Category: Male Lead 2 and Male Lead 3 Happy Ending!

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Chapter 21 – Battle With the Male Lead 

When Zhou Ling went to work on Monday morning, she wore a medical mask and kept her head down all the way to Lab No. 2. When she saw Duan Shu Tong in front of the experiment table, her eyes were bright with excitement and pleasant surprise.

She took off her mask, her eyes bent into crescents, “Director Duan, look at my face!”

Duan Shu Tong turned his head around and looked over her face for a moment. He didn’t seem too surprised. He gently nodded and said, “Keep applying it. It will get better and better in the future.”

If it weren’t because of the restrictions due to his current situation, then he could actually make a specialized skincare product for Zhou Ling.

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Everyone’s skin quality was different. Using a skincare product most suitable to one’s skin would yield the best results.

Zhou Ling nodded with her face full of admiration. “You’re so amazing! At this speed, my face will be much better in a week.”

Duan Shu Tong thought for a bit. “Then let’s wait until Friday to submit the report.”

As long as there was strong evidence for the efficacy of this product, then Zhai Jun will see the potential value of this new product, and thus increase investment and publicity.

Over the next few days, Duan Shu Tong finished up the odds and ends of his work, and started to formulate a research plan for the next product.

On Thursday night, he suddenly received a call from Pei Ruo Wei’s close female friend, Sun Qi.

“Young Master Duan, may I ask you have Wei Wei looked for you?” There was a slight tremble to the girl’s voice.

Duan Shu Tong: “No. What happened?”

Sun Qi burst into tears, “She’s gone. I don’t know where she went. Her mood has been bad these days, wu wu…”

[T/N: wu wu – onomatopoeia for whimpering or crying]

“First, don’t cry, make it clear. When did you notice she was missing? What did she bring with her?”

Pei Ruo Wei and Sun Qi were university roommates, and they shared a house together after graduation. Their relationship was very close.

Sun Qi knew that Duan Shu Tong liked Pei Ruo Wei. Duan Shu Tong’s character was friendlier than Li Xiao, so when something went wrong, she would immediately ask Duan Shu Tong for help.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Duan Shu Tong naturally would not just sit back and watch. His calmness influenced Sun Qi, and gradually her rationality returned.

“When I got off work at night, she first transferred the rent for the next few months to me, and then she sent me a message saying that she was not staying in Yan City. By the time I got back, she was not at home anymore.”

Duan Shu Tong: “Before that, was there anything abnormal with her?”

“Let me think.” Sun Qi’s voice shook a little. “Oh, yes, after she resigned from the Li family, she had plans to look for another job, but she had yet to go in for an interview. I also overheard her phone call with President Li. The two quarreled and it was quite ferocious and terrible. Also, the day before yesterday, she was not feeling well and vomited badly. She went to the hospital, and after coming back from the hospital, something was not right…”

Sun Qi still speaking incessantly, but Duan Shu Tong’s brows were tightly furrowed.

The original book only mentioned the female lead vomiting once. After going to the hospital, she found out that she was pregnant.

He couldn’t remember when the pregnancy happened. Was Pei Ruo Wei already pregnant?

In the original book, the female lead found out that she was pregnant before getting married, and she took a great psychological hit, so she sought the second male lead for help. At that time, she and the male lead were a harmonious couple. They were scared, but more than that, they were looking forward to the new life growing in her belly.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

But things were different now. She left the male lead. Perhaps the reason she couldn’t find a job was also related to the male lead. Under these circumstances, the news of her pregnancy must have been unbearable to her mentality.

Choosing to leave her former residence for a new environment was completely understandable.

No matter the reason, a pregnant woman was alone. It was impossible for Duan Shu Tong to look on without lifting a finger.

“Where is her hometown?”

Sun Qi blanked. “I not too sure. I heard her mention it before. It seems to be in Lin Nan Province, but I don’t remember the specific place.”

“En. I understand. I will look into it.”

After hanging up the phone, Duan Shu Tong immediately sent a message to Pei Ruo Wei: There was a problem at work. I would like to ask for your advice.

He knew that the female lead was kindhearted. She might respond if she saw such a request.

He didn’t have much hope in that gamble, but unexpectedly, Pei Ruo Wei actually responded.

Pei Ruo Wei: What is it?

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Chapter 20 – Is Director Duan a Deity?

In a small neighborhood not far from the Spring and Autumn Hall.

He Zhen walked home with a vegetable basket. Along the road, when she met a woman from the same community as her, she would stop and exchange a few words.

She had a good-natured appearance and would rarely get into embarrassment with other people. Within the neighborhood, her relationships with other people were pretty good. But no matter how good her relationships were with others, there would still be some enemies that were mutually unpleasant to the eye.

As a matter of fact, she just arrived at the elevator and she ran right into her sworn enemy.

It was a woman in her forties with her hair ironed into thin curls. She wore a flowery skirt and there was also a red kerchief around her neck. There was make up on her face. She was really dressed up.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

He Zhen did not say a word. She kept her eyes on her toes.

What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over.

“Aiya, went shopping again?” The other party suddenly turned her head over. Her lips were extremely exaggerated by lipstick.

He Zhen kept her face blank and hummed once in reply. She knew what the woman wanted to say next, but she did not wish to acknowledge her.

The elevator door opened, and she walked in first.

“I say, your family’s Ling Ling is already twenty-five years old, right? Looking at any matches, yet?”

He Zhen: “…”

Wasn’t it just because she managed to get a good son-in-law? What the heck was she floating around for?

