Chapter 22: I’ll Show You What’s Coming to You

Chapter 22: I'll Show You What's Coming to You

Jing Yi was truly startled by the green frog suit.

Li Wenzhao's tone was deadpan: "This is your idea of a grand entrance?"

Jing Yi blurted out nonsense: "Just say, was it grand or not, pounding or not."

It wasn't just the viewers watching the show; even passersby would be left with a memory they'd never forget after witnessing this scene.

"..." It took a long time for Li Wenzhao to find his voice again: "...Heh."

The green frog finished its backflips. All the guests were stunned, even the director in charge of the scene was caught off guard, his face turning a sickly shade of green.

"I have another talent to showcase." The green frog said: "Director, can I still go ahead with my performance?"

The director was flustered: "...Ah, yes."

"My talent is—" The big green frog pulled out a wireless microphone from its pocket, amplifying its voice: "I can hit a dolphin whistle note."

"..."

"..."

The set fell silent as a withered leaf drifted past the open space.

Big green frog: "No applause?" asked the big green frog.

"..."

Sparse clapping sounded in the room.

"Hmm..." Li Mingzhi cleared his throat: "Then I'll begin... Oh oh oh oh!!!!!"

With a clatter and splash—

Jing Yi dropped his milk tea in surprise.

"Young master, did you start at frame zero???"

The big green frog howled upwards, hysterically.

Li Wenzhao looked visibly shaken: "Did you teach him this?"

Jing Yi quickly deflected, raising his hand: "Eldest young master, I swear on my life, I only provided an oddball idea, but the execution was all his own doing."

Li Wenzhao's face turned a sickly green.

He had originally come to invest because the young butler said it would be profitable, and he could also support his brother along the way. Now, he was too embarrassed to stay.

Li Wenzhao stood up.

Jing Yi picked up the milk tea box from the ground and stood up as well.

Li Wenzhao raised an eyebrow: "Where to?"

Jing Yi lowered his head: "To find a place to lay low."

"The young master's limelight is too strong; it's a bit embarrassing to bask in it."

Li Wenzhao sneered: "You just want to cause trouble somewhere else."

Jing Yi cast a slightly reproachful glance: "No, you're misunderstanding me, eldest master. For the bonus, I'm ready to work my butt off for you!"

Li Wenzhao didn't respond to his words but didn't refuse Jing Yi's company either.

The film crew was fine; without any interference, the show would definitely be a hit. Jing Yi left a message for the young master and quickly followed Li Wenzhao.

The eldest master was indeed more steady. He'd never wear a frog suit or screech like a dolphin.

When they got into the car, they saw Secretary Fan sitting in the front passenger seat.

"Secretary Fan," Jing Yi greeted happily with a particularly bright smile.

Li Wenzhao's lips twitched slightly: "Watch the road."

"The road is wide," Jing Yi said with a smile, "Haven't seen you in ages, Fan! Just saying hi—colleague thing."

Li Wenzhao: "But you look like you're about to pull a fast one."

Jing Yi: "..."

Secretary Fan nodded politely: "Good afternoon, Jing."

Jing Yi asked, "Secretary Fan, are you on an external assignment too?"

"Sort of. Accompanying Mr. Li on a business trip."

Jing Yi stepped back lightly.

Li Wenzhao raised an eyebrow: "?"

Jing Yi looked at the open back seat but didn't get in: "Eldest master, wouldn't it be a hassle to bring me along?"

"Sounds exhausting. Compared to that, serving the young master is a breeze."

Li Wenzhao gave a meaningful smile: "No problem at all."

Jing Yi: "?"

He asked softly, "But I don't know how to do anything."

Li Wenzhao said, "Don't worry about the business side. Just take care of logistics."

Jing Yi hesitated.

Li Wenzhao: "Didn't you say you'd work hard for me?"

Jing Yi: "..."

Well, I dug my own grave. Guess I’m jumping in. "Just kidding, I'm at your service, eldest master."

