novelraw Chapter 293: Wen Ruan's Arrival, Luo Bin
Chapter 293: Wen Ruan's Arrival, Luo Bin
The rapid footsteps echoed through the Marketing and Planning Department's office area, casting a tense and solemn atmosphere over the place.
Noticing the gazes directed at her, Wen Ruan slightly turned her head, her eyes sweeping across the room.
The moment her gaze met theirs, the older colleagues instinctively avoided eye contact. Those who had just been gossiping about her hastily lowered their heads, their faces filled with unease and apprehension.
“Clang!” Li Meiling's jaw dropped as the coffee cup in her hand crashed onto her desk and then rolled to the floor, spilling coffee everywhere. Her brow twitched violently as she scrambled to clean up the mess.
After giving a polite nod and smile to several senior colleagues, Wen Ruan’s gaze refocused ahead, and she disappeared around the corridor's corner with the group.
The office was silent for a few seconds before erupting into a flurry of whispers.
“What’s going on? That was Wen Ruan, right?”
“Of course! But she seems like a completely different person—so commanding, even more so than our department head!”
“Wasn’t she here to finalize her resignation today? Why is she with the investors?”
“Did you notice her positioning? It looked like Wen Ruan was representing the acquisition party!”“Or maybe she just knows that female executive from the other side?”
…
As the nervous chatter continued, Zhang Xintong, whose face was flushed, couldn’t stop her legs from trembling.
As Wen Ruan's devoted assistant, I’m about to hit the jackpot! I was the one who stood up and supported her when she went toe-to-toe with Liu Chuanzheng!
A salary of 5,000 yuan can no longer contain my ambition—I’m aiming for 8,000!
Meanwhile, Li Meiling silently wiped the coffee off her desk, not daring to utter a single word.
Although she often envied and plotted against Wen Ruan, she was smart enough to recognize that Wen Ruan had become incredibly formidable. Even their overbearing and stern Chairman Zhang Shun had to tread carefully around her.
For the first time, Li Meiling felt both bewildered and frightened. She knew Wen Ruan inside and out from working together for years.
She was just an ordinary employee with a good academic background. If there was anything remarkable about her, it was her accomplished and promising boyfriend—something Li Meiling envied most.
Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed again.
HR Director Peng Haijing emerged from the direction of the main conference room.
Stopping by the Marketing and Planning Department, she urgently asked, “Who in this department is closest to Wen Ruan?”
Everyone exchanged glances before Zhang Xintong proudly stood up. “Director Peng, I am! Is there something I can help with?”
Sweeping her gaze across the group, Peng Haijing nodded and said, “Xintong, Wenwen and the others are preparing tea. Please help bring it in and ask Wen Ruan if she has any special requests. Let me know immediately!”
“Got it!” Zhang Xintong's eyes lit up instantly.
She was already ready to ride Wen Ruan’s coattails and wanted to declare her status as “Wen Ruan’s best coworker” for all to see.
The other employees began to sense that something unusual was happening.
Peng Haijing was one of the company’s earliest employees and a trusted confidante of Chairman Zhang Shun. Rumors suggested their relationship was far from ordinary.
For her to place so much importance on Wen Ruan spoke volumes.
A female colleague close to Peng Haijing couldn’t help but ask, “Director Peng, wasn’t Wen Ruan supposed to finalize her resignation today? Why—”
“Stop!” Peng Haijing interrupted, her face tense. “Don’t speculate. Wen Ruan’s resignation stemmed from Liu Chuanzheng’s deliberate slander. The leadership team has thoroughly investigated and taken action—Liu Chuanzheng has been legally punished. Wen Ruan remains an employee of our company!”
Since her resignation process wasn’t finalized, the paperwork was incomplete, and Wen Ruan hadn’t signed anything, there was still room to salvage the situation.
And with the company’s future at stake, Peng Haijing had to take a clear stance.
Hearing this firm declaration, even the least perceptive employees understood the gravity of the situation. Wen Ruan clearly had a close connection with the visiting investors.
A colleague timidly asked, “Director Peng, why is Wen Ruan with the investors?”
“Yes, can you tell us anything?”
Given her role as HR Director, Peng Haijing had interacted with everyone in the department. Some employees were even on friendly terms with her, so they weren’t overly reserved with their questions.
Peng Haijing hesitated briefly before replying in a low voice, “Wen Ruan is one of the key representatives of the acquisition party.”
