Has The Live-in Alpha Stepped Up - Chapter 36
36: Let’s Go on a Date
An Yizhu had a busy day at the company.
Although she was in the editorial department, because Guangying Xinghui Media Co., Ltd. retained the freedom and collaborative style from Ai Qi’s era, departments often helped each other out.
When multiple departments needed to work together on the same project, a dedicated project team would be formed to coordinate efforts.
So Fang Yun took her around to understand the functions of each department in the company.
Finally, after connecting with Liao Miaosi from the editorial department, she settled into her long-prepared seat.
Liao Miaosi had already communicated with Ma Shitong from the animation department.
Initially, Liao had no fondness for this “special” intern who hadn’t shown up since joining.
But after learning about the morning’s incident, she felt that someone with real talent could be excused for such behavior.
Now, she proactively discussed with An Yizhu: “Our script output is currently sufficient, but the animation department is facing some serious challenges. So, Team Leader Ma from the animation department has been begging me for a while, hoping you could help their team with the latest animation project. I thought I shouldn’t agree without your consent, so I wanted to hear your thoughts first.”
“No problem!” An Yizhu agreed without hesitation.
She had even been worried that if she requested the transfer herself, Team Leader Liao might refuse!
Liao Miaosi breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing An Yizhu so cooperative, she teased, “As expected of our Hope Star’—so easy to talk to. Don’t worry, I know you’re from Jiangcheng University’s screenwriting program. When we have projects, we won’t forget to give you opportunities to shine.”
No, no, no, please don’t stand on ceremony!
What screenwriting skills do I have?
An Yizhu almost blurted out the words in her heart, but she couldn’t embarrass Jiangcheng University or Yu Guqiu. She swallowed her words, deciding to play along for now.
At worst, she could start cramming her textbooks after finishing the painting at home meant for the competition.
Passing by the office, Yu Liu overheard the conversation and called An Yizhu in, smiling. “I’ve heard about it—I didn’t know you had such hidden talent. Xiao Qiu never mentioned your drawing skills were this impressive.”
An Yizhu could only modestly reply, “It’s just a hobby. I didn’t expect it to actually come in handy. I’m glad it did.”
Yu Liu nodded with a smile. “Your desk will stay here, but the animation department is tucked away in a corner behind the elevator—a bit out of the way. Team Leader Ma also requested at noon that if you don’t mind, you could start working there.”
“Of course I don’t mind. Sitting here was just to keep a low profile. Going to a low-key department is even better, right?” An Yizhu laughed, completely forgetting Yu Guqiu’s directive to stir the pot.
The atmosphere here was so good that she couldn’t believe anyone would sell out for petty gains.
From Yu Liu’s perspective, the situation was entirely different.
Since she joined, the company had stabilized into a well-structured entity. Changes only occurred when employees requested transfers or departments needed to expand due to shortages.
As the HR manager directly involved in hiring, she knew the industry joke—”Guangying Xinghui Media is a great place to retire”—had become a reality.
So it had been a while since she’d seen such vibrant, energetic new bl00d.
After leaving Yu Liu’s office, An Yizhu eagerly gathered her things and rushed to the animation department.
The team, buried in drawing animation effects, didn’t even notice her arrival.
An Yizhu had to seek out Ma Shitong first. “Team Leader Ma.”
Before she could finish, Ma Shitong stood up. “You’re here!! You’re finally here! I set up your spot at noon. Please, take a seat!”
Her workstation was right next to Ma Shitong’s, complete with a computer, drawing tablet, iPad, and other tools neatly arranged.
An Yizhu was flattered.
Ma Shitong practically pushed her into the seat. “No need to be polite. We’re really pressed for time. Let’s get started. I’ve already sent the files you’ll be responsible for to your computer.”
“O-okay!” An Yizhu was both amused and exasperated.
Was her workhorse life starting so soon?
But An Yizhu quickly got into the groove.
Eager to get her hands on a drawing tablet again, she dove right in.
Two hours later, An Yizhu completed the first draft of her assigned work and was about to add extra details when she heard applause around her.
Startled, she looked up.
The entire team had gathered behind her.
“How did you do that? You maintained that speed for a full hour?”
“And when you switched brushes just now—did you all see that? I couldn’t even follow.”
“Master, maybe you should start by teaching us how to improve our speed.”
The colleagues chattered excitedly.
No exclusion, no jealousy—just pure admiration for skill.
An Yizhu couldn’t help but compare this to the group company.
Maybe she should convince Yu Guqiu to ditch the group and focus here? The atmosphere was so much better.
Ma Shitong dispersed the crowd, saying to An Yizhu, “Alright, work hours are over today. Everyone was about to leave but couldn’t resist watching you for a bit. Let’s not pressure our ‘Hope Star’ too much.”