“Looking like this and doesn’t have a match. How about I help introduce you to some? However, Ling Ling’s educational background might be good, but her face lacks vitality. I’m afraid it would be hard to find someone…”

He Zhen: “Shut up!”

This woman was always saying bad things about her Ling Ling to the outside world. Oh, how she wished to tear that mouth right off her face!

“I’m just speaking the truth, why are you getting angry for?” The woman gave her a flippant glance. “If it weren’t for being neighbors for more than twenty years, then who would be willing to help her find a partner? You don’t know the good will of people!”

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When the elevator arrived at her floor, He Zhen went out without looking at her.

She had to admit that the woman’s words really hit her sore spot. In her eyes, her family’s Ling Ling was good everywhere, but that face was really unflattering, alas!

After returning home, she saw that Zhou Ling’s door was closed. She knocked on the door.

“Ling Ling, ah, it’s almost summer vacation. Your uncle called and asked, can you help tutor your younger brother*?”

[*T/N: Not actual brother 弟, but a cousin 表弟. The author might have forgotten to type the character in front, but since the Chinese can even call non-blood related people “younger brother, older brother, etc” without it being weird, I decided to leave it be.]

Zhou Ling opened the door. There was something unknown painted on her face. The cherry-colored skin cream covered the area under her nose and other areas, and some of the cream was accidentally applied to her pimples.

“Mom, I don’t want to go. Every time my cousin sees me, he would say that I make him feel sick.” Zhou Ling frowned.

And what about her uncle? Could her uncle let his son just insult his sister’s daughter like this?

He Zhen also knew that it was not easy for her daughter. Her heart felt distressed.

“Then don’t go. But what did you put on your face? Don’t mess around with things, what if…”

Zhou Ling took her arm and pulled her to the kitchen, interrupting her, “Mom, let’s tend to the vegetables together. Don’t talk about my face anymore, all right?”

She was experimenting with the new product and it felt very comfortable on her face. Up till now, there was no irritation. Instead, it felt like a cool breeze blowing on her face, and her nose was filled with a light fragrance.

Since Zhou Ling did not want to talk about it anymore, naturally He Zhen would not mention it again.

Zhou Ling insisted on applying the cream morning and night. At first, she didn’t pay it much mind, and He Zhen also did not look at her face carefully. Up until Sunday night, Zhou Ling had just finished her shower and was putting on clothes when she glanced at her face in the mirror and she suddenly froze.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

She leaned in towards the mirror and looked at it for more than ten seconds. Then she ran like crazy to look for He Zhen. She pointed at her face.

“Mom! Come and see. Has my face gotten better? Has it?!”

Under her daughter’s expectant gaze, He Zhen looked at her face and was startled.

“Better, it does seem to have gotten a bit better.”

Zhou Ling was overjoyed at the unexpected good news. Her eyes were sparkling. “Where is it better?”

“Is it because of the light, the spots seem to be a little lighter, and the acne has reduced a lot.”

Zhou Ling: “Our family turns on the lights every night, but I haven’t seen you saying my face got better.”

She suddenly remembered that the new product focused on the direction of lightening spots, but it was not worse than other products in the standard of other directions of skincare.

Was Director Duan a deity? Although she knew the effects would be fast, she did not know that it would be this fast!

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Chapter 19 – Is Director Duan a Deity?

Xi Duan stared blankly.

After he took charge of the Xi family, no one took this tone to care for him anymore. In the eyes of others, he never knew tiredness, like a robot.

The young man in front of him clearly still had a slightly immature face, but he manifested an aura of “ignore your elders at your peril.”

[T/N: “ignore your elders at your peril” is a Chinese idiom that means if you don’t listen to the wise words of the elderly, then you will suffer for it]

It was very contradictory, but he did not dislike it.

It was not like a child deliberately pretending to be an adult, but rather a very genuine and sincere type of caring.

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When all is said and done, Xi Duan was not really a cold and detached person. His previous not amenable to reason aura was merely a mask that the President of the Xi family businesses ought to wear. When he met someone that he sincerely wanted to be friends with, that mask would naturally disappear.

He believed that he has insight, and the present Duan Shu Tong was someone that he could possibly make friends with.

“You’re right.” Xi Duan nodded to show his agreement, and then he shifted the topic, “How goes your research and development?”

When this topic was mentioned, Duan Shu Tong smiled.

“I already submitted it for inspection. After it passes the relevant procedures, it can be listed on the market. When you are discharged, I’ll treat you to a big meal.”

Duan Shu Tong’s eyebrows were curved, and the joyful emotion was self-evident.

Xi Duan was surprised and happy for him, “Congratulations.”

Duan Shu Tong still wanted to say something, but then his phone suddenly rang. When he looked at it, he saw that it was an unknown number. The address was from Yan City.

He hesitated to pick up the call.

“Duan Shu Tong, you blacklisted me!” From the other end of the line, the man’s low roar was like devil magic penetrating his eardrum.

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He couldn’t help moving the phone away from his ear.

“Who are you?” He really could not remember whom this voice belonged to.

The other party’s breathing gradually got heavier, and his angry rebuke echoed in the ward, “Duan Shu Tong, don’t pretend with me! Ruo Wei resigned, are you satisfied?”

What Ruo Wei resigned? Forgive him for being isolated from the world for half a month in the laboratory.

Taking advantage of the few seconds while Duan Shu Tong was distracted, Li Xiao cursed him out with incompetent rage. It was very explosive to the eardrum.

