"Jiang Li, I acknowledge your contributions to the branch company," Xiao Yanzhi's Adam's apple bobbed as he spoke in a calm tone. "But that's no excuse for you to target Yao Yao."
Target Qin Yaoyao?
Jiang Li let out a short laugh. "I'm afraid you're overthinking, Mr. Xiao. I have no reason to target her."
She had no need to target someone who didn't matter.
"Then let's assume you're fighting for resources for other artists," Xiao Yanzhi said, lifting his chin slightly. "That's not your business either. Just do your own job."
"Instead of worrying about others, you should focus on yourself."
Suddenly remembering something, Xiao Yanzhi looked at her deeply.
"The company has a new work plan for you. You'll be transferred back to Beicheng next month."
He casually informed her of her future schedule. "A new artist will take over the development here in Huacheng. You can go back with peace of mind."
Hearing his nonchalant tone, Jiang Li tightened her fists, trying hard not to show her emotions.
But her overbearing aura and somewhat haughty expression betrayed her suppressed anger.
"I disagree. Why?" Jiang Li looked into his eyes. "The branch company has finally gotten on the right track, and now you want to transfer me back?"
Xiao Yanzhi slowly raised his head, propping his chin on his elbow on the edge of the table. He flicked his fingertips indifferently. "It's just a simple work arrangement."
A simple work arrangement?
Jiang Li was almost laughed out of anger.
She had just single - handedly put the company on the right track, but then he brought Qin Yaoyao over, who immediately occupied most of the resources.
So was she transferred to the Huacheng branch just to pave the way for Qin Yaoyao?
Jiang Li was caught off guard. She was stunned for a few seconds, and a dull pain gradually spread from her heart.
She clenched her fingers tightly and stared without blinking. "Mr. Xiao, your arrangement is too sudden. It's beyond what I can accept."
She took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I really like the atmosphere in the branch company. The work here is going smoothly, and I'd like to stay here."
"Do you think your current state is suitable for continuing here?"
Xiao Yanzhi asked emotionlessly in his usual cold tone. "You've only been in Huacheng for a few months, and you've already shown signs of self - harm."
His breath was cold as he almost interrogated her. "If you do something like that again, who will bear the consequences?"
Jiang Li frowned. "That was an accident..."
"Why do you think it was an accident? If there's a second or third time, will you still tell me it's an accident? How many lives do you have for such 'accidents'?"
"I..." Jiang Li suddenly choked and fell silent.
"Jiang Li, if your actions that day were exposed on the Internet, all your schedules would be cancelled. Do you understand?"
His voice was serious. "No production crew would want an unstable actor, and no brand would pay for your negative publicity."
Jiang Li protested in a low voice. "I've said I won't be impulsive again..."
"Okay, I believe you won't be impulsive again."
Xiao Yanzhi's tone softened a little, but his words were well - calculated. "Then how can you prove to me that your mental state is healthy?"
"I can go to a psychologist and get a certificate from them."
"It's a deal."
Xiao Yanzhi suddenly stood up, picking up his suit jacket from the back of the chair. "I'll take you to the best psychologist now. As long as they say you're okay, I'll do everything as you say."
Jiang Li watched the man's decisive actions and felt a bit dizzy for a moment.
Why did she have the feeling that she had fallen into a trap?
"Wait, I've changed my mind," Jiang Li suddenly said. After calming down, she slowly continued, "I don't want to see a doctor. I think I'm healthy."
Her sudden retreat made Xiao Yanzhi frown. "Are you afraid of seeing a doctor?"
"… No." Jiang Li averted her gaze. "I think you're suspecting me of being a mental patient."
"I'm not suspecting."
"…"
Jiang Li always felt that Xiao Yanzhi was scolding her.
In the end, Jiang Li still got into Xiao Yanzhi's car and was forced to go to the best psychological clinic in Huacheng.
She thought Xiao Yanzhi would drive, but instead, the man opened the car door and sat in the back row, right next to her.
When the driver saw they were both in the car, he greeted them and started the engine.
It had been a long time since she had sat so calmly in the same car with the man. Jiang Li felt a bit uncomfortable and tried to make small talk. "Why don't you drive yourself?"
"My driver's license has been revoked," the man replied calmly without even looking at her. "I can't drive for a year. Are you satisfied?"
"What does it have to do with me..."
Jiang Li murmured. Suddenly, she remembered that it was because Xiao Yanzhi had driven to save her that this happened, and she felt extremely embarrassed.
At first, she had some resentment, but now, after hearing that his driver's license had been revoked, she even felt a bit guilty.
"I'm sorry. I've caused you trouble," Jiang Li apologized politely. "If you need it, I can ask Sister Chen to compensate you."
After all, she had received the endorsement fee, so she had some money and didn't want to owe Xiao Yanzhi anything.
Hearing this, a look of confusion flashed across Xiao Yanzhi's eyes, and then he looked at her complicatedly. "Jiang Li, who do you think I am? Do you think I would haggle over such a small thing?"
Jiang Li took a proper attitude. "It's not your problem, Mr. Xiao. It's because I'm aware of my own identity."
Hearing this, Xiao Yanzhi let out a self - mocking laugh. "Jiang Li, sometimes you're really so stupid that I'm speechless."
Xiao Yanzhi said expressionlessly in a very steady voice, "It's already a blessing that nothing happened to you that night."
"I can bear all the other costs and even welcome them."
Xiao Yanzhi's tone remained calm. Although she knew he was just stating a fact, it sounded so much like a love confession.
An outsider might think he really cared about her.
Jiang Li suddenly felt a sharp ache in her chest, which rushed straight to her nose and almost made her cry.
She turned her head towards the window, trying hard to control her emotions. Then she turned back, smiled, and said, "I'm sorry. I'll try not to cause you any more trouble in the future."
Xiao Yanzhi didn't respond. He just turned his head and looked at her with a deep, unfathomable gaze.
"You'd better know that."
When they arrived at the psychological clinic, Xiao Yanzhi was about to accompany Jiang Li in, but the doctor stopped him, saying it was a one - on - one conversation and no one else could be present.
Xiao Yanzhi had no choice but to wait outside.
The weather in Huacheng was really nice. The afternoon sun was warm.
After waiting for a while, Xiao Yanzhi felt really bored. Since smoking was not allowed in the corridor, he left the clinic building. While smoking downstairs, he would occasionally look up at the building.
There was a spot from which he could see the window of the room where Jiang Li was.