Chapter 32
The last week of February was Guangyu’s annual meeting week. The first three days were dedicated to department heads reporting to CEO Murong Yan on the previous year’s progress and the next year’s plans. The remaining two days were for the board meeting, where Murong Yan presented Guangyu’s annual performance and future outlook to the parent company, Lingyu Group, and other shareholders.
Murong Cheng could sense the pressure Murong Yan was under, although he never spoke about it openly.
He worked late, attended more and more business dinners, and often smoked on the balcony late at night. The ashtray was always full in the mornings.
This had been happening since their return from the New Year holiday, or perhaps even earlier, since their return from Europe.
Whenever Murong Cheng tried to ask, he was brushed off. Duan Shao, when questioned, simply told him not to worry, praising his recent efforts in learning about the company’s business.
The weekend before the annual meeting, Murong Yan even stayed at the office overnight.
The next morning, finding the bed beside him still cold, Murong Cheng went to the balcony, saw the empty ashtray, and took breakfast to Guangyu. He found Murong Yan asleep in his chair on the 28th floor, his brow furrowed, exhaustion evident on his face.
Murong Cheng’s heart ached. He reached out and gently smoothed the wrinkles on his forehead.
Murong Yan woke up.
He glanced at the clock. “Why are you here so early?”
“You stayed here all night?” Murong Cheng asked instead of answering.
“Yes,” Murong Yan nodded, rubbing his neck. “I had some work to do. Sorry, I’ll let you know next time.”
Murong Cheng stood behind him and gently massaged his shoulders.
“Does it hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Murong Yan said, his body relaxing despite his words.
“You can ask for my help next time,” Murong Cheng said softly.
“No need,” Murong Yan’s voice was calm, his usual composure returning. “It’s all done.”
Silence.
Murong Cheng: “Can I attend the meeting today?”
Murong Yan turned to look at him. “Do you want to?”
Murong Cheng: “Yes.”
“It might be helpful for you to listen in,” Murong Yan agreed. “I’ll have Duan Shao send you the agenda.”
After weeks of studying, Murong Cheng was now familiar with the company’s products, distribution channels, and marketing strategies. He understood more during these three days of departmental reports than he had in all his previous meetings combined.
While diligently taking notes, he couldn’t help but marvel at Murong Yan’s ability to manage so many things. Even with department heads handling the details, the overall direction and coordination still required the CEO’s direct involvement. And he also had to manage external partnerships and seek new opportunities for Guangyu’s growth. Having led Guangyu from a minor subsidiary to an industry leader, Murong Yan truly deserved his legendary status.
On the afternoon of the third day, during a break, as Murong Yan stepped out to take a call and Duan Shao also left the room, someone tapped Murong Cheng on the shoulder.
He turned around and recognized the General Manager of Online Marketing.
He quickly stood up. “Manager Cai.”
“Little CEO Murong,” Cai Kangwei said politely, “I have a question about the Brand Marketing report. CEO Murong and Mr. Duan are both out. Would you mind clarifying something? I heard you also came from Brand Marketing.”
“CEO Murong should be back soon,” Murong Cheng stammered, caught off guard. He glanced around the room, understanding why Cai Kangwei had approached him. Besides Murong Yan and Duan Shao, he was probably the most knowledgeable person present.
“It’s fine, I don’t want to bother CEO Murong,” Cai Kangwei continued, seemingly oblivious to his discomfort. “Little CEO Murong, as you know, our online marketing performance has been stagnant for the past two years. Partly because our marketing strategy for the Light City Go focuses on traditional 4S dealerships. And also because our online platforms, the website and mini-program, aren’t integrated with our overall promotional efforts. But Manager Xu’s plan for next year still prioritizes 4S dealerships and direct sales. So, how do you think we can leverage interdepartmental collaboration to achieve our online marketing goals?”
He had understood Xu Yayun’s marketing plan better than any other report, and coincidentally, he had reviewed the distribution plan for next year’s products when he was temporarily transferred back to Brand Marketing during the investigation. He actually knew something about this.
“Manager Cai, as I understand it, Brand Marketing develops targeted campaigns for each channel every year, based on the new product’s features. You’re right that our current promotional efforts favor traditional channels, mainly due to limited resources. But Brand Marketing’s campaigns aren’t the only promotional activities. Next year, Guangyu plans to collaborate with more external agencies, and according to CEO Murong and Manager Xu, the scope of these collaborations will be broader, including non-traditional media. This gives our Online Marketing Department more options to explore suitable promotional channels. In today’s digital age, online marketing will play an increasingly important role in our overall strategy.”
