Chapter 15: Desperate Supporting Actor Revising the Script

Chapter 15: Desperate Supporting Actor Revising the Script

Cang Ming, Xu Yizhi, Qin Zishi, and two other interviewers were now seated in a small conference room, watching the surveillance footage on a large screen.

Gong Cheng, holding a notebook and pen, walked into the interview room, while Tomson was already lounging on the sofa, looking impatient. He needed to leave early today to prepare for tomorrow's vacation.

Gong Cheng approached with a smile, politely asking, "Senior, may I sit?"

He spoke in fluent and authentic American English.

Hearing the familiar accent, Tomson's expression softened considerably. "You called me 'Senior'. Did you also graduate from Yale University?"

"Yes, I majored in finance and graduated eleven years after you. The achievements you've made in the tech field are often cited by our professors to inspire us, the younger generation. You are an idol to many of us," Gong Cheng said, admiration shining in his eyes.

"Really? It seems that even after many years, the faculty still remember me. Nice to meet you, I'm Eddie Thomson. It's a pleasure to meet you here in Huaguo."

Thomson, who had been lounging on the couch, stood up and shook hands with Gong Cheng, his face breaking into a rare smile. Even a fiercely independent genius like him couldn't resist genuine admiration.

Their shared educational background and life experiences made their conversation flow smoother and deeper as they continued.

Qin Zishi, watching Gong Cheng's performance on the surveillance screen, silently nodded in approval and marked a few bright red checks on the evaluation form. The other two interviewers also showed appreciative smiles.

Cang Ming and Xu Yizhi sat in the middle; the former with a stoic expression, sitting upright while observing the screen, and the latter playing with a black and gold lighter, lips curled in a half-smile, reclining languidly on the sofa.

So far, Qin Zishi couldn't gauge the two bosses' impressions of Gong Cheng. However, given Gong Cheng's credentials, the elimination of Qin Qing seemed inevitable. Comparing a high school graduate with a prodigious graduate from a prestigious international university was simply incomparable.

Qin Zishi lowered his head, a scoffing smile tugging at his lips.

At that moment, he received a text from Qin Huaichuan, asking how Qin Qing's interview was going.

Qin Zishi turned the phone screen towards Cang Hua, softly explained, and then replied: "It didn't go smoothly. President Cang felt my elder brother's educational qualifications were too low and wanted to dismiss him. I pleaded for my brother, and thanks to my influence, President Cang gave him another chance. But he's up against Gong Cheng, a top graduate from Yale. There's a huge gap in their abilities."

"A Yale graduate? What did he study?"

"He studied finance and worked on Wall Street for several years. He's quite well-known in the industry. Look him up online, and you'll find more about him."

Qin Zishi leaned against the table, waiting silently. He knew Qin Huaichuan would undoubtedly search for Gong Cheng's details.

After seeing such an impressive resume, would he still believe his own son was the best? What was Qin Huaichuan thinking, shoving Qin Qing into Lanyu? Had he lost his mind?

Qin Zishi curled his lips in another mocking smile.

Minutes later, Qin Huaichuan sent a message: "I looked him up. He's indeed an exceptional talent. Tell Qin Qing not to be too disappointed. If he gets eliminated, he can work at Qin Corp. He still needs more training."

"Okay, I'll console him."

Frustrated, Qin Zishi flipped his phone face down on the table, trying to ignore the infuriating messages. Qin Qing needed more experience? So, Qin Huaichuan planned to use him as a stepping stone for Qin Qing's growth?

To discard the son he'd raised for twenty-five years so easily? Truly cold-hearted!

"I'm sorry, Qin Qing. It's not personal against you, but in this family, if you exist, I can't," Qin Zishi thought, a sinister glint appearing in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Qin Qing stood in the restroom, adjusting his hair in the mirror. With wet fingers, he ruffled his sleek black hair into a natural style.

Stray strands framed his forehead, partially covering his slightly arched eyebrows and upturned peach blossom eyes. His sharp black suit, both minimalistic and well-designed, perfectly accentuated his slender and supple figure.

