Chapter 670 - 673: Empty and Hollow
Chapter 670: Chapter 673: Empty and Hollow
Feeling somewhat dazed, Yang Chen drove to Yu Lei Entertainment Company. Having been away for several days, the employees didn't react much to seeing their director back; after all, it was well known that Yang Chen often didn't show up at work.
At this moment, most of the staff were intensely focused on their computer screens, though Yang Chen had no idea what was causing their excitement.
Entering his office, he saw An Xin leaning over her desk, seriously engrossed in something on her computer. During his absence, many of the company's affairs had been entrusted to her, and it seemed she had handled them diligently.
An Xin was wearing a light purple blouse under a white office skirt, her subtle makeup and gentle, refined face adding an intellectual charm to her usual allure.
Not having seen this little enchantress for days, Yang Chen's troubled mood lightened considerably.
"Honey?! You're back!"
An Xin's eyes lit up with joy upon seeing Yang Chen enter. She put down her pen and quickly rushed to hug him.
After tightly embracing her, Yang Chen patted An Xin's back and smiled. "An Xin darling, while I was in Yandu, I thought about how only you would enthusiastically jump into my arms. You didn't disappoint me."
An Xin looked up at him, a hint of jealousy in her eyes. "So, you were with other women in Yandu?"
Yang Chen's smile froze, not expecting to get caught again. But knowing An Xin wouldn't mind too much, he blinked and said, "Even if I was with other women, my heart was still thinking of you, wasn't it?"
An Xin blushed and glared at him playfully. "You sure know how to sweet-talk. But you being so cheesy all of a sudden is making me shy."
Yang Chen affectionately pinched her delicate nose. "Has everything been okay at the company these past few days?"
An Xin suddenly remembered something, clapped her hands, and said, "It's perfect timing that you're back! There's a press conference soon, and as the director, your presence is crucial. Let's prepare quickly and inform Zhao Teng and Wang Jie that you're back."
"Press conference? For what?" Yang Chen was puzzled. He had been planning to think about how to reconcile with Lin Ruoxi, but now he had actual work to do?
An Xin playfully punched his chest and pouted, "Honey, you're so clueless! Our company's star, Miss Lin Hui, released her new album globally early this morning! The internet is already exploding with news. Her new songs are dominating the charts, and I was just keeping an eye on it!"
Yang Chen was a bit confused as he was pulled to the computer by An Xin. After looking at the information on the screen, he started to grasp the situation.
Hui Lin's first solo album was not marketed under her name, "Lin Hui," as it wasn't suitable for promotion. Instead, the album was named "Miss Lin" for global appeal.
The album included ten original songs from top music producers from both China and abroad. Hui Lin's unique voice brought out various styles and atmospheres in these songs.
Hui Lin had already gained fame through her association with Yu Lei Star, Christine, and Liu Yanxi, and now, with an international team supporting her, she had global attention. The public in China had been eagerly anticipating her album, so once it was released, the internet was flooded with searches and clicks.
Several major websites had purchased the digital release rights in advance, recognizing Hui Lin's vocal talent. The simultaneous release allowed netizens to hear her songs immediately. Within a few hours, those who had accused Hui Lin of using hype to gain fame were silenced. The online praise drowned out any dissenting voices, and at least five songs from her album made it into the top ten on various new song charts!
Yang Chen now understood why the employees were so excitedly watching their screens. They realized that their hard work had paid off immensely. With this momentum, not only would Hui Lin's concert in Yandu be a success, but it would likely lead to a tour!
This good news temporarily lifted Yang Chen's spirits. Following An Xin's instructions, they called Zhao Teng and Wang Jie over to discuss the press conference and contacted the team in Yandu to finalize the venues for the concerts in several cities.
These matters needed to be handled promptly. Fortunately, Yu Lei International had ample resources and global branches, making the work much more manageable.
From morning until late afternoon, nearing the end of the workday, they finally took a break.
Yang Chen sat in his large leather chair, looking at the news about Hui Lin on the computer screen, feeling a sense of satisfaction. However, the thought of dealing with Lin Ruoxi and Mo Qianni's issues made his head ache again.
He considered calling home to see if Lin Ruoxi had returned, worrying that she might avoid him again like last time. But he decided against it, thinking the outcome would be the same regardless.
After sorting through some files, An Xin noticed Yang Chen sitting there lost in thought. She sighed softly and walked over to him, her gentle hands starting to massage his neck and shoulders.
Yang Chen realized An Xin hadn't left for home yet. He smiled and said, "An Xin darling, you've been busy all day too. Go home and rest."
"Is it trouble at home again? You seem unhappy," An Xin asked.
Yang Chen reached back to pat her hand. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
An Xin leaned down and gently rubbed her cheek against Yang Chen's. "Darling, do you know? When you're not in Zhonghai, the whole city feels empty. I can't see anyone. So, no matter what happens, having you by my side is my greatest comfort."
Her tender words made Yang Chen feel guilty. His low spirits had affected his woman, making her feel down as well.
Yang Chen turned to her with a smile. "Alright, go home now. I promise I'll cheer up and solve the problems. If you stay any longer, I might just pull you into some 'office games'."
"Seeing you lighten up, I'm relieved," An Xin giggled, kissed him on the lips, and waved goodbye before leaving the office.
The office fell quiet again. Yang Chen naturally picked up the mouse and clicked on Hui Lin's new song.
Even though he had heard her sing in the recording studio before, listening to the finished song was a different kind of enjoyment.
As the ethereal voice and light melody filled the room, a glimmer of brightness returned to Yang Chen's eyes.
Half an hour later, Yang Chen finished work and returned home. To his relief, Lin Ruoxi had come back on time and was helping Guo Xuehua with some simple tasks in the kitchen. She seemed to be in a good mood.
Yang Chen thought for a moment and then walked into the kitchen with a smile. "Ruoxi dear, you're working so hard. It looks like you'll become the head chef of the family soon."
Wang Ma and Guo Xuehua glanced at Yang Chen, while Lin Ruoxi continued peeling potatoes, not even acknowledging him. Her hands didn't pause for a moment.
Yang Chen felt like he had been choked and awkwardly retreated to the living room. He had hoped Lin Ruoxi was feeling better, but it seemed she was still ignoring his existence.
Remembering Hui Lin's situation, he turned back and said, "By the way, Hui Lin's new album release is doing exceptionally well. You should give her a call and congratulate her. She's going to have a concert and needs encouragement."
After saying this, Lin Ruoxi's hands paused slightly, and a complex emotion flashed across her cold face but disappeared quickly.
Yang Chen felt the bitterness of reaping what he had sown. Lin Ruoxi clearly heard what he said but chose to ignore him. Instead, Hui Lin's success evoked a reaction from her.
His planned words now had no chance to be spoken.
Just then, Lin Ruoxi's phone vibrated in her pocket. She put down the half-peeled potato and tools, wiped her hands, and took out her phone. Her indifferent face showed a faint hint of happiness as she quickly answered the call.