Chapter 202: Chapter 200: Changing Faces as Fast as Flipping Through a Book
Before one knew it, Yuexiang announced they would release their spring fashion show designs early. They even held a press conference, proposing a competition with major domestic brands for the showcase pieces.
Jiang Qimeng appeared triumphantly before the cameras, claiming she had invested five million to open a runway.
In the shot, her gaze beamed with pride and a provocative spark as she said, "Actually, my biggest competitor is Yaowang. I just wonder if CEO Jian will let me down this time."
SMACK!
Wan Yu shut down the computer with a huff.
"That bastard! Can she be any more shameless? She stole Yaowang’s design concept, and now she has the nerve to stand before the cameras and speak so sanctimoniously. And now she comes to provoke us? This is unbearable."
Sitting opposite her, Jian Xi remained calm. "Let her be. She won’t be able to cause trouble for much longer."
"Have your new design drafts come out already?" Wan Yu’s eyes sparkled.
Jian Xi opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, her phone rang insistently.
"Young Master Fu, what can I do for you?"
Wan Yu rolled her eyes. Such a scumbag, and he still has the nerve to call. If it were me, I’d hang up. I have to admire Jian Xi’s patience; she can actually continue to play along with him.
Fu Shengyuan sincerely apologized, "I’m very sorry about what happened before. After you left, Si Yuhuan caused me some trouble, which I’ve only just managed to resolve."
Jian Xi remained silent, offering no response.
Fu Shengyuan hurriedly continued, "I know your group is in a bit of trouble. Don’t worry, I can help you."
"How can you help?" A faint smile touched Jian Xi’s lips.
This man really knows how to act. With his capabilities, could Si Yuhuan causing trouble keep him out of sight for three whole days? So much for ’love at first sight’! Does he think I’m a three-year-old, easily fooled? Utter nonsense!
"Our company has developed a remarkable material that’s lightweight, breathable, and fire-resistant. It was initially intended for automobile manufacturing. If you need it, I can provide it to you for free."
"Oh?" Jian Xi’s interest was piqued.
If such material were used in clothing design, it would indeed be a major highlight. It seems Tianyao Group has been conducting research behind Si Yuhuan’s back. Such material is bound to have a vast market in the future. Judging by his tone, this material must have only recently been successfully developed. Could this be Luo You’s offering to prove his loyalty?
Jian Xi’s keen senses picked up the scent of a conspiracy.
"Alright. Thank you, then."
Jian Xi hung up, drawing a significant complaint from Wan Yu.
"You dare to get involved with a man full of wicked schemes? Aren’t you afraid of getting burned?"
She crossed her arms and leaned close to Jian Xi. "Have you really developed feelings for him?"
Jian Xi gently poked Wan Yu’s forehead. "What are you thinking?"
She took a sip of the juice her secretary had just brought. It tasted quite good. In high spirits, she explained, "Why not use something that’s offered for free? Besides, I’ll inevitably have to clash with him when I take over Haohan Group."
"Well, aren’t you something! Lying in wait for him like this. I bet Fu Shengyuan will want to cough up blood when the truth comes out." Wan Yu laughed heartily, marveling at how clever her best friend had become.
「Tianyao Group.」
Fu Shengyuan summoned his secretary and instructed, "Send the usage rights contract for the new high-tech material Luo You just developed to Yaowang. Ensure it’s delivered personally into Miss Jian’s hands."
I originally intended to go myself. But I feared Jian Xi might think I was a schemer expecting something in return.
The secretary nodded. "Yes, Boss."
Just then, a senior member of the Fu Family barged in, ignoring the security guard’s attempts to stop him. "Fu Shengyuan, how dare you act against your own family! Did you get our approval?"
The Fu Family had only just found out that Fu Shengyuan had Fu Wenxiong imprisoned. For the Fu Family, this was a colossal disgrace.
Fu Shengyuan rose unhurriedly from the CEO’s chair, one hand casually tucked into his pocket. "First Uncle, you want to stand up for Third Uncle, but have you inquired who he offended to make me send him to prison?"
The Fu Family’s First Uncle furrowed his brows. Fu Shengyuan is young but deep and calculating, not one to act impulsively. "He had already retired from active involvement, who could he possibly offend? Could it be..."
His eyes suddenly widened.
Fu Shengyuan nodded. "He tried to kill Jian Xi. Si Yuhuan seriously injured him with a single kick. If I hadn’t sent Third Uncle to prison in time, he would likely be dead by now."
First Uncle clenched his teeth. That third brother of mine is truly detestable! His own son is already crippled, and now he’s going after Si Yuhuan and Jian Xi! Those two are each more troublesome than the last. Never mind Si Yuhuan, that god of calamity whom the entire Fu Family combined couldn’t hope to contend with; just Jian Xi, doted on by the Jian Family, was enough to give the Fu Family a severe headache.
He quickly plastered a smile on his aged face. "Cheng Yuan, what you did was excellent. It was my mistake to blame you. Look, let’s find an opportunity to bail out your Third Uncle and send him abroad. He’s been spoiled since childhood and has never suffered like this. Especially now that your cousin is crippled... just consider it an act of charity!"
"Since First Uncle says so, Cheng Yuan will naturally follow through. Please rest assured."
The moment First Uncle left, a ruthless gleam flashed in Fu Shengyuan’s eyes.
Crippling one Fu Luosheng means nothing! Everyone in the Fu Family, apart from me, deserves to die!
The secretary knocked and entered. "Boss, the materials have been sent to Miss Jian. Here’s the contract."
She handed over a document.
Looking at her flamboyant signature, Fu Shengyuan’s lips curled into a cold smirk.
This woman’s handwriting is as enticing as she is.
He meticulously traced her signature, as if the characters embodied the person herself.
「Nightfall.」
Jian Xi stayed late at work with Chu Xiao. They integrated the new material into garments using the new designs, quickly producing innovative and avant-garde high-tech runway pieces.
Chu Xiao was dizzy from exhaustion. "Sis, once this is successful, you absolutely must cook me a great meal yourself."
I haven’t forgotten that late-night visit to Jian Xi’s home. Her homemade dishes were excellent! But under Si Yuhuan’s intimidating presence, I was chased out before I could even take a single bite. HUMPH! This time, I must sit at the main table and get a huge portion!
"Alright, alright, keep up the good work." Jian Xi went over to massage his shoulders, then made a request, "Fu Shengyuan helped us out so much, shouldn’t we thank him?"
Chu Xiao arched an eyebrow. "What are you planning?"
"How about we give him a bespoke runway piece?" Jian Xi suggested sweetly, handing him a drink.
Chu Xiao’s mouth twitched. I knew it was too good to be true. "I refuse."
I haven’t even gotten to wear one myself yet! Making a piece for another man? Dream on!
Jian Xi coaxed softly, "Don’t be so childish. Think about it, he’s a major CEO. If he wears one of our designer pieces, wouldn’t that be unique promotion? When Wan Yu handles PR, he’ll be a walking advertisement, a living cash cow! Those shrewd businessmen will definitely agree to change their orders!"
"Well..." Chu Xiao wavered. "Then why not ask Si Yuhuan? Wouldn’t that be even better?"
He has much higher public exposure. Besides, he’s handsomer and more stylish than Fu Shengyuan. He’s clearly the one the public dreams about.
Jian Xi’s expression instantly soured. "Don’t mention him. It’s a total mood killer."
Chu Xiao was bewildered. ...Could this woman change her tune any faster? Who was it that was once so desperately in love?