Xi Duan’s brows wrinkled when he heard Li Xiao’s vitriol. Seeing the youth frozen on the spot, not knowing how to react, he said coldly to the phone: “Li Xiao, Pei Ruo Wei’s choices are her own business. It has nothing to do with Shu Tong. If you continue to pester endlessly like an annoying troublemaker, then I think I will have to consult Chairman Li on how he teaches his children.”

The angry rebukes came to a spontaneous end. Li Xiao was stunned silent for a good while. Then he could not help asking: “Xi Duan? Why are the two of you together? Oh, I get it. The two of you joined hands to put on this show, am I right?”

Duan Shu Tong: “…”

There was nothing pertinent that you could say to a stick.

[T/N: He’s saying LX is dumb as bricks. Or an English idiom would be: to talk to a wall, it just doesn’t go through.]

He decisively hung up the phone and blacklisted the number.

Looking at his smooth movements, Xi Duan could not refrain from breaking into laughter.

Contrary to what one might expect, Duan Shu Tong looked at him strangely. After dawdling for quite a while, he finally said: “Li Xiao’s character is not suitable for Miss Pei. Now that Miss Pei has made a choice, I think you still have hope.”

Xi Duan: ???

He almost could not maintain his facial expression. He looked down and said insipidly: “I’m too busy. I don’t have time to deal with emotional matters, so I decided to let go. Following your example.”

Duan Shu Tong: “Eh?”

Was this something you could let go if you say let go? He transmigrated, so he of course had no feelings for Pei Ruo Wei, but Xi Duan was different. This was the third male lead who did not marry for life for the sake of the female lead, ah!

Was it so easy to say let go and just let go?

He quickly waved his hand, “We are different. In the early days of my entrepreneurship, I am not qualified to fall in love. Your career is successful. It is time for you to fall in love. As for work being too busy, it just so happens that Miss Pei is also very devoted to her work. You two still have many common areas.”

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

In his view, Xi Duan was handsome, outstanding in ability, successful in business, and responsible. He was more than enough for Pei Ruo Wei.

Now that Pei Ruo Wei has separated from Li Xiao, wasn’t it a good time? What was Xi Duan thinking?

Xi Duan also felt that Duan Shu Tong’s attitude was very strange. Before, he was desperate for Pei Ruo Wei, saying he would live or die for her. How could he be so calm and mild now?

Was love so worthless?

They looked at each other with big question marks hidden in their gazes, but they both wisely chose not to continue this topic.

As for Li Xiao who was blacklisted once again, no matter how angry he was getting at the moment, it did not have anything to do with them whatsoever.

*

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Chapter 18 – Is Director Duan a Deity?

When Duan Shu Tong arrived at the hospital, Cen Ning was waiting for him by the door to the ward.

Liu Zhi Fei was looking at the intravenous infusion bottle. Duan Shu Tong did not intend to go in to disturb, so he and Cen Ning sat on the chairs in the corridor.

With a lowered voice he asked, “How did he suddenly get sick?”

“The doctor said he was overworked.” Assistant Cen sighed with his brows knotted together in a frown. “Both his diet and sleep are irregular. Now he has a low fever.”

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Duan Shu Tong expressed his admiration in his heart. Xi Duan was so wealthy, but he was still working so hard.

“Has things been really busy lately?”

Cen Ning nodded. “The new project is indeed encountering a lot of problems. President Xi… is the type that likes to constantly improve*.”

[*T/N: 精益求精 – to perfect something that is already outstanding (idiom)]

Duan Shu Tong understood.

To be honest, Duan Shu Tong was not familiar with Xi Duan, but to be together in a place that was far from home, it was inevitable that he would feel a little closer to him in his heart.

If it were Zhai Jun lying in the hospital, he might not come to visit.

“Are there any foods that your President Xi can’t eat?” Duan Shu Tong smiled. “It just so happens that I don’t have anything to do tomorrow Saturday. I’ll make something light and send it here.”

Anyway, Xi Duan wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon, and he wasn’t interested in staying here. He might as well visit again tomorrow.

Cen Ning looked grateful. “There’s nothing that President Xi can’t eat. Just make what you think is good.”

He did not have the heart to make Xi Duan eat food from the hospital cafeteria or from the surrounding food stalls, so Duan Shu Tong was being a big help.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Duan Shu Tong nodded and stood outside the ward looking in at Xi Duan.

The pale-looking man lay quietly on the hospital bed with his left arm lying above the blanket. An infusion needle was inserted into the crook of his arm. This was a stark contrast from the ordinary Xi Duan, who had a powerful aura around him. Right now, he seemed slightly fragile.

Duan Shu Tong watched him for a while before saying goodbye to Cen Ning.

On the way back, Duan Shu Tong carefully recalled the description of the third male lead in the original book.

When Xi Duan was a teenager, his elder brother, who was then the leader of the Xi family, died in an aviation accident. Old man Xi was so shocked that he fell gravely ill and never recovered. His elder brother’s son was only a few years. In that hopeless situation, Xi Duan resolutely propped up the entire Xi family, all the way up to the present day.

Others may not know how much hardship there was for Xi Duan during this time period, but Duan Shu Tong felt as if it had happened to himself.

Xi Duan’s experience reminded him of his past.

On a road full of thorns, even if he was drenched and dripping with blood, he must dig for an opportunity to live.

Thinking of the man lying on the bed now, Duan Shu Tong felt a sense of empathy.

Compared to the arrogant son of the heavens, Li Xiao, Xi Duan’s road was too difficult.

Early the next morning, Duan Shu Tong came to the hospital bearing a heat preservation container.

