Chapter Fifty-Nine: Enlightenment

Yuan Zhong's anxiety erupted, partly because, after realizing Qi Leyu didn't dislike meddlesome types, she unconsciously slipped into her online persona.

After rambling on, she caught herself—this was all wrong; her real life and online self were getting mixed up!

Qi Leyu was still in a daze, so before he could react, Yuan Zhong hastily switched gears, adjusting her tone: "Well, I just thought—I mean, you should be prepared for this kind of thing, right?"

Qi Leyu gradually came back to himself and asked, "Are you under a lot of pressure lately?"

"Yes, yes," Yuan Zhong immediately admitted, grateful that he'd offered such a suitable excuse.

"I remember you told me about your job before. Whether I plagiarized or not doesn't really have anything to do with you, does it?" Qi Leyu asked.

"Well, that's true..." Yuan Zhong wanted to say she was just upset on his behalf.

"I find you rather interesting. You do worry a lot," Qi Leyu said with a laugh.

This man really was broad-minded. Yuan Zhong had nothing more to add; she'd already said her piece.

It wasn't until nearly lunchtime that the editor-in-chief, Wang Shanshan, and the man finally left the office. Judging by their expressions, their conversation had gone quite well.

All afternoon, Yuan Zhong waited to see if Wang Shanshan or the editor-in-chief would say anything to her. By all rights, she was currently responsible for Seven Nights. With plagiarism accusations arising, she should at least have been informed.

But by the end of the day, neither of them approached her.

Over the next few days, posts appeared online comparing excerpts from Seven Nights and Nine Heavens, along with details about their publication dates, accusing Seven Nights of plagiarism.

Then the internet warriors sprang into action, tearing apart Seven Nights' work. Claims that he was "out of inspiration" were among the mildest; the language soon became filthy. Reading it left Yuan Zhong quite upset.

With the situation escalating, Yuan Zhong decided to approach the editor-in-chief. For her, this was now something that could be discussed openly.

The editor-in-chief sipped his tea, looking quite relaxed.

Yuan Zhong didn't rush; her question was perfectly reasonable. She was new, Seven Nights was her responsibility, and with a crisis like this, reporting in made sense.

At last, the editor-in-chief spoke. "Xiao Yuan, it's truly unfortunate that this has happened."

Well, that tone was not a good omen.

"I've already reported Seven Nights' case to headquarters. We're waiting for their instructions," he said.

"So, when can we expect to hear from them?" Yuan Zhong asked.

"That's hard to say. There's nothing I can do; it's up to headquarters," he replied.

"Then what should I do in the meantime?" Yuan Zhong asked directly.

"Just do what you normally do," he answered.

Yuan Zhong frowned inwardly. What did "what you normally do" even mean? After a moment's thought, she said, "Should I investigate the plagiarism evidence against Nine Heavens?"

The editor-in-chief gave her a look. "Xiao Yuan, you're a responsible person. To me, responsibility means doing your own job well. Do you understand?"

In other words, he hadn't answered at all.

Back at her desk, Yuan Zhong was deeply discouraged. Since starting work, she'd tolerated Wang Shanshan's unpleasant attitude; she'd run errands and done chores without complaint; she'd accepted being handed the hot potato; she'd put up with not being informed about things that concerned her...

She'd always believed that small companies had simple relationships, and that Wang Shanshan's behavior was an exception. But now, after seeing the editor-in-chief dodge responsibility, Yuan Zhong was truly disappointed.

With his experience, the editor-in-chief should have been able to tell easily that Qi Leyu hadn't plagiarized. But he hadn't used his professional judgment in this matter. Combined with the earlier contract issue, it was clear something else was going on.

Yuan Zhong felt like a fool.

Qi Leyu, meanwhile, seemed largely unaffected, maintaining his steady, if not speedy, update pace.

Perhaps because she was in low spirits, Yuan Zhong felt as if Qi Leyu was also taking advantage—never sharing his thoughts with her, despite all the effort she’d put into helping him.

As the end of the workday approached, her mother called, asking Yuan Zhong to come home for dinner—and to bring a few things back with her.

It was a rare invitation, and Yuan Zhong was more than happy to accept.

Her mother’s cooking was as wonderful as ever, and Yuan Zhong ate heartily.

"Starving, are you? Was it a busy day?" her mother asked.

"Not really, just haven't had such a sumptuous meal in ages," Yuan Zhong replied.

Her father nodded. "If you think cooking for yourself is a bother, just come home for dinner. It's not far, and you don't need to stand on ceremony with your parents."

Yuan Zhong smiled.

After the meal, her mother brewed tea, filling the house with its soothing aroma.

"Nothing beats old tea, brewed slowly," Yuan Zhong said, relaxing into the scent.

"How's work?" her father asked.

"It's okay," Yuan Zhong replied, eyes lowered.

He looked at her. "If there's something troubling you, talking about it might help."

Outside the house, Yuan Zhong always put on a gentle, obedient front, but her parents could see right through her.

After a moment’s thought, she said, "Sometimes, I just don’t understand my boss."

