CHAPTER 197: CHAPTER 199: HANYU’S SELECTION

Su Xingyu was baffled: "What’s going on with me?"

Deep within Zhuang Heng’s meticulously outlined eyes lurked resentment and malice: "Do you think that by stopping me, you can accompany Shifeng to Hanyu Research Center? Don’t be ridiculous. They need top-notch photographers there, even in your next life, it wouldn’t be your turn. I advise you to give up on that idea early."

Su Xingyu was even more baffled, completely at a loss about what she was talking about.

Yes, she didn’t like Zhuang Heng accompanying Lu Shifeng on business trips, but it wasn’t like she’d go out of her way to block her. Besides, she’d have to have such capabilities in the first place.

"Move." She couldn’t be bothered to talk more nonsense with this irrational woman, turning to brush past her, ready to make coffee.

The small office door opened, and a middle-aged slightly plump Mr. Yang ambled out, looking around the office: "Good, everyone’s here, and Miss Zhuang is here too. Everyone quiet down, I have something to tell you all—" Mr. Yang cleared his throat, raising his voice, "Hanyu Research Center just sent a message; they want to select two photographers to participate in their new optical research project for 20 days."

Before he finished speaking, the office erupted: "What, Hanyu wants to select people?"

"Oh my God, did I hear it wrong? Hanyu is not using whoever we send this year, but instead opting for a selection system?"

"Wasn’t it always Miss Zhuang in previous years..."

Initially, many were excitedly discussing, but upon hearing the last sentence, many fell silent. Indeed, in previous years, Hanyu Research Center had optical projects to research, but the photography center always directly sent Zhuang Heng to participate, never conducting a selection process. What’s going on this time, a selection process?

For a moment, many people’s gazes fell on Zhuang Heng, filled with curiosity and gossip.

One of Zhuang Heng’s hands tightly clenched the handbag, but her expression remained dignified and graceful as usual: "That’s true, Mr. Lu just mentioned it to me when he went to the hospital to visit his mother. Actually, I’ve long suggested to him to give everyone a bit more opportunity to learn elsewhere, just as I’m too busy this time, it’s expanded to two spots, with a selection process. Everyone, do your best."

Her speech was soft and tactful.

It sounded as if she was the one who suggested this to Lu Shifeng.

The office resounded with admiration; even those who were gossiping about Zhuang Heng’s personal life felt embarrassed. How could they speak ill of Miss Zhuang when she worked so diligently to fight for benefits for everyone?

"Miss Zhuang is truly amazing."

"Miss Zhuang always considers us."

"Indeed, having such an opportunity at the photography center, Miss Zhuang, your contributions are indispensable."

A wave of gratitude and praise elevated Zhuang Heng to an unparalleled pedestal.

Zhuang Heng smiled elegantly: "Alright, you guys don’t get so worked up. The opportunities are yours now, but whether you can get them depends on your own efforts. I will also participate in the selection and won’t show you any restraint."

This made many people laugh: "Of course, of course."

"Miss Zhuang, you don’t need to be restrained with us; you are our leading photographer, after all, one spot in this selection is definitely yours."

Everyone was aware that in previous years, there was always only one spot, which was automatically Zhuang Heng’s. This time, with a selection process creating two spots, it’s likely one was already pre-determined for Zhuang Heng. As for the others, they just needed to compete for the remaining spot. No one was dissatisfied with this arrangement. After all, having one spot is much better than having none, not to mention being able to participate in Hanyu’s project alongside the future boss’s wife. Just think of how much connection one could build during this trip! Once Zhuang Heng officially marries into the Lu Family, it wouldn’t be so easy to get close anymore.

Everyone was all smiles.

Except for Su Xingyu, who finally understood the real reason behind Zhuang Heng’s earlier malicious confrontation —

it was likely because of the Hanyu Research Center deal.

This must have been decided last minute, since Lu Shifeng was still saying at noon that he would go to Hanyu with Zhuang Heng, and it wasn’t until the afternoon that the plan changed. And as for Zhuang Heng, she seemed utterly exasperated and probably wasn’t informed beforehand, so this selection wasn’t a result of her persuading Lu Shifeng at all; she was just passively accepting it!

Yet now she’s pretending like she was in charge of the decision.

Ha, this scheming, it’s unmatched.

Su Xingyu sneered internally but couldn’t be bothered to expose Zhuang Heng. In the end, what’s worth fighting for with Zhuang Heng? The outcome relies entirely on Lu Shifeng’s whim; all their efforts would be in vain.

Why can’t Zhuang Heng see this?

Su Xingyu almost felt a bit sorry for her.

Mr. Yang cleared his throat, first praising Zhuang Heng: "I never expected it was Miss Zhuang who fought for this opportunity. She’s truly considerate of her colleagues. Everyone, let’s applaud and thank Miss Zhuang!"

With that, he led the applause.

Zhuang Heng smiled humbly: "I merely suggested it to Mr. Lu. This matter really wasn’t decided by me, so if you want to thank someone, thank Mr. Lu and Hanyu Research Center." This was her cleverness, making her words ambiguous yet leaving her blameless. Even if someone leaked this later, she could easily say it was a misunderstanding.

The photographers in the office were even more moved, applauding one after another: "Miss Zhuang is truly humble."

"Miss Zhuang, you’re our role model."

The applause was long and continuous...

Su Xingyu didn’t clap. Not exposing Zhuang Heng was one thing, but applauding her against her conscience was another; she was disdainful.

In the midst of the enthusiastic atmosphere, aside from Zhuang Heng, no one noticed her anomaly.

Once the applause subsided, Mr. Yang continued: "The specific rules for the selection process have also been decided. In a few days, there will be a public service advertisement shoot with an environmental theme in the suburbs, inviting celebrities from various fields as models. I’ve already contacted the organizers and secured all the photographer spots — all photographers will be from our Sharp Edge! Once you’re on-site, you can shoot to your heart’s content and exercise creative freedom. After the shooting is complete, the photography center will send the photos to the relevant department at Hanyu Research Center for a blind selection; whoever gets chosen, wins!"

The selection was novel, and a group of photographers was eager to try, prompting another round of prolonged applause.

This time, Zhuang Heng joined them in applause. Ha, what does it matter if it’s a blind selection? With her skills, she was confident in outshining everyone present, securing one spot. She glanced at Su Xingyu, standing not far away, her gaze slightly disdainful, wondering what talent this Su Xingyu could have? Eventually, when eliminated by Hanyu Research Center, Lu Shifeng would naturally know who was a gem and who was gravel!

She wore a look of complete satisfaction.

Su Xingyu thought the selection process this time around was a bit tricky.

It wasn’t that she felt her skills were insufficient, but rather she truly lacked suitable equipment.