Seeing Alice's confident expression, Zhang Wan'er's brows were tightly furrowed. She knew Chen Lishu had some capabilities, otherwise, she wouldn't have risen from a mere village girl to the boss of a major brand.
She had even bought a house in the Siheyuan courtyard, no wonder Gu Xingdong was so fond of her, even reluctant to part when they separated. Chen Lishu's presence had made the Gu family's life better!
If Chen Lishu's status were to leap to that of the chief designer in Country M, and her company become an international brand, then she truly would have no strength to deal with her!
Thinking of this, Zhang Wan'er's lips curved upwards slightly, a pained smile appearing on her face, as she continued to sow discord: "What's going on with your master? Does he want to help Chen Lishu? Doesn't he know about some of the small conflicts between you and him?
Even if he doesn't know, how can a master whose disciple is about to become chief designer try their best to support someone else to take the position of chief designer! Are you truly willing? I originally thought of a way to change your master's mind."
Alice propped her chin with one hand and thought carefully. Then she raised her head, her gaze firm as she said to Zhang Wan'er, "Actually, I have considered the issue you mentioned, but it's not a big deal. My master is known for being protective. Perhaps what he's doing is to avenge me?
It would be best if Chen Lishu could become the chief designer. But if she can't, a Chinese person like her coming all the way to our country to compete and then losing would not only tarnish China's reputation but also her own brand. At that point, even the Chinese people wouldn't tolerate her!"
Hearing Alice's words, Zhang Wan'er found them very reasonable. She thought carefully and then said, "I only have Gu Xingdong's contact information, not Chen Lishu's. If I call him now, Gu Xingdong might not even answer. How about this, I happen to have some matters to attend to that require me to see Gu Xingdong. I'll run to the Siheyuan for you then.
You are my best friend, and I don't want to see you step down from the position of chief designer. Therefore, I will help you win the upcoming competition, by any means necessary! Only then can you stay in China and continue to be by my side. I need a good friend like you with whom I can talk about anything. Without you, I feel my life would be meaningless, without a lover, and without a friend."
As she spoke, the light in Zhang Wan'er's eyes suddenly dimmed. She looked as pathetic as one could be, and even Alice felt a pang of guilt, pulling her into a hug. "You are also the first good friend I made in China. Thank you for your support!"
Zhang Wan'er returned the comfort, "Alright, let's not dwell on these things. We can't let a good mood be ruined early in the morning. I plan to go over in a couple of days. I need to rest for these two days; I've become rather haggard, and I don't want Gu Xingdong to see me like this."
Later, the two chatted aimlessly, appearing like the closest of friends.
----
Two days later, Grandpa He and Mother He returned from Country M.
As soon as Chen Lishu received the news, she rushed down from upstairs. Seeing Mother He looking even thinner than before, she couldn't help but ask worriedly, "How is it? What's going on with Auntie's health? Is there anything serious?"
Grandpa He also looked more haggard than before. He placed his hands on his thighs and sat down on the armchair, sighing deeply. "I don't know what's going on. The doctors abroad say your mother's body has no major issues, but she's just getting thinner and thinner!"
Chen Lishu came to Mother He's side, her eyes filled with concern, and asked, "How could this happen? I've already contacted several renowned doctors. I'll have them examine Auntie!"
"There's no other way, we just have to try our best. How could she suddenly fall ill, and yet her condition cannot be diagnosed?" Grandpa He shook his head in frustration, his hair appearing whiter than before in just a few days.
Just then, Qin Yue's voice was heard, "Uncle and Auntie, it's time to eat. I prepared food as soon as you landed, just in case you were hungry. Hurry up and come over."
Chen Lishu frowned tightly, looking at Qin Yue who was offering help for no apparent reason. After Mother He left, she couldn't be seen anywhere. But as soon as Mother He returned, she was cooking and cleaning.
For some reason, Chen Lishu felt that Qin Yue was a bit strange, though she couldn't pinpoint exactly why. She decided not to dwell on trivial matters and instead focused on what she could figure out. She then went to Mother He's side, helped her up, and said, "Auntie, let's go eat first. As long as our stomachs are full, nothing will seem difficult!"
Soon, the family sat at the dining table and ate in silence.
Qin Yue watched them eat heartily, a dark glint flashing in her eyes. Then, she unhurriedly returned to her room and saw Meng Lei leisurely playing a game. She rushed to him with a look of surprise, "You really are a prophet! How is this medicine so effective that so many renowned doctors can't detect its ingredients?
However, one thing hasn't been resolved: Mother He and Chen Lishu have no conflict between them. They are as close as mother and daughter! The medicine has already taken effect for the most part. If they still don't have any conflict, how can the subsequent plan proceed?"
As her words fell, Meng Lei's game also ended. Seeing the "killed" icon on the computer screen, he irritably tossed his mouse aside.
Seeing this, Qin Yue cowered slightly, not daring to breathe loudly. Having spent some time with him, although Meng Lei appeared harmless like a child, his methods were terrifying!
Meng Lei stood up from his gaming chair and stared coldly at Qin Yue, saying, "What use are you to me? I asked you to say bad things about Chen Lishu to Mother He these past few days, trying your best to sow discord between them. But I never expected that after half a year of effort, not only did Mother He's impression of Chen Lishu not turn negative, but she almost suspected you of having ulterior motives. Our plan is about to be exposed!"
Qin Yue pouted aggrievedly, trying to explain, "Mother He already has a prejudice against me, so how could I possibly try harder! I also hate Chen Lishu and wish she would die immediately. Do you think I would slack off on your task?"