Hu Yi was so pestered by her that she couldn’t refuse, but she still needed to be sure. "Are you really just interested in him as a person? Not for any other reason?"

"Of course," the actress said, her tone serious. "As long as I work hard and act well at the company, my future will be secure. I’m not really after anything from anyone else. I just find him to be my type."

"Besides, he used to be a soldier. How great is that?"

Seeing her solemn expression, Hu Yi relented. "Alright, after their meeting is over, I’ll talk to Sister Wen. But I can’t guarantee anything, you know. We’ve never really played matchmaker before."

The actress fawningly massaged Hu Yi’s shoulders. "Of course. You can’t force these things. Just getting to know him is enough. I’ll work hard on my own after that."

While the lounge downstairs was joyful and harmonious, things upstairs were not nearly as peaceful. For instance, Sister Li and Ji Mingxi had been stone-faced ever since Hu Yize and Zhang Nan entered the office.

Jin Xi carried himself with the distinct air of a rightful partner. After greeting everyone, he sat down next to Lu Wen, his every move clearly claiming her as his own. The intent to mark his territory was palpable.

Director Wang chuckled, pretending not to notice the palpable tension. "So this is your boyfriend? The young man is in great shape. Ever considered acting?"

The word "boyfriend" clearly pleased Jin Xi. "I’m afraid I’ll have to decline your kind offer."

Lu Wen didn’t deny Director Wang’s assumption. "He’s not in the industry, and he loves his job."

Director Wang wasn’t disappointed. "Is that so? Lu Wen, you have excellent taste. With that face and that physique, he’s a dead ringer for the lead in a military drama."

Lu Wen was in a good mood as well. "Of course. I had the same thought when I first saw him on the red carpet."

They exchanged a few more words, and then Director Wang tactfully fell silent. After all, this was between Hu Yize and Lu Wen. What business did he have getting involved?

Lu Wen leaned back slightly. "So... what did you want to see me about? As I recall, we haven’t been in contact since we broke up."

Hu Yize struggled to speak. "I came here today specifically to apologize to you. I was young and arrogant back then, and I handled many things poorly. I also hindered your career. I’m truly sorry."

Zhang Nan quickly chimed in, "I apologize to you as well. My methods a few years ago were indeed too extreme. Chairman Lu, please state your terms. I’ll do anything I can to satisfy them."

Lu Wen was amused. "Really?"

Zhang Nan and Hu Yize nodded in unison. Lu Wen feigned contemplation. "For the past few years, there have been rumors in the industry that Qi Yu was the other woman who took my place, but there’s never been a clear statement about it."

Director Wang, who had been sipping his tea, paused. ’That’s Lu Wen for you,’ he thought. ’She either doesn’t make a move, or she strikes so hard her opponent can’t even make a ripple.’

Qi Yu was currently getting hot and heavy with a second-generation heir. If this news came out, it would completely destroy her future prospects.

Hu Yize understood what Lu Wen was implying. "Does it... have to be this way?"

Lu Wen said, "You don’t have to do it. But I can’t guarantee what the consequences will be."

"As for you..." Lu Wen turned to Zhang Nan. "I know exactly how those reporters who hounded me back then appeared, and which people in the company were connected to you. I have a crystal-clear record of it all. So, why don’t you tell me how you plan to apologize?"

Zhang Nan knew there was no getting out of this amicably. He straightened his back. "I’ll compensate you with money. Name your price. As long as I can afford it, I won’t refuse."

"Do I look like I need your money? I know more about your finances and assets than you do." Lu Wen scoffed and took a sip of her tea. "Say something with a little more sincerity."

Zhang Nan said, "I will apologize to you publicly online. I’ll explain everything I did back then, down to the last detail..."

He knew Lu Wen wasn’t short on cash, so if he was going to apologize, it had to be sincere. Don’t be fooled by all the trouble Zhang Nan had caused Lu Wen in the past; when it came to making the most pragmatic choice, he clearly knew better than anyone.

Lu Wen said, "As expected of a veteran agent. You understand how to make sacrifices. If you hadn’t figured that out, we’d have nothing more to discuss."

"I recall your hot pot restaurant is a chain now..."

A chill ran down Hu Yize’s spine. "I’ll issue the statement as soon as I get back."

"Good," Lu Wen nodded slightly. "And I won’t accept any subtle, evasive wording. If you’re going to apologize, do it sincerely. If I’m not satisfied, I don’t mind truly knocking you down into the dust."

Hu Yize stood up. "I understand. Later, should I contact you...?"

"Just contact me directly," Sister Li cut in, her tone stiff. "Sister Wen is very busy. You can contact me directly for matters like this."

"And me," Ji Mingxi also stood up. "Let me see you out. Sister Wen still has important business to discuss."

What could Hu Yize do? He could only follow Ji Mingxi out. Sister Li trailed behind them, one hand in her pocket, her gaze on Hu Yize icy cold.

As soon as Hu Yize and Zhang Nan left, the atmosphere in the office instantly relaxed. Director Wang gestured at Lu Wen. "When you had that stern look on your face just now, you even gave me a bit of a scare. Aren’t your employees afraid of you?"

’I did a pretty good job imitating Tan You,’ Lu Wen thought. ’The key isn’t the expression, but the aura.’

She relaxed as well. "I’m actually very easygoing. It’s just that I’ve built up a lot of resentment over the past few years. How did you end up coming here with him?"

Director Wang said, "He was in one of my productions back in the day, and his performance was pretty good. He came to me for help, and he was so sincere and earnest, I really couldn’t just wash my hands of it."

"It just put you in a difficult position."

Lu Wen said, "Not really. I was going to get my payback eventually. This just moved the timeline up a bit."

Director Wang looked at Jin Xi, his curiosity piqued. "How did you two meet? Tell me the story."

"Sure... Well, it all started..." Lu Wen had nothing to hide. Her relationship with Jin Xi was open and honest, so why be secretive?

Hu Yize and Zhang Nan prepared their apology statements quickly. Less than an hour after they returned, Hu Yize’s company contacted Sister Li. Reading the statement, in which every word seemed carefully chosen to allude to Qi Yu, put Sister Li in a great mood.

Lu Wen, of course, also saw both apology statements. She smiled. "This will do."

Sister Li asked, "Do you think Qi Yu will retaliate when she sees this?"

"How would she retaliate?" Lu Wen scoffed. "Does she even have the power to?"

"She doesn’t, but she has plenty of money. What if she hires someone or something..." Sister Li wasn’t just being paranoid. Having been in the industry for so long, she knew some people were truly capable of anything.

Jin Xi agreed. "How about hiring some bodyguards?"

"No need. I don’t like having too many people around me," Lu Wen refused flatly. ’Are bodyguards even as reliable as Tan You?’ she thought.

"If you’re worried, why don’t you move in with me? You’re the best bodyguard I could ask for." To appease Jin Xi, Lu Wen said it casually, giving his chin a playful scratch.