“Wow!” A wave of astonished murmurs swept through the room.
“Quiet down! Keep it down!”
Everyone quickly shut their mouths, though their eyes still brimmed with shock and disbelief.
Peng Haijing’s expression turned serious. “You’ve all worked with Wen Ruan for years. As her colleagues, I hope you can speak well of the company in private. This will help secure everyone’s jobs.”
The poor decision to lay off employees had already complicated the negotiation process. The only way forward was to repair the damage.
“Understood!” a quick-witted colleague responded promptly.
Light and Shadow Media was no small company. This acquisition involved billions, underscoring the investors' strength.
And Wen Ruan was a representative on their side.
The implications were crystal clear to everyone.
Even more crucially, if the acquisition went through, what position would Wen Ruan hold?
She couldn’t possibly remain a mere group leader in the Marketing and Planning Department.
She might even be elevated to a vice president!
It was entirely possible that Wen Ruan might replace Liu Chuanzheng and take up the position of Executive Vice President.
If that happened, all attendance, salaries, and work-related matters for the department would fall under Wen Ruan's management.
For those colleagues who had conflicts with Wen Ruan, a bitter taste filled their mouths.
Li Meiling’s face alternated between red and white as she gawked in silence.
A sudden realization struck her like lightning.
That President He from Meigou Tech in the Capital might actually have come specifically for Wen Ruan. Follow current novels on novelFirｅ.net
If so…
Why? How? What made her deserve this?
Li Meiling involuntarily shuddered, collapsing into her seat, her entire body limp. A chill shot up from the soles of her feet to her head, leaving her mind blank.
…
As Zhang Xintong followed HR Director Peng Haijing toward the break room, her steps felt as light as air.
She even pinched her thigh several times in disbelief to confirm this wasn’t a dream.
Initially, she had hesitated about moving with Wen Ruan to Xingyun International Group’s subsidiary. The uncertainty of what lay ahead had been daunting.
But seeing the current situation, it seemed likely they wouldn’t need to leave Light and Shadow Media after all.
For someone like her—an ordinary planning specialist who had just graduated and come from a rural background—this was shaping up to be the greatest turning point in her life.
Sometimes, choices matter more than effort.
In life, meeting a benefactor and following closely in their footsteps can change everything.
She was now deeply grateful for the decision she had made back then.
After bustling nervously in the break room for a while, Zhang Xintong and a few administrative colleagues, under Peng Haijing’s instructions, carried trays of tea into the lively conference room.
“Wen Ruan-jie, here’s your tea.” Zhang Xintong approached Wen Ruan directly, setting the cup down gently in front of her.
Hearing the familiar voice, Wen Ruan, who had been listening to Ji Qiuyu speak, turned slightly and smiled. “Thank you, Xintong. You’ve worked hard.”
“It’s nothing!” Zhang Xintong had never felt so elated. “Director Peng asked me to check if you need anything else?”
“No, you go ahead with your work.”
“I’ll wait by the door then. If you need anything, Wen Ruan-jie, just call me!”
“Sure, as you wish.” Wen Ruan shook her head with a faint smile, clearly seeing through her intentions.
She had always had a favorable impression of this assistant—kind, sensible, clever, and capable, without any hidden agendas.
A rare gem indeed.
That’s why she had invited Zhang Xintong to join her at Xingyun International in the first place.
But now, with the tables turned and her return to Light and Shadow Media confirmed, this little assistant was bound to benefit from Wen Ruan’s rising tide.
Zhang Xintong beamed brightly, placing the remaining teacups in their spots before leaving with the tray.
As she stepped away, a middle-aged man in his 40s nearby suddenly spoke up. “Chairman Zhang, please hold on. Our Xingyun International legal representative will arrive shortly, and then we can officially begin the meeting.”
“Understood.”
Hearing the words “Xingyun International,” Zhang Xintong’s heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t even sure how she managed to walk out of the room.
Oh my gosh! Xingyun International is acquiring Light and Shadow Media???
No wonder! No wonder Wen Ruan-jie is here!
Standing just outside the conference room, leaning against the wall, Zhang Xintong’s thoughts raced with excitement as she began envisioning her promising future.
Just then, the sound of footsteps approached once more.
“Tap, tap, tap—” The pace was unhurried yet exuded a steady confidence.
