The silence in the living room lasted only a short while.
Wen Ruan had weathered plenty of storms, after all, and quickly reined in the astonishment on her face.
She adjusted her posture. Her full breasts slowly settled with her deep breaths as she said softly, "Director Jin, I—"
"Don't worry, I mean no harm." Secretary Jin's smile remained bright, her gaze carrying the calm composure of someone who saw through everything. "You're a consultant committee member for the family office's media sector. We should have sought your opinion on this matter in the first place.
"And we're not merely colleagues. Our personal friendship matters as well. I'm not an unreasonable person, and I understand your difficulties."
Wen Ruan's eyes flickered, and the tightly drawn string in her heart finally loosened.
"Thank you, Director Jin," she said quietly.
Indeed, just as Director Jin had said.
The cultural media sector Wen Ruan oversaw was inseparable from the entertainment industry, which meant her relationship with Su Yu and Mo Xiangwan was naturally close.
As a result, she was often caught in the middle, pulled both ways, becoming the natural scapegoat.
Now that Director Jin had voluntarily offered her an out and adopted her suggestion, it was not only an immense show of respect, but also a weighty favor.
If Ms. Ouyang, Su Yu, and Mo Xiangwan learned of this, they would surely view her differently and feel grateful toward her.
"There's no need to thank me. That makes us sound like strangers."
Secretary Jin elegantly turned her head and gave Shangguan Qiuya, who stood quietly at the side, a subtle look.
Shangguan Qiuya immediately understood. She nodded faintly, opened the briefcase she carried with her, and took out an exquisite envelope.
She gently placed it on the coffee table before Wen Ruan.