After the introductions, the meeting officially began.
Although Jason sat in the main seat, he barely spoke. Instead, he gave full authority to Venesa and simply observed.
Very quickly, he realized just how many layers of complexity there were in guild operations. Sponsorships, marketing funnels, engagement strategies, algorithm pushes—endless details that bored him within minutes.
Jason leaned back, half-listened for a while, and then lost interest entirely. As the boss, I only need to steer the ship. These little details aren't worth my energy.
So he casually pulled out his phone and started scrolling. Of course, no one present dared to complain.
When the meeting was nearly over, the door suddenly opened. A man walked in without hesitation, his voice carrying through the room:
"Jason, why are you wasting your time sitting in a small branch meeting? If you want to understand things, you should just come straight to headquarters."
The entire room froze. The moment they saw who it was, everyone immediately stood up.
Lewis, the current ceo of New Vision Media.
Venesa's mind raced. Why would Boss Lewis come here personally? But then, after glancing at Jason, she instantly understood. Lewis hadn't come for the meeting—he had come for Jason.
Jason didn't even stand. He just smiled faintly and replied,"Well, since I'm already here, it doesn't hurt to listen in."
Lewis chuckled heartily."Fair enough. Do whatever you like. Say, how about we head to a KTV later? Time to celebrate New Vision Media entering a brand-new chapter."
Compared to yesterday, his tone was relaxed, even cheerful—like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Jason nodded."That sounds good. Venesa, after this meeting, there's nothing urgent left, right? Why don't we take the day off and relax together?"
Venesa was caught off guard. A sudden holiday?She hesitated, but before she could respond, Lewis smiled and backed Jason up:"There's nothing so urgent. Let's all take a day off and celebrate Jason joining the company."
With both bosses giving the word, no one dared object. Instead, the employees erupted in cheers.
After all, it was a paid day off. Who wouldn't be happy?
The meeting wrapped up quickly, and everyone headed to the nearby KTV. Grace, naturally, clung to Jason's arm, leaning on him like a doting bird. Venesa, Zoey, and the others followed as well.
Alice, however, had arrived with another young man, and he hadn't left. The moment he saw Lewis walking out, he hurried forward:"Boss Lewis!"
Lewis blinked."And you are?"
The young man straightened nervously."I'm Charlie. My dad had drinks with you at that charity event last month."
Recognition flashed across Lewis's face. He glanced at Alice at Charlie's side and instantly pieced the situation together."Ah, that's right. Since you're here too, come join us at KTV."
Charlie nodded rapidly, almost bowing."Yes, yes of course. Thank you, Boss Lewis!"
He tried to look calm, but his nerves were obvious. In front of Lewis, even a rich kid like him had to act respectfully.
Then Charlie glanced at Jason, his eyes careful. When they first met, he'd been polite because Jason drove a Lamborghini. But now, seeing Lewis's deferential attitude toward Jason, his caution doubled."Boss Lewis, this is…?"
Lewis answered with casual brevity."This is Jason."
He didn't even bother elaborating, nor did he properly introduce Charlie back.
Charlie didn't dare complain. He bent slightly, extending his hand with a humble smile."Jason, it's an honor to meet you."
Jason accepted the handshake politely, nodding without expression.
Alice watched this exchange, and her heart sank even lower.
The man Grace held onto stood tall and calm, effortlessly composed. Meanwhile, the man she was with—Charlie—was practically groveling, looking small and servile.
The contrast cut like a knife.
And as she stared at Jason—handsome, poised, radiating quiet authority—regret surged again, impossible to suppress.
Alice: Favorability +3.
Jason and Grace slid into his sleek black Lamborghini, while Lewis got into his own Porsche.
The rest of the employees, without cars of their own, had no choice but to share taxis and trail along toward the KTV.
When they arrived, Lewis immediately went to make arrangements, but Charlie rushed ahead, eager to show off his attentiveness. He secured a large party suite with several tables, plush couches, and wide screens.
Jason, Grace, Lewis, Venesa, Charlie, and Alice sat in the most private section.
The other employees settled into the outer hall instead. Nobody wanted the pressure of sitting too close to Jason and Lewis—two figures with overwhelming presence.
Of course, not everyone could resist the temptation. Agela, the tall beauty with sharp phoenix-like eyes, found her gaze wandering again and again toward Jason, so distracted she barely paid attention to the lyrics when her turn to sing came.
About half an hour later, a manager walked in. He greeted Lewis and Jason with exaggerated politeness before leaning closer.
"Boss Lewis, are these the anchors from your company?" He gestured subtly toward Agela and Zoey. He didn't dare even glance at Grace sitting beside Jason.
Lewis gave a brief nod."Yes. Why? Is there a problem?"
The manager lowered his voice."There's a guest in the suite next door. He saw them and… well, he'd like them to come over and sing a few songs."
Then he whispered in Lewis's ear, dropping the key detail.
Lewis's eyes flickered in recognition. He leaned toward Jason and explained in a low voice:"It's Alen. Deputy section head at the Bureau of Commerce."
Venesa quickly gestured for Agela and Zoey to come closer. Lewis said casually: "There's a guest next door who's interested in you two. Go over, sing a few songs, keep them happy."
Agela frowned, just slightly. But the hesitation lasted only a heartbeat before she masked it with a professional smile and nodded.
Zoey, on the other hand, stiffened like a deer caught in headlights. Her introverted nature made her recoil. She didn't want to go. But she also didn't dare outright refuse. Her eyes reddened with frustration as she lowered her head, nearly trembling.
Jason's voice cut through the moment, calm yet firm."Don't force it. If you don't want to go, you don't have to."
Both girls froze—then their eyes lit up in stunned relief.
Lewis looked momentarily awkward. He leaned toward Jason and whispered again:"Jason… he may not have real power over us, but he's still a government man. It's just a song or two. Not worth offending him. A friendly tie could even be useful later—"
Jason interrupted without raising his voice."Listen to me. It's not necessary."
The weight in his tone left no room for argument.
Lewis, despite his instincts, had no choice but to comply. Jason's mysterious wealth and backing made even him tread carefully.
The manager's smile faltered. He bent slightly, embarrassed but still trying."Mr. Jason, the guest only asked for a few songs…"
Jason didn't so much as glance at him. Instead, he looked at Agela and Zoey directly."You're here to enjoy yourselves. No one gets to push you into something you don't want. Not while you're with me. Go back and relax."
Agela's gaze on Jason turned molten, her usual composure melting into something softer, more dangerous.
Agela: Favorability +10.
Zoey's gratitude nearly overwhelmed her.
Zoey: Favorability +30.
Even Alice, who hadn't been part of the request, stared at Jason with new eyes. For the first time, she felt admiration outweigh regret.
Alice: Favorability +7.
Grace, curled against Jason's arm, looked up at him, her lips curved in a tender smile. She felt safer than ever before.
Grace: Favorability +1.
At that moment, Jason radiated an effortless authority. His presence was magnetic, commanding, yet protective.
A man like this… was worth relying on.
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