He said helplessly, "I was just a small model, and only for a year. How could I have had the chance to build connections with the higher-ups? Sister Susu, for my sister's sake, please help me."
Since he had brought up Huo Jin, Susu could only nod, "I can only look for an opportunity, but I can't guarantee it will be useful."
"It doesn't matter if it works out or not," Huo Zheng said as various dishes were served.
Susu saw how expensive the dishes were and ate without hesitation.
Huo Zheng constantly handed her water and napkins, telling her to eat slowly and not rush, as the studio was her own and no boss would fire her.
Susu said while eating, "I was just hungry. You should eat quickly too."
Huo Zheng said nothing more and followed her lead, finishing the dishes.
Susu was full, but she knew she wasn't eating Huo Zheng's meal for free; she would still mention the matter he asked her to handle to Lily Zhou.
Seeing her about to leave, Huo Zheng quickly asked, "Have you cleared your name in Qin Yaxuan's case? Why is all the news online today saying the police were hasty and let the real culprit go? And this culprit is implied to be you. Anyone with eyes can see that."
Susu looked completely unaware, "I haven't had time to look at the news online today."
As she spoke, she picked up her phone and went online.
Huo Zheng worriedly said, "It's not on the headlines or trending searches, but this news is quite prominently placed. It says the culprit is the wife of a certain group's president who had a conflict with the victim, and that they were sisters-in-law. Anyone reading this would think of you..."
Susu felt Huo Zheng was being noisy; she would check it herself without him telling her.
After reading the entire news report, she felt that someone was trying to drag a case that was no longer related to her back onto her, as if they wouldn't rest until the matter blew up.
She had a vague premonition that the police might come looking for her, and that this news had already been reposted by many media outlets.
Seeing her brows furrowing tighter, Huo Zheng said, "Is there anything I can help you with? I can have my old man block all this nonsense news."
Susu shook her head and said, "No need. The clear will clear themselves. Thank you, I should get back to the studio."
"I'll give you a ride," Huo Zheng said, getting up before Susu could refuse.
They walked out of the Japanese restaurant together and happened to run into Xu Shishi, who had also just finished lunch.
As soon as Xu Shishi saw Huo Zheng, she waved him down and said irritably, "Why are you bothering our boss again? Just tell me if you need anything."
Huo Zheng was also annoyed to see her and said, "Who do you think you are? Don't get in my way of doing important business. Move aside."
"How can you be so shameless? Don't you know our boss is married?" Xu Shishi stood her ground, blocking him from getting to Susu.
Susu glanced at them with amusement. Her phone in her bag rang; it was a video call from Tianyi. She walked aside to answer it.
Huo Zheng, seeing Susu hadn't gone far and was video calling someone, started arguing with Xu Shishi. They bickered back and forth, neither giving the other any quarter.
As Xu Shishi argued, she kept winking and gesturing at him. When he didn't understand, she kept pursing her lips.
Huo Zheng mockingly said, "Can't win an argument, so your mouth is twitching? Serves you right."
"After you send Sister Gu back, come find me at the milk tea shop on the street. I have something to tell you," Xu Shishi said, lowering her voice as she stopped arguing with him.
Huo Zheng was slightly stunned, thinking she was trying to bluff him. He scoffed dismissively, "Find you? Dream on!"
Xu Shishi thought he was a pig and simply stomped on his foot, lowering her voice and repeating, "It's up to you whether you come or not. It concerns Sister Gu, anyway."
After saying that, she didn't care if his foot hurt and turned to leave.
Tianyi's call was also about the news online. He told Susu not to worry and that he would have those people take down the news.
Susu wasn't too bothered by the rumors, saying, "Tianyi, don't bother with this kind of trivial news. Without proof, no one will believe it."
"As long as you're not unhappy, that's good," Tianyi asked with concern, "Did you eat lunch? You need to eat on time and not forget because you're busy."
Susu said playfully, "I've eaten. I had a good meal for lunch today. Huo Zheng needed my help, so he treated me."
"Why is he looking for you again? No wonder I saw you on the street. This guy is really never-ending," Tianyi said irritably.
Susu turned the phone's camera towards Huo Zheng and Xu Shishi, smiling mischievously and saying, "Look, they are the real bickering lovers. He's just looking for me for help."
Seeing this, Tianyi also felt that Huo Zheng and Xu Shishi were quite a match. However, he maintained a stern expression and said, "After you finish eating, hurry back to the office. Don't get involved if they're dating."
"Yes, as you command."
Huo Zheng drove Susu downstairs to her studio. Susu didn't ask him to go up with her. As they parted, she teased him, "Why did you make Shishi angry just now? Look how upset she was when she stepped on you. You should coax her properly."
Without waiting for Huo Zheng to explain, she turned and entered the elevator, feeling that Huo Zheng was oblivious.
Seeing Susu's smile, he clearly thought he liked that Xu Shishi. He felt he had no way to explain and was even more annoyed with Xu Shishi.
He immediately went to the milk tea shop Xu Shishi had mentioned, wanting to see what she was up to and to settle the score.
As soon as he entered the milk tea shop, he saw Xu Shishi already sitting inside, having ordered two cups of milk tea, clearly expecting him.
He sat in the empty chair and questioned her, "You appeared deliberately in front of me and Susu, didn't you? Do you like me?"
Xu Shishi almost spat out the milk tea she had just taken a sip of. After finally swallowing it, she said, "Seriously? Like you? Have you looked in the mirror?"
"I look in the mirror often. I'm incredibly handsome," Huo Zheng said confidently.
Xu Shishi made a gagging gesture and said, "Narcissistic."
Huo Zheng was about to retort, but she made a gesture to stop him, "Stop messing around. I called you here because I have something serious to discuss."
"What serious matter? Is it related to Susu?" Huo Zheng asked, ready to listen.
Shishi nodded and told Huo Zheng what had been happening at the studio recently, wanting him to privately investigate how Sophie and Susu's clients were contacted.
She was always worried that Sophie might do something detrimental to the studio.
After hearing what Shishi said, Huo Zheng's expression became a little troubled.
He had heard some things about Sophie. His older sister had mentioned that Sophie was a good person when she was alive.
But after hearing Shishi's account today, he also felt that Sophie's actions were not quite right, but he didn't immediately agree to Shishi's request.
"Why aren't you saying anything? Didn't you always say Sister Gu is your goddess and you're willing to do anything for her?" Shishi provoked him.