Sun Yiling still maintained his composure, but the most significant change was internal: the affection he once felt for Ye Qianqian had completely vanished.
Only now did he realize what he had just done. He, who never let personal feelings affect his decisions, had swapped An Ting's task just because of a few words from Ye Qianqian. The thought alone filled him with shame.
He had clearly been in the wrong—giving orders without principle for the sake of someone he liked. What puzzled him most was how he had even been drawn to Ye Qianqian. Without the glow of filters, she was just a pretty girl—ordinary at best, and a little manipulative. She had come with Zhou Lili to push her advantage, using their good relationship to bend him to her will. How could he have liked someone like that?
Sun Yiling pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. "An Ting, do you want to give the voice-over task to Zhou Lili?"
Zhou Lili was taken aback. "Director, isn't this already decided? Why are you asking again?"
"That was your decision," Sun Yiling replied coldly.
Ye Qianqian frowned immediately. Ever since she put the filter on him, Sun Yiling's gaze had always been full of adoration—but now, there was impatience.
An Ting smiled innocently. "Of course I don't want to give it to her," she said, her gaze soft and affectionate toward Ye Qianqian.
Ye Qianqian recoiled at the warmth in her eyes—but the next moment, Sun Yiling spoke: "Then this mission is yours. No one can take it from you—not even me."
He said it with absolute certainty. Every word emphasized that his previous indecision was over.
An Ting grinned. "Thank you, Master."
Li Qin quietly cheered. She hadn't expected such a dramatic reversal, but the outcome was perfect.
Zhou Lili erupted. "Why? This task is mine! Director, you said it would all go to me! How can you change your mind like this?!"
Sun Yiling was annoyed at being forced to take the blame for being fickle—but in truth, this decision was entirely his own. Now, with a convenient scapegoat, he used it directly: "I misunderstood before. I agreed to give An Ting this task. My word stands—no changes."
Zhou Lili's smugness evaporated instantly, replaced with humiliation. She grabbed Ye Qianqian's arm, her eyes flashing with fury. "Qianqian! You be the judge! How can An Ting compare to me? Why should she get more than I do?"
Ye Qianqian's arm ached, but she forced herself to speak gently. "You're my friend, I know how capable you are. The station director must know too, right?" She cast a soft look at Sun Yiling, trying to sway him with her usual charm.
But Sun Yiling avoided her gaze. The more he looked, the more Ye Qianqian resembled a dog in his mind—thanks to An Ting's handiwork. He couldn't afford impolite thoughts, so he turned his eyes away.
"When I choose people," he said evenly, "I judge based on ability. An Ting's voice is perfect for this job. She's the most suitable."
Ye Qianqian's powers were useless now. Sun Yiling's reasoning left her both angry and shocked.
An Ting smiled inwardly at Ye Qianqian's stunned expression. "Feels good," she thought.
PS popped up, raining cold water on her excitement: "Don't get carried away. Her ability is still in its early stages. Right now, it only works because of my strength. Once she gains more experience and recruits more men, my effects won't be enough."
"The current effect is temporary. A man sees her, loses his mind, but once he can't see her, he returns to his senses. The same applies to my powers. Your countermeasures only worked on Sun Yiling while he saw you. Later, when her abilities are stronger, her infatuation will last longer, even without direct contact."
An Ting pondered. "So even if she levels up, it'll be similar?"
"Yes. She levels up by attracting men."
"And how do I level up?"
"Give me ten million."
An Ting rolled her eyes. "If I were her, I'd prefer a pirated version anyway."
Even so, the paid-for powers were reliable. They crushed Ye Qianqian's cheat ability and restored Sun Yiling to normal.
Now, Ye Qianqian was confused and alarmed. Sun Yiling no longer looked at her with affection. Her only thought was to rush back and figure out why her "Affection Buff" had failed.
Zhou Lili, however, wasn't finished. Her glare at An Ting was sharp. "I don't agree!"
Sun Yiling's patience snapped. "If you have objections, take it to the school leaders. My decision stands."
Everyone knew his father was the principal; the school leaders would almost certainly side with him. This wasn't a serious dispute—it was just a small TV station task.
Zhou Lili's eyes reddened. She glared at An Ting and Li Qin and hissed, "I'll remember you all!"
Sun Yiling remained unmoved. An Ting enjoyed watching Ye Qianqian panic. Li Qin simply rolled her eyes.
As Zhou Lili dragged a flustered Ye Qianqian out, An Ting called out: "Wait a minute."
"What now?!" Zhou Lili snapped.
An Ting calmly reopened Photoshop and hit "undo," restoring Ye Qianqian's filter on Sun Yiling. Adoration returned instantly.
Then, with a smile aimed at Ye Qianqian, An Ting said, "Director, I think Lili is very pretty, and she's a longtime member of the station. Why don't we let her be the lead in the promotional video?"
Sun Yiling, however, was focused entirely on Ye Qianqian. "No," he said firmly. "The lead role belongs to Qianqian. She's the most suitable for this position."
Zhou Lili's grip on Ye Qianqian's hand tightened. Her face turned grim.