In the animation department, An Yizhu lost her real name and gained the nickname “Hope Star.”
“Right, right. New colleagues need to get used to our company culture—no unnecessary overtime,” someone added.
An Yizhu glanced at the wall clock.
Five o’clock sharp.
A standard nine-to-five.
Before she could move, Ma Shitong snatched her mouse, saved her work, and shut down the computer.
An Yizhu was puzzled. “Even with such tight deadlines, no overtime?”
“If you’re willing to come in tomorrow, sure. We organize weekend overtime together—clock in, clock out, and get overtime pay. It’s more fun as a group. But it’s all voluntary. We’re not at life-or-death stakes yet.” Ma Shitong replied, echoing Yu Guqiu’s earlier explanation.
An Yizhu smiled.
Of course.
This was where the Yu Group’s corporate culture was best preserved.
But she didn’t commit. Yu Guqiu was still in her heat cycle, so her needs came first.
“Let’s talk tomorrow. I’m not sure if I have plans at home.”
“What’s your ride home, new colleague? Want to carpool if it’s on the way?” Ma Shitong pulled out her car keys.
“Thanks, but someone’s picking me up.” An Yizhu declined.
“Alright then. Team, clock out!” Ma Shitong announced.
“Woo~ Team Leader, why not give me a ride?”
“Get lost. Driving you means a huge detour.”
“Let’s go, anyone want dinner together?”
“Sure, I don’t feel like cooking tonight. Let’s eat out.”
Watching her colleagues cheerfully pair off and leave, An Yizhu felt an overwhelming warmth.
It was as if she’d found another place to belong in this world.
But she didn’t linger. She hurried back to the group company’s parking lot.
Xie Fang was waiting for her.
An Yizhu jogged over and got in the car.
Xie Fang, seeing her energy, smiled. “Looks like your first day went well.”
“Very well. Guangying’s atmosphere is way better than the group’s.” An Yizhu said candidly, then added quietly, “But don’t tell Xiao Qiu. I don’t want her to feel bad.”
Xie Fang chuckled. As Yu Guqiu’s assistant, she’d never betray An Yizhu’s words.
“You silly girl, always so blunt. Xiao Qiu already knows—no need for us to remind her.”
After today at the media company, An Yizhu’s mindset had shifted.
If it weren’t for the fact that the Yu Group was Yu Shanmei’s life’s work and Yu Guqiu’s relentless dedication, she’d have urged her to just be the CEO of the media company. How happy would that be?
Thinking of Yu Guqiu’s struggles for the group, An Yizhu’s heart ached.
On the way home, she texted Yu Guqiu to ask if she’d eaten.
Yu Guqiu replied instantly.
Guqiu (Heart): Not yet. You decide.
An Yizhu: Wait for me. I’m already at the overpass.
Yu Guqiu was curled up on the sofa.
She was watching a variety show—one of Guangying Xinghui Media’s recent investments.
Seeing An Yizhu’s reply, she couldn’t help but smile.
She really did feel like a stay-at-home wife waiting for her partner to return.
But since she’d decided to relax, indulging in this occasionally wasn’t so bad.
She sat up, grabbed a piece of fruit, and reclined again to continue watching.
Half an hour later.
An Yizhu returned home to find delivered food at the doorstep.
She opened the door and carried it inside.
But the lights were off.
Yu Guqiu was curled on the sofa, eyes closed.
The home theater played highlights from the variety show.
She seemed to have been asleep for a while.
An Yizhu smiled warmly.
After a day at work, coming home to see Yu Guqiu napping on the sofa gave her a real “breadwinner” vibe.
Even though her intern salary of 7,000 was technically paid by this very CEO.
An Yizhu set the food on the table and tiptoed to Yu Guqiu’s side.
She hesitated to wake her, wanting her to rest a little longer—and to admire her sleeping face a little more.
When they shared a bed, she hadn’t dared to peek. By the time she woke up, the workaholic was already up.
A lazy Yu Guqiu was a rare treasure.
Stalling, An Yizhu turned off the TV first.
Then she returned, bent down, and gently patted her. “Time for dinner.”
Yu Guqiu’s eyelashes fluttered.
Her eyes slowly opened, bright irises glinting.
She reached out and hooked her arms around An Yizhu’s neck. “You’re back.”
The motion was so natural, as if done a hundred times before.
Caught off guard, An Yizhu tumbled into Yu Guqiu’s embrace.
Even through the blanket, she felt the warmth.
Her mind exploded.
Oh no, she really, really liked Yu Guqiu!
Yu Guqiu blinked. “Not a dream…”
She’d had another lovely dream.