As soon as he entered the ward, he locked eyes with Xi Duan.

“Do you feel a little better?” Duan Shu Tong walked over with a smile. He placed the insulated container on the bedside table and opened it. “I made congee for you. Even if you don’t have an appetite you still have to eat.”

Xi Duan put down the file in his hand and arched an amused eyebrow. “Thank you.”

“If you really want to thank me, then you have to listen to me. Don’t worry about work for now.” Duan Shu Tong said, pulling his documents away.

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Xi Duan hummed a sound of agreement. He received the bowl that Duan Shu Tong handed him. The steaming congee gave a faint aroma of vegetable flavor. The vegetables inside were cooked tender, and they dispersed as soon as they entered his mouth.

“Where are Brother Cen and Brother Liu?” Duan Shu Tong sat down on the single-person sofa, looking as if he were at home.

Xi Duan found it amusing. While eating, he replied: “They stayed with me all night, so I had them go back and rest.”

“So you were confident that I would come?” Duan Shu Tong laughed as he teased him. “Let me be upfront, I don’t have time to stay beside your bed.”

“Yesterday night, you said that you would deliver food. It would be ungrateful of me not to accept your kindness.” Xi Duan felt the warmth and fragrance of the congee, and his mood was rather joyful.

The two could not help but smile at each other, and the estrangement of before seemed to break and scatter all at once.

After Xi Duan finished eating the congee, Duan Shu Tong showed no quarter as he scolded him, “No matter how busy work is, you still have to pay attention to your health. If you’re not completely cured and it leaves behind complications, you will suffer for it when you are old.”

Because of his empathy towards the other, Duan Shu Tong no longer regarded him as his elder. After all, when he died in his previous life, he was even a few years older than Xi Duan.

Xi Duan could not help but be stunned.

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Chapter 17 – New Product Development

The research continued until seven o’ clock in the evening. Finally, at the moment of success, Duan Shu Tong felt a long-lost sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

This research was only the most basic operation for him, but this was the first record he left in this word and he was very happy.

He wanted to share it with others immediately.

“It succeeded?” A cautious and unbelieving voice sounded from behind him.

Duan Shu Tong instantly vanished the bit of joy on his face. He turned to look at Zhou Ling. His eyebrows carried a faint trace of a smile.

“It succeeded. We succeeded.”

He had completed this project in his previous life. Now, it was just a copying process, so the research and development speed was naturally very fast, and the effectiveness has already been verified.

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“I have to sort out the experiment report. You go back first.”

Duan Shu Tong couldn’t bear to have a girl work overtime too late.

Unpredictably, Zhou Ling asked him with a face full of anticipation: “Is there anything I can help with?”

This was the first study she had experienced, and she did not want to leave at all right now.

Duan Shu Tong smiled. “Of course.”

The two were busy until nine o’clock in the evening, and they were still energetic.

“The report will be handed in next Monday, and the bonus will be inevitable by then.” Duan Shu Tong quipped jokingly.

Zhou Ling was dizzy with giddiness, no matter what Duan Shu Tong said she nodded along.

She didn’t care whether or not there would be a bonus. To be able to participate in the research of a new product, she was already very proud and satisfied.

“However, new products still need to be tested.” Duan Shu Tong sighed.

Even if he knew that the new product was very effective, it could not be put into production and sales without professional testing and live-action testing.

Zhou Ling also calmed down.

She thought about it for a while and then firmly said: “Director Duan, I want to participate in the experiment in advance. Is that all right?”

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She had freckles on her face. The main effect of this new product was to lighten the spots. If the product was effective, it should be obvious on her face.

Duan Shu Tong looked at her silently.

Zhou Ling tried to persuade him. “Director, can we do it like this? Send the product for testing first, and I will try it out at the same time. If it works, others will definitely find out.”

She was worried about this being Duan Shu Tong’s first researched and developed product. If it failed to meet the expected standards, then other people would end up laughing at him.

After all, there were so many products in the market that were labeled for diminishing spots and blemishes. She believed in Duan Shu Tong’s ability, but the diminishing effect must be based on real people results.

If there was no strong evidence to support his product’s effects, the company might not necessarily invest its financial resources in the early stage. Rather than waste time with talk when that time came, it was better to put the facts directly in front of their faces.

Duan Shu Tong said uncertainly: “You believe in me that much? If the new product not only does not have a diluting effect, but instead made it worse, what would you do?”

Zhou Ling smiled. “My face is already like this anyway. How can it get any worse? Even if there is no effect, there will be no harm.”

Although he had enough belief in his product, Duan Shu Tong had to admire her courage.

“All right.”

After leaving the company, the two parted ways.

Duan Shu Tong rejoiced in his heart and wanted to find someone to share this joy with. He thought about it left and right, but could only come up with Cen Ning.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

In Shan Quan County, he only knew three other people: Xi Duan, Cen Ning, and Liu Zhi Fei.

He sent a message to Cen Ning: Tomorrow Saturday, do you have time to eat a meal together with me? My treat.

Cen Ning did not respond to his message until after Duan Shu Tong got home: Sorry, Young Master Duan. I probably won’t have time tomorrow. President Xi is sick and hospitalized.

Duan Shu Tong had just sat down on the sofa and was getting ready to relax when he suddenly saw this message. He was stunned for a moment, and then he fired back a reply: Which hospital?

After reading Cen Ning’s reply, he immediately picked up his house keys and went to the hospital.

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Chapter 16 – New Product Development

“Haha, I understand what you mean. When I first saw her I almost vomited my dinner from the night before. I don’t know how that young master Duan can bear to be around her. Could he really have such heavy tastes? Ugh, barf.”

