Lu Zhou supported his forehead with one hand, and Lin Yao also walked in, asking, "Why are you so happy?"

"Hahaha—" Du Mei held up the bag of salt to show Lin Yao and said, "I really don't regret hiring Xiao Yi as my assistant. In all the years of running this company... he's the cutest assistant I've ever seen... hahaha..."

Lin Yao erupted into laughter and fell onto the sofa.

Xiao Yi felt completely bewildered.

Du Mei put the salt in the drawer, still recovering from laughter. After calming down, she said, "Let's talk about your job, Xiao Yi."

"Do we need to buy more salt?" Xiao Yi asked. "What happened?"

Du Mei waved her hand, and there was a hint of amusement in Lu Zhou's eyes. He said, "You go out for a while. I need to talk to Manager Du."

"Alright." Xiao Yi stepped out, closing the door behind him. He felt a bit nervous since today marked the end of his probation period. His performance in these three months would determine his salary increase and whether he could continue working for Lu Zhou.

During this period, he had been working diligently for Lu Zhou. Xiao Yi was quite confident about staying, unless Lu Zhou was dissatisfied with him. However, he heard that Lu Zhou had dismissed his previous assistants.

Xiao Yi was optimistic when he suddenly heard Lu Zhou's voice inside, seemingly angry. "Him?! What can he do? Nothing! Don't be fooled by his good temper; he really doesn't understand anything. He's just a useless guy!"

Xiao Yi's heart sank. He had done his best, or so he thought.

He thought he knew Lu Zhou well, but at this moment, he suddenly felt that Lu Zhou was a stranger. Perhaps, in matters of the heart or work, he wasn't doing well enough, even though he worked hard.

The voices inside became quieter, and he couldn't hear what they were saying.

Xiao Yi thought about it. Even if it was about emotions, Lu Zhou might not have any feelings for him. In fact, during these days as Lu Zhou's assistant, he had caused some trouble for Lu Zhou. Regardless of whether he could stay or not, he needed to thank Lu Zhou for taking care of him.

If the probation period didn't pass, could he continue working in the film and television industry? Xiao Yi thought about the WeChat group he joined for the crew. How much did the crew members earn? Didn't Du Mei mention that a month's salary for the crew members doing odd jobs was only three to five thousand?

Lin Yao came out and said, "Come in, Xiao Yi."

Xiao Yi followed him in, sitting in front of the table. He felt like he was undergoing a trial, while Lu Zhou lounged on the sofa, playing mobile games. Xiao Yi stole a glance at him, but Lu Zhou didn't even lift his head.

"Hmm," Du Mei said with a smile. "You've performed well, and the company has decided to continue employing you."

Xiao Yi smiled and said, "I also hope to stay in the company, hoping to remain as Assistant to Zhou-ge."

Xiao Yi glanced at Lu Zhou, who still didn't look at him.

Well, Xiao Yi thought. Sometimes, he felt that Lu Zhou was like a wall. He thought he had put in a lot, but in Lu Zhou's eyes, perhaps it was nothing. But that was normal; maybe he, Xiao Yi, was just one of the many fans.

Lin Yao took the initiative to shake hands with Xiao Yi, warming his heart a bit. Du Mei organized the files on the table and said, "Your probation period's salary has already been transferred to you. Check it when you go back. You'll receive three months' salary, plus the subsidy for working on the crew. There's also a year-end bonus. Your salary is set by Lu Zhou, even though it's processed through the company. You can be considered his personal assistant."

"Alright, thank you, Zhou-ge," Xiao Yi immediately expressed his gratitude.

Lu Zhou continued to focus on playing games.

Du Mei added, "Speaking of the formal contract, we need to know your thoughts because there's a time limit for signing with our company."

Xiao Yi asked, "How many years?"

Du Mei replied, "It depends on your preference. How many years do you plan to stay in the company?"

This question had caught Xiao Yi off guard. Although, for someone like him, staying for five or ten years wouldn't make much difference. Saving money for him would at most result in buying a bathroom in Sanlitun (NT: a popular and expensive area in Beijing). Whether he signed for a few years or not, it didn't matter; maybe he would still be a useless person if the company went bankrupt.

