Chapter 136: Making Money Takes Precedence

As soon as An An Xu returned to the magazine office, she noticed a crowd gathered outside the conference room. Curious, she approached and soon realized that Shengnan Xue was arguing with the editor-in-chief. The dispute was over who should be appointed as department head.

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

“I heard Fang Nini’s edition sold just a few hundred copies more than An An’s. Doesn’t that mean Fang Nini won? Then why is General Manager Xue still arguing with the editor? Is she just unwilling to accept defeat?”

“I think there’s something fishy going on.”

“Honestly, I prefer An An’s version. Even my friends buy her edition.”

Fang Nini stood among the crowd, overhearing every word. Feeling uneasy, she avoided confrontation. But when her eyes met An An’s clear, luminous gaze—eyes that seemed to pierce through every hidden flaw—she grew furious and defensive.

“What are you staring at?”

“Since my edition sold more, by agreement, the department head position should be mine. What’s the problem?”

“If anyone accuses me of foul play, show me the proof!”

“No evidence? Then stop spreading lies. Believe me, I won’t hesitate to sue!”

Being well-connected, no one dared to speak up further.

An An merely smiled.

“We all know the truth.”

“But since you ultimately got the position, I wish you well—I hope you can lead us properly and live up to the editor’s expectations.”

At Fang Nini’s outburst, Shengnan Xue and the editor-in-chief had paused. Hearing An An’s words, some of Xue’s anger softened. She fixed the editor with a cold stare.

“Indeed. I hope that despite all difficulties, you’ve chosen someone capable. Otherwise, it will be a joke.”

With that, Shengnan Xue turned and left.

The editor scowled, thinking Fang Nini shouldn’t have caused a scene outside. Though the department head was decided, no official announcement had been made, and such disturbances could cause unexpected changes.

Fortunately, An An hadn’t joined the fray. The editor thought she was perceptive enough; otherwise, he had countless ways to make her position at the magazine untenable.

If Shengnan Xue knew the editor’s thoughts, she would surely stand firm.

“An An.”

Seeing Shengnan Xue approach, An An shook her head, signaling she was fine.

---

In truth, An An was quite bothered inside.

She had thought that possessing enough skill would allow her to compete with those with connections. But perhaps her thinking was still too naive.

Others gradually returned to their desks. Shengnan Xue didn’t linger to talk with An An, only mentioning they would eat lunch together before entering her office.

Many looked at An An with sympathy.

Yet An An acted as if nothing was wrong, continuing her usual work.

Xiaomei couldn’t help but lean over and whisper, “An An, I came early this morning and overheard the editor on the phone saying he’s trying to get you a deputy head position.”

“Maybe there will be news in the next couple of days.”

An An’s eyes flickered. No wonder Shengnan Xue seemed to have something to tell her during lunch.

Did ability really not matter at all?

Offering her the deputy head role already implied that the real concern was losing talent like her, so they wanted to sweeten the deal.

An An said nothing and kept working.

During lunch at a nearby restaurant, Shengnan Xue broached the subject of the deputy head position.

“An An, honestly, I don’t recommend you accept it. As for why…”

“Because they want Fang Nini to be a figurehead,” An An said knowingly. “They want me to do the work while Fang Nini reaps the rewards. I’m curious—what skills does Fang Nini really have? Or is it just powerful connections behind her?”

From what she knew, the editor was so favorable to Fang Nini because of her aunt.

What about others?

Shengnan Xue didn’t know much either.

“Apparently, Fang Nini knows some very important people. After all, our magazine isn’t that big.”

An An nodded thoughtfully but didn’t press further. As long as they didn’t cross her bottom line, she could tolerate a little.

After all, earning money came first.

“What about my sales bonus for this issue? Will it be the same as before?”

“Yes, your bonus should be considerable this month.”

Relieved by the confirmation, An An felt better.

Before returning to the office, she made it clear to Shengnan Xue that she didn’t want the deputy head position.

“If they really want to offer it, you’ll have to help me refuse.”

Shengnan Xue had already thought about how to say no.

---

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they don’t set their sights on you.”

Without a promotion, An An was too indifferent to stay late and left on time.

Unexpectedly, Fang Nini, like a firecracker, grabbed her and refused to let her leave.

“Don’t you see everyone else is still working? Only you want to leave early? No sense of teamwork! After all these years, you might as well have never worked here!”

An An couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes full of sarcasm.

“So now you’re forcing overtime? Is there overtime pay? As soon as you say yes, I’ll sit back down and boot up.”

Everyone turned to look.

They were just slow with their work and felt embarrassed to leave early.

Fang Nini stammered, “They’re staying voluntarily since they didn’t finish on time, but why do you need overtime pay?”

“They didn’t finish on time and chose to stay. I finished my work today. When it’s time to leave, I leave; when it’s time to stay, I stay. Got a problem with that?” An An snorted coldly, grabbed her bag, and headed out.

Watching An An’s retreating figure, Fang Nini stomped angrily in place.

She wanted to find fault with An An but couldn’t.

Seeing Fang Nini fail to “punish” An An, the onlookers shook their heads, doubting Fang Nini’s usefulness as department head.

Outside, An An waited for Shengnan Xue.

She planned to accompany Shengnan Xue to drive away Tang Ze, who was refusing to leave.

That was Shengnan Xue’s home, after all!

Before leaving, Shengnan Xue grew anxious and restless but forced herself to face the situation. After all, she couldn’t keep living at An An’s place forever.

“Don’t be nervous. If he refuses to leave, we’ll call the police. Just avoid conflict,” An An advised.

She feared Shengnan Xue might lose control if confronted with Tang Ze.

Shengnan Xue steeled herself.

“Alright, let’s go up.”

What they never expected was that Shengnan Xue’s key didn’t open the door. A neighbor came out and said Tang Ze had recently hired a locksmith to change the locks!

What was this?

Illegal occupation, perhaps!