Li Wenzhao didn't believe a single word.

·

The destination for this business trip was a neighboring city. After hearing from the young butler about the major problems at the Shengshi branch, Li Wenzhao initially considered abandoning the company. However, it had been a project of many years, and he couldn't bear to part with it just yet. Thus, he decided to go and see if he could salvage something.

The branch company had received the news early on. The CEO from HQ was coming to check the books, and the whole company was freaking out.

The branch company's general manager, Wang Hen, urgently convened a meeting with his trusted subordinates. He drew the curtains, turned off the lights, and began to discuss in low voices like conspirators.

"Mr. Wang, I've received information that the person coming from headquarters is the CEO," someone reported in a hushed tone.

"Why is Li Wenzhao coming personally?" Wang Hen clicked his tongue harshly. "He's sharp and not easy to deceive. If he discovers something, it'll be the end!"

"Mr. Wang, I might have an idea, but I'm not sure if it will work."

"Speak up," Wang Hen urged.

The subordinate said, "When Mr. Li and his team arrive, use the pretext of their journey being tiring. Arrange a feast with entertainment for them. Once they've had a few drinks and you say a few flattering words, and arrange for two beautiful attendants, everything will be smoothed over."

Wang Hen's eyes lit up. "Yes, yes, no man can resist wine and women. Quick, go make the arrangements... By the way, does Mr. Li prefer boys or girls?"

"The information doesn't say, but he has kept his distance from women over the years, so I think it's boys."

Wang Hen made a decisive call. "Alright, let's do that!"

·

·

Two hours later, a dizzy Jing Yi followed Li Wenzhao out of the airport, his steps unsteady.

His face was pale and translucent, lacking the usual lively spirit. He fell silent after disembarking the plane, frowning in discomfort.

Experiencing severe airsickness on his first-ever flight, Jing Yi still felt like his head was floating despite being on solid ground.

Secretary Fan glanced at his phone messages and quickly found the exit, leading them both out.

The person in charge of the branch company was already waiting at the door. Noticing Li Wenzhao with an unfamiliar person, he was momentarily stunned. "Mr. Li, hello, I am Wang Hen, the person in charge of Shengshi. Nice to meet you."

Li Wenzhao hesitated slightly. "Hmm..."

Before he could finish, he felt something bump into his back.

Jing Yi, still dizzy, failed to stop in time and stumbled into Li Wenzhao's back. The man's broad and firm back muscles were evident, and the scent of premium men's cologne wafted over.

Li Wenzhao reached back to steady Jing Yi. "Since when did you learn to brake with your face?"

Jing Yi rubbed his sore nose and immediately retorted, "Nonsense, that was clearly a gentle bump."

Li Wenzhao was left speechless.

Wang Hen inhaled sharply. "..."

Li Wenzhao turned to look at his young butler who had suddenly started acting up. He finally noticed that Jing Yi looked a bit off. "Air sickness?"

Jing Yi slouched. "Probably."

Li Wenzhao turned to Wang Hen. "Mr. Wang, let's take a short break first."

"Ah, yes, yes, of course. It should be, it should be."

Wang Hen appeared calm and affable on the surface, but as soon as he turned around, he discreetly informed his trusted aide of the latest development. "Li Wenzhao brought a stranger with him. Quick, find out who he is!"

Soon, the reply came: "We've found out, Mr. Wang. Be cautious in dealing with him. He's the new chief assistant by Li Wenzhao's side! All project contracts have to go through him. He's likely a key figure."

Wang Hen's expression changed slightly. "Arrange the same hospitality for the new chief assistant as for Mr. Li. Take good care of him, and there will be rewards for you later."

"Ah, got it."

Wang Hen put away his phone and exhaled softly.

No wonder he dares to confront Mr. Li directly; he's definitely a force to be reckoned with. Li Wenzhao even postponed his plans because of him, clearly showing how much he relies on him.