Moments later, the figure of the company’s Chief Assistant, Li Moying, appeared at the hallway's corner, followed by four middle-aged men in suits carrying briefcases.
The man leading the group was a mature, handsome gentleman with slicked-back hair styled in a refined three-seven part. He exuded composure and professionalism, his deep, sharp eyes hinting at vast experience, and his confident demeanor radiated unshakable calm.
Chief Assistant Li Moying accompanied him with a slight bow, maintaining a deferential posture.
Zhang Xintong only needed a moment to piece it together—these must be the legal representatives from Xingyun International.
Holy smokes! Even their legal team has such commanding auras—it’s exactly what you’d expect from a top-tier company!
The group soon reached the conference room door.
Instinctively, Zhang Xintong shuffled aside to make way.
Chief Assistant Li Moying knocked on the door and, after waiting briefly, gently pushed it open.
“Chairman Zhang, Xingyun International’s lawyers are here.”
“Please come in!”
The four impeccably dressed lawyers stepped into the spacious and well-lit conference room.
“Bang!” Ji Qiuyu, who had been seated at the head of the table, abruptly stood up, causing her chair to tilt backward slightly.
She pressed her lips together tightly, her expression one of surprise as she exclaimed, “Director Luo! Why have you come personally?”
Xingyun International Group’s legal affairs were indeed outsourced to Quanjing Law Firm.
However, no one expected that the firm’s director and managing partner, Luo Bin, would personally attend the meeting. Ji Qiuyu was taken aback, feeling both flattered and awed.
This wasn’t just any elite lawyer—Luo Bin was also a shareholder and director in several major corporations, a true heavyweight in the industry.
What she respected most, however, was his position as a supervisory board member for Tang Zong Entertainment. Luo Bin had a longstanding relationship with Mo Xiangwan and Su Yu, and their bond was famously close.
With a faint smile, Luo Bin remarked, “I happened to be in Yan City handling some matters, so I decided to stop by.”
“We greatly appreciate your attention,” Ji Qiuyu said as she quickly stepped forward.
Seeing Ji Qiuyu’s demeanor, Wen Ruan immediately realized the importance of this guest. She promptly stood up and moved aside from her seat, a position Ji Qiuyu had specifically arranged for her earlier. Now, it was only proper to make way.
Meanwhile, Light and Shadow Media’s external lawyer hurried over, his expression both excited and tense. Extending his hand, he said, “Lawyer Luo, it’s an honor to meet you! I’m Zhou Guangqian from Hetu Law Firm. I attended your lecture at last year’s Financial Law Forum.”
“Hello, Lawyer Zhou,” Luo Bin greeted politely.
From his seat, Zhang Shun, the chairman of Light and Shadow Media, narrowed his eyes slightly before standing with a smile. He approached and said, “Lawyer Luo, I’m Zhang Shun, chairman of Light and Shadow Media.”
“Nice to meet you,” Luo Bin replied with calm politeness.
Worried that Chairman Zhang might misunderstand, Lawyer Zhou quickly explained, “Chairman Zhang, this is Director Luo, the chair and managing partner of Quanjing Law Firm. Quanjing is one of the country’s eight major red-circle firms and among the most prestigious.”
Hearing this, Zhang Shun paused briefly, his smile growing even more enthusiastic. “We’re deeply grateful, Director Luo, for your attention to our company!”
Naturally, Zhang Shun knew of Quanjing’s stellar reputation. But he hadn’t anticipated its representative would carry such clout.
With both Ji Qiuyu and Zhang Shun’s attitudes shifting significantly, the entire meeting room’s attention was drawn to this unexpectedly prominent guest.
Peeking through the door, Zhang Xintong’s heart raced.
No wonder he had such an impressive presence—turns out he’s a bigshot!
She couldn’t believe her luck, having encountered the head of one of the country’s top law firms. Maybe when she went back in with tea, she’d even have the chance to say a word or two to him.
As her thoughts wandered, Luo Bin adjusted his tie and turned toward Wen Ruan with a warm and amicable smile.
“Hello, Ms. Wen Ruan. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Allow me to formally introduce myself—I’m Luo Bin, and I also serve as President Tang’s personal attorney. I’m here today primarily to discuss the equity transaction and the signing of the proxy agreement with you.”
In an instant, the meeting room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward Wen Ruan, who was standing near the wall.
