Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Ugh, how frustrating, truly frustrating. Can the system's mini-games really be trusted? Judging by the current situation, absolutely not.

Seeing Shen Muyun had no objections, the system was even more delighted, spontaneously tracing circles in the air and humming a little tune, looking utterly carefree.

"System, tell me, when will you act normal? Did the developers really just release a half-finished product like this?"

"Well, I don't know either. You were chosen and recruited. Actually, I... never mind, some things are better left unsaid. Anyway, Host Master will gradually find out."

Shen Muyun frowned, fiddling with the action figure in his hand, and glanced at the room's furnishings. He had been back before, but he never realized the original owner was so fond of figurines and such, even dedicating a glass display case. Next time, he should take a closer look to see if there were any limited-edition collectibles.

"System, I think it's getting late. I have to go to the company tomorrow. Early to bed and early to rise is indeed a good habit, so... well, good night then."

The system happily spun around. "Host Master, I shall take my leave now. See you tomorrow."

"Smart aleck."

Shen Muyun lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. If Lu Huainan and Shen Liuyun were in cahoots, that would truly be the end. The favorability meter clearly indicated that Shen Liuyun might be a villain, just one who hadn't awakened yet.

He buried his head under the covers. "So annoying!"

In his drowsiness, he still felt as if someone had come and then left.

"Tap, tap, tap..."

Shen Muyun rubbed his eyes groggily and checked the time. It was only six o'clock. Wait, that didn't sound like the alarm he set.

Looking forward, he was startled. The system's big butt was right in his face. Damn, this system is insane.

"What are you doing so early in the morning? You scared me."

"I'm learning a human world morning exercise called Pilates. It seems like it can help with weight loss."

Shen Muyun burst out laughing. "System, look at your round shape. You're just a sphere; how can you possibly lose weight? Whatever, I'm already up. Is today's schedule arranged?"

"Host, it shows here that you must leave home by seven to ensure you're not late. Your exclusive car has been prepared according to your preferences."

At first, Shen Muyun didn't think much of the system's words, but when he stood in front of the car, he realized the problem. It was a flashy, exaggerated pink with graffiti. He's 32 years old. Shouldn't this be a punk kid's favorite?

"System, you're making me drive this to work? Have you considered my age? Have you considered that this looks like the ride of some cringy hypebeast?"

"Well, there's no other option. This, um, is the only car available at home right now. Also, there's a contract at the company. Just make do with it for now. Anyway, not many people will see it."

Shen Muyun got into the car stony-faced. No choice, since he was stuck with such an unreliable thing.

At the company, Shen Muyun saw people bustling around. No one noticed him. Good, as long as no one paid attention.

Shen Muyun relied on his memory to head to Shen Liuyun's office. It was his first day, and no tasks had been assigned yet. He was thinking about how to maintain his slacker persona.

But at a corner, he suddenly bumped into someone.

"Sorry!"

They spoke in unison. Huh? The voice sounded familiar.

Shen Muyun looked up and realized it was Zhou Shiqing. He curled his lips into a smile and patted his shoulder. "Still not giving up?"

"Second Young Master Shen, well, look who's here. What are you doing at the company? If the contract is void, so be it. Whatever."

Shen Muyun smiled. Two-faced and scheming—who knew how many nasty schemes he had up his sleeve.

"Your business doesn't interest me. Honestly, I think it's good that it's void."

"Shen Muyun!"

"Hmm? I'm here. What is it now? Speak up."

"Ugh, I refuse to believe you'll always have smooth sailing."

"Then I'll take your kind words. I hope my future days aren't too smooth, but as long as they're smoother than yours, that's enough."

Shen Muyun pushed past him and walked toward Shen Liuyun's office.

Ugh, people like him really shouldn't be given any respect.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

"Come in."

Shen Muyun pushed the door open and saw a thick stack of files on Shen Liuyun's desk.

Shen Liuyun only glanced up briefly before lowering his head to continue writing. "Mu Yun, you're here. There's a meeting today to sign a contract with the Lu Family. Here's the draft. Take a look and make sure it's printed before ten."

"As for the company, there aren't any vacancies right now. How about this: you'll stay by my side as my temporary secretary. These past few days have been busy, and Xiao Chen alone might not be able to handle everything."

Ugh, so it's just grunt work. Temporary secretary sounds nice, oh, and with the word "temporary" added. Once things aren't busy, he'll probably be kicked out.

"Um, brother, where should I report?"