“Aye, I really don’t understand why HR would hire her. Was it to make us eat less food at the cafeteria and help the company save on food expenses? No matter what, we are still a skincare company. Are they not afraid that she will end up ruining our image?”

“Don’t say it like that, in any case she is still a proper undergraduate student. Reportedly, she’s from an important undergraduate course with a high educational background.”

“What’s the use of academic qualifications? If I were her, I would never dare to leave the house and meet people.”

“…”

Zhou Ling froze in front of the mirror. The words of the men’s gossip kept ringing in her ear. The rim of her eyes turned red.

The comfort of staying with Duan Shu Tong for half a month did not make her forget her previous humiliation, and her tears flowed down.

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But she did not dare to make a sound.

Those people in the men’s toilet next door did not know that Zhou Ling was just a few meters away. Perhaps even if they knew, they would not care about demeaning her within hearing distance.

They talked while smoking, until the door of a toilet compartment creaked and opened.

The men’s toilet was silent for a moment. The men stood there holding their cigarettes stupidly as they watched the man with extraordinary temperament step out of the compartment and walk towards the sinks.

They stared at the big boss. They did not dare to say a word or even twitch a muscle.

To be caught red-handed talking about other people behind their backs, moreover, they were gossiping about their superior and talking bad about him. No matter who it was, it would be impossible for them to remain unconcerned.

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Duan Shu Tong was originally just going to the toilet. He did not expect to be hit with an earful of malicious gossip. Moreover, that malice was directed at a young girl. He could not help feeling irritated.

Although Zhou Ling’s ability was far less than that of his former assistant in his previous life, the girl’s tenacity and willingness to learn were infinitely better than these losers who disparaged other people.

[T/N: “loser” was written in English in the original text]

The sound of running water broke the silence hanging over the men’s toilet. With his eyebrows lowered, Duan Shu Tong turned off the faucet after washing his hands and turned around.

He glanced at these people’s extinguished cigarette butts.

“If I remember correctly, the company has regulations that specify researchers must not have odors on them, let alone the smell of smoke.”

After he finished talking, he no longer looked at the faces of these people and turned to leave the bathroom.

A man with a cigarette pressed between his lips said with a bitter face: “What now? He’s not going to fire us, is he?”

No one could answer him.

The people here no longer have connections and they were completely unable to compete with the airborne Young Master Duan. They could only resign themselves to their fate.

In the bathroom next door, Zhou Ling wiped her tears and could not help laughing.

Director Duan was really a good person.

Zhou Ling quickly sorted out her emotions, and when she returned to the laboratory, Duan Shu Tong had already put on his lab coat and was seriously researching.

Zhou Ling felt light-hearted. She did not disturb him and instead concentrated on her own work.

When five o’ clock rolled around, Duan Shu Tong did not leave on time as usual. Although Zhou Ling was surprised, she did not say anything and continued to accompany him at his side.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Seeing the look of focus on Duan Shu Tong’s face, she felt a thrill of anticipation and her heart couldn’t help thumping faster. Could it be that it was possible to create the new product today?

After following Duan Shu Tong for so many days, Zhou Ling could not accurately say which step of the process they were on, but she could take an educated guess.

It was almost like a hunch. Today, there might be a miracle.

Yes. A miracle.

If this new product could be researched and developed, then it would be a miracle for many female consumers.

Including herself.

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Chapter 15 – New Product Development

In the data room of the R&D Department, Duan Shu Tong and He Run sat opposite each other.

The more pages he turned in the proposal, the more solemn He Run looked. He pondered the contents of the project while glancing at Duan Shu Tong.

Finally he turned to the last page, and then he said hesitantly: “The report says that this product can shorten the skin metabolism cycle without any side effects. I have been in the business for ten years. In my opinion, this is impossible.”

In He Run’s view, the contents of Duan Shu Tong declaration report were very exciting. It was very incredible, but the success rate was less than one percent.

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He was planning to veto it when he heard Duan Shu Tong say: “R&D is to make the impossible possible. This is a brand new technical idea. Why not try it?”

Duan Shu Tong knew that such a product was incredible for people in this world, but he had confidence in a product that had already been verified in his previous life.

He Run looked down.

Forget it.

He’s been in this business for ten years and he’s already accustomed to the strong attitudes of these “crown prince” types. Even if he didn’t agree, in the end he still had to agree.

He did not say more. He signed his approval on the paper, got up, and went to the general manager’s office.

The project application was very smooth. Duan Shu Tong obtained some research funds and applied for sufficient research materials with the company to start his days in the laboratory.

His team was still just Zhou Ling.

Although Zhou Ling lacked experience, she worked hard and was willing to learn. Duan Shu Tong gradually felt relieved with giving her more tasks to handle.

She was like a shadow by his side. No matter what Duan Shu Tong asked her to do, she would complete it beautifully.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Before, she was the lowest existence in the R&D Department. Her work consisted of odd jobs. She did all sorts of chores, learned nothing, and was being secretly excluded.

Regardless of wind or rain, Zhou Ling liked to spend time with Director Duan in the lab, enjoying the tranquility of this space.

Compared with the intensification of Lab No. 2, Lab No. 1 was much more relaxed.

Only He Run was cautious and conscientious everyday.

It was not that he did not want to manage them. It was because there were too few controls here. Most of them came here just to idle away their time.

He Run also wanted to support the younger generation, but the younger generation did not accept his good intentions, and gradually, he did not do anything that offended people.