Broad shoulders, a thin yet strong waist, and exceptionally straight legs. He didn’t resemble a job applicant; instead, he exuded an aura of elegance, classic charm, and affluence.

996, perched on the sink counter, huffed, "Qin Qing, if you don't follow the script, you'll meet your end!"

Qin Qing removed his tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, revealing a sensual clavicle. This slight change added a touch of nonchalance to his meticulous attire.

After ensuring his appearance was impeccable, he folded his striped silk tie into a flower shape, placing it in his suit pocket for decoration, and then proceeded to wash his hands.

To 996's mutterings, he turned a deaf ear.

996 said, with some exasperation, "I have the script. I know the hardships that await you. If you cooperate, I might make things a bit easier. You think you can succeed in today's interview? Trust me, it's impossible!"

Exiting the restroom with a faint and graceful smile on his face, Qin Qing continued on.

Previous setbacks, animosities, and frenzies had all been deeply suppressed.

996 scampered after him, saying, "Qin Qing, let's strike a deal. I'll tell you the plot points, and you follow them. No matter the method, just advance the story so we can break the cycle and survive!"

Qin Qing continued forward, seemingly indifferent to notions of plot, cycles, or death. With past obsessions gone and inner demons conquered, he wanted to live fully on his own terms.

"There's no interview in the original script, but I can provide you details about Thomson. Information that others can't find, I can. With this intel, you can conduct a proper interview, right? Help me as I help you," 996 pleaded, more humbled than ever.

Settling in the 19th-floor lounge, Qin Qing used his phone to look up Thomson's details. While the information was surface-level, it was sufficient.

Regardless of 996's pleas, nothing seemed to sway him.

996 paced around Qin Qing, growing increasingly agitated. Over time, its demeanor shifted from threatening and begging to outright hostile.

"Fine, meow! Have it your way! Going against the plot won't end well for you! Past events have proven that destiny can't be changed! Let's see how you embarrass yourself later!"

996 spat at Qin Qing and then scampered away in a huff.

Inside the conference room, Cang Ming, Xu Yizhi, and the others continued to watch the surveillance feed on the large screen.

Gong Cheng's interview was progressing splendidly. He was well-versed in Thomson's papers and accomplishments. Technical jargon came naturally to him, and he had a complete grasp of complex scientific principles.

Their conversation flowed seamlessly, transitioning from work to personal lives and then family matters, with bursts of hearty laughter frequently emanating from the interview room.

Half an hour later, Thompson stood up, shook hands with Gong Cheng, and sincerely remarked, "It's been a pleasure talking to you. I hope you can join us as a colleague."

"We'll see each other often," Gong Cheng responded, gripping Thompson's hand firmly.

The interview concluded smoothly. Thompson laid out his detailed plans for the next decade to Gong Cheng, a portion which would likely be invaluable to the company.

Gong Cheng stepped out of the interview room and immediately spotted Qin Qing at the end of the corridor, nonchalantly fiddling with his phone.

The competitor's appearance, demeanor, and physique took him by surprise. For a moment, he felt like he wasn't in a tech company, but a firm dedicated to grooming international male models or top-tier celebrities.

At Blue Sky (assuming 蓝宇 refers to a company named Blue Sky), was appearance or talent more important?

Just a fleeting thought. Gong Cheng smiled dismissively and proceeded to the conference room to submit his interview notes.

"Gong Cheng, you did an outstanding job," Qin Zi Shi said with applause and a smile.

The other two interviewers also chimed in with their praises, all of them complimentary.

Gong Cheng suppressed his pride, uttered some modest remarks, and respectfully placed the interview notes in front of Cang Hua and Xu Yi Zhi. Two sets of application materials were on the table - his and his competitor's.

Gong Cheng glanced quickly and then wore a puzzled expression. Qin Qing: high school graduate, less than a year of work experience. How did a high school student get shortlisted for the interview?

Cang Hua didn't touch the notes. His furrowed brows and cold eyes clearly showed his displeasure.

Xu Yi Zhi, on the other hand, smiled warmly, gesturing and saying, "Please have a seat and wait here. Perhaps watch how your competitor performs."

