Chapter 20 – Paper Man 19
During this period, Su Tang successfully infiltrated the assistant team. He worked diligently while keeping a close eye on the female lead’s movements.
The female lead was also an assistant—specifically, the Deputy Manager’s assistant. The Deputy Manager was Luo Yuan’s university classmate and counted as a friend with whom he could have meaningful conversations. Later in the story, part of the reason the female lead could steal confidential documents was due to her position. But how could an intern assistant ignore all surveillance, evade everyone’s attention, and successfully copy files from the CEO’s office? Don’t ask—the answer is simply the protagonist’s halo. The entire world conspires to support the romance between the male and female leads.
At the corner of the hallway, Su Tang spotted Chen Yingying secretly talking on the phone.
“…I won’t meet you! You’re talking nonsense. I don’t care about you at all. I don’t care who you’re getting close to or why you’re jealous… Luo Chen, you! How annoying!”
Chen Yingying’s muffled voice carried through the hallway. Her face suddenly flushed crimson, as if the person on the other end had said something unspeakably embarrassing, leaving her both humiliated and furious.
The flirtatious banter made Su Tang break out in goosebumps. He hastily rubbed his arms, his expression turning serious. Judging by the female lead’s attitude, she had probably already fallen for the male lead. Why would anyone like such a criminal? Su Tang couldn’t figure it out. In the end, he could only tell himself to stay alert—the plot to steal data was coming soon.
However, Su Tang didn’t know that after he left, Chen Yingying hung up the phone and her expression completely changed. She was no longer the innocent little flower. Instead, she deliberately used a very sweet voice to say she hated something, then tilted her head and made a disgusted face.
In Deputy Manager Ding Rui’s office.
Luo Yuan came to discuss work matters with Ding Rui. While they were talking, someone knocked on the door. A slender figure walked in, carrying a tray. She walked to the table, bent down, and put down a cup of coffee for Mr. Luo and the Deputy Manager. But whether from nervousness or a mistake, her hand suddenly shook as she put down the coffee. The cup tilted, and all the coffee spilled out.
Luo Yuan and Ding Rui both quickly stood up, taking paper towels to wipe.
Before they could say anything, Chen Yingying’s eyes reddened with fright, tears welling up as she apologized with a pitiful expression, “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault! I lost my grip for a moment. Deputy Manager, did you get burned?”
Ding Rui wiped coffee splatters from his trousers and waved dismissively. “It’s fine. You can go now.”
Chen Yingying cast a fearful glance at Ding Rui, then at Luo Yuan, before retreating slowly, glancing back three times before the door closed.
Once they were alone, Luo Yuan said coldly, “Are you keeping this incompetent assistant around for the New Year?”
Ding Rui, accustomed to Luo Yuan’s sharp tongue, smiled helplessly. “She’s just a new girl still in her probationary period. Firing her now would be cruel. She’s generally diligent, though sometimes absent-minded. Young people make mistakes—it’s natural. Don’t be too harsh. Besides, having a pretty young thing around isn’t bad for the eyes, is it?”
Luo Yuan remained silent, his icy stare fixed on Ding Rui until the manager felt goosebumps. “Wh-what are you looking at?”
Luo Yuan picked up his coffee with deliberate slowness, took a sip, then frowned and set it down. “You must be blind,” he sneered.
Ding Rui, caught off guard by the sudden attack, stammered, “…What did I do this time?”
“Something so ugly,” Luo Yuan said flatly, “and you actually call it beautiful?”
Ding Rui choked. This girl is delicate and lovely—how can you call her ugly?
But upon seeing Luo Yuan’s exceptional looks, Ding Rui found himself speechless. During their university years, Luo Yuan had dominated the campus heartthrob rankings without challenge. No matter how many handsome freshmen arrived each year, none could displace him from the top. The girls had been relieved to see him remain single, as no one—male or female—could compare to Luo Yuan’s looks. They wanted to see either a handsome couple or two handsome men together; such divine beauty shouldn’t go to waste! Some even joked on the school forum that Luo Yuan should just date himself. This sentiment demonstrated how high Luo Yuan’s looks ranked among his peers.
So, Ding Rui could endure Luo Yuan’s presence for years because he truly believed his psychological resilience was extraordinary. Otherwise, Luo Yuan would have turned him into a porcupine with his barbs, or he might have lost control and chopped that annoying bastard to death with a knife.
Now, when Ding Rui heard Luo Yuan call Chen Yingying ugly, he could face it calmly. He even felt there was some truth to it—though Chen Yingying was originally quite pretty, standing next to Luo Yuan instantly made her seem dull by comparison.
If Chen Yingying knew they were talking about her like this, she’d surely charge over waving a forty-meter-long blade to hack them to pieces.
As for Ding Rui’s praise of Chen Yingying’s diligent work attitude, Luo Yuan didn’t buy it at all. Though he’d only seen the intern two or three times, he could tell her mind wasn’t on her work, and the situation was getting worse by the day. If she worked for him, he’d have kicked her out long ago.
Luo Yuan scoffed, “That’s considered good? I have someone younger than her who’s been here only a few days, but he’s already caught on to everything. Assistant Han even approved him as Assistant Liu’s successor.”
Though he appeared indifferent, every word dripped with pride and boasting.
Ding Rui’s eyes lit up with sudden interest. “So it’s that new assistant you brought in, right? I heard you personally recruited him. What’s your connection?”