The days whooshed past and soon it was the end of June. The climate in Lin Nan Province became hotter and hotter.

On the way back to the laboratory from the cafeteria, Zhou Ling was sweating buckets. She had a sweaty physique. She was born like this. There was no helping it.

In addition, some of the pimples on her face had popped and there was some pus mixed in with the sweat. It was sticky and annoying.

She bowed her shoulders all the way, fearing that someone would see her own embarrassment. She rushed to the bathroom, intending to wash her face.

The mirror above the sink was very clean, and it clearly showed all the acne and freckles on her face. In a split second, she developed an extreme aversion to herself.

Because of this face, ever since the start of puberty, she only received maliciousness from people of the opposite sex, and ridicule or disdain from people of the same sex.

She had no friends, and things like young love had nothing to do with her.

Every night when she went to bed, the laughter and repulsive looks from the daytime would flash through her mind, making her sleepless and restless all night long.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

No matter how many hospitals she’s visited to or how many different doctors she’s been to, this face still accompanied her till this day.

Inferiority complex, nausea, disgust, despair, and other negative emotions flooded her chest. She couldn’t help scrubbing at the water on her face with paper. How she wished she could scrub away those disgusting and inflamed pimples too.

At this moment, chattering voices drifted over to her from the men’s bathroom next door.

“It’s so hot these days. Let’s go back to the laboratory after smoking. At least there is air conditioning there.”

“Who said it’s not hot? Having the weather be so annoying is already enough. But there are some people who make it hard to swallow. You don’t know, but I was just eating in the cafeteria and I accidentally saw Zhou Ling’s face. I almost couldn’t eat anymore. So disgusting.”

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Chapter 14 – Career Start

Duan Shu Tong got up to open the door.

Cen Ning handed over the insulated containers and smiled: “Young Master Duan, today you started at the company, did you see He Run?”

Duan Shu Tong froze for a moment. “Director He? Do you know him?”

“Haha,” Cen Ning nodded. “It’s such a coincidence. Senior Brother He and I were schoolmates. He was ahead of me by two years. We were in a club together and we still keep in contact often after graduating.”

Duan Shu Tong put the insulation containers on the table. “Director He’s skills are pretty good.”

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Seeing him say this, Cen Ning could only sigh in his heart. This was only his first day at work, how could he know how good the other person was at his work? Young Master Duan saying this meant that the two were not familiar with each other.

It seemed that Senior Brother He hadn’t changed at all, and still didn’t like to engage in interpersonal relationships.

If it weren’t because he was overly stubborn, with his abilities he didn’t have to go so far as to leave Yan City back then and end up in the county soured by the loss of his hopes.

Young Master Duan was not a boss at present, but he was much more important than Zhai Jun.

“Let me be open, Young Master Duan, Senior Brother He was the top of his grade back then. All the professors in the department regarded him highly.” Cen Ning used a casual tone of voice to unobtrusively praise He Run.

Duan Shu Tong was no longer the former Young Master Duan, naturally he heard the deeper meaning within Cen Ning’s words.

He could not help but smile. “Brother Cen need not worry. Director He’s ability is obvious to everyone.”

Cen Ning took care not to over do it. “With Young Master Duan here, the Spring and Autumn Hall will definitely be more and more prosperous.”

“Then I’ll borrow your words of luck.”

At nine a.m. the next day, Duan Shu Tong took the application materials and went to Lab No. 1 to look for He Run.

He Run had set aside Lab No. 2 for Duan Shu Tong. It seemed like the two labs would be close to each other based on their numbers, but they were actually separated on opposite ends of the floor.

“Director He.”

Under the surprised and curious gazes of others, Duan Shu Tong walked up to He Run with a perfect poker face.

“Lab No. 2 wants to declare a project. You are the director. Are you free to check it?”

He Run stopped what he was doing and said without the slightest hesitation: “I agree.”

Duan Shu Tong: ???

Other researchers: ???

No one spoke.

He Run finally looked at Duan Shu Tong: “You need me to sign it, right? I’ll find a pen.”

Duan Shu Tong reached out to stop He Run. His originally mild expression vanished without a trace.

His tone was very serious when he said, “You didn’t even take a single look and you’re agreeing just like that?”

Silence descend in the laboratory, and no one dared to breathe too loudly.

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No matter how ferociously they roasted Duan Shu Tong in the group chat, no one had the guts to say anything directly to his face.

He Run seemed to not be aware. With natural movements, he took the project information and thumbed through it once. His expression remained the same.

“This project is very good and has great development prospects. If it can be successfully developed, it will definitely attract many female customers.”

His eyes swept around in a circle and finally located a pen in a nook. He raised his hand to sign the paper.

Duan Shu Tong’s expression was even gloomier. He rarely lost his temper, but He Run’s behavior just bumped up against his principles.

This was a great disrespect for any R&D personnel.

He took back the folder without any expression.

“Director He, if this is your work attitude, in my humble opinion, you are not suitable for this position.”

The rest of the research team was thinking: WTF! This young master appeared out of nowhere and is going to fire the director on his second day! The workplace drama is finally about to begin!

Who told the other person to be a rich young master? He didn’t even want a “vice” in his title.

[T/N: Technically, Duan Shu Tong is supposed to be the vice director of R&D at the moment. He took over for the vice director that left before he came. But when the other characters address him, they all call him “Director Duan” and not Vice Director Duan. Even the general manager, Zhai Jun, calls him “Director Duan,” while calling the actual director of R&D, He Run, by the nickname of “Xiao He” back in chapter 12.]

