Chapter 9 009 A dead end awaits those who oppose me

Ashley found Tong Ling's WeChat contact: [Please help me politely decline Chen Zong's invitation. Thank you for your hard work.]

Tong Ling was having lunch at the cafeteria when she saw this message and almost spewed out her soup in shock.

Why did the boss say "please" to her, and why did he say "hard work"? Does he think she hasn't been working hard these past few days? She only took a moment during work to try and get tickets for an idol concert. The boss won't fire her because of this, right?!

Tong Ling replied nervously: [Okay, boss, not hard work.]

Luckily there was no further conversation. Tong Ling ate lunch with a trembling heart.

Ashley opened the navigation and saw that the restaurant Ryan sent her to was near the company, just a five-minute walk away. She didn't call for a driver and packed up her files before leaving the office.

In the morning, Ben led her through the executive channel. Only high-level executives in the company used that elevator. She wasn't familiar with the environment yet and couldn't find where the private elevator was located, so she decided to take the employee elevator downstairs.

This office building belonged to Cavendish's family business; it was used as their headquarters. Ashley's brokerage firm, Shengyu Entertainment, was also nearby but only rented three floors of this building. This showed how wealthy Cavendish's family was.

The CEO's office was on the highest floor - 39th floor. Ashley walked in with her files and entered into an elevator that slowly descended. When it reached a middle floor and opened its doors, there were several employees standing outside who were planning to go eat lunch at the cafeteria.

As soon as they saw someone inside the elevator, they all fell silent simultaneously; tension filled in instantly.

Ashley looked up from her phone and saw the employee standing stiffly at the elevator door, feeling a bit puzzled. "Aren't you coming in?"

She reached out to hold the elevator door.

Several people's eyes widened simultaneously as they shouted, "Hello boss," and nervously squeezed into the elevator. But they didn't dare to stand at the back; they pressed themselves against the elevator door as if there was some kind of man-eating monster behind them.

Ashley looked at these young employees who seemed to be trembling with their backs turned towards her and felt it necessary to lighten the atmosphere.

Look how scared these corporate slaves are, all just ordinary workers, why go this far!

She asked, "Are you going for lunch?"

"Yes, boss."

"Oh right! Let's go to the cafeteria."

Ashley was curious: "Is the food in the cafeteria delicious?"

Since graduating from college, she hadn't eaten in a cafeteria anymore. She quite liked eating in cafeterias because of their variety, like buffet-style meals.

"It's delicious!"

"Delicious! We really like it."

"We're especially grateful for the rich lunch provided by our company."

Ashley: ... It feels strange somehow.

The cafeteria was on the third floor. When the elevator doors opened, several people said goodbye while running like dogs. They ran into the cafeteria and saw their bustling colleagues; everyone breathed a sigh of relief as if they had escaped death.

One person said: "My back is all sweaty; no one understands!"

While picking up food with trays in hand, several people agreed: "This is too scary! Why doesn't boss take his private elevator instead of squeezing into an employee elevator?"

"Does he want to catch us off guard and see if we're talking bad about him?!"

"Frightening! I can't even appreciate his handsome face that reaches for heaven now. Every time I see him, I remember the 'Cavendish Family Massacre' six months ago! His expression at that time scared me into having nightmares for several days!"

"I understand, I understand. It's that look of 'everyone who opposes me must die!' But to be honest, this man is so damn charismatic; he makes people both love and fear him."

"It's a charm we ordinary mortals can't enjoy. When I'm with him, I worry every minute and second about whether I've done something wrong again. The moment his icy gaze sweeps over me, I feel like kneeling down and singing 'Conquer.'"

They all burst into laughter.

At this moment, the devil boss they were talking about was getting out of a taxi fully armed with a hat and mask on his way to the agreed-upon restaurant.

After taking only a few steps, someone suddenly called out from behind: "Ashley? What are you doing here?"

Ryan turned around and saw a business car parked behind the railing. The window rolled down to reveal a pure and beautiful face; she appeared friendly and enthusiastic. "Are you going to the company? Get in the car; let's go together."

Ryan quickly matched her face with her name.

Yun.

The friend who framed Ashley.

The pre-arranged paparazzi failed to take any photos. On their way back to his room, they ran into Zeng Mingsong, who is very knowledgeable about the entertainment industry and has directed numerous films over his forty-year career. He quickly identified a few of the paparazzi and had them taken to the hotel security office for questioning.

Things have changed now. Although we don't know who is behind it, Zeng Mingsong made it clear that someone wants to frame Ashley.

From now on, if they try this trick again, Zeng Mingsong won't fall for it anymore. In fact, because of this incident, he might even sympathize with Ashley and her chances of success in the audition three days later will increase.

It's like stealing chickens but ending up losing rice!

Since things have come to this point, they can only go through with the audition honestly. Even if she doesn't get the role of supporting actress, it would still be good if she could get another minor role in Director Zeng's film.

Ashley values loyalty and friendship. If she can secure the role successfully, given her relationship with Yun, she will definitely help her fight for it.

Miao Gaojun's plan worked well. Only he, Yun and their assistant knew about last night's incident; even if Ashley woke up halfway through, she wouldn't know who attacked her. Yun can continue being friends with her as before while slowly looking for an opportunity.

I never expected stupid Yun would confess without any pressure!!!

If not for having some leverage due to her popularity factor remaining somewhat intact,Miao Gaojun really wanted to throw her out.

"Forget it," he said darkly while staring at Yun nodding obediently."Do well in the audition three days later.It would be best if you can get the role,but even if you don't,I've arranged for you to appear on a variety show."

...

When Ryan arrived at the restaurant, Ashley had already been there for a while. He had a private room here and as soon as the waiter saw Ashley, he led her inside where she was currently studying tea utensils.

Seeing him come in, she happily waved at him.

Ryan still wasn't used to his face making such lively expressions. He hesitated before walking over and taking off his hat and mask, tidying up his messy hair. Long hair is too troublesome; he has to constantly resist the urge to cut it short.

Ashley said, "Actually, there's no need to cover up so tightly. No one will recognize me anyway. On the contrary...,"she teased with a smile," when I came over here many people took pictures of me! Some even asked for my WeChat."

Ryan: ...?

Why has he never encountered this when going out?

Of course he himself doesn't know how unapproachable his usual demeanor is; others only dare to steal glances from afar and wouldn't dare approach him.But now that he's in Ashley's body, his gentle temperament makes him more approachable.

Ashley handed him the neatly organized documents and voice recorder while continuing to study tea utensils during his work.

Not long after that, a waiter pushed open the door and respectfully asked,"Boss , should we serve according to our usual routine?"

Ashley casually nodded her head,"Mm."

Ryan suddenly spoke up without looking away from his work, "Bring us menus."

The waiter paused for a moment before involuntarily looking towards Ashley across from Ryan who was still playing with her tea set. She continued nodding her head upon hearing Ryan's request, "Bring us menus."

Even though the waiter had received professional training, he couldn't help but be amazed.

The usually aloof boss actually has such a doting side truly eye-opening!