An Li got out of the car in a hurry, not noticing that her backpack had been left behind. Her mind was entirely on today’s work.
At the entrance of the magazine company, the manager stood on the steps waiting. Having just been scolded by Duan Xingning, he was full of pent-up anger with nowhere to vent it. The moment he saw An Li, his brows shot up in fury.
“So you finally decided to show up? Do you even know what time it is?” The manager fumed, practically spitting with anger. “Brother Xingning’s entire schedule has been delayed because of you.”
“I—I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” An Li stammered as she tried to explain.
“Aren’t you his assistant? And you didn’t know?”
“I—I thought…” The more nervous she became, the less she could speak.
Especially in front of this manager. He was infamous in the industry for his bad temper—someone who flattered the powerful and bullied the weak. Normally, he didn’t dare provoke others in the team, so he always picked on her, or the janitors and security guards.
“What did you think? Huh? It’s one thing that you stutter and can’t speak properly, but you can’t even handle something this simple?” The manager’s voice grew louder and louder.
An Li couldn’t explain much. She couldn’t get that many words out in one breath, and she was at fault today, so she lowered her head and silently endured the scolding.
“I really don’t know why Brother Xingning would let someone as useless as you be his assistant,” the manager snapped. “If today’s work gets messed up, don’t bother coming back tomorrow—just quit!”
As he spoke, he raised the report file in his hand and swung it toward her forehead.
An Li closed her eyes and instinctively raised her hand to block it.
But after a long moment, she didn’t hear the sound of paper hitting her, nor did she feel any pain.
Slowly, she opened her eyes.
Above and slightly to the side stood Duan Zhuo, who had appeared at some point without her noticing. Sunlight like scattered gold poured down over his shoulders, tinting the strands of hair on his forehead a light brown. The contours of his profile were especially sharp at the boundary between light and shadow.
His usually flirtatious peach blossom eyes were now covered with a layer of frost. His lashes cast shadows, and even a brief half-second of eye contact made one feel chilled.
Duan Zhuo stood in front of An Li, shielding her. His long arm was slightly raised, and between his well-defined fingers, he held the thick stack of papers that had nearly struck her.
The moment the manager recognized him, his heart nearly stopped. He stammered in fear, “S-Second Young Master…”
Duan Xingning was the lead singer of Xing Sheng Studio, while Duan Zhuo was the one above him.
In other words, he was their boss.
The manager rarely had the chance to meet the Second Young Master of the Duan Family. And now, on the rare occasion he did, he had been caught scolding an assistant.
That was bound to leave a bad impression.
Duan Zhuo glanced at An Li. “Are you alright?”
An Li couldn’t speak at all. She just shook her head blankly.
“As long as you’re fine,” Duan Zhuo said, loosening his grip.
The papers he had been holding scattered across the ground.
The manager forced an awkward smile and was about to pick them up when, in the next second, Duan Zhuo kicked him in the abdomen, sending him flying several meters away.
Clutching his stomach in pain, the manager didn’t even dare cry out. He quickly dropped to his knees and begged, “Second Young Master, I was wrong…”
He knew very well that Duan Zhuo was not only known in Jingbei for his playboy reputation but also for his ruthless methods. His iron-handed style had long ceased to be news. The first step to becoming the head of the Duan Family had been stepping over the bodies of uncles and relatives—let alone outsiders.
Many people were fooled by his careless, nonchalant appearance, but deep down, he was as cold-blooded as they came.
Offending Duan Xingning meant trouble.
Offending Duan Zhuo meant you might not live to see the next life.
Seeing how quickly the manager submitted, Duan Zhuo didn’t continue. He walked over slowly, looking down at the man on the ground as if he were an ant.
“Who gave you the courage to hit and scold my girlfriend?”
“I’m sorry, I was wrong, I was wrong… your girlfriend?” The manager froze mid-apology, his face full of shock.
What was going on?