He Run didn’t speak and there was no extra emotion in the eyes behind the glasses. It seemed like the scene of being fired was already commonplace to him.

Duan Shu Tong turned around, wanting to leave, but then he thought of some of the materials he saw yesterday. Pity birthed from his heart and he asked directly: “I tried the product that you directed. It was well thought out and there was skill, so why were the results unsatisfactory?”

He Run’s expression was indifferent, “I have no skills.”

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Duan Shu Tong was almost angered to the point of laughing. As an insider, the date on the project information was clear at a glance. He believed his judgment, but the director obviously refused to communicate with him further.

“Without skills, you entered a big company like Yalan right after you graduated and quickly became the leader of the R&D team. Is such a thing possible?”

He has seen He Run’s resume. It was impossible for it to be pugilistic wankery*.

[*T/N: all talk and no walk]

He Run was silent. He lowered his eyes and no longer looked at Duan Shu Tong.

“Whether you have any skills or not, since you are the director of the R&D Department, you have to strictly check the project. I am leading the project of Lab No. 2. If you think it meets the standards, you agree, if you think it does not meet the standards, then you can disagree,” Duan Shu Tong said seriously.

There was deathly silence in the laboratory.

After a moment, He Run finally looked up at him. His expression was still indifferent, but he did not continue to be half-hearted.

He reached out: “Okay.”

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Chapter 13 – Career Start

Duan Shu Tong had a lot of skin care formulas in his mind, which he had developed by himself in his previous life. He once pressured many high-end brands and became a dark horse in the field of skin care products.

But that was just something he did when he was bored. He did not specialize in the field of skin care products.

Since the Spring and Autumn Hall now focused on skin care products, he would start with skin care products to change the Spring and Autumn Hall’s current debt situation and make it enter a profitable period to provide a funding base for future research projects.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

As for looking for the Duan family to invest, Duan Shu Tong never thought about it.

He stayed in the laboratory all day, and he even needed Zhou Ling to call him for lunch. Zhou Ling was his assistant now.

After work at five o’ clock in the evening, the people in the chat group all texted Zhou Ling.

[How is Director Duan? What did he do today? Is he really researching or is he sleeping?]

[Did he scold anybody? I heard that Young Master Duan has a bad temper.]

[This kind of young master is really annoying. Fortunately, he did not choose me.]

Zhou Ling: “…”

She didn’t respond to the group chat. Anyway, she thought Director Duan was pretty good.

She much preferred being with Director Duan than with the coworkers who called her “ugly girl.”

[T/N: 恐龙妹 – literal meaning is something like “fearful dragon girl,” but it is slang for “ugly girl”]

At least he did not scold people, and when he looked at her he did not avert his eyes out of dislike.

Thinking of the acne and freckles on her face, Zhou Ling’s head bowed even lower.

Duan Shu Tong spent a day researching the products of the Spring and Autumn Hall and the popular skincare products of this world. As a result, he found that the effects of the Spring and Autumn Hall’s products were far inferior compared to others.

However, there was still a gap between this world’s high-end luxury skin care products and the world in which he lived in before.

He intended to declare the project to the company tomorrow.

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Because the research was so fascinating, Duan Shu Tong did not touch his mobile phone for the day. On his way home to cook dumplings, he opened WeChat.

There was actually a lot of texts.

Dear Mom*: Tong Tong, are you used to living there? Is the money enough? Is anyone at the company bullying you?

[*T/N: 亲爱的老妈 – The original host actually nicknamed his mother “Dear Mom” in his phone. The first part of the nickname means “dear / beloved / darling” and the second part means “mother / mom”]

His fingers typed a reply at lightning speed: It’s good here. The money is enough. The company is also very good.

Fierce Dad*: I heard that you have been in the laboratory all day today. Work hard, and learn more from other.

[*T/N: 凶凶的老爸 – what it says on the tin: “Fierce Dad”]

He responded: OK.

At the same time he removed the word “Fierce” from the nickname.

Liu Zhi Fei: Thank you for the breakfast, Young Master Duan. The congee was very, very delicious! [Smile] [Smile] [Smile]

Duan Shu Tong stared at the three smiling faces for a few seconds, wondering whether it was mockery or praise.

Every time he saw this smiling expression, he always got the feeling that it was smiling insincerely.

He replied: Brother Liu, you’re welcome.

Yesterday, when he went shopping with Liu Zhi Fei, the two had a very good chat, so they added each other on WeChat.

He exited the chat interface and continued to process the messages.

Assistant Cen: Young Master Duan’s congee is awesome, and we ate all three portions clean. The thermoses have been washed. I will send it over to Young Master Duan whenever it’s convenient for you.

Receiving other people’s affirmation, Duan Shu Tong was in a good mood and replied with a smile: I work from nine to five. The rest of the time I am mostly at home. I’m fine with whenever it is convenient for you.

Cen Ning replied back in a second: OK.

The water in the pot has boiled. Duan Shu Tong put down his phone and placed the dumplings in the pot. He couldn’t help but sigh. It was really boring to eat alone.

He lived to his thirties before. Due to his busy work life, he was never able to find a companion. He never expected to be a playboy after death.

But as he could see from the original host’s memories, this playboy was just a playboy in name and not in reality.

It was true that he changed girlfriends every month, but it was all fun and games, just to attract his family’s attention.