How strange.
Upon waking, she’d instinctively pulled An Yizhu close.
And An Yizhu had fallen right in.
Now fully awake, Yu Guqiu awkwardly let go.
An Yizhu scrambled up, gasping.
She’d almost left this world—from lack of oxygen and a racing heart.
Yu Guqiu calmly delivered a belated welcome: “You’re back.”
“Yeah, I’m back.” An Yizhu couldn’t help covering her face, turning away. “Dinner’s here. Come eat.”
Watching An Yizhu’s flustered retreat, Yu Guqiu’s awkwardness vanished.
Why bother teasing her when she couldn’t even handle this much?
After a day of rest, Yu Guqiu was refreshed.
An Yizhu set the food on the table.
Yu Guqiu arranged the utensils.
As they ate, Yu Guqiu, seeing An Yizhu had recovered, teased, “I heard you performed well at the company today, ‘Hope Star.'”
The nickname confirmed that while An Yizhu hadn’t spotted any spies, Yu Guqiu’s informants had reported her every move.
And the title was clearly meant to mock her.
An Yizhu huffed. “Yeah, well, I’ve got a family to feed. Gotta work hard. But you—resting at home, not even moving an inch. Today, even if a seven-step snake bit you, you’d be fine.”
Yu Guqiu tilted her head, confused. “Hmm?”
An Yizhu pulled up her step-count ranking. First place: An Lan, over 20,000 steps.
Last place: Yu Guqiu, six steps.
Yu Guqiu understood. “Ah.”
She’d barely touched her phone, leaving it on the coffee table all day.
“I was at home all day. Where would a seven-step snake come from to bite me? Unless you’re the snake.”
An Yizhu deflated, silently peeling shrimp.
Right. The only one who could “bite” Yu Guqiu was her.
After sulking, An Yizhu switched to concern. “So, how was your rest today?”
“Pretty good. It even made me realize something.” Yu Guqiu said, eating the shrimp An Yizhu had peeled.
“What?” An Yizhu was curious.
“The company can run without me.” Yu Guqiu stated.
An Yizhu paused.
Though she’d often reassured Yu Guqiu of this, the reality was different.
The group was nothing like Guangying.
Guangying could thrive on passion alone, especially after years of pent-up creativity from underfunded employees.
But without Yu Guqiu, the group would fracture—torn apart by the Meng Jiahao and Yu Shanmei factions.
Was Yu Guqiu giving up?
But her recent efforts showed no signs of resignation.
Was it because she’d enjoyed lazing at home?
Or…
Was the plot forcing its way forward?
The last thought sent a chill down An Yizhu’s spine.
If Yu Guqiu abandoned the group to focus on Guangying, it would align with the original story’s setup.
In that case, Yu Guqiu would gain freedom—and all the makings of a villain.
Noticing An Yizhu’s daze, Yu Guqiu asked, “Why that look? Can’t handle being the breadwinner for a day?”
An Yizhu studied her. Today, Yu Guqiu wore a faint smile.
She bit her lip.
If Yu Guqiu could stay this happy, maybe following the plot wasn’t so bad.
Her role was to steer her away from darkness.
Steeling herself, An Yizhu said, “If you’d let me, I’d be happy to provide for you.”
Yu Guqiu found her tone odd but chuckled. “You’d have a hard time supporting me right now—even with overtime pay.”
An Yizhu deflated. It was true—she couldn’t afford it.
Yu Guqiu, watching her expression, had a sudden thought. “Remember our prenup?”
“I do.” An Yizhu tensed, unsure why she’d brought it up.
Was this a reminder not to overstep?
The agreement’s terms weighed on her chest.
But Yu Guqiu said, “Let’s go on a date tomorrow.”
A date?
An Yizhu hadn’t expected that!
Yu Guqiu mused, “We’ve already had the board meeting this week.”
“Let’s go on a date tomorrow!” An Yizhu echoed, reissuing the invitation.
How could she refuse?
Overtime could wait.
Sorry, Team Leader Ma!
Yu Guqiu smiled. “Party A thanks Party B for their cooperation.”
An Yizhu could tell Yu Guqiu was in a good mood to joke like this.
She grinned. “You’re welcome, Party A. But Party B has a question: We’re still trending. Won’t a date be too high-profile?”
Yu Guqiu checked her phone.
The PR team had steered the trending searches toward shipping them as a couple.
Since An Yizhu was anonymous, public curiosity waned, and the topic had dropped to the lower ranks.
“We should still be discreet.” Yu Guqiu conceded.
An Yizhu asked, “Where should we go, then?”
Her mind conjured CEO clichés:
Renting out an amusement park.
A cruise ship.
A mall.
