Chapter 15: The Harmless Rabbit

Everyone present turned their gaze toward the woman who had spoken.

She wore a white blouse paired with a khaki midi skirt and white high heels—a classic workplace ensemble. Yet, the lace trimming at her collar and cuffs softened her appearance considerably. Her features, though not particularly striking, combined to form a delicate and refined face. The gentle, unthreatening smile she wore was reminiscent of an innocent rabbit, evoking a protective instinct in those around her.

Jiang Ci You’s gaze settled on Xia Ling as well. Her beautiful eyes, however, held nothing but coldness.

“I’m new here, just arriving. Please, I hope all of you will guide me in the days to come,” Xia Ling said, bowing deeply to everyone present.

Despite her impressive résumé, she lowered herself, calling them seniors. The group quickly began making friendly overtures to her.

Xia Ling greeted each of them in turn, finally standing before Jiang Ci You.

“Ci You, from now on, we’ll be colleagues. There’s so much I don’t understand—I hope you’ll help me.”

A flicker of surprise passed through the eyes of those gathered.

Vivian spoke up, “You two know each other?”

Xia Ling smiled, addressing everyone, “Ci You and I were classmates in high school, and once, we were the best of friends.”

Jiang Ci You smiled as well, though her eyes remained icy. “Yes, we were classmates, but I don’t think I deserve the title of best friend.”

Xia Ling looked a bit embarrassed, lowering her head. “You’re right, I’m not worthy to be your friend. I come from humble beginnings—it was my wishful thinking.”

The atmosphere instantly fell silent.

Xia Ling bit her lip, a glimmer of tears in her eyes. Her pitiful expression would inspire sympathy even in a stranger.

As expected, Vivian stepped forward. “Jiang Ci You, what are you so proud of? Xia Ling is a top student from Columbia University. Saying you’re her friend is actually lifting you up. You really don’t know what’s good for you.”

With that, Vivian took Xia Ling’s arm. “Ignore her. She’s notorious here for being disliked by everyone. From now on, we're your friends.”

Tang Fei’s expression was awkward. “Xia Ling, why don’t you get acquainted with Vivian first? Oh, and don’t forget, there’s a meeting in the news department at nine.”

Watching Xia Ling leave surrounded by the crowd, Jiang Ci You felt a brief ripple in her heart, but it quickly faded.

Xia Ling was exceptionally skilled at pretending. If she weren’t, Jiang Ci You wouldn’t have been deceived for three years in high school. Xia Ling always showed her most fragile side, stirring up the urge in others to protect her, to fight for her, even to shield her from harm.

Just now, she deliberately mentioned her humble origins, so everyone would think Jiang Ci You looked down on her for that. Vivian had immediately come to her defense.

Jiang Ci You could have explained herself, but she had no desire to do so in front of people only eager for her humiliation. Besides, she knew that no matter what she said, their prejudice would never change.

It was true—she had a terrible reputation at the station. She had once tried to repair relations with her colleagues, but later realized nothing she did made a difference. There were conflicts of interest, and the more she tried, the more she was accused of being calculating.

So, for the past year, she simply did as she pleased, no longer caring about what others said. Her work had gone smoothly, but the complicated interpersonal relationships left her unhappy.

Becoming a news host was merely fulfilling a childhood dream. Leaving wouldn’t mean losing her livelihood. In fact, her interests were broad, her skills many, each sufficient to support her for life. Not to mention, the annual dividends from QUEEN alone had already granted her financial freedom.

Jiang Ci You didn’t know why Xia Ling had come, but she was tired of fighting with her. Perhaps leaving this place wouldn’t be so bad.

At nine o’clock, everyone gathered in the conference room.

Jiang Ci You was not only a host but also a news reporter.

Tang Fei said, “Lin will finish her transition and leave the station in a week, so within that time, we must decide who will host the prime time slot.”

Vivian spoke up, “Director, I think Xia Ling is quite suitable. I just saw footage of her at BNC—she was outstanding, and even temporarily hosted BNC’s international segment. She switches between Chinese and English fluently, and her hosting is very professional.”

Tang Fei smiled. “Xia is indeed excellent, but the position was originally intended for Ci You. She has the most advertising contracts and the highest popularity after all.”

“Our news department isn’t an advertising department. What matters is professional ability. If we only focus on who has the most ads, everyone will stop caring about journalism and start scheming to find sponsors,” Vivian retorted, emphasizing the words “find sponsors.”

The target of her sarcasm was obvious.

Jiang Ci You casually brushed her hair aside. “I attended Tianheng Group’s business banquet the other day. Their employees were gossiping about a girl from our station with single eyelids who’s always seeking out President Li. Apparently, Mrs. Li saw this girl sitting on Mr. Li’s lap, calling him ‘daddy,’ and slapped her. Now the Lis are on the verge of divorce. I’m quite curious—do we really have such a person at our station?”

Vivian’s face fell instantly.

She sprang up angrily, “Jiang Ci You, stop slandering me!”

Jiang Ci You smiled. “I never said it was you. The station is big, and there’s more than one girl with single eyelids.”

“I just think you’re right—our focus should be on news. Seeking sponsors can backfire easily. Mrs. Li is notorious in Rongcheng for her ferocity. Once, the Tianheng Group’s secretary tried to seduce Mr. Li and was stripped naked and dumped in a shopping mall by Mrs. Li. Coincidentally, I exchanged WeChat contacts with Mrs. Li at the last banquet. Yesterday, she was asking me about the single-eyed girl…”

Vivian’s expression shifted from anger to panic. “What did you tell her…”

Her words betrayed her scheming. The others exchanged meaningful glances, but Vivian could hardly care. She knew Mrs. Li’s methods all too well. Luckily, she’d fled quickly last time, so Mrs. Li hadn’t gotten a good look at her. She hadn’t expected Mrs. Li to remember her single eyelid feature.

Jiang Ci You smiled at Vivian, her eyes full of mirth. Just as Vivian was about to be swallowed by fear, Jiang Ci You finally spoke, slowly, “This concerns the reputation of our station. I haven’t responded because I haven’t investigated. Honestly, I’d forgotten all about it until you brought up the topic of sponsors just now.”

Vivian breathed a sigh of relief. Now, she looked at Jiang Ci You with a wary respect.

Jiang Ci You was truly shrewd—she knew Mrs. Li was investigating, yet said nothing and used it as leverage. And Vivian could do nothing about it.

She sat back down, unwilling but silent, not daring to utter another word.