Chapter 23: The Little Assistant

Inside the opulent villa, the atmosphere shifted immediately with just a single remark from Qian Motuo. It must be said, his tactic was quite effective. At the very least, it made the team members instantly realize Ma Jun’s significance—he was no ordinary artist.

Ma Jun, for his part, knew exactly how to play along. He flashed a broad smile and greeted everyone warmly, “We’ll be working together and striving ahead from now on, so don’t listen to Old Qian’s nonsense.”

“Brother Jun’s presence is really impressive!” The team members nodded in agreement. Qi Wanying appraised Ma Jun and laughed, “He’s got a good temperament, very easygoing, and a great physique. Definitely has the potential to become famous! When Mr. Qian signed me, he mapped out a grand blueprint—I want to build something great too. I hope we’ll all get along nicely.”

“I’ll be counting on you, Sister Wanying. I promise I won’t let you down!” Ma Jun replied with a smile.

Once the team had assembled, they gradually became acquainted with one another and immediately began working on Ma Jun’s packaging. Qi Wanying took full charge of everything related to Ma Jun’s launch, treating him almost like a product. Of course, her suggestions were mostly sound and didn’t provoke any aversion in Ma Jun.

If he were just an average entertainer, he’d have no say—he’d simply do as the company dictated, in promotion and image alike. The makeup artists soon applied his cosmetics, accentuating his rugged features. Several PR staff approached Ma Jun for his Weibo account credentials, preparing to take over his social media.

Ma Jun refused to comply, so the PR staff could only instruct him about the dos and don’ts of posting online. They reminded him to cooperate whenever promotional needs arose.

After a busy morning, all these matters were finally settled. Qi Wanying took the PR team and left, preparing to work out more detailed promotional strategies.

The two makeup artists also took their leave; after all, without public appearances, they couldn’t always be at Ma Jun’s side.

Qian Motuo had arranged accommodation for the bodyguards and driver, setting them up in designated rooms within the villa.

The only one left was the young assistant, Ruan Xinyue, who sat timidly on her chair, looking expectantly at Qian Motuo, awaiting instructions.

“Mr. Ma Jun, she’s your personal assistant. Her main duty is to handle all aspects of your work and daily life, so you’ll need to assign her tasks yourself. I have other business at the company, so I’ll be off now.” Qian Motuo lit a cigarette for Ma Jun and said, “Your nanny car is parked in the garage. If you need it, just call the driver.”

“Uncle, you’ve got an extra hundred million yuan in your bank account. That servant transferred it to you—he’s really quite savvy!” Xiaohua said with a grin.

“Is that so? That’s great!” Ma Jun smiled, thinking to himself.

He leaned back in his chair, sizing up the assistant. No matter how he looked, she didn’t seem reliable at all. She kept an aloof demeanor, as if Ma Jun were some kind of monster.

“Old Qian handled everything else so well—how did he misjudge here?” Ma Jun wondered. “This girl doesn’t seem cut out to be an assistant. She looks more like a secretary.”

“Brother Jun!” Ruan Xinyue spoke softly. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now!”

Leave? You’re my assistant, and I haven’t said anything yet. How can you just walk out? Besides, you’re older than me—at least on the surface, I’m just eighteen, and you’re in your twenties. Is ‘brother’ really appropriate?

“Don’t rush. Stand up and let me take a look at you,” Ma Jun said, his tone a little more serious.

“Ah—oh!” Ruan Xinyue was startled, but she stood up.

The assistant was nearly one meter seventy tall, with fair skin and long hair, a touch of makeup, and attractive features. What stood out most was her ample bust, even though she had deliberately dressed in loose clothing to conceal it.

“Could it be that Old Qian really found a girl for me with the secretary idea in mind?” Ma Jun mused wickedly, his gaze becoming slightly heated.

“Brother Jun, I—I’ll go home now, there’s something I need to attend to!” Ruan Xinyue said, clearly uneasy, her cheeks flushed.

“Stop talking nonsense!” Ma Jun waved his hand. “Sit down, I have a few questions for you.”

“Oh.”

Ma Jun questioned her and found out that Ruan Xinyue had just graduated from a prestigious university, majoring in business management. She had little connection with the entertainment industry, and even less with being an artist’s assistant.

Given her qualifications, she could easily land a decent job, with a monthly salary of at least five thousand yuan. Why she had chosen the exhausting role of an artist’s assistant was a mystery.

“Mr. Qian offered me twenty thousand a month, and I want to become an agent someday! That’s why I’m giving this a try!” Ruan Xinyue explained.

“Do you know what an assistant is supposed to do?” Ma Jun fixed her with a half-smile. “Ordinary artist assistants don’t make that much money per month! Are you truly prepared to be my personal assistant?”

Ma Jun deliberately emphasized the word ‘personal,’ making Ruan Xinyue shiver, which amused him greatly.

“I signed a contract with Mr. Qian, with a lawyer present!” Ruan Xinyue lifted her chin, her voice full of uncertainty. “Everything’s formal—there’s nothing shady in the contract. If you try anything improper, I—I’ll…”

“Hahaha…” Ma Jun couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “You’re even funnier than Xiaohua! Relax, ever since Old Qian said I could fire any of you at any time, you’ve been terrified of me. I’m not a pervert, I won’t touch you. If I wanted that, I could get high-end models, clean and skilled, with ease! I wouldn’t waste my time with you.”

Ma Jun stood up. “Come with me to the recording studio. I need to record some song demos, and you can assist.”

The villa had a specially built recording studio, with excellent equipment arranged by Qian Motuo. Ma Jun led the way after speaking.

Ruan Xinyue followed behind, muttering under her breath, “Hmph, he’s obviously a rich kid, bored and dabbling in showbiz. Bragging about models—none of them have a better figure than me!”

Ma Jun suddenly turned, fixing her with a stare. “Qian Motuo wasn’t wrong—if I think you’re not up to the job, I’ll fire you on the spot!”

“Ah—I can do it!” Ruan Xinyue replied awkwardly, nodding repeatedly.

Once inside the recording studio, Ma Jun began recording songs, with Xiaohua readying the music accompaniments. The process went smoothly. He was just recording a few demos, which Qi Wanying and her team would later select based on style, so there was no need to record professionally over and over.

It turned out Ruan Xinyue, though unfamiliar with recording, was very adept at the practical tasks. Ma Jun only needed to explain things once, and she could manage well enough to help. She was, in fact, a competent assistant.

Yet, as she worked, she kept muttering to herself, always finding fault with Ma Jun, though her words were barely audible.

Ma Jun, finding her amusing, didn’t bother to argue.

A few days later, a comprehensive promotional plan was finalized, centering on the theme of Ma Jun as a musical prodigy from the Yan Ying Performing Arts Department.

At the same time, Xiaohua urged Ma Jun—it was time for another round of world conquest!