Wang Xiaoliang's shoulder pressed against Wei Zijin's as they huddled together, staring at the phone screen.
Playing on the screen was the episode in which Wei Zijin interviewed internet celebrity Xiao Mo.
This episode affected both their future incomes, and neither dared let their attention wander.
The video opened straight on Xiao Mo's most popular clip.
The old rascal sat squarely in a traditional armchair, his empty right trouser leg tied in a knot.
He raised a hand and pointed at the camera, unleashing a furious tirade against a Japanese company for cutting corners and applying drastically different sales policies in America and China.
Not a single sentence contained a swear word, and he spoke at breakneck speed. Even through the screen, they could feel the force of his blistering rant.
The shot changed, cutting to the studio.
Wei Zijin sat upright on an individual sofa, wearing a business suit and meticulous makeup.
"Today on Little Wei Interviews, we're honored to welcome Xiao the Great Chatterbox, an internet celebrity with over ten million followers across the web."
Wei Zijin smiled at the camera, delivering her lines with crisp, precise diction.
"Let's talk to him about the story behind it all."
The camera cut to Xiao Mo.
The old hand had changed into a dark red Tang suit, his hair slicked back until it gleamed.
He clasped his hands in a traditional greeting and saluted the camera.
"My wish has finally come true."
Xiao Mo grinned, his smile sincere.
"I'm sitting across from the woman of my dreams."
Wang Xiaoliang's brows knotted tightly.
The more he looked at that old face on the screen, the more it seemed to be asking for a punch.
The old rascal really knew how to seize an opening.
With a single "my wish has finally