He had heard that An Li got the job because of her connection to Duan Xingning. He never expected her to have another identity.
Duan Zhuo didn’t bother explaining much. He sneered, “You even wanted her to quit. I think you’re the one who should leave.”
Not just Xing Sheng—he wouldn’t even be able to stay in this industry anymore.
But being able to keep his life was already something the manager was grateful for.
“Let’s go.” Duan Zhuo tossed An Li’s forgotten bag back to her and walked ahead. “I want to see how my girlfriend usually works.”
To see how she was being bullied.
Even a mere manager dared to hit and scold her.
An Li had already been late, and after being delayed outside, by the time she entered, Duan Xingning’s work had already begun.
The moment Duan Xingning saw her, he immediately scolded, “Why are you so late?”
“Um… something delayed me,” An Li answered softly.
Duan Xingning noticed Duan Zhuo beside her. “What are you doing here?”
“At home, you’re my brother. Outside, I’m your boss. Isn’t it normal for the boss to inspect?” Duan Zhuo casually found a seat and sat down.
Duan Xingning wanted to say more, but considering the time, he didn’t waste words.
“Brother Xingning, are your clothes ready?” An Li had already thrown herself into work. “We still need the stylist to adjust your hair.”
She was about to look for the stylist in the crowded studio when a photographer suddenly approached.
“Today’s shoot needs to be canceled.”
As soon as those words were spoken, the entire set fell silent.
Duan Xingning frowned. “What happened?”
“I’m sorry, Young Master Duan. The female model who was supposed to shoot with you just left, so we have to pause the shoot,” the photographer explained.
Today’s shoot wasn’t just for the cover, but also inner spreads. It wasn’t just Duan Xingning—there were other band members and a popular invited model.
According to the schedule, they should have arrived at eight, started shooting at eight-thirty, and wrapped up at eleven.
But Duan Xingning had arrived an hour late, delaying everything. And when he was finally ready, the female model had already left for another engagement.
One mistake led to another. Now, the band members, magazine staff, and the entire photography team had to pause.
Someone complained, “How could that model just leave like that? What are we supposed to do now?”
Duan Xingning remained reasonable. “We were the ones who were late first. It’s not her fault.”
When he said that, he glanced at An Li.
Though he didn’t openly blame her, his eyes were full of reproach.
An Li felt uneasy and asked softly, “Is there any way to fix this? Can we find another model to replace her?”
“No. Do you think models are that easy to find…” the photographer said, but then suddenly looked up at An Li.
Her appearance was no worse than the model who had left.
In fact, even better.
Her almond eyes, rosy cheeks, faint dimples, and delicate nose gave her a sweet and pure look—like the innocent beauty archetype in the entertainment industry.
“How about you try?” the photographer suddenly suggested. “You and Young Master Duan look like you have great chemistry.”
“Me?” An Li pointed at herself in shock.
“Yes, you’re even more suitable than the previous model. It’s you.” The photographer grew excited. “Handsome man and beautiful woman—this couple-themed issue will definitely sell well. Don’t you all think?”
The staff quickly agreed. Although An Li was shorter, that made it even better—standing beside Duan Xingning, she would look petite and charming.
Without hesitation, the photographer tried to push An Li toward the spotlight.
But halfway there, her wrist was suddenly grabbed.
Duan Zhuo had originally intended to stay invisible, but the group’s chatter had pushed him too far.
“What couple? They’re siblings. That’s not appropriate,” Duan Zhuo said, pulling An Li behind him without hesitation.
“It’s just a set of photos. What’s inappropriate about it?” the photographer laughed awkwardly. “We only chose her as a substitute because we had no choice.”
“No,” Duan Zhuo said flatly.
Just those two words carried overwhelming pressure, and the room fell silent again.
If this continued, people would start to suspect his behavior.
Duan Zhuo cleared his throat lightly and changed his tone. “You need a substitute, right? I’ll do it.”