Even Ji Qiuyu froze for a moment, stunned.
Was the “President Tang” he referred to Tang Song?
She had known Tang Song wasn’t ordinary, but she hadn’t realized just how extraordinary he was.
This was Luo Bin! Not only was he Tang Song’s personal lawyer, but he had personally come to oversee this matter and sign a proxy agreement?
It was as surreal as Su Yu making a cameo in a third-rate web drama.
Wen Ruan pressed her lips together lightly and quickly responded, “Hello, Director Luo. Thank you for taking the trouble!”
Once again, she was reminded of the weight her “little boyfriend” carried.
He had mentioned in Beijing that he would entrust a lawyer to handle the proxy agreement and equity transfer for her. But she hadn’t expected that the lawyer in question would have such an impressive reputation.
No wonder both Su Yu and I are smitten with this man.
Luo Bin smiled and nodded at her. “We’ll discuss the specifics privately after the meeting. For now, let’s focus on resolving the matters regarding Light and Shadow Media.”
As he spoke, Luo Bin’s calm and composed gaze swept over Wen Ruan.
From her appearance to her demeanor, she was undeniably an attractive woman.
Compared to the previous proxy holder, Zhao Yaqian, Wen Ruan appeared far more poised and outstanding.
At the very least, she was a prestigious university graduate with years of experience in the media industry. Her qualifications and character were easy to verify.
Unlike Zhao Yaqian, Wen Ruan was a mature, rational woman with her own way of thinking.
Moreover, she wasn’t exactly young anymore. Future considerations might involve children and inheritance.
For the sake of her children, she would likely strive for more, and with desire comes interest conflicts.
Perhaps this was why Director Jin and Su Yu were both keen to win her over.
As for President Tang, his decision to directly entrust Wen Ruan with holding part of Xingyun International’s shares—was it a warning to Director Jin and Su Yu, or an attempt to balance interests?
Luo Bin didn’t know for sure.
What he did know, however, was that he had immense trust in the cold, rational, and meticulous President Tang.
After all, Tang Song almost never made mistakes.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, everyone resumed their seats.
Luo Bin gave a slight nod to acknowledge the group, gracefully pulling out the chair next to Wen Ruan and sitting down. He placed his briefcase lightly beside him, his posture upright yet natural, exuding an innate air of professionalism.
The negotiation for the acquisition of Light and Shadow Media officially began, with Luo Bin joining as the lead for the legal review.
Once the discussion shifted to work, Luo Bin’s demeanor transformed completely. His deep, magnetic voice articulated each word with clarity and precision as he methodically explained the compliance aspects of the transaction terms. His hands occasionally made concise gestures to emphasize his points, enhancing his explanation.
Gradually, the entire conference room seemed to be enveloped by his commanding presence.
…
Outside the door, Zhang Xintong patted her chest to calm her racing heart.
Licking her dry lips, she took out her phone and began searching for keywords like "Quanjing Law Firm" and "Luo Bin."
Her jaw dropped as she read.
Quanjing Law Firm was a global legal services institution with 19 offices worldwide, over 400 partners, and more than 2,000 professional lawyers. It was internationally recognized as an outstanding and comprehensive law firm.
And Luo Bin himself was incredibly renowned. According to his profile, he was the chair of Quanjing’s management committee and frequently featured in professional media—a bona fide social elite.
Wow! My Wen Ruan-jie is this impressive?
And my brother-in-law Tang Song is this powerful?
Does that mean I, Zhang Xintong, am about to rise to the top too!?
Stamping her foot excitedly, Zhang Xintong felt as if her future was glowing with boundless brilliance, as if she’d glimpsed paradise itself.
Swallowing hard, she quickly pulled out her phone, pinned her chat with Tang Song and Wen Ruan to the top, and sent Tang Song a message detailing Wen Ruan’s activities at Light and Shadow Media today.
…
At 3 PM, a bombshell announcement spread through the company’s internal communication channels and was quickly verified:
Xingyun International Group, a leading company in the domestic media sector, had completed an all-cash and bond-based acquisition of Yan City’s Light and Shadow Media Co., Ltd.
Additionally, the two parties had signed a rigorous betting agreement to ensure the stability of Light and Shadow Media’s existing operations.
As employees celebrated with jubilation, another even more shocking announcement followed:
The company’s new Executive Director and President would be none other than Wen Ruan.