In Duan Shu Tong’s view, the original host was like a child who has not grown up. He didn’t want to prove himself all the time, so he found the value of his existence in Pei Ruo Wei and became increasingly addicted to it.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Every time after helping Pei Ruo Wei solve a problem, he was full of a sense of accomplishment. Compared to Father Duan’s eyes that looked at him as if hating iron for not becoming steel, Pei Ruo Wei’s reliant and grateful gaze was enough to make him ascend to heaven.

Dear Mom: That’s good then. The weather is getting hotter. You’re afraid of the heat and you’re greedy for cold. Do not turn the air conditioner on too low. Remember to cover yourself with a quilt at night, and don’t freeze.

Duan Shu Tong’s lips curved up. In the past, for him the love of a family member was a luxury item; moreover it was a limited edition luxury item.

He typed back: Noted, Mom.

After eating dumplings, he was preparing the application materials for the project in the study when he received a message from Cen Ning.

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Chapter 12 – Entering the Spring and Autumn Hall

At nine o’ clock, Duan Shu Tong rode his bicycle to work and arrived at the Spring and Autumn Hall on time.

The Spring and Autumn Hall was established earlier and it was located in the county. The office building only had five floors, but don’t look down on those five floors, the building’s architectural style was more distinctive, and it was relatively famous in Shan Quan County.

It was a pity that the products that it developed were not popular.

In recent years, the Spring and Autumn Hall has been in a state of being unable to make ends meet. Its employees were not highly motivated, and its ability was far inferior to that of the Duan family headquarters.

After Duan Shu Tong received this information last night, his eyebrows have been constantly furrowed and they have not loosened since.

Judging from the data, the head director of the R&D Department, He Run, was someone with skills. But what could be done with the disappointing staff members? They were a huge letdown. They did not try at all, and most of them ended up dragging others down with them.

Duan Shu Tong pushed his bicycle next to him as he walked up to the building.

The guard at the door sized him up with an amazed expression on his face.

“I am a new employee at the R&D Department. The work card has not been made yet.” Duan Shu Tong said.

Doorman: “Oh, oh, oh. I know, I know. Please come in, please come in.”

Early in the morning, before he clocked in for work, the company had already sent a message to inform him.

Duan Shu Tong parked his bicycle in the bicycle port, and then walked to the R&D Department. As sson as he entered the building, a group of people approached him. When they saw him, their eyes lit up and laughter burst out.

“Aiya, Director Duan!”

Due to the departure of the deputy director of the R&D Department, Duan Shu Tong just so happened to fill the vacancy.

At the head of the group was the general manager of the Spring and Autumn Hall, Zhai Jun. He was in his forties, and he had both the stereotypical baldhead and beer belly.

Duan Shu Tong stretched out a hand to stop the enthusiasm of the group from rushing forward. With an indifferent face, he said: “Right now it is working hours. Head Director Zhai, ladies, and gentlemen, why don’t you all return to your workstations? I will go directly to the R&D Department.”

Zhai Jun: “…Er, Xiao He, you show Director Duan the way.”

Then Zhai Jun reached out to push a man out from the group. The man was about thirty years old, give or take. His appearance was very plain and his body was very thin. He wore a pair of glasses. His hair was a little messy and he did not shave his beard. His expression was very apathetic.

When the man was pushed forward, he was obviously startled. He didn’t seem to know how to react until he met Duan Shu Tong’s eyes.

Then he spoke slowly: “Come with me.”

He absolutely did not have the same enthusiasm as everyone else.

Zhai Jun took all of this in, and he hated iron for not becoming steel*, ah!

[*T/N: hated iron for not becoming steel = feeling resentful towards somebody for failing to meet expectations (and impatient to see improvement)]

Duan Shu Tong felt very normal. He followed the man for a few steps, remembered something, and then turned back. “After the work card is done, notify me to get it.”

Zhai Jun’s smile was like a glorious chrysanthemum. “Of course, of course!”

When He Run and Duan Shu Tong’s figures disappeared from the first floor, Zhai Jun put away his smile and waved his hand angrily. “Go do whatever you’re meant to do.”

The rest of the people all left, and only the secretary standing behind Zhai Jun heard him muttered one line: “Don’t know why they sent a brat here for.”

Secretary: “…”

At least the face value was excellent and could be eye candy. The sisters in the company were probably going to be impassioned by this.

Duan Shu Tong quietly followed He Run into the R&D Department on the second floor.

The R&D Department attached the most importance to the laboratories, but He Run did not plan to take Duan Shu Tong to the labs. Instead, he led him to the reference room. Reckoned he was going to let him muddle his days away there.

“Director He.” Duan Shu Tong stopped him.

He Run turned back and used his eyes to do the questioning without saying anything.

“Can you set aside a lab for me?”

He Run didn’t ask much, only said: “Want an assistant?”

“I want one. I will choose by myself.”

Director He nodded, took out his cell phone and sent a message in the group chat to all the research employees. The group immediately exploded.

[Want to choose an assistant? Pray to Buddha, don’t choose me, ah!]

[Same, don’t want.]

[Really annoying. Isn’t it good just being a young master? Insisting on messing around with trivial matters, we still have projects on hand.]

[Ah, it must be “a newly appointed official wants to make bold changes upon assuming office*.” Understandable.]

(*T/N: 新官上任三把火 – means to throw one’s weight around so the subordinates know who’s boss and therefore won’t mess with the newly appointed boss in the future)

Although they were passionately word vomiting in the group chat, the researchers still walked lazily out of the labs and came before Duan Shu Tong.

Almost everyone said “don’t choose me” on their faces.

Duan Shu Tong swept over them with one glance. He pointed to a girl who was holding her folder with her head bowed down.

“I pick her.”

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