Mistaken Canary Chapter 10 (Part 2)
Chapter 10.2
That evening, Mi Shu arrived at the designated restaurant and settled into a table by the wall, her eyes constantly darting toward the door.
A few customers drifted in, but none approached her.
As she idly reached for her water glass, a figure paused beside her. Looking up, she nearly jumped.
The man was tall and slender, his glasses lending him a scholarly air. He offered a warm smile. "Hello, are you Miss Mi?"
"Hello, hello, Mr. Ying, please have a seat." Mi Shu stood up, practically ready to wipe the chair for him.
"Apologies for the delay," Ying Tongchen said, taking the seat across from her. "Something urgent came up."
"No worries, I arrived early. It's a habit in our line of work—not being late is a must." Mi Shu ‘casually’ adjusted her hair, "We’ve collaborated with your studio in the past. This time, Director Lu specifically recommended you for these translation duties."
"I’m aware. I missed the last collaboration due to personal reasons, which was unfortunate." Ying Tongchen smiled. "I'm glad we could make it happen this time."
They exchanged some polite pleasantries as the waiter began to serve their meal.
As Mi Shu picked up her chopsticks and began to eat, she subtly studied the man across from her. His speech was refined, his manner relaxed yet respectful, and she herself impressed.
“Mr. Ying,” she said politely, “may I ask if you know a man named Zhuo Shu?"
Ying Tongchen paused, casting her a look that was somewhat unreadable. "Why do you ask?"
"He’s my boss." Mi Shu straightened up in her chair, noting the subtle shift in his gaze. Ah, so he is the little lover, without a doubt.
"I see," Ying Tongchen said, nodding slowly. He'd taken in Zhuo Shu's affluent appearance and bearing; his background, it was clear, wasn't simple. ‘Quite a pleasant coincidence that our paths are about to cross professionally,’ he mused, a faint smile curved at the corners of his lips. "Yes, we met a short while ago."
"Mm." Mi Shu gave a professional smile, thinking to herself, ‘Best thank me, because I’m the one who played matchmaker for you two.’
She then asked, "So, what prompted you to take on this translation work?"
Ying Tongchen gave her a surprised look. He wondered how many times he’d have to answer this same question. "My primary occupation isn't exactly financially rewarding."
"I understand." Mi Shu smiled. The entertainment industry was notoriously competitive, and many talented people often find it hard to get noticed. It’s not surprising they’d branch out into other money-making avenues.
"I noticed on your profile that you majored in business English," Mi Shu added, a touch of curiosity in her voice. “So, did you shift fields a bit after graduation?"
Ying Tongchen nodded. "You could say that."
What a wolf in sheep's clothing.
On one hand, he's making money off the boss in bed; on the other, he's making money off the boss at work.
Mi Shu took a deep breath, quickly clearing her thoughts and refocusing her attention on the matter at hand. "For the National Day event, the shopping mall will feature Liu Li'ang as the main attraction, and we'll also be hosting regional managers from several luxury international brands for a meeting about potential collaborations. Your responsibilities will cover the entire event period. Is that acceptable?"
Ying Tongchen replied, "No problem."
"Simultaneous interpretation shouldn't be an issue, right?"
"No issue."
Over the remainder of their meal, they discussed the project, running through the workflow and specific details. With everything finalized, they concluded the dinner.
Ying Tongchen finished paying the bill, and when he turned around, he noticed the strange look Mi Shu was giving him. It was like a mother…pity, love, reluctance…for a son who'd gone astray.
"?" Ying Tongchen asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Mi Shu sighed inwardly, following him downstairs. As they exited the restaurant, she couldn't couldn't resist patting his shoulder, her expression tinged with weariness. "Good luck."
Though he couldn't quite decipher the melancholic undertone in her encouraging words, Ying Tongchen politely responded, "Thank you."
"It's always good to have a solid career. Don’t get too caught up in love and relationships," Mi Shu said, giving his shoulder another pat. "Certain relationships... if they're unattainable, it’s best to let them go."
Ying Tongchen looked at her, confused. "Thank you. I’ll be fine, after all, making money and finding love aren’t easy eh, not easy."
Mi Shu’s eyes lit up. She suddenly knew what kind of resources to find for him—rap! He could even throw in some freestyle.
"By the way, Miss Mi, could you send me the detailed information about your company and your boss when you get back? The materials I have right now aren't complete."
"No problem."
…
"You're saying he wants my detailed information?" As soon as Zhuo Shu got off the plane, he called Mi Shu about company matters. He learned that she'd just met with Ying Tongchen, and that he wanted his detailed information!
"Yes," Mi Shu replied. "It’s so he can understand more about our company and about you, the boss."
Understand the company?!
Not only does he want to secure him, but he also wants to gather intel on his company?
This guy’s got some nerve. He was just about to give him a house and now he's starting to investigate his personal life?
Zhuo Shu paused for a moment before instructing, "Don't give him the information yet. I'll go through it myself and select what to send."
Mi Shu: "Understood."
After finishing his work at the hotel, Zhuo Shu sat in front of his computer and began reviewing the company's files. After confirming that there were no confidential details, he sent the documents to Mi Shu.
Then, he found himself in a dilemma while looking at his own profile.
The photo—
It was taken a long time ago, a bit too youthful for his current image.
So he decided to call an expert.
[Zhuo Shu]: You there?
[A'Zi is waiting for her Mr. Qiao]: Are you trying to set me up*?
(TLN: aka an ‘Entrapment’ - the action of tricking someone into committing a crime in order to secure their prosecution.)
[Zhuo Shu]: No, I need your help. Edit this photo for me [image].
Ten minutes later, Zhuo Zi sent back the edited photo: "I’ve made it in the style that young people love!"
Zhuo Shu glanced at the photo...
Elderly man on the subway looking at his phone.jpg
But since it was supposed to appeal to young people, he decided to let it slide.
Next came the information section—
How could there not be height and weight options?
He quickly edited it, adding his height and weight.
Hobbies couldn’t be left out either.
And, of course, the food and activities he disliked had to be noted as well.
...
After finishing his shower, Ying Tongchen noticed several files from Mi Shu waiting on his phone.
He quickly skimmed through them, but as it was late, he decided to postpone a thorough review of the company materials tomorrow.
His attention snagged on one file containing a certain someone's personal information. He clicked it open.
"..."
Ying Tongchen quickly exited, then reopened it.
When he confirmed that the photo with pink cat ears and whisker filter was indeed of K.W's Chairman, Ying Tongchen continued to scroll down with trembling fingers.
The information was shockingly detailed—height and weight, a perfectly proportioned physique, hobbies like bowling and golf, all the high-end, showy activities listed. There were even certificates like "Model Student," "Outstanding Class Officer," and "First Place in Three-legged Race," along with "Third Place in Sack Race" from childhood, all meticulously outlined.
How exactly is he supposed to introduce this to the client?
"Hello, this is our esteemed Chairman, known for his extraordinary jumping ability since childhood?"
Ying Tongchen lay down in bed, listening to BBC for a while before switching off the light.
After a moment of stillness, his eyes snapped open in the darkness. He reached for his phone, the sudden light revealing a gradually spreading, sinister smile.
The solemn cat-filter photo.
Screenshot and saved.