However, the career prospects were indeed crucial. Xiao Yi hadn't thought about it yet, feeling a bit hesitant. He pondered over his goals. What was his ultimate goal?

Ideally, settling down in Beijing, buying a house and a car, bringing his parents to Beijing for retirement. But surviving in Beijing was like an endless mode of Plants vs. Zombies. He had to consider alternatives.

The alternative was saving enough money in Beijing to go back to his hometown, start a small business, and buy a car and a house.

In the end, all life goals boiled down to buying a car and a house. Xiao Yi felt a bit pathetic. If he intended to play the second-hand, he couldn't work in the company forever.

"Did your brain short-circuit?" Lu Zhou said without reservation. "Manager Du asked you a question!"

Xiao Yi immediately snapped out of his thoughts, and Lu Zhou explained to Du Mei, "His brain is single-threaded. He can't handle too many things at once. You'll get used to it."

"Hahaha," Du Mei almost burst into laughter again, saying, "You two are so funny. We can form a comedy duo in the future."

Knowing that Du Mei was joking, Lu Zhou showed a disdainful expression. "Him?” Then he continued playing the game.

"How... many years at the shortest?" Xiao Yi asked. "Honestly, Manager Du, I feel that I'm not quite suitable for this position."

Lu Zhou took a deep breath, and his expression immediately changed. He was about to get angry, but Xiao Yi earnestly continued, "While working for Zhoge, I often make him angry..."

Du Mei reassured, "You've done well. He's like this with everyone. He likes you a lot. Don't overthink it."

"No, no." Xiao Yi quickly explained.

"No? What the hell! Am I treating you unfairly?" Lu Zhou stood up impatiently. "You want to leave following me?!"

Xiao Yi hurriedly said, "I'm sorry, Zhou-ge. You misunderstood. That's not what I meant!"

Lu Zhou stood up to leave, and Lin Yao said, "Alright, Lu Zhou, don't get angry."

Xiao Yi felt a bit awkward, but he was saddened by what he overheard outside. He said, "If Zhou-ge doesn't get tired of me later, I'm willing to follow him indefinitely. It's no problem for me to be an assistant. Although it's tiring when we go out for shoots, being with my idol makes me genuinely happy. It's a wish deep in my heart."

"I got it," Du Mei said with a smile. "Lu Zhou, what do you think?"

"Whatever." Lu Zhou replied.

Du Mei said, "Then let's sign a three-year contract. How about that?"

"Okay." Xiao Yi didn't really have a choice. If he could choose, he would be willing to sign for more years. But if Lu Zhou felt annoyed or tired of him and decided to let him go, Xiao Yi would have to find another position in the company. Ultimately, this job was indeed tiring. If it weren't for being an assistant to a male god, Xiao Yi probably wouldn't have continued.

Du Mei turned to Lin Yao and asked, "Do you have the third version of the service contract?"

"I don't think you need to sign any contract," Lu Zhou suddenly said angrily. "Whenever you want to leave, just pack up and go. How about that?"

Xiao Yi felt bitter and said, "I really didn't mean that, Zhou-ge. I love you."

Lu Zhou remained silent.

Du Mei burst into laughter again, and Xiao Yi said, "But if it weren't for being your assistant, I wouldn't have stayed in the company. I need to take care of my parents. My mom has been urging me to go back. If I were as rich as you, I would be willing to do this job even without a salary. You taught me a lot, and learning from you is an opportunity that many people can only dream of."

Lu Zhou asked, "Your parents... are they ill?"

"No, no," Xiao Yi explained hastily. "But they feel that I haven't made a name for myself in Beijing. They've been urging me to go back. Look at me now, no girlfriend, and if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have the heart to stay in Beijing."

Lu Zhou's expression softened a bit, but he quickly caught on to the key point and started lecturing Xiao Yi.

"You work for me?" Lu Zhou said, "This is looking up to me. Yes, that's right. But have you ever thought about working for yourself? Do you know..."

Lu Zhou lifted his legs, stretched his hand, revealing a million-dollar watch, took a sip from a water cup, and continued, "Why are you floating around in a place like Beijing without settling down? Why does your girlfriend dislike you being a loser?"

Xiao Yi remained silent.