…
At 9 PM, in Beicheng Garden residential complex, the security door quietly opened.
Shen Yuyan dragged her exhausted body inside, tossing her bag aside as she collapsed onto the soft couch.
After resting with her eyes closed for a while, she felt her energy gradually returning. She poured herself a cup of hot water, sipping as she walked to the door of the second bedroom.
“Knock, knock.” After tapping lightly, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
“Ah!” Xu Qing, who had been deeply engrossed in her work, let out a startled cry. She hurriedly switched her computer screen and removed her headphones. “Yanyan, you’re back?”
Raising an eyebrow, Shen Yuyan teased with a smirk, “What’s this? Writing those kinds of stories again? You really can’t quit, huh?”
“I’m not! I didn’t! Don’t make stuff up!” Xu Qing’s face turned red as her eyes darted around nervously.
Unlike her previous outsourced legal work, her new role at Fanfu Suzi Media was much more relaxed, requiring her only to review the company’s contracts for compliance. With so much more free time, she now had ample opportunity to write.
She could finish all her daily tasks during work hours, and as a future minor shareholder of the company, she felt entitled to enjoy life a little.
In the evenings, she indulged in writing her favorite stories.
In her current work-in-progress, the male lead, Tang Song, had already slapped the green tea schemer Liu Ruyan several times and uncovered the obsessive streak of the clingy character Little Jing.
And of course, every climactic moment had Xu Yanqing herself present, delivering the ultimate one-liner to steal the show. It was beyond satisfying.
Now, she was writing a reward scene for the male lead. While it was only borderline explicit, the process was undeniably thrilling.
Shen Yuyan, speechless, knocked Xu Qing lightly on the forehead. Then, seemingly out of the blue, she asked, “The due diligence for Tang Song’s review of Fanfu Suzi starts tomorrow, right?”
“Uh-huh, that’s right. All the company documents have been printed and are fully prepared.”
Letting out a breath, Shen Yuyan pictured Tang Song in her mind and said, “I’m planning to discuss outsourcing marketing and promotions with Fanfu Suzi. I’ll stop by your company tomorrow too.”
The due diligence for Youjie Domestic Services had been completed, and the first payment was scheduled to be made within a week.
This had lifted a significant burden off her shoulders.
With the incoming funds, she could ramp up her platform’s promotional efforts and finally roll out long-awaited advertising campaigns.
Guo Liyuan had been accommodating, offering quotes that were practically at cost.
The rates Shen Yuyan had received from Fanfu Suzi were significantly lower than those quoted by other media companies she had consulted.
Now that the opportunity presented itself, she couldn’t resist wanting to witness Fanfu Suzi’s due diligence process firsthand.
Two hundred million yuan in financing—brokered single-handedly by her!
Every time she thought back to her decision, Shen Yuyan couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret and pride.
“By the way, will Tang Song be there in person tomorrow?”
Xu Qing shook her head vigorously. “I have no idea. Why do you ask?”
Shen Yuyan maintained a calm expression. “No reason, just curious.”
“I’ll ask him,” Xu Qing said, quickly grabbing her phone. She opened her chat with Tang Song and began typing.
It had been quite a while since she last saw Tang Song.
That guy didn’t even post on his Moments feed anymore, leaving her inspiration for stories running dry. She needed to collect some material—desperately.
Of course, she wouldn’t admit she was looking for content for her explicit stories. That was just a bonus, naturally.
Xu Qing’s dark, restless eyes darted about mischievously as she typed:
Xu Qing: “Tang Song, the due diligence starts tomorrow. Will you be coming to Yuhua Business Tower?”
“Buzz, buzz, buzz—”
Tang Song: “Not sure.”
Shen Yuyan, who had been peeking over her shoulder, froze for a moment, puzzled by the reply.
Beside her, Xu Qing bit her lip and grumbled under her breath. Then, opening her photo album, she selected a particularly flattering picture of herself and sent it over.
Moments later, a new message popped up.
Tang Song: “Around 10 a.m. (#smiley face).”
Xu Qing raised her eyebrows triumphantly and muttered, “When Lady Xu Qing strikes with her stunning beauty, Little Song is instantly conquered!”
Witnessing this firsthand, Shen Yuyan’s lips twitched.
For a moment, she didn’t know what to say.
Her best friend was certainly... a character.
More baffling was how the two of them had developed such an unspoken rapport!