The interview details had been agreed upon by both parties, but Lin Xiaoying's extra question instantly destroyed Lin Xi's goodwill towards her. However, since Duan Yiheng hadn't allowed her to stop him, she couldn't say anything.
Duan Yiheng, with a half-smile, casually glanced at Lin Xiaoying: "It seems that no matter what type of magazine it is, personal relationships are always a focus of public attention." Lin Xiaoying smiled and explained:
"Mr. Duan, you are young and have achieved remarkable success. Relationships are also a part of life, and they will allow the magazine's readers to see a more three-dimensional, warm, and down-to-earth side of you." Duan Yiheng's smile remained unchanged. After a moment's thought, he said, "I'm sorry, relationships are a private matter, and I cannot share them."
Lin Xiaoying maintained her standard professional smile: "I understand. I overstepped my bounds." The photoshoot in the study was finished, and they moved on to the next location. Lin Xi turned back to retrieve the tie clip Duan Yiheng had left behind, overhearing a staff member say, "Weren't all the interview drafts pre-arranged?
Although Editor-in-Chief Lin has a keen eye for in-depth reporting, Mr. Duan's secretary explicitly refused such behavior, and Editor-in-Chief Lin has never done this before." Another immediately chimed in, "Mr. Duan is incredibly handsome; perhaps Editor-in-Chief Lin has developed a crush on him."
"Don't talk nonsense; your mouth will get you into trouble sooner or later." "...Just kidding." Lin Xi waited until they left before returning to her study to retrieve the tie clip.
The photoshoot was taking place in the outdoor terrace lounge area. Influenced by the earlier conversation, Lin Xi's gaze involuntarily fell on Lin Xiaoying.
She was tall and slender, wearing a fitted white suit, exuding elegance and sophistication in every gesture. Her gaze towards Duan Yiheng was purely appreciative. Lin Xiaoying and Duan Yiheng's conversation also revealed no other intentions.
The photoshoot in the terrace lounge area went very smoothly. Lin Xi glanced at the time and instructed the butler to take Lin Xiaoying's team to lunch. Having spent a few minutes lost in thought, Lin Xi became much more enthusiastic towards Lin Xiaoying. The three entered the restaurant, and Lin Xiaoying broke the silence first:
"It's rare to have the opportunity to enjoy a fine meal after work. Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Duan." Duan Yiheng nodded slightly and led Lin Xi to sit down. Feeling awkward without responding, Lin Xi smiled at Lin Xiaoying:
"Editor-in-Chief Lin, please let me know if there are any details to note regarding this afternoon's shooting." Lin Xiaoying replied with a smile, "My people will confirm the details. If Mr. Duan has no objections, we will proceed with the original plan."
"Have my secretary confirm the details. If she says she has no objections, that's fine." Duan Yiheng finally spoke up. Lin Xiaoying looked at Lin Xi with a hint of inquiry: "It seems Secretary Lin enjoys Mr. Duan's deep trust; her work ability must be excellent."
Lin Xi returned the compliment humbly, saying, "I still have much to learn. It's Mr. Duan's kindness that's appreciated." Lin Xiaoying offered a few words of praise without making it seem like flattery. The table became much quieter during the meal.
Lin Xiaoying noticed that Duan Yiheng only responded when Lin Xi spoke to him. During the lunch break, Duan Yiheng took Lin Xi to the top floor, while the butler arranged for the others to rest.
Duan Yiheng didn't intend to sleep; he'd been harassed by the photographer all morning and now found people annoying. He just wanted some peace and quiet with Lin Xi, even if they didn't talk about anything. That's what he thought, but he didn't ask aloud:
"Aren't you being a little too enthusiastic with Lin Xiaoying?" "Really?" A hint of doubt flashed across Lin Xi's face. "I just chatted with her a few more times."
As for the two loose-lipped girls under Lin Xiaoying's command, she had no right to comment, let alone tell Duan Yiheng. Duan Yiheng poured himself and Lin Xi a cup of tea, but before he could even take a sip, his phone vibrated four or five times.
Lin Xi took a sip of tea when she suddenly heard a chicken clucking, coming from Duan Yiheng's phone. Caught off guard, the tea slid down her throat, making her choke. Duan Yiheng patted her back, his tone both helpless and gentle:
"Slow down." "What's that noise?" Lin Xi looked suspiciously at the phone he was holding. "Is it a chicken?" Duan Yiheng nodded. "Lu Tong found out from Tian Han that I'm going on a business trip next Wednesday, so he sent me pictures and videos of his farm." "A farm?" Lin Xi's interest was piqued. "His own?" Duan Yiheng handed her the phone, saying, "His wife was interested, so he spent a lot of money to get one. It has fish, insects, birds, animals, flowers, trees—everything. Want to go visit?"
Lin Xi opened the first video Lu Tong sent; it showed vast fields of rapeseed. Then came a voice message from Lu Tong saying they wouldn't be able to see the rapeseed fields anymore; it was already April, and there weren't many rapeseed flowers blooming in S City anymore. Lin Xi saw the video of the two chickens fighting again, and she could almost imagine the commotion. "Do we have time to go?" Lin Xi asked, genuinely interested. Duan Yiheng nodded: "Yes, we'll stay for three more days after things are over." "That long?"
Lin Xi was surprised; she thought it would be at most a day and a night. Duan Yiheng gave her a strange look: "Don't you remember?" "Remember what—" Lin Xi suddenly stopped talking; April 17th was Duan Mingxuan's birthday. Duan Yiheng said:
"The wedding rumors and the charity banquet's rectification are making things right; it's not a good time for you and Duan Mingxuan to meet. This business trip coincides with his birthday, so we'll stay a couple more days."
Duan Yiheng's thoughtfulness was appreciated, and Lin Xi agreed. It really wasn't a good time for her to see Duan Mingxuan right now. The afternoon was for the last scene of filming, in the billiards room on the basement floor, showcasing the multifaceted side of Duan Yiheng beneath his elite exterior.
The billiard room was exquisitely decorated, with cues of varying thicknesses arranged in an orderly fashion. Duan Yiheng picked one out; its shaft gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen.
The photographer constantly adjusted the angle and focus. He felt that Duan Yiheng looked good in every shot, effortlessly charming without any artifice.
Lin Xi stood slightly behind the lighting technician. He had to admit, the technician was a professional. The light shone on Duan Yiheng, half in bright light and half in shadow, perfectly outlining the curve of his cool, deep profile.
Lin Xi even heard a smug, excited murmur from the audience. Two young girls couldn't help but exclaim at Duan Yiheng's handsomeness. Lin Xiaoying chuckled, "Mr. Duan's on-camera presence is even more captivating than some celebrities, isn't it?" Who could argue with that?
Lin Xi chuckled, "His looks are probably the least noteworthy of his many virtues." Before Lin Xiaoying could reply, she noticed something amiss with the set design. She called out as she walked, "Wait a minute, those billiards celebrity posters on the back wall are too brightly colored. They don't quite match Mr. Duan's calm and reserved image. Who put them up?" With so much equipment on set, Lin Xiaoying hurriedly took down the posters, accidentally tripping over a power cord.
She instantly lost her balance and fell towards Duan Yiheng.