"What can a high school student showcase?" Gong Cheng thought skeptically but smiled politely, "Certainly, Mr. Xu."

A female secretary ushered Qin Qing into the interview room.

Thompson was on his phone, but he looked up at the sound of footsteps. His eyes lit up, but a second later, he frowned at Qin Qing's unbuttoned shirt collar.

No tie, exposed collarbones, slightly disheveled hair, reddish tints under those charming eyes; this appearance was far from professional.

Compared to Gong Cheng's polished elite look, Qin Qing's first impression on Thompson wasn't favorable. Yet, Qin's striking good looks, transcending ethnicity and gender, quickly won Thompson over.

"Hello, what's your name?" Thompson asked in English.

"Hello, my name is Qin Qing. I'm sorry, but my English isn't great. Can we communicate in Chinese?" Qin Qing extended his hand and asked in Chinese.

"Of course. Please have a seat." Thompson forgave Qin Qing once more, but couldn't help but wonder.

Those who receive interview invitations from Blue Sky are usually top graduates from world-renowned institutions. Yet, the person in front of him could hardly speak English.

"Hmm..." Gong Cheng stifled a chuckle, but a faint snicker still escaped.

Can't even speak English? Is this a joke? Why did Mr. Cang and Mr. Xu leave him for last? Compared to the others, he's not even competition!

Gong Cheng lowered his gaze, hiding the contempt in his eyes.

Qin Zi Shi glanced at Gong Cheng and then at Cang Hua and Xu Yi Zhi. The persistent gloom in his heart was surprisingly replaced by a moment of amusement. He realized he had been afforded an education, elite and privileged, that Qin Qing would never receive.

"996" sauntered into the interview room, perching on the coffee table, taunting, "Qin Qing, you can't even speak English. How do you expect to work in a global company?"

Ignoring "996," Qin Qing began, "Dr. Thompson, I've admired your work for a long time. I've read your recent paper on the 'Aerial Information Project'—"

Thompson, usually composed, corrected with a stern face, "It's 'Aero-Space Base Information Project', not 'Aerial Information Project'."

Can't even get a simple term right? Is he technically inept?

"996" laughed hysterically, "Meow, meow, meow, Qin Qing, you're such an embarrassment! Trying to show off in front of the experts?"

Gong Cheng smirked, his disdain evident.

Qin Zi Shi feigned embarrassment, observing Cang Hua and Xu Yi Zhi, showing a hint of apology in his demeanor.

"I apologize. My brother isn't well-educated," he whispered to the two interviewers.

These words were clearly meant for Cang Hua and Xu Yi Zhi as well. He didn't understand why Xu Yi Zhi gave Qin Qing a chance, but now he felt grateful. Grateful that Qin Qing didn't back out and chose to seize the opportunity.

Otherwise, how could he so brilliantly display his ignorance and folly?

Everyone felt embarrassed for Qin Qing, but he seemed unfazed.

His smile remained as gentle and humble as when he first entered. "It doesn't matter," he gestured dismissively.

Thompson thought, "You claim to have read my paper, yet you can't even state its title correctly. Isn't that disrespectful?"

However, Qin Qing soon showed Thompson that there was an even more disrespectful comment coming.

"This project has opened the door for humanity to...

Intergalactic

"Gateways of travel. Yet, I've heard that the core technology is built upon Dr. Zhao Xu Ming's four-dimensional coordinate calculation formula. His formula came first, then your paper. Academically speaking, you must have been greatly influenced by Dr. Zhao. Are you one of his admirers?"

Dr. Zhao Xu Ming was the former CTO of Blue Sky Tech. Due to severe depression, he resigned, paving the way for Thompson's appointment.

Technically, the two of them never overlapped, operating in their own domains.

Qin Qing's words were bound to agitate Thompson, potentially leading to a defensive stance throughout the interview.

Gong Cheng blinked, astonished that someone could be so uninformed.

Qin Zi Shi leaned on the table, hand over his forehead, ears slightly reddened, appearing too embarrassed to make eye contact. Yet, internally, waves of schadenfreude and superiority overwhelmed him.

