Flirting Under Favor (GL) - Chapter 15

The next day, Wang Lin took Mu Fan to the company as usual before heading to school.

Watching Mu Fan enter the company, her family’s branch office, Wang Lin wondered when she should invite Zhao Zilei out for a coffee. She was, after all, the Lin family’s daughter. Zhao Zilei, the manager of a branch company, surely wouldn’t refuse her the favor of looking out for Mu Fan.

Wang Lin felt a slight sense of shame about pulling strings for Mu Fan, but Mu Fan was so outstanding. Wang Lin reassured herself that it was deserved; talent shouldn’t be buried. As long as Mu Fan was competent for the position and the work tasks, what did it matter if she got there through connections? Hmph.

When it came to Mu Fan, Wang Lin was highly action-oriented and did what she said she would. After class in the afternoon, she called Zhao Zilei.

At that time, Zhao Zilei was leisurely sipping tea in his office, seemingly preoccupied with something.

He had managed this company for several years, and performance had always been mediocre, which bothered him quite a bit. A clever cook can’t cook without rice; without support from the main company and more resources, he didn’t know when the situation would improve.

Hearing his phone ring, he slowly answered.

“Hello, is this Uncle Zhao?”

The caller was a young girl’s voice, calling him “Uncle” right away, which confused him. He tried hard to recall his multitude of younger relatives, but none fit the description. He wondered if some distant relative from the mountains was trying to latch on.

Zhao Zilei asked, “Who is this?”

“I’m Wang Lin. Don’t you remember me? You came to the main company’s annual meeting not long ago; you should have seen me.”

Zhao Zilei immediately realized who it was. Right, CEO Lin’s daughter at the main company, I think her name was Wang Lin. She’s always been low-key.

Wang Lin… Zhao Zilei’s eyes narrowed. The girl who came to pick up Mu Fan the other day—wasn’t that her!

Zhao Zilei’s attitude instantly changed. He sounded cheerful, trying his best to show parental affection: “Oh, it’s little Wang. Oh my, was that you driving the Mercedes that came to pick up Mu Fan? I thought you looked familiar! I’m getting old, and my memory is poor. I didn’t recognize you! What makes you call me? Is there anything Uncle can help you with? I heard you just started university, are you in City S? F University? How is university life? If you have any difficulties, just tell Uncle.”

Wang Lin listened to his long speech, slightly stunned by his enthusiasm.

“I wanted to invite you for a cup of coffee.”

“Oh?” Zhao Zilei’s eyes darted around. What would Wang Lin want to see me about?

“No need for ‘invitation,’ I’ll treat you. Where are you?”

Wang Lin gave an address, and Zhao Zilei readily agreed.

Wang Lin waited for a little while in a coffee shop before she saw Zhao Zilei walk in. He was in formal wear, and though he was nearly forty, he looked quite young.

“Uncle Zhao, over here.” Wang Lin waved to him.

Zhao Zilei walked over with a big smile. As soon as he sat down, he started with pleasantries: “I can’t believe it’s you. Aiya, you’re doing great, and you’ve grown up so pretty. How is the Chairman’s health lately?”

“Mhm, Grandpa is doing well.” Wang Lin didn’t want to continue with polite, useless chatter; she wanted to get straight to the point. “Uncle Zhao, I asked you out today because I have a small favor to ask.”

“Hey, don’t be shy with me. Just say what it is. If I can help, I absolutely won’t refuse.”

Wang Lin changed her tone, testing the waters first: “Mu Fan works at your company, right?”

Having been in society for years, Zhao Zilei would have known even if he had Alzheimer’s that Wang Lin was here for Mu Fan.

He straightened his expression: “Oh, you mean Xiao Fan. Yes, she’s with my company, young and promising. I saw you picking her up from work last time. It’s great that she has a friend like you.”

Hearing Zhao Zilei praise Mu Fan, whether it was genuine or not, Wang Lin felt a surge of pride: “Yes, Mu Fan and I are very good friends. She’s very capable, very outstanding.”

Zhao Zilei smiled faintly: “I guess you’re looking for me today because you want me to give her more opportunities?”

Wang Lin took a sip of her coffee and said, “It shouldn’t be difficult for you.”

“Hahaha,” Zhao Zilei chuckled a few times. “It’s a small matter. Xiao Fan is very capable. Even if you didn’t ask, I would have paid attention to her development.”

Wang Lin nodded: “Mhm, thank you, Uncle Zhao, I appreciate it.”

Zhao Zilei took a sip of coffee and repeatedly said, “Don’t mention it, don’t mention it. You could even ask me to make her the second-in-command, and I could find a way to make it happen.”

Wang Lin nearly choked on her coffee: “That won’t be necessary. It’s better to be down-to-earth.”

Zhao Zilei nodded with satisfaction, highly agreeing with Wang Lin’s view: “That’s right, Chairman Lin taught you well.” Zhao Zilei wasn’t sure if he was flattering or truly expressing his frustration, saying, “I’ve met many rich second-generation kids who have no real skills but demand to be managers or directors right after graduation. They’re too ambitious. It’s rare to hear you say this.”

Wang Lin felt a little embarrassed by the praise and gave an awkward smile: “Ha, you’re giving me too much credit, Uncle.” She gathered her things, preparing to end the meeting. “Uncle, I have to go home and do homework, so I’ll be leaving now.”

Zhao Zilei waved his hand: “Mhm, go on, go on. Study hard.”

Wang Lin walked to the door, then suddenly turned back: “Oh, right, please don’t let Mu Fan know I came to see you, and don’t mention my identity either.”

Zhao Zilei showed an understanding expression: “Understood. Go on.”

After Wang Lin left, Zhao Zilei smiled meaningfully.

Perhaps I can start with Wang Lin. Building a good relationship with Wang Lin might help in asking the main company for resources.

He finished his coffee in one gulp. His mood seemed much lighter, and he walked with a spring in his step.

On the way, Zhao Zilei called his assistant: “Xiao Liu, who were we planning to put in charge of the K City project again?”

“Oh, Boss, it hasn’t been finalized yet.”

“Mhm, that’s good. Don’t finalize it yet. I’ll arrange it.”

“Understood, Boss.”

Mu Fan, of course, knew nothing about Wang Lin pulling strings for her. When Zhao Zilei handed the K City project to her, everyone in the company, including herself, showed surprise.

Zhao Zilei only said at the time, “We need to give young people more opportunities for development.”

A bunch of people secretly grumbled, I’m young too, why don’t I get a chance?

Many people speculated about the reasons behind this, but no one guessed it was due to sexual favors or inappropriate relationships.

It was an open secret in the company that their boss was gay.

/

On Friday, because she was due to leave for K City on Saturday, Zhao Zilei specifically gave Mu Fan a half-day off on Friday to prepare. Mu Fan returned home at noon and frowned when she saw the large amount of groceries still left in the refrigerator.

She still hadn’t told Wang Lin about her business trip. It was her first time independently managing a project, and she felt quite a lot of pressure. She wasn’t sure if she would be able to play games with Wang Lin in K City, and she worried that even time for chatting would become very scarce.

She took out her phone and sent a message to Wang Lin.

“Do you have classes this afternoon?”

Wang Lin quickly replied: “No.”

Mu Fan’s fingers paused over the phone screen, thinking about how to phrase her next words.

“Do you have anything else planned?”

“No, I’m so bored. I have to tell you, I finally figured out the technique for the Huā Nǎi [Wanhua Healer spec] today! You won’t have to call for a healer when you enter a dungeon anymore!”

Mu Fan complimented her accordingly: “That’s great.” Then she added, “I’m not working this afternoon. Do you want to come over to my place?”