Manipulative Harem God

Zhang Wei nodded, "Clever indeed."

Lisa's cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink as she felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. "It's quite clever, but I've never did anything like this before..." She wanted to emphasize that it might not be entirely legal, but the role of a secretary dictated her discretion in choosing her words. Her primary goal was clear: get the job done without putting her employer at risk, regardless of the methods used.

Undeterred, Lisa pressed on, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement, "Huang Ren's idea was daring. We could enlist the services of loan sharks. Then, when Xu Qing inevitably couldn't meet her debts, we'd orchestrate a clever plot, involving the kidnapping of her father to coerce her into returning the money. Even as a renowned actress, she wouldn't have that much cash lying around."

She continued, her eyes gleaming with mischief, "And if the debt isn't substantial enough, we could fabricate a narrative of her father destroying priceless ancient artifacts, magnifying the situation. She'd be left with no alternative but to seek short-term loans from various sources. At that pivotal moment, we'd abruptly terminate our contract with her, making sure the industry knew she was dismissed for breaching her contract. Then, we'd take her to court and sue her for all she's worth."

Zhang Wei's smile broadened, genuinely impressed by Lisa's meticulous plan. "That's quite a detailed strategy," he acknowledged, his voice tinged with both admiration and a hint of amusement at the extent of her plotting.

Lisa, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with apprehension, nodded in agreement. "It is detailed. And considering the lawsuit, the legal process will drag on, tarnishing her reputation further. No bank would risk a loan, and few companies would dare sign her, given the circumstances."

Zhang Wei nodded, his mind analyzing the broader implications. "You're right. But there's also the factor of Tianyi Entertainment's newly acquired status under my leadership. Companies will hesitate to associate with her, fearing to make an enemy of Tianyi or wary of the unknowns surrounding my takeover. They'll see her firing as a sign of having crossed the new boss, which in itself is a deterrent."

Lisa, deep in thought, nodded in agreement. She hadn't considered all these aspects, but trusted Huang Ren's understanding of the Hanland market.

His advice, coupled with Zhang Wei's insights, painted a comprehensive picture of their strategy.

She realized the depth and complexity of the business world, far beyond what she'd initially imagined. Huang Ren's assurances now made more sense with the added context of the company's influence.

However, the realization of the depth and intricacies of these corporate maneuvers left Lisa somewhat astonished.

It was a stark reminder of how multifaceted her seemingly 'playboy' boss was.

Pondering the next steps, Lisa said, "Once Xu Qing comes back to us for negotiations, that's when we strike. We'll have the upper hand, especially with her father's situation as leverage. She'll have no choice but to comply with our terms, unless she..." Lisa trailed off, the implication of more drastic measures hanging unsaid in the air.

Zhang Wei's laughter broke the somber mood, his hand patting her shoulder in a comforting gesture. "No need to go to extremes. Just direct her to my office when the time comes. I'll handle the negotiations. And great job on this, Lisa. Also, pass a message to that crafty Huang Ren – his bonus this year just got a 10% bump."

Zhang Wei's appreciation for Lisa grew in that moment. He admired her honesty in crediting Huang Ren for his contributions to the plan. It wasn't about taking all the credit; it was about utilizing all available resources to achieve their goals.

Lisa, momentarily taken aback by the sudden turn in their conversation, collected herself before responding. "I'll definitely speak with Huang Ren and share the good news," she affirmed, trying to steer the conversation back to a professional realm.

Zhang Wei, sensing an opportunity to tease her further, couldn't resist. "Don't you want a bonus as well?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

"I...." Lisa fell silent, caught off guard by the question. Her usual composure seemed to falter for a moment.

Seizing the moment, Zhang Wei's voice took on a teasing, almost mischievous tone. "Oh, are you relieved you no longer have to accompany me to bed?" he probed, watching her reaction closely.

Lisa's face flushed a deep shade of red, and she shook her head, her voice a faint whisper, "No... It's not that..."

"Tsk," Zhang Wei clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment. "Then what is it? Are you looking to secure your future here and become my 'canary'? I must say, I'm quite selective. I'm not currently looking for anyone to 'hug a thigh,' as you put it. However, I might consider it if you continue to impress with your 'work'!"

"..."

Caught in the whirlwind of Zhang Wei's teasing remarks, Lisa felt a mix of annoyance and amusement.

His ability to navigate conversation with a blend of suggestive humor and casual disregard was indeed remarkable, though at times frustrating.

In response to his antics, Lisa managed a small smile, shifting the conversation to a more personal note. "Zhang Wei, thank you for picking me up at the party two days ago. I... drank too much. I didn't mean to cause any trouble," she said, her voice tinged with genuine gratitude.

Zhang Wei, in a rare display of affection, rubbed her head, momentarily catching her off guard. "When shall we sign the contract? You'll be my canary from today," he said playfully seriousness.

"Y-You?!" Lisa's eyes widened in surprise, her hands balling into fists at his continued teasing.

"Haaah...." Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she retorted with a hint of annoyance in her casual tone, "...Zhang Wei, you sure know how to bully women like us, don't you?"

"I am quite talented," Zhang Wei replied almost instantly with a smirk.

Lisa, "..."

The conversation lapsed into an awkward silence as Lisa struggled to find a suitable comeback.

She realized that engaging in a verbal spar with Zhang Wei was a losing battle; he always seemed to have the upper hand.

As they walked further, the cold night air began to take its toll. Zhang Wei, noticing her discomfort, suggested, "Want to go back?"

Lisa nodded, rubbing her shoulders against the chill. "Yeah, it's quite cold. I'm not really used to it."

"Then, let's head back," Zhang Wei agreed.

As they turned to make their way back, Zhang Wei suddenly pulled Lisa close, his arm wrapping around her waist. Startled, Lisa found herself leaning against him for warmth.