What's in the Qin family blood? In the end, his mother had pampered him into incompetence. The money spent on him by his mother now seemed justified.

An interviewer beside Qin Zi Shi patted him sympathetically, saying, "After all, he's been brought in from outside, uneducated..." The disdain in his voice was palpable.

Qin Zi Shi waved dismissively, appearing deeply ashamed.

Contrary to the interviewers' disdainful demeanor, Cang Hua and Xu Yi Zhi leaned forward, legs crossed, eyes fixed on the large screen.

Cang Hua's face remained expressionless, yet his focus was undeniable. Xu Yi Zhi's gentle smile had vanished, replaced by a stern countenance.

Inside the interview room, Thompson growled angrily, "What nonsense are you spouting! The Aero-Space Base technology is entirely my own and has nothing to do with Zhao Xu Ming! Plagiarism is a grave accusation!"

Qin Qing smiled politely but provocatively responded, "I apologize, I didn't intend to accuse. But isn't it true that only after Dr. Zhao resigned did you secure this position?"

"It was Cang Hua who paid a premium to bring me on board!" Thompson clenched his fists, eyes blazing.

"Do you believe you can fill Dr. Zhao's shoes? Under your leadership, will Blue Sky start to decline in technological innovation?"

"Impossible! I'll undoubtedly lead Blue Sky to new heights!"

"Yet you can't even solve the bugs in the new product."

"I need a vacation! The bugs exist due to flaws in Zhao Xu Ming's design!"

"So you can't rectify Dr. Zhao's design flaws? Technically, you might still lag behind him. But I understand, after all, you're younger than him." Qin Qing feigned a comforting tone.

But Thompson was far from comforted. In just a few minutes of conversation, his face had turned a shade of livid blue.

The interview continued. If Gong Cheng's style was amiable and soul-searching, Qin Qing's approach was relentless criticism, words sharp as blades.

Thompson, on multiple occasions, was so infuriated that he vehemently listed his research achievements, trying to prove he was the superior scientist.

"Dr. Zhao's Arc Flight algorithm is said to be more advanced than your BROVO algorithm. You—"

Interrupted again, Thompson couldn't hold back any longer. Slamming his hand on the sofa armrest, he stood up and pointed at the door, bellowing, "Interview's over! Out you go! My BROVO algorithm..."

What followed was a long-winded defense of his BROVO algorithm.

Concluding, he scoffed, "Why am I even explaining this to you? You wouldn't understand anyway! Just leave!"

"996" covered his mouth with his chubby paw, gleefully remarking, "Meow, this is hilarious, Qin Qing! You look so foolish! Cang Hua is watching, and you can kiss your chances of ever working at Blue Sky goodbye! Xu Yi Zhi must think you're an idiot. You're not gaining anything!"

But no sooner had he spoken, "996"'s excitement plummeted.

Holy catnip, Qin Qing is so cunning!

According to the script, the original character had to beg Qin Zi Shi repeatedly for a chance at Blue Sky. He then caused a series of disasters, requiring Qin Zi Shi's constant intervention. Through these incidents, Cang Hua grew tired of the protagonist's incompetence, simultaneously admiring Qin Zi Shi's abilities. Only then did they gradually come together.

Now, with Qin Qing sabotaging that chance at Blue Sky, he could avoid that fate altogether! He'd derailed from the predetermined storyline!

Without Qin Qing to overshadow him, would Cang Hua still see Qin Zi Shi's brilliance?

Darn it! He's been outmaneuvered again!

"996", fuming with anger, hopped off the coffee table, furiously scratching at the heels of Qin Qing's shoes.

Qin Qing stood up, nodding courteously, "If I've been disrespectful, I apologize. Dr. Zhao's capabilities are well-known. As his successor, it's only natural for the company to have reservations about your abilities, wouldn't you agree?"

"Agree my foot! Get out!" Thompson, completely beside himself, pointed to the door, swearing vehemently.

Qin Qing responded with an indifferent smile, then leisurely exited the interview room.

"996" scurried after him, persistently scratching at Qin Qing's pant leg.