He spoke tentatively at first, but seeing Cai Kangwei’s increasingly approving expression, he gained confidence.
“He’s right,” Murong Yan said, appearing behind them. “We’ve also noticed the issues raised by the Online Marketing Department. Brand Marketing will develop a comprehensive plan for online channels next year, which will be reflected in the new product launch.”
Murong Cheng realized that several other department heads had gathered around, listening to their conversation. Their gazes held a newfound respect.
He had earned their recognition.
As the break ended, he returned to his seat, a smile playing on his lips. Although still the least useful member of the CEO’s office, he now felt a sense of purpose. He was no longer just the CEO’s “brother,” the idle, untouchable assistant. He was a contributing member of Guangyu.
The HR general manager took the stage for the final report. Murong Yan occasionally interrupted, asking clarifying questions.
He sat at the head of the table, commanding the room’s attention. His logic was clear, his thoughts sharp, his voice deep and authoritative. He was a natural leader.
Murong Cheng, captivated, couldn’t help but stare. He discreetly took a photo of Murong Yan’s profile with his phone.
His first time secretly photographing the CEO.
And the first photo of Murong Yan in his phone.
Although the photo was slightly blurry, taken hastily for fear of being discovered, it still captured the CEO’s undeniable charisma.
Murong Yan was just as captivating as their first meeting.
As the final report ended, the department heads, seemingly tireless, swarmed around Murong Yan, eager to speak with him.
Murong Cheng finished his tea and yawned. He was waiting for Murong Yan so they could go home for dinner, assuming there were no other engagements.
With the CEO present, no one paid attention to a lowly assistant. His back ached from sitting all day. He stood up, stretched, and then returned to his seat, scrolling through his phone.
He opened his photo album, zoomed in on the photo he had just taken, and smiled.
Such a handsome man.
And he was his.
It seemed a waste to keep such a captivating photo to himself. He remembered the people online clamoring for pictures of Murong Yan.
Exclusive close-up photo of young entrepreneur Murong Yan, courtesy of Murong Cheng.
Amused by the thought, he opened the forum app and found his old post.
His followers must be waiting impatiently. He had disappeared for three months, yet the post was still active.
He was no longer the clueless new hire mistaken for the CEO’s brother. He was Murong Yan’s assistant and boyfriend – Murong Cheng.
Lost in his phone, he didn’t notice Murong Yan approaching until he heard his voice.
“Come with me.”
His voice startled him. He didn’t even look up.
“Huh?” He was about to post the photo.
Murong Yan grabbed his wrist and pulled him up from his chair.
He stumbled, following the CEO out of the meeting room, the surprised faces of the department heads blurring past him.
“What are you doing?” he asked, once they were inside the lounge next to the conference room.
Although pointless now, he still pulled his hand away from the CEO’s grasp.
“What were you doing?” Murong Yan countered.
“Me?” he hesitated. “I was browsing the internet.”
Technically true. Posting on a forum counted as browsing the internet.
“Whose photo were you posting?” Murong Yan’s eyes narrowed.
Murong Cheng touched his nose. “A photo… I took.”
Murong Yan stepped closer, trapping him against the wall. “You secretly took a photo of me.”
Murong Cheng avoided his gaze. “Yes…”
“Delete it,” the CEO commanded.
Murong Cheng refused. “No.”
Murong Yan stared at him, his silence a subtle pressure.
Murong Cheng lowered his voice. “I don’t have any photos of you. I’m your boyfriend!”
He sniffled, his voice filled with mock feeling wronged. “You have photos with that Oriental Group heiress, and I don’t even have a single photo of you, not even one we took together.”
Murong Yan’s hand, pressed against the wall, relaxed slightly. “You want a photo with me? We can take one. We can ask Duan Shao to take it for us later.”
“No, no, no!” Murong Cheng waved his hands frantically. “That’s not necessary.”
Murong Yan stepped back. “You can keep the photo, just don’t post it online. I’m not a celebrity. I don’t like being discussed like this.”
He spoke seriously.
Murong Cheng nodded. “Okay, I won’t post it.”
He deleted the photo from his unsent reply.
Murong Yan nodded, stroking his hair.
“How much longer? Want to go home for dinner?” Murong Cheng asked.