A restaurant…
“Let’s go to the supermarket tomorrow.” Yu Guqiu decided.
“Rent out the whole supermarket?” An Yizhu found the idea odd.
Yu Guqiu frowned. “Why? Just the one in our complex. It’s exclusive to residents—very private. The neighbors are all high-profile people who won’t post about us.”
“Oh.” An Yizhu had underestimated the wealthy. “That works.”
Life wasn’t a spectacle.
A date with an audience wouldn’t be a date at all.
After dinner, they watched another variety show episode—a detective-themed one from Guangying.
It reminded An Yizhu of similar shows from her world, which could become long-running hits if well-made.
If they needed scripts, she might actually contribute.
“The scriptwriters are busy with these cases. The props team is preparing materials.” Yu Guqiu said, noticing her interest.
An Yizhu nodded emphatically. “This show has to be done right. It might have a learning curve, but once viewers get into it, the fanbase will be solid.”
Yu Guqiu raised an eyebrow. “Seems you haven’t forgotten everything from school. I agree. Though variety hits are easier than blockbuster films.”
Blockbuster films.
A name flashed in An Yizhu’s mind.
She pursed her lips.
Did Yu Guqiu have that name in mind too? She wouldn’t ask.
Yu Guqiu shook her head. “Enough work talk. Let’s keep watching.”
An Yizhu didn’t know if Yu Guqiu’s thoughts lingered on work, but the scriptwriting dilemma nagged at her.
After the show, the evening’s entertainment ended.
With her heat cycle stabilized, Yu Guqiu didn’t invite An Yizhu to the master bedroom.
An Yizhu returned to her room to finish her painting—the submission deadline was nearing.
The next morning, An Yizhu woke early, dressed in casual supermarket-appropriate attire: a cotton shirt and jeans.
When Yu Guqiu emerged, An Yizhu’s eyes lit up.
A new outfit!
A white blouse with a gray linen skirt—casual yet elegant.
In the elevator mirror, their matching shirts reflected harmoniously.
An Yizhu almost regretted they wouldn’t be photographed today.
In the parking lot, Xie Fang was absent. Yu Guqiu led her to another spot and unlocked a tiny electric car—affectionately dubbed a “spicy mini fish” for its compact size.
Yu Guqiu took the driver’s seat.
“Wow,” An Yizhu marveled, sliding into the passenger side.
“What? Surprised I drive?” Yu Guqiu buckled up.
An Yizhu admitted, “Just didn’t expect your car to be so… cute.”
The pink interior was a far cry from Yu Guqiu’s usual vibe.
Yu Guqiu shrugged. “Small cars are easy to park. I removed the back seats for more trunk space.”
An Yizhu laughed. “Planning to empty the supermarket today?”
“Not quite. Just buying what we like. Any favorite dishes?” Yu Guqiu asked.
An Yizhu didn’t hesitate. “I’m not picky.”
“Figures. But if you had to choose, what would you crave today?” Yu Guqiu pressed.
An Yizhu pondered, then declared, “Braised pork trotters—so tender they melt in your mouth!”
Yu Guqiu blinked but nodded. “Alright. We’ll have that for lunch.”
An Yizhu froze. She hadn’t learned to cook that from An Lan yet.
Then it hit her. “Wait—you’re cooking for me?”
Yu Guqiu smiled faintly. “Don’t believe I can?”
That wasn’t it! She’d loved Yu Guqiu’s fried eggs and congee.
“I didn’t mean that! I’m just… honored!”
Yu Guqiu explained, “We had a live-in chef growing up, but after moving out, I learned to cook. Then work took over, and I stopped bothering.”
“Cooking is exhausting. No wonder you stopped.” An Yizhu sympathized.
But Yu Guqiu said, “Actually, it’s therapeutic. It’s just been so long—I’m not sure I still can.”
“You can! Your eggs were perfect! Congee too! Even the toast!” An Yizhu listed every dish Yu Guqiu had ever made.
Yu Guqiu sighed. “If the toast hadn’t been store-bought, I might believe you.”
“You can prove it at lunch!” An Yizhu vowed.
In the car, they chatted like any ordinary couple on a grocery run.
The supermarket was sizable for a residential complex, spanning two floors: household goods below, fresh produce and snacks above.
Yu Guqiu parked near the entrance.
An Yizhu hopped out, grabbed a cart, and waited eagerly.
Yu Guqiu jogged over and reached for her hand.
As their fingers intertwined, a voice called out, “Oh! Isn’t this CEO Yu? Out shopping with the missus?”
The titles “CEO Yu” and “missus” were unmistakable.
An Yizhu’s scalp prickled.
Wait—weren’t wealthy, high-profile neighbors supposed to mind their own business?