The flower of love bloomed instantly in Song Foxiang’s heart.
This long-lost thrill even sparked Song Foxiang’s creative urge, making him feel the impulse to write poetry again!
Song Foxiang cut a decent figure overall, not some greasy middle-aged man. With medium-length hair and no beard, he appeared refined and scholarly. Since they both worked under the Rongcheng Publishing Group, they were, in a sense, colleagues within the same system. When Song Foxiang sought Zou Weijun’s help, she didn’t refuse outright at first.
She figured she should at least hear what Song Foxiang had to say.
During their casual exchange, Song Foxiang’s old friend, a senior editor surnamed Wan from the editing and publishing department, couldn’t help but boast about Song Foxiang. When it was mentioned that Song Foxiang’s daughter was a young author, Zou Weijun made the connection.
“So she’s your daughter! Truly a young talent!”
Song Chan’s book reprint had clashed with the schedule for *Shush, Little Secret*. Even Editor Wan, who was in charge of promotion, had been reassigned to the *Shush, Little Secret* planning team. Though this was arranged by department heads and not Zou Weijun’s fault, Song Chan was indeed a bit unlucky. If Song Foxiang were an unreasonable parent, he might have taken it out on Zou Weijun.
Not holding a grudge already marked him as a reasonable man, but no one expected Song Foxiang to proactively offer Zou Weijun “business.”
Planning a biography publication for someone?
Suppressing his inner awe, Song Foxiang briefly explained Zhao Dong’s situation, “His ancestors were from Rongcheng. He achieved success abroad and has now returned with funds to support the hometown’s economic development. Writing a biography isn’t for personal gain but to honour his grandfather, buried overseas, fulfilling a filial duty. Of course, Mr. Zhao also wants to better integrate into his hometown, to find his spiritual roots.”
Seeing Zou Weijun hesitate, Song Foxiang added, “The cost of securing a book number will be covered by Mr. Zhao himself. Even publishing and promotional expenses are no issue for him. He won’t let the publishing house lose money.”
In other words, this was a self-funded “biography” for personal amusement.
It was just that this Mr. Zhao was exceptionally wealthy and willing to spend more for fame.
Zou Weijun wasn’t keen on taking such a job.
She didn’t work just for money. This kind of project lacked substance. Zou Weijun preferred popular science books, like *Shush, Little Secret*, which had significant social impact.
At the very least, she’d rather discover young writers like Wen Ying.
Books like *Teen Idol* should be promoted to the market. Youth literature shouldn’t only focus on pain; it needs some uplifting warmth too.
“Editor Song, to be frank, you and Editor Wan are close, and your daughter’s reprint is handled by him. Why not let Editor Wan take on Mr. Zhao’s biography project?”
Editor Wan touched his half-bald head, “Oh, Xiao Zou, we’re all colleagues. You’re making me feel awkward! Editor Song’s friend specifically asked for you, trusting your abilities!”
Song Foxiang approaching Zou Weijun for Zhao Dong’s biography didn’t upset Editor Wan at all. In fact, he thought Song Foxiang was being loyal!
For Editor Wan, it was like someone handing him a pillow when he was sleepy.
Keeping Zou Weijun busy was perfect!
With something to do, Zou Weijun wouldn’t cling so tightly to the popular science book series.
After *Shush, Little Secret* became a hit, many in the department wanted a piece of the series, including Editor Wan.
The boss had hinted to Zou Weijun about this, but she pretended not to understand, continuing to plan the second part of *Shush, Little Secret*. This left veterans like Editor Wan trailing behind a newcomer like Zou Weijun, scraping by on leftovers.
Editor Wan didn’t want scraps; he wanted the meat!
He didn’t know what connections Zou Weijun had, but several people tried to push her out of the *Shush, Little Secret* planning team, yet she held firm.
If they couldn’t oust her, they’d have to hope she’d let go herself.
Editor Wan lavished praise on Zou Weijun, “Xiao Zou, your reputation precedes you. That’s why Editor Song’s friend sought you out. He’s a returning overseas businessman investing in Rongcheng. Planning his biography is good for our publishing department. The symbolic value outweighs the financial gain. He didn’t want me, but if he did, I’d take the job without hesitation!”
Zou Weijun wore a classic beige trench coat today. Since starting work, she’d cut her long hair to shoulder length, uncurled and neatly draped, her professional look unable to hide her bookish charm. Song Foxiang didn’t need to ask to know Zou Weijun came from a well-off family.
Ordinary families don’t raise women with such poise.
Song Foxiang naturally hoped Zou Weijun would agree.
Not just for Zhao Dong’s commission, but for his own selfish reasons.
If Zou Weijun took the job, he’d have a legitimate excuse to interact with her more!
At this point, Song Foxiang hadn’t considered whether Zou Weijun was married.
A refined lady, a gentleman’s pursuit—what did marriage matter?
Song Foxiang had already savoured the name “Zou Weijun” in his mind several times, finding it increasingly flavourful.
Indeed, a person’s name comes alive when paired with an impressive presence.
Song Foxiang gazed at Zou Weijun with tender eyes, but she didn’t think of it as romantic.
Editor Song was a bit too enthusiastic, but it was all to push this deal.
Yet, after much thought, Zou Weijun found the project meaningless. She didn’t want to take it and had no time for it.
Besides *Shush, Little Secret*, she was also working on publishing Wen Ying’s *Teen Idol*!
No matter how Editor Wan and Song Foxiang persuaded her, Zou Weijun firmly declined the biography job for Zhao Dong.
“Gentlemen, I’m sorry, but my schedule is packed. I truly don’t have the energy for this. To avoid delaying Mr. Zhao, please ask him to find someone else more capable.”
Zou Weijun was unmoved by soft or hard tactics.
Editor Wan’s smile faltered.
After Zou Weijun returned to work, Editor Wan gritted his teeth, “Old Song, you meant well, but you miscalculated!”
Song Foxiang didn’t respond.
Half his body felt numb. After a long pause, Song Foxiang stood, adjusted his clothes, and said, “I’m going to pursue Xiao Zou.”
Editor Wan: “…?”
Old Song, we’re talking business here, and you’re telling me about chasing women? Has your head been caught in a door?
Editor Wan was about to roast Song Foxiang, but his eyes gleamed with a knowing smirk, “Old Song, you’ve got good taste. Xiao Zou’s not only hardworking but likely comes from a solid background. The women in the department gossip that they’ve never seen her repeat an outfit. Better yet, in the six months she’s been here, she’s never mentioned a man at home. I reckon she’s either divorced or widowed. If you’re serious about pursuing her, I’m rooting for you.”
Even if Zou Weijun had a husband, so what? She wasn’t Editor Wan’s wife, so any fallout wouldn’t touch him.