“Let’s go,” Murong Yan said after a moment. “I’ll tell them we’re done for today.”
They walked back to the conference room.
Just as Murong Yan was about to enter, they heard voices from inside. They stopped at the door.
“Little CEO Murong is truly impressive. So young, yet so knowledgeable about the company’s business.”
“Yes, a chip off the old block.”
“So, will Little CEO Murong take over Lingyu Group eventually?”
“Don’t speculate. That’s above our pay grade.”
Murong Cheng cringed, hiding behind Murong Yan.
“They really think I’m your brother,” he whispered.
Although not a new development, it was still awkward being the subject of such gossip, especially with Murong Yan present.
“Yes,” Murong Yan replied casually.
“Should we clarify?” Murong Cheng asked nervously.
As a junior employee, he had always felt powerless to correct the misunderstanding.
People always gossiped behind his back. He couldn’t just confront them and tell them he wasn’t related to the CEO.
Those who didn’t believe him would assume he was just trying to distance himself from his brother’s influence. Those who did believe him would probably feel embarrassed for their previous assumptions and might even start treating him differently, perhaps even ostracizing him.
It was best for Murong Yan, as the CEO, to address the issue.
“Wait here. I’ll tell them,” Murong Yan said after a moment.
“Okay,” Murong Cheng nodded eagerly.
Was Murong Yan finally going to tell them he wasn’t his brother?
Curious, he quietly approached the door and eavesdropped.
He could hear the voices clearly.
They had been discussing him and Murong Yan, but upon seeing the CEO at the door, the room fell silent.
They knew he had overheard them.
Murong Cheng held his breath.
“Please send the final versions of the meeting materials to Duan Shao. He’ll compile them and send them to me, CCing Murong Cheng,” Murong Yan said calmly, delegating tasks.
“Yes, CEO Murong,” they all replied.
Murong Yan glanced at his watch and added, “Before 9:00 pm tonight.”
Duan Shao: “Understood.”
Murong Yan continued, “Prepare the materials for tomorrow’s board meeting based on today’s discussions. Send me the revised version.”
Just work instructions. No mention of him.
Murong Cheng leaned closer.
Oh, he was mentioned, but only as someone to be CCed on the compiled materials. All the tedious and urgent work was assigned to Duan Shao, none to him.
This only reinforced the “CEO’s brother” image.
He wanted to scream.
“That’s all,” Murong Yan said, not addressing the rumors, and then left the room.
“Let’s go,” he said to Murong Cheng, who quickly followed him into the private elevator.
Murong Cheng: “You said you were going to clarify.”
Murong Yan glanced at him. “I did.”
Murong Cheng: “Weren’t you going to tell them I’m not your brother?”
Murong Yan: “I was delegating work.”
Murong Cheng: “Can I help Duan-ge with the materials tonight?”
Murong Yan: “He can handle it himself. You have other work.”
Murong Cheng blinked. “What work?”
Murong Yan: “Dinner with me.”
Murong Cheng couldn’t help but smile. “Aren’t you afraid they’ll be even more convinced I’m your brother?”
Murong Yan shrugged. “It’s their problem, not mine. Besides, how would you clarify? Tell them you’re not my brother, but my boyfriend?”
Murong Cheng: “…On second thought, maybe not.”
They went down to the parking garage. Murong Yan opened the passenger door of his sports car.
While he drove, Murong Cheng opened the forum app on his phone.
His post had exploded with replies.
[OP: He said no to the photos… Sorry, ladies.]
His reply triggered a flood of comments.
[22841st Floor: What do you mean “he said no”? Did you just straight up ask him?!]
[24321st Floor: Or were you caught secretly taking pictures?]
[OP: I was caught, embarrassed emoji.]
[24978th Floor: By the way, OP, are you still working at Guangyu Group? (sly emoji) Wasn’t CEO Murong angry?]
Murong Yan… wasn’t angry, was he? He would find out tonight.
[25798th Floor: That’s Murong Yan, the famous aloof and ruthless CEO!]
[26147th Floor: You guys are only concerned about whether OP got fired. I’m just curious if OP’s colleagues have discovered the truth, hahaha.]
[OP: No, their misunderstanding has deepened.]
[28364th Floor: Huh? What happened?]
They arrived at One Mansion. Murong Yan parked the car. Murong Cheng glanced at his handsome profile.
[OP: It’s complicated, but… Murong Yan seems to be tacitly allowing everyone to think I’m his younger brother.]