In his heart, Xiao Yi thought, Male God, can you not be like this? Your recent behaviour and words have deducted nearly thirty points from my view of you. Now, there are only 999999969 points left. If you continue to lecture me like this, even Manager Du might not be able to bear watching. Lu Zhou shamelessly said, "Do you know why I kept you?"

Xiao Yi pretended to be receptive to the lesson, thinking that Lu Zhou keeping him around was probably just convenient for having someone to vent on, since he couldn't fight back or talk back.

"Alright," Du Mei couldn't stand it any longer. She smiled and said to Xiao Yi, "Lu Zhou mentioned that you are proactive and enthusiastic in your work, treating his affairs as your own. Your friends in the crew also praised you, saying you have a good temper and take initiative. Keep up with this."

"Okay," Xiao Yi said a bit embarrassed. Lin Yao handed him the contract to sign. After signing, Lu Zhou got up and left. Du Mei said, "Your salary for this morning has been transferred."

"Thank you!" Xiao Yi packed up and followed Lu Zhou.

Lu Zhou pressed the button for the lobby on the elevator but didn't enter the garage. Xiao Yi said, " Zhou-ge, I really didn't mean that in front of Manager Du."

Lu Zhou waved his hand, remaining silent.

Xiao Yi said, "Where are we going this afternoon?"

"Endorsement," Lu Zhou said.

"Buying salt?" Xiao Yi asked.

"Shooting an advertisement! Endorsement!" Lu Zhou said, "Lenovo is having me 'endorse'! Did you really bring salt to the company?" (NT: daiyan: endorsement / Maiyan: buy salt. Poor Xiao Yi misheard)

Xiao Yi: "..."

Lu Zhou put on sunglasses, his mouth twitching, clearly trying to hold back his laughter. Xiao Yi said, "Do you want to drive?"

Lu Zhou replied in a deep voice, "Follow me."

Xiao Yi thought that he must have embarrassed himself just now. It was so embarrassing that he found it funny when he thought about it. However, after Lu Zhou left the lobby and walked outside, Xiao Yi hurriedly caught up. Lu Zhou asked, "Did you bring your salary card?"

"Yes." Xiao Yi replied immediately. "I can check it on my phone... Wait a minute!"

Lu Zhou grabbed Xiao Yi and brought him to the ATM machine. Xiao Yi reached for his wallet, but Lu Zhou stopped him, taking out a card from his own wallet and putting it into the ATM.

"Watch closely," Lu Zhou said.

Xiao Yi: "???"

Lu Zhou roared, "Look at the screen! Why are you looking at my password!"

Xiao Yi: "..."

Lu Zhou didn't avoid Xiao Yi's gaze, entering a series of passwords and tapping the screen. He said, "Did you see it clearly?"

Xiao Yi: "..."

There were over seven million in Lu Zhou's account.

Xiao Yi suddenly felt weak in the legs, thinking this must be a joke.

Lu Zhou said, "This is just my pocket money, pocket money, as the name suggests, is the money taken out for pocket expenses. Do you know how much pocket money I have? You see, there's over ninety thousand in Yu'ebao (NT: change management platform under Alipay), and the overflow can only be left in the bank card. Do you know how much money my business has? Do you know how much I donate in a year? Look at this small change—seven million seven hundred and ninety thousand, with a small change of ninety thousand. Now, look at your own salary card."

Xiao Yi: "??"

Xiao Yi took out his salary card, put it in, and covered his left hand with his right while entering the password.

Lu Zhou: "..."

"You only have this much money! The company set up the salary card for you! Are you afraid that I will secretly use your card?" Lu Zhou was about to explode. Xiao Yi realized that there was no need to hide it from Lu Zhou. He hurriedly said, "Sorry, I'm used to it... The password for this card is six zeros."

"Forget it, forget it!" Lu Zhou said. "Check yours again."

Xiao Yi checked his balance and thought he must have read it wrong.

There were 80,000 in the account! Three months, plus the subsidy for going to the crew in Hengdian, and the year-end bonus, when added up, it's 80,000!

80,000! 80,000! 80,000! 80,000—!!!

80,000, ah! In three months! He earned 80,000 yuan!