Fortunately, we discovered this early enough to make amends.

·

A dedicated car from the branch company was waiting at the airport entrance to pick them up. Jing Yi curled up in the seat as soon as he got into the car and only started feeling better after resting the whole ride.

Wang Hen took everyone straight to a hotel and ordered a lavish spread that suited Jing Yi's taste perfectly.

Before the kitchen brought out the dishes, Jing Yi started nibbling on the fruits on the table, only to frown after just one bite.

"This is super sour!"

The fruit, bearing teeth marks, was placed back on the table.

Seeing his young butler scrunch up his face, Li Wenzhao found it amusing for once. "That sour?"

Jing Yi tried to control his expression. "No, my teeth hurt."

"It's not sour! Just eat it; one bite and you won't complain anymore."

"Why should I suffer alone? Everyone, eat!"

Li Wenzhao: "..."

Good grief, the young butler has learned to scheme.

Secretary Fan didn’t suspect anything and took a bite of the fruit. "Tsk…∞A∞

Li Wenzhao, with a half-smile, looked over. "Not sour?"

Jing Yi quickly passed the blame. "The owner here doesn’t know how to pick fruit; these aren’t ripe yet. Good apples should be bright red. Eldest young master, after this trip, I'll pick a basket of the best apples for you. I'm an expert at choosing fruits, and I'll make sure you get the best ones."

Li Wenzhao: "..."

Wang Hen almost dropped the wine pot.

Is this… the usual way the chief assistant and the CEO interact?

Stunned for a couple of seconds, Wang Hen raised his glass. "Today, I’m very happy that CEO Li personally inspected our Shengshi branch. I, Wang Hen, am deeply moved. This shows that the headquarters cares about us. CEO Li, no need for words, it's all in the wine. We’ll continue to work like cattle and horses for you."

Li Wenzhao, with a noble expression, raised his glass. "No need for cattle or horses, I already have them by my side."

Feeling oddly singled out, Jing Yi looked puzzled.

A barely perceptible smile played on Li Wenzhao’s lips as he began assigning tasks to his 'cattle and horses.' "Assistant Jing, pour the wine."

Jing Yi put down his chopsticks and poured the wine.

"..."

Li Wenzhao: "Assistant Jing, peel the shrimp."

Jing Yi set aside the half-eaten crab leg, picked up an Australian lobster, and started peeling it with pursed lips.

"..."

Li Wenzhao wouldn't stop: "Assistant Jing, scoop another bowl of soup..."

Bang!

The bowl slammed onto the table with a loud bang.

Secretary Fan: "..."

Wang Hen: "!!!"

The atmosphere at the dining table turned icy.

Wang Hen didn’t dare move, feeling a bit confused, as if he was dreaming.

This was surreal. An employee actually dared to act out so boldly in front of the CEO.

Seriously... Assistant Jing is one tough guy!

"Complaining, complaining! How can a simple meal take so long? You're not just a butler, you're practically a workhorse. Why don’t you just treat me like some kind of wish-granting deity?!"

"Ahhhhh I'm so mad, I haven’t even had two bites of the lobster!"

Li Wenzhao was stunned: "..."

The young butler was having a full-blown tantrum.

It was indeed rare.

Other people have valid reasons for their tantrums, but the young butler was upset simply because his meal was being delayed, and he was genuinely angry, his cheeks puffing up like an angry pufferfish.

But it was also a good opportunity; he wanted to hear what the young butler really thought of him, so he could find a way to get even later.

Li Wenzhao sat back, waiting for Assistant Jing to accidentally let something slip.

Assistant Jing blinked, realizing what he had just done, and froze completely.

"..."

"..."

"..."

Li Wenzhao: "?"

No insults? That didn’t seem like Assistant Jing at all.

A few seconds later, he saw the young butler move slightly. Li Wenzhao leaned in, listening closely—

"Ouch... My leg cramped from sitting wrong..."

Li Wenzhao: "..."