Shen Liuyun tapped the pen in his hand on the desk. "Right here, the CEO's office. It's a probation period now. Our Shen Group has its own hiring process. I can't break the rules just because you're my brother. In private, call me brother. Officially, call me President Shen."

Shen Muyun nodded, took the USB drive from Shen Liuyun, and waved at him.

"Prepare carefully. This contract shouldn't have any issues. If there's anything you don't understand, ask me directly. Your office is next to mine. Xiao Chen is also there. If you have any questions and I'm not around, ask him."

"Brother, I understand. Don't worry."

Shen Muyun left the office. Shen Liuyun looked meaningfully at his back as he left before lowering his head to continue signing documents.

Shen Muyun went to the adjacent office. No one was inside. Maybe that Xiao Chen was busy.

Shen Muyun looked at the USB drive in his hand, found his desk, and opened the folder to carefully review it.

"System, is there any problem with this contract?"

The system made a flashy appearance, even changing the display screen to a classic black-and-white mode.

"Respected Host Master, isn't this a task assigned by your brother? How would I know? It's so thick—even reading page by page would take hours."

"No kidding. This contract has to be printed by ten, and it's already past nine. I don't have that much time. System, do you have any good ideas?"

The system landed on the computer screen, its small display pressed tightly against it. After emitting a blue glow, it hovered in the air, fluttering its wings.

"The main content of this contract is a proposal for the Lu Group and the Shen Group to jointly develop the land in the northern part of the city, primarily to build a CBD core area with peripheral hospitals, parks, and civil facilities. The system scan shows no major issues with the contract. Do you still want to review it personally?"

When it came to signing a contract with the Lu Family, whether it was natural favorability or something else, Shen Muyun felt reassured—unlike the Zhou family, which clearly seemed shady.

"Hmm, can you scan the details?"

"Respected Host Master, currently, this is essentially a letter of intent for cooperation, which doesn't involve specific cases yet. There should be further negotiations later, so there aren't many details. After careful calculation, it's absolutely fine."

"So you're the new guy!"

Shen Muyun heard a noise behind him. There were only two desks in the office, so it had to be Xiao Chen returning.

"Secretary Chen, hello. I'm Shen Muyun, President Shen's younger brother. It's my first day working here, and I'll need to ask for your guidance on things I don't understand."

Not sure if Secretary Chen was just naturally friendly or what, but he immediately slung an arm over Shen Muyun's shoulder. "Oh, so you're the Second Young Master Shen who made headlines a few days ago! Impressive, impressive! Quite brave."

Shen Muyun pursed his lips. "Well, yes, that's me. About this document..."

Secretary Chen glanced at the computer and pulled Shen Muyun toward the door. "You can always trust President Shen's work. He spent two nights working on this proposal—it won’t have any mistakes. No need to worry."

Shen Muyun was still a bit concerned. After all, this contract was extremely important.

"Um..."

"Second Young Master Shen, no need to worry. If anything goes wrong, I’ve got your back. Come on, let’s go. The break room just got a new batch of black coffee—apparently President Shen's favorite. I just freshly ground some. Want to try it?"

Shen Muyun initially wanted to refuse, but after a moment’s thought, he agreed.

When they reached the break room, they found the coffee machine jammed, emitting a puff of white smoke.

Secretary Chen immediately cut the power, looked at the half-ground coffee beans inside, and shook his head helplessly. "Why did it have to break now? I was hoping we could try it together. Guess we’ll just have to work hard instead."

Shen Muyun smiled. "No problem. There will be plenty of chances later."

Shen Muyun checked the time—9:40. It was about time. "Well, Secretary Chen, I haven’t printed the contract President Shen assigned yet. I’ll head back first. See you in the office later."

This Secretary Chen… since he’s been with Shen Liuyun for so long, he probably wouldn’t mess up. Besides, it wasn’t like every unlucky thing would just keep happening to him one after another.

Shen Muyun printed the contract, flipped through it to check for missing or misprinted pages, and counted the pages against the digital version. It was correct. He went straight to Shen Liuyun’s office and placed the contract on the desk.

"Brother, here’s the contract. I just printed it."

Shen Liuyun was busy and only glanced at it before picking it up casually. But as he looked, his expression suddenly turned serious. "Mu Yun, didn’t I tell you this contract is important and needs careful verification? Didn’t you see? There’s an issue with the data here. Are you really this careless on your first day?"

"Brother, I—"

Just then, Secretary Chen walked in. "President Shen, here are the documents you requested. I’ll leave them here."

It was clear—Shen Muyun had been set up.