FBI.”
Everyone laughed and stood up to head to their respective studios for the photo shoot.
“Xia Yang, you’re in Studio 2. We’ll start with the group photo, then do the individual shots and group photo.” An assistant led him to Studio 2, while his manager Qi Le stayed in the reception room.
Studio 2 was located at the end of a hallway. As Xia Yang pushed open the door, he saw a room full of wardrobe stylists, photographers, and makeup artists.
A man sat on the sofa in the rest area, facing away from him, his head slightly bowed, seemingly looking at his phone.
The business assistant introduced him, saying that the man was his direct supervisor on the show.
… Hmm, judging by the back of his head—though mostly blocked by the sofa—it felt strangely familiar.
Xia Yang adjusted his clothes and walked towards “the head” with large strides, “Hello, sorry to keep you waiting,” he said, walking around the sofa and extending his hand with a smile. “I’m Xia Yang, pleased to…”
The words stopped abruptly, the rest stuck in his throat, and the smile in his eyes turned into shock when he saw the face of his supervisor.
What the heck!
Why was it… him?
“Hello,” Han Yi stood up calmly, shaking hands with him and handing him a prepared offer from the coffee table.
“Welcome to Yunding Group as my personal assistant. I look forward to working with you.”
Xia Yang: “!!!”
His heart was pounding so hard it hurt his ears; it felt surreal to see Han Yi here.
Why would a business tycoon take the time to film a reality show??
Short on cash, seeking fame? Neither seemed plausible.
The business assistant noticed Xia Yang standing dumbfounded and quickly walked over, giving him a gentle pat. “Let’s not waste time; let’s take the photos. Han Yi must be very busy.”
“No worries,” Han Yi said calmly.
Xia Yang forced himself to focus, absorbing the bizarre reality of the situation.
“Well, then, I look forward to working with you, Mr. Han,” he said quickly, lowering his eyelashes.
Today, Han Yi wore a black business suit, and the stylist added a dark red bow tie, making him look more fashionable and suitable for the reality show poster.
Xia Yang wore a fitted white suit, leaning towards a more fashionable design, less formal and mature. He was also given a bow tie the same color as Han Yi’s. The stylist then quickly styled his hair, creating a neat, professional look.
“My goodness, so handsome!” The stylist clapped enthusiastically. “I never expected to see two such top-tier looks on our show!”
They had previously invited many non-celebrity bosses, but they were just average-looking.
Today’s guest, young, tall, and handsome, was as good-looking as anyone in the entertainment industry.
While getting styled, Xia Yang sneaked glances at Han Yi through the mirror. It was true; calling him top-tier in looks was no exaggeration. And it wasn’t just about his facial features; it was the mature charm, the calm and cool demeanor, and the commanding presence.
It was a deep, sophisticated kind of attractiveness, both inside and out.
Once everything was ready—
“You can both sit for the photo, or Han Yi can sit while Xia Yang stands. Try a few poses and see what feels most comfortable,” the photographer suggested, gesturing.
Without a word, Han Yi sat down on a wooden chair, back straight, legs naturally extended. Xia Yang glanced at him and then sat down in the chair next to him.
He kept his legs together, hands on his lap, sitting quietly like a well-behaved bunny.
As an assistant, he had to present a well-behaved image, not an overpowering presence that would overshadow the chairman.
He thought he struck the right balance.
The photographer peered through the viewfinder, adjusted the angle for a moment, then shook his head and turned to the stylist, “Does the white suit Xia Yang’s wearing come in another color? With these outfits, it looks a bit like a wedding photo.”
Xia Yang: “…”
The stylist looked in the wardrobe, shaking her head. “No, but…” She rubbed her chin, hesitated, and then suggested, “Maybe we could remove the bow tie.”
“Uh, do we have to?” Xia Yang was reluctant; he liked the bow tie element.
“We can try it without and see. With the bow tie, it does look like a wedding photo; we overlooked that detail.” The stylist explained with a smile. Xia Yang nodded, understanding, and gestured for the stylist to remove the bow tie. But just then, Han Yi’s deep voice came from beside him, “Leave it; we’ll take the photo like this.”
The others: “…”
The stylist and photographer exchanged glances, unsure what to say. The boss had spoken; they had to comply.
Earlier, the show’s director and producers had stressed how rare it was to have this boss on the show, urging them to make the most of it!
Wedding photo… if it looks like one, so be it; it’s not their problem.
“Alright! We’ll do as Mr. Han says, keep the bow tie on!”
Relieved to keep the bow tie, Xia Yang felt happy. He turned his head slightly, lowering his voice to ask, “Boss, boss, I didn’t realize you had a thing for bow ties?”
“Not really,” Han Yi turned his head slightly, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear, “I don’t like bow ties. I like wedding photos.”
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