It was no wonder Director Du could hold his position to this day; he certainly had his strengths.
Although his team lacked innovation, their execution was exceptional. They handled all the minor details promptly, allowing Director Du to focus on tasks like grocery shopping and picking up children from school. This was particularly crucial as most of the company's budget had been allocated to Ma Xiao's "Create a Miracle," leaving Director Du with very little.
However, "Little Du Brother" was a master of understanding traffic flow. In this era of widespread celebrity worship, he spent his limited funds wisely, focusing on guests and contestants. As for promotional expenses, not a single cent was spent! The company had its own publicity department, and they were adept at riding on trends. Whenever "Create a Miracle" released a promotion, he would copy the text verbatim, adding only a "Please look forward to 'I Am Your Grandpa'!!" This infuriated Ma Xiao, who immediately went to complain to General Jiang.
"Tell me, is this how things are done? We agreed to compete, and he outright stole our carefully crafted promotions. Does he have any shame?" Du Xingbang sat opposite them, calmly holding a hand-shaken coffee he had just "borrowed" from General Jiang. "Old Ma, let's discuss the matter at hand without personal attacks. Who lacks shame? Isn't it good for me to save the company money?"
General Jiang nodded in agreement, "Old Du indeed has a high level of awareness!"
"Thank you for the compliment, General Jiang," Du Xingbang replied. He then turned back to Ma Xiao, "You're wealthy and riding on a sure success. All you need to do is get on the horse. Have you considered those of us running behind you?"
Ma Xiao was furious. "Director Du, 'Create' is the company's flagship project this year. Can you stop lumping it in with your shoddy 'Grandpa'?"
"Ma Xiao, have you become too arrogant?" Du Xingbang downed his coffee in one gulp and slammed the cup down. "How is 'Grandpa' shoddy? I'm telling you, if the ratings come out, you'll be so shocked you'll wet your pants!"
"Ha! If you win, I'll post 'You are my grandpa' on Weibo for three consecutive days!"
"Alright! It's a deal!"
"And if you lose?"
"If I lose, I'll leave the company!"
"It's settled then!"
The two had a complete falling out in front of General Jiang. Du Xingbang returned with slumped shoulders. Xia Weiliang happened to be there to discuss variety shows with him. Upon seeing her, Du Xingbang lamented with a troubled expression, "Liang'er, your Little Du Brother is being bullied again!"
Xia Weiliang was selecting stage background photos. "Who? President Ma?"
"He's trying to drive me out of the company! Liang, you have to help your Little Du Brother!"
Xia Weiliang sighed helplessly, "Whether a show is popular depends not only on our best efforts but also on fate!"
Du Xingbang slammed the table. "For me, there is only effort, no fate!" Energized, he grabbed his bag and prepared to leave.
"Hey, Xiao Du, where are you going?"
"The market! If I'm late, I won't get the freshest produce!"
"..."
Director Du's dedication was truly unexpected. As she left the company, her phone rang.
"Weiliang, it's Mom." Su Hui's voice on the other end was ingratiating.
Xia Weiliang frowned, her tone even more distant than before. "Mrs. Xia."
"Weiliang, don't be like that. You are still Mom's good daughter..."
"Mrs. Xia, what do you need?"
As she spoke, a van pulled up in front of her. The door opened, and a man wearing sunglasses looked out, beckoning her with a finger. She froze, suddenly remembering the WeChat message he had sent that morning, saying he would be back today. She had been busy and forgotten to reply. A little surprise flickered within her. After glancing around to confirm no paparazzi were present, she quickly slipped into the car.
Yan Zhi and Da Yang greeted her with smiles. Xia Weiliang smiled back at them, then turned to the person beside her. Xiao Yi directly pulled her to sit next to him.
On the phone, Su Hui was still speaking. "...Your great-aunt has returned from abroad. Come home for dinner tonight."
"Great-aunt?" Xia Weiliang's gaze dimmed. She had lived at her great-aunt's for a period in her childhood. Everyone said her great-aunt was eccentric, but she and her great-aunt had gotten along exceptionally well. Honestly, she quite wanted to see her great-aunt, but going back to the Xia family...
"Weiliang, your great-aunt... is ill. The doctor says she only has about six months left." Su Hui's words dispelled all her reservations. "What kind of illness? How could this happen!"
Xiao Yi glanced at her. Xia Weiliang's eyes were already welling up with tears. "Alright, I'll be back tonight."
After hanging up, she remained lost in her emotions for quite some time.
"Mrs. Xia's call?"
She nodded silently. "She said my great-aunt is ill."
Sensing her disorientation, Xiao Yi took her hand and patted it gently. "Do you need me to arrange a medical team?"
She shook her head again. "Great-aunt is very wealthy. She won't just passively wait for this to happen, unless..." Unless it was indeed very serious.
"Oh, right. Has Sister Rong confirmed her schedule?" She didn't want her emotions to affect her and quickly regained her composure.
Xiao Yi gave her a deep look. "She has cleared her schedule."
"That's great!" Xia Weiliang patted his shoulder. "I trust you to handle things."
Yan Zhi, sitting in the front, could only sigh helplessly. It was easy for her to say. The boss was exchanging favors; the Empress's influence was immense!
"Where are we going now?"
Seeing her somewhat distracted state, Xiao Yi slowly asked, "Did Mrs. Xia say anything? Does she want you to go back to accompany your great-aunt? So, you are returning to the Xia family?"
Xia Weiliang was startled. "How do you know everything?"
Xiao Yi's handsome face bore a faint smile. "Only that Xia family can elicit such an expression from you."
Xia Weiliang no longer needed to pretend with him, expressing both conflict and helplessness. "I know she wants to use my great-aunt to get me back, but what's the point of going back? Still, I really do want to see my great-aunt."
"Then go back." Xiao Yi said decisively, "You didn't do anything wrong, so there's no need to punish yourself here."
Hearing him say that, Xia Weiliang suddenly felt a sense of relief. "Okay! Let's go back then!"
Xiao Yi immediately instructed Da Yang, "Go to Master Gu's place."
"Yes!"
Xia Weiliang was curious. "Who is Master Gu?"
"You'll know when we get there." Xiao Yi reached out and ruffled her hair, naturally taking her small hand.
Soon, the car stopped.
"Boss, we've arrived."
Xiao Yi led Xia Weiliang out. What greeted them was a magnificent villa, with an atmosphere reminiscent of imperial gardens.
"Let's go in." Xiao Yi held her hand tightly and led her inside.
Master Gu was watering flowers inside. Hearing footsteps, he looked up. "What gust of wind brought you here today~"
His previously smiling face froze the instant he saw Xia Weiliang, his pupils slowly widening...