Lu Zhou: "Do you know why you only have this much money while I have 7 million as pocket money?"

Xiao Yi had already automatically tuned out Lu Zhou's lecture, even though Lu Zhou's intention was not for him to rejoice over the 80,000. However, Xiao Yi couldn't control himself. Sometimes he felt like he was floating in the azure sky, sometimes setting off fireworks on the Eiffel Tower—80,000! Sometimes singing and dancing at the entrance of the Forbidden City—80,000!

Sometimes watching the sunset on Easter Island—80,000!

Sometimes singing loudly under the falling cherry blossoms at Mount Fuji—80,000!

In a prosperous world, with magnificent rivers and mountains, golden brilliance, and nations coming to pay tribute—80,000! 80,000!

Formerly, there was not enough to praise, but now in riches and thoughts of boundlessness—80,000! 80,000! 80,000!

Lu Zhou's patient voice gradually faded out, and the character image gradually blacked out: "In life, you have to broaden your horizons... (the sound had been automatically tuned out more and more by Xiao Yi)"

"Do you know that a first-line screenwriter can earn 300,000 for one episode, a first-line star can earn 600,000 to 900,000 for one episode, and a director can earn a bundled package of 3 million to 9 million for one film? Even the overall planning can be bundled...," Lu Zhou explained.

Xiao Yi's pupils slightly dilated, looking at the 8 followed by four zeros on the screen, thinking, 8... 80,000...

"The richest are the bosses. Do you know that the money from the investors is calculated in billions, tens of billions? If you have money, you can casually pursue any artist. Except for me, Lu Zhou, if you can afford it, even if you want to pursue Li Changzheng, he'll accompany you to bed... There are heavens beyond heavens, and people above people. If you just want to be an assistant, earning the assistant's salary, you'll never become someone, and you'll only be pursued by others. You'll only guard this little salary and won't be able to afford a car, won't be able to afford a house, and can only be a follower..."

Lu Zhou finally noticed that Xiao Yi was daydreaming and roared in his ear:

"Are you even listening!"

"I finally..." Xiao Yi hugged Lu Zhou and shouted, "The account has exceeded five digits! I can pay off my credit card! Zhou-ge, I've decided to be your assistant for life! Don't dislike me—! Waaah!"

Lu Zhou: "..."

*

After shooting the advertisement at noon that day, in the afternoon, Xiao Yi nervously asked Lu Zhou for leave, and although Lu Zhou wasn't very satisfied, he agreed.

So Xiao Yi handled miscellaneous matters, waiting until Lu Zhou finished lunch before coming out.

Lu Zhou: "Where to?"

Xiao Yi: "I have some personal matters to attend to."

Lu Zhou: "..."

When Xiao Yi saw Lu Zhou's expression wasn't right, he quickly said, "I'm going to apologize and make amends to my girlfriend and buy her a gift."

"Are you not using my car?" Lu Zhou asked.

"Uh? Can I?" Xiao Yi said.

"Never mind, I'll drive you," Lu Zhou said. "Anyway, I have nothing else to do. Do you want me to pretend to be your driver? I can stand behind you in front of your girlfriend and call you Mister Xiao."

Xiao Yi: "..."

Lu Zhou changed into a suit and came out, making Xiao Yi suddenly feel like he didn't recognize Lu Zhou.

"Let's go!" Lu Zhou said strangely.

Xiao Yi: "This... I haven't decided yet, whether to..."

Lu Zhou looked impatient and said, "I've helped you so much, and you still hesitate? Are you even a man?"

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yi thought, well, with Lu Zhou backing him up, this time he can really hold his head high! Although his girlfriend would go straight to the male god when she saw Lu Zhou, leaving him aside, it's still good. At least they can reconcile.

Xiao Yi parked the car downstairs at the advertising company. Lu Zhou said, "I'll drive for you. When you find her, just call her down."

"Okay, okay," Xiao Yi said. " Zhou-ge, please don't mess with me."

Lu Zhou: "..."

Xiao Yi felt that Lu Zhou was a bit too sincere today. He didn't know why, but he had the feeling that Lu Zhou was planning to tease him. He took a deep breath, holding the diamond ring he bought for his girlfriend, and entered the company building.

 

Translator : DarNan