Her father nodded, waiting.

Yuan Zhong recounted her recent experiences and then asked, "Dad, am I meddling too much?"

He cleaned his glasses. "Why do you think that?"

"I guess the editor-in-chief just wants me to call Seven Nights every day, go through the motions, and otherwise not ask or do anything," Yuan Zhong said.

"So, deep down, what do you want to do?"

"I think Seven Nights is a rare talent. I admire him. I want to change his contract, I want to prove he didn't plagiarize. So many things are just unfair," she replied.

Her father smiled. "From the sound of it, you know what you want. So what’s stopping you?"

"It's the editor-in-chief's ambiguity. I guess he doesn’t want me to do any of this. Besides, I don't know what steps to take." Her spirits fell again.

"Let's leave the 'how' aside for now—solutions come from people. The key is, do you really want to do this?" Her father gestured for her to drink her tea.

Yuan Zhong sipped her tea.

"This is aged white tea—twenty years old, just brought it home," her mother explained.

"Thank you, Mom." Yuan Zhong finished her cup and watched as her mother refilled it.

Her father continued, "Or, let me put it simply: right now, you’re not doing anything—why is that?"

Yuan Zhong thought carefully, then answered, "I’m afraid my actions won’t please the editor-in-chief, or will conflict with company interests."

"Are those two things the same?"

She considered, then shook her head. "No, they're not. Speaking broadly, regarding company interests: whatever I do probably won't affect them. If Seven Nights continues to be popular, the company profits; if not, Nine Heavens can take over. However you calculate it, the company doesn’t lose. But from my perspective, Seven Nights is the better investment."

Her father nodded, encouraging her to go on.

"As for the editor-in-chief, really it's just my guess—his intentions don't make sense to me, but if I go against my supervisor, I worry it will affect my career."

"Are you afraid it will hurt your chances for promotion and a raise?" her father asked.

Yuan Zhong shook her head vigorously. "I’m not thinking that far ahead."

"Afraid of losing your job?" He smiled.

She nodded, then shook her head again. "Losing it wouldn't matter much. But you found me this job through a friend. If I do poorly, won't you be upset? And what about your friend—won't it be awkward?"

"If you’re asking me, I can tell you directly: I won’t be upset, and there’s nothing awkward about it. It’s just a job—how could you know if you’d like it before trying? People help with introductions, but after that, it’s up to you. They're busy too, they can’t monitor you all the time. You’re overthinking this," her father reassured her.

Yuan Zhong realized he was right—she just needed to do her best, and not carry so much unnecessary weight.

After a few more cups of tea, she made up her mind. "I’m going to talk to Seven Nights. I want to prove he didn’t plagiarize."

Her father nodded. "Do what you believe is right. That’s good."

"Thank you for your advice, Dad."

"It’s most important that you understand yourself. Don’t worry, child—if you want to do something, just try it. How big a deal can it really be?" he encouraged her.

Yuan Zhong laughed. "That’s true. Compared to what you’ve been through, this is nothing. I’m really quite inexperienced."

"Then go out and experience more. Be a little braver."

"If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up," Yuan Zhong joked.

Her father laughed as well.

Her mother looked at her, then at the clock, and stood up. "I’ll get you some freezer bags. And next time, remember to bring the empty ones back."

Two large bags, as always. Perfect—she could give one to Qi Leyu, and while she was at it, discuss things with him. She had to set things right; why let someone be falsely accused?

The next day at noon, Yuan Zhong carried a large bag of food storage containers and rang Qi Leyu’s doorbell. As usual—three rings, then she let herself in.

To her surprise, Qi Leyu was actually in the living room, watching a movie.

"Hello! I brought you some food—my mom just made it. Sharing some with you," Yuan Zhong said as she changed her shoes.

Qi Leyu paused the movie and came over to help her with the bags.

He put everything away in the fridge, then sent her money on his phone. Yuan Zhong checked—it was a generous amount.

"I’ll make lunch while I’m here," Yuan Zhong said matter-of-factly.

Qi Leyu went back to his movie. "Just set it on the coffee table when it’s ready."

"What are you watching that’s so good?" Yuan Zhong asked curiously.

"A new Marvel movie—hasn’t been released here yet. Hurry up, so you can watch with me," Qi Leyu replied.

Before long, Yuan Zhong brought out the dishes, and the two of them ate together while watching the film.

"Should I rewind to the beginning for you?" Qi Leyu offered.

"No need. I’ll just jump in; if I like it, I’ll go back and watch from the start later," Yuan Zhong replied.

Qi Leyu nodded and picked up his chopsticks.

The meal was quiet. Qi Leyu watched the movie; Yuan Zhong was lost in thought, rehearsing what she would say.

If Qi Leyu were upset, it would be easier to speak. But he never seemed to have strong emotions. Or, if she could find what he cared about, persuading him might be easier—but what did he care about? What did he value? She truly didn’t know, and it was a real headache.

Ah, if only she were as good at giving advice as her father, things would be so much simpler.