On the way back, they still took the production team's vehicle. Perhaps due to exhaustion, no one in the vehicle spoke a word.
It was only when Xu Qingqiu occasionally turned on her phone that she froze at a message on the screen.
Chu Tian? Why would he send me a message? When did he send it?
Xu Qingqiu glanced back and saw him sprawled on the seat, mouth agape, fast asleep and nearly drooling.
The scene before her was both annoying and amusing, leaving her momentarily speechless.
In my memory, he was still that spirited young man who cared so much about his image. He was always so reserved in front of me, putting on a stern face and feigning seriousness whenever we practiced dancing or discussed things. He seemed like a prim and proper young official. When did he become like this? Why don't I remember? But, this way seems quite nice too, more lively and interesting than before. However, we can't return to our previous relationship. Now I'm the Queen, and he's just an assistant. I'm the boss, and he's the employee.
Gazing out the window, Xu Qingqiu found herself lost in thought.
As they neared the company, Chu Tian finally woke up. He rubbed his eyes and looked at the city nightscape through the window, suddenly feeling an inexplicable loneliness.
It's as if I still haven't adjusted to the fact that I've transmigrated.
Sensing that the person behind her had awakened, Xu Qingqiu sneakily turned her head and peeked through the car window at his groggy figure. She pursed her lips into a smile, unsure why her heart fluttered.
Her eyes flickered, and she pretended to casually take out her phone to send a message.
His phone chimed: BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH!
Huh? A message? Chu Tian heard his notification. Who could be messaging me? Could it be a payment reminder for an overdue bill? He quickly picked up his phone to check.
The big boss? Who's that? Oh, the one sitting in front. It took me a moment to realize who it was.
He opened it. The message was still the one he'd sent in the afternoon complaining about the production team not providing meals. Below it was the big boss's latest reply:
[What do you want to eat?]
What do I want to eat? I can choose? That's great!
Chu Tian grinned widely, his heart practically blooming. His fingers flew across the keyboard, a blur of motion.
[I want to eat roast chicken, roast duck, roast goose, roast pork, barbecue, braised meat, abalone, lobster, and red-braised pork!]
In my previous life, the phrase I heard most often was "maintain your figure." I'd almost forgotten the taste of carbs and meat. Now that I've transmigrated, to hell with maintaining my figure! I want meat! All the meat!
That was the truest, deepest desire in Chu Tian's heart.
After he sent the message, Xu Qingqiu glanced at it and immediately snorted with laughter, "PFFT! HA HA HA."
"What's wrong, Qingqiu?" Li Chunhua asked quickly, startled by her.
"Ah? It's nothing. I just remembered something funny." She quickly pursed her lips, forcing back her laughter, but her hands were already busy typing.
[That's too much. No can do. Pick one!]
BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH!
Only one choice? Chu Tian felt a bit disappointed. The boss is treating; wouldn't picking just one be a waste?
I've got it! His eyes lit up as he instantly thought of a solution!
[How about we go for a buffet? That way, I can have all the meat, right?]
Reading this, Xu Qingqiu almost laughed out loud again, partly in amusement, partly in exasperation. What kind of person is he, so greedy? It's not like it's his last meal in this lifetime. Is it really such a big deal?
However, today was the first time in five years they had chatted so casually.
Since that's the case, I'll indulge him.
[Alright, you pick the place. I'll pay!]
BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH!
Whoa, I get to pick the place? Then I've definitely got to choose the most expensive and delicious spot!
A quick search on his phone app revealed Water Moon International not far from the company. It had very high ratings and was, of course, very expensive, averaging 888 per person.
That's the one!
[Water Moon International. Can the boss afford it?]
Glancing at the new message, Xu Qingqiu pouted playfully.
This guy really knows how to choose. 888 per person. It seems he has no intention of saving me any money, huh? Oh well, who am I to complain when I'm in such a good mood!
[Since I'm in a good mood today, I'll reluctantly agree.]
BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH!
"Seriously, isn't that annoying?! Can you please turn off that awful ringtone?" Li Chunhua finally snapped.
Chu Tian was startled by the sudden outburst.
What, is she going through menopause or something? What's wrong with this ringtone? I think it's great! I searched online for ages to find it; it's funny and entertaining. How is it annoying?
Despite complaining internally a million times, he remembered it was unwise to provoke someone possibly going through menopause. He prudently chose to keep quiet and promptly silenced his phone.
Xu Qingqiu was almost suffocating, trying not to laugh. She wanted to, but couldn't, so she had to struggle to hold it in.
Pursing her lips, she pretended to look out the window, only to see Chu Tian's reflection in the glass; he was sitting behind her, secretly making faces at Sister Hua.
This time, she finally couldn't hold back.
"PFFT! TEE-HEE-HEE!"
"Qingqiu, are you okay?" Li Chunhua leaned in, asking with concern when she heard her. "I feel like you've been a bit different throughout this trip."
Startled, Xu Qingqiu quickly waved her hands and said, "I'm fine, Sister Hua. I just think I performed well today and I'm a little happy."
"Yes, you really did perform well. I saw the audience was captivated. Several seniors were nodding, and some people were even secretly praising your Singing Skills and voice."
"Particularly that bitch Qin Xiao; you didn't see her, but her face turned green when you were about to finish singing. I seriously suspect your performance threw her off her game. When she was on stage, I was backstage almost dying from laughter."
As Sister Hua rambled on, Xu Qingqiu nodded with a smile and, finding an opportunity, said, "Since that's the case, let's celebrate today! We can celebrate my new song and the successful show. How about we go for a buffet? I found a great restaurant that's supposed to be delicious."
"Ah? Sure. You're the boss, so you call the shots," Li Chunhua agreed naturally, not sensing anything amiss.
"Then let's go. Driver, please take us to Water Moon International. It's not far from here. Thank you."
Everything went smoothly. Xu Qingqiu acted nonchalant, while Chu Tian, watching from the back, was astounded.
Is this really my boss? I thought she'd boldly announce, 'The boss is treating today! Let's go for a buffet!' But this was it? Well, regardless, the objective was achieved. He could already envision a table laden with meats beckoning to him.
No matter what, I'm sticking with this boss. Where else could I find such a great boss? I have to support her unswervingly!
They headed off, carefree and happy, to enjoy their meat feast.
But not everyone was having such an easy time.
「At The Sound of Nature production team, the pilot episode's filming was completed, and post-production was about to begin in full swing.」
Due to the tight schedule, time was of the essence. The post-production team began working overtime through the night as soon as they received the footage. According to the schedule, promotions were set to begin the next day, so the pilot episode had to be ready by that night.
All staff members were on duty, bracing themselves for an arduous night of work.