“Mind your own business,” Luo Yuan retorted.
“Oh~ That defensive attitude tells me there’s something to hide,” Ding Rui teased with a sly grin. “Could this be your little treasure? Let me see him!”
“In your dreams,” Luo Yuan snapped.
Ding Rui’s cackles grew louder. “The more you protect him, the more curious I become!”
Just then, a knock sounded at the office door. A curly-haired head peeked inside, and a soft voice called out, “Mr. Luo, Assistant Han requests your presence.”
Ding Rui’s eyes lit up. “Speak of the devil! So you’re Luo Yuan’s precious assistant, aren’t you?”
Su Tang, looking utterly bewildered, turned to glance at Luo Yuan.
Luo Yuan strode to the door, grabbed Su Tang’s shoulder, and steered him toward the exit. “Ignore him.”
Watching this unfold, Ding Rui clicked his tongue in amazement. The iron tree was actually blossoming!
Moreover, the newcomer’s looks didn’t pale in comparison to Luo Yuan’s. Instead, they formed an unexpectedly harmonious pair. Where had Luo Yuan found this gem? In the entertainment industry, that face alone could attract legions of fans.
Su Tang diligently performed his duties as a junior assistant, finding the work unexpectedly fulfilling and enjoyable. In his previous part-time jobs, he’d worked to make ends meet, but now his purpose was to complete tasks. With the pressure eased, he could even appreciate the occasional pleasures of work. Of course, he still preferred lounging around like a lazy fish—work was just a diversion for when he was bored.
Hmm… This attitude might be a bit problematic? Oh well, as long as he’s happy.
One day, while Su Tang was delivering documents to another department, a man in a suit intercepted him halfway through his task, claiming someone wanted to see him.
What’s going on here?
Su Tang followed the man into a reception room where a stern middle-aged man sat expressionless, exuding the oppressive aura of someone accustomed to wielding power.
The middle-aged man sneered, his eyes filled with blatant disdain as he looked down on Su Tang. “I’m Luo Yuan’s father. I’ve heard everything about you. Luo Yuan has never had anyone before you—your methods must be quite effective to gain his special attention. But since you’re both men, I’ll let it slide for now. Remember, Luo Yuan will eventually marry, and there’s no future for you here.”
Su Tang: “…?” Why does this scene feel so familiar?
Seeing Su Tang’s lack of reaction, as if he were deliberately playing dumb to get out of the situation, Luo Father grew even more contemptuous. He saw him as nothing but a gold-digging pretty boy who preferred shady schemes over honest work. His tone turned even more dismissive. “Don’t act so naive. I never planned to see you anyway. Let’s get this straight: our Luo family will never accept a man into our household. Don’t entertain any delusions. Here’s a five million yuan check. Isn’t that what you want from Luo Yuan? Stay away from him, and the money’s yours.”
Su Tang’s eyes lit up.
Luo Father sneered at this confirmation, but then heard the young man exclaim in delight.
“So this is the legendary—”Give you five million to leave my son alone”? I never thought such a ridiculous scenario actually existed!” Su Tang was thrilled, thinking of all the times he’d daydreamed about getting a free five million.
[ Here’s five million. Leave my son. ]
[ Deal, Auntie! ]
Luo Father’s face hardened. “What did you say?”
Su Tang flashed his professional smile. “Nothing. I was just saying how wise you are.”
Luo Father dismissed this nobody, tossing the check across the table. “Do as you’re told. Fail to keep your word, and you won’t last a day in this city.”
Su Tang picked up the check with exaggerated care, turning it over to examine the details.
Luo Father scoffed. What right did some lowlife have to be with Luo Yuan? He’d already arranged a marriage alliance with a family of equal standing—that was where true value lay. A man without connections wasn’t just useless, he’d bring shame to the Luo name.
In his mind, Luo Chen was the true heir to the family fortune. But that didn’t mean he’d neglect Luo Yuan. He’d use the younger brother’s value to pave the way—have him manage the company to smooth Luo Chen’s path, then arrange a strategic marriage to secure business ties.
Having convinced himself he’d neatly resolved the matter, Luo Father departed immediately, as if lingering another second would waste his precious time. The proud and self-assured man never imagined this young man would dare defy him. He was certain the youth would flee with the money the very night after receiving payment.
But in reality, Su Tang hadn’t fled at all. Instead, he rushed excitedly to Luo Yuan’s office, waving the check like a giddy fool. Who wouldn’t be elated after receiving such a windfall? He cheered, “I’m rich now! Let’s celebrate with a lavish dinner tonight—anything you want, no holds barred!”
Luo Yuan stared blankly. After hearing the account, his expression turned frosty. He ruffled Su Tang’s small curls and said, “You handled it perfectly.”
Su Tang beamed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, can I keep this money? I’ll give you half.”
Luo Yuan smiled. “No need. It’s all yours.”
Su Tang immediately began calculating what delicious treats he could buy with the funds.
As Luo Yuan watched him, he suddenly asked, “Tangtang, have you ever thought about leaving me?”
Without hesitation, Su Tang replied crisply, “Why would I leave you? I enjoy staying with you.”
This was exactly what Su Tang felt. The mission was part of it, but the biggest reason was how warm and comfortable it felt to be with Luo Yuan.
Luo Yuan froze momentarily before smiling. The gloom and tension in his eyes vanished completely. Su Tang’s words were like a beam of sunlight piercing into his heart, shattering the thick ice and continuously melting it from within.