The second interview concluded—messily and unpleasantly.

Inside the conference room, Cang Hua took two review forms from Qin Zi Shi, casually flipping through them. Gong Cheng's form was filled with red check marks, while Qin Qing's was all crosses.

Cang Ming furrowed his brows, casting an icy glance at Qin Zishi.

Qin Zishi's heart turned to ice. All his feelings of superiority, pride, and joy crumbled into dust.

Only now did Qin Zishi truly understand what Qin Qing was up to. From pretending to be clueless at first to later pressuring him step by step, was Qin Qing ever truly naive? On the contrary, he was brilliant! He knew the purpose of this interview better than anyone.

Everyone present had graduated from prestigious international institutions, yet none of them grasped the real intentions of Mr. Cang and Mr. Xu. Even worse, they believed they were the smartest ones in the room.

They looked down on Qin Qing, silently mocking his perceived stupidity. Yet these two evaluation forms exposed their foolishness for all to see.

Qin Zishi's cheeks flushed deep red, his head hung low, avoiding Cang Ming's gaze. Before, he had pretended to be embarrassed, but now he truly felt humiliated.

Xu Yizhi extended his hand to the other two interviewers, "Let me see the evaluation forms."

The two interviewers, having realized their mistake, hesitated to hand over the papers. But a mere glance from Xu Yizhi made them hand them over with faces full of embarrassment.

Gong Cheng's score was impressively high, close to 100, while Qin Qing's score was deducted from the outset.

As Xu Yizhi flipped through the forms, he shook his head and chuckled, his deep laughter making everyone's skin crawl.

Compared to Mr. Cang's cold demeanor, Xu's unpredictability was even more unnerving.

Gong Cheng's face alternated between shades of red and white, feeling extremely embarrassed. He had never felt so outclassed or been made so aware of his own limitations.

Xu Yizhi lazily scanned the faces around the room before signaling the secretary waiting by the door, "Amy, notify Thompson to take a day off tomorrow."

The secretary nodded in agreement, and as per Xu Yizhi's earlier instructions, relayed, "Dr. Thompson, Mr. Cang and Mr. Xu have approved your leave. You don’t need to come to the office tomorrow. We will contact Dr. Zhao about the product bug—"

Before Amy could finish, Thompson interrupted with a stern face, "Tell Mr. Cang and Mr. Xu, I will not be taking the day off! I have a lot of work to do in the tech department. The product launch in three days will go on as scheduled."

With a resounding slam, Thompson shut the door behind him. Amy looked up at the surveillance camera hanging in the corner.

Watching this unfold, Xu Yizhi clapped in amusement.

"This interview has been quite entertaining," he chuckled softly.

Cang Ming threw the evaluation forms back at Qin Zishi, his tone cold, "If you were candidates this time, I'd give you zero points."

Qin Zishi's flushed face turned pale. The other two interviewers wished they could hide beneath the table.

Gong Cheng hesitantly rose, instinctively placing himself in the corner like a child punished to stand by a teacher. The confidence and arrogance he had upon first entering Lan Yu had now turned into profound self-doubt.

At that moment, Qin Qing entered the conference room, led by Amy.

996 circled around him, teasingly saying, "Meow, I want to hear Cang Ming's evaluation of you. It's bound to be harsh and brutal!"

Qin Qing responded with a silent smile, lifting his eyes. Though the room was filled with many people, the first person he looked for wasn't the commanding and highest-ranking Cang Ming but Xu Yizhi.

Their mutual appreciative gazes met in mid-air, and the inscrutable Xu Yizhi suddenly revealed a pleased smile.

"Qin Qing, which among you, do you think will be today's victor?" He leaned on his hand, asking with evident amusement.

Qin Qing looked directly at him, his voice soft yet certain, "When can I start working at the company?"

Xu Yizhi hadn't expected such an answer. After a brief moment of surprise, he broke into hearty laughter.

Even Cang Ming unexpectedly displayed a milder expression.

996 jumped up in disdain, exclaiming, "Qin Qing, besides being stupid, you're also shameless!"