Chapter 15 Friends "I think so," Yi Sheng said. ...

Bai Ye has a habit before bed: she browses through WeChat, as well as public platforms with pictures, articles, and short videos.

This is fast-food reading in our fast-paced era. Bai Ye knows it's not good, but she's just an ordinary person. Eating fast food is fine; spiritual satisfaction is enough.

As usual, Bai Ye was about to scroll through her WeChat Moments to try and fall asleep when she saw Yi Sheng's like on the video channel.

Before Bai Yeke could think of anything, her hand had already clicked on the video.

It's a sharing video from a home improvement blogger, taken in one continuous shot, a typical account-building video, nothing special.

The style is a wabi-sabi style that is rare on the market.

Does Yi Sheng like this style?

Thinking about Yi Sheng's image, it does indeed fit the wabi-sabi style very well.

If it were a house designed specifically for Yi Sheng, she would consider this style. Bai Yeke could also create the design shown in the video, and her skill level wouldn't be any worse than his.

Moreover, taking Yi Sheng's case as an example, her original design plan was more in line with the need for "talent introduction" and should be the best solution.

Bai Yeke's thoughts were in disarray. The three-minute one-shot video had already ended, and the video automatically slid down to the next recommendation.

The images didn't catch her eye; she just mechanically swiped back and forth across the recommended videos.

Two minutes later.

Coconut Cola: Miss Yi, do you like the wabi-sabi style?

Yi Sheng replied instantly.

A life of simplicity: ?

A life of tranquility: does this describe an atmosphere of loneliness and detachment?

A life of simplicity: Not necessarily. In what specific context does it refer to?

Clearly, Yi Sheng was a bit bewildered by her sudden question and had no idea what she was talking about.

Bai Yeke: I saw that you liked a wabi-sabi style home decor video...

A life of simplicity: I accidentally clicked the wrong button.

"..."

What a perfunctory answer.

If it were a slip of the hand and a mistake, how could I remember it so easily? How could I recall it as soon as she asked?

Bai Ye felt a little down, and raised her hand as if to ask another question.

In her mind, Yi Sheng had always been a very aloof and distant figure, much like the wabi-sabi style. However, Yi Sheng always had a kind of gentleness towards her, which led her to feel a subtle trust in him, even though she respected him as the big boss.

Bai Yeke suddenly came to her senses. Because of this little bit of subtle trust, Yi Sheng's image and position in her heart were very special and difficult to define.

She wanted to be closer to Yi Sheng.

But these are all her own thoughts, and have nothing to do with Yi Sheng.

She suddenly asked someone a question late at night. It would be good enough if the big boss could give a perfunctory explanation. What right did she have to keep asking?

Their plan has already been approved, so what's the point of asking Yi Sheng now if he likes wabi-sabi style? Are we just going to start all over again?

Of course, that's impossible.

Therefore, her question had nothing to do with work; it was entirely a test of the other party's preferences. To put it more bluntly, it was a matter of privacy, something that their client-vendor relationship shouldn't involve.

Moreover, since she and Yi Sheng added each other on WeChat, apart from work-related messages, she rarely took the initiative to chat with Yi Sheng. It was always Yi Sheng who would occasionally reach out to her. When she finally wanted to talk to Yi Sheng, her words came out as if she were questioning him. Thinking about it calmly, it was indeed quite inappropriate.

Bai Ye sighed; she hadn't been professional enough today.

Originally, Bai Yeke always felt that she lacked experience and perhaps her work ability was lacking, but she believed that her work attitude was absolutely professional because she was an individual with a high level of focus and would not be easily influenced by others.

You can't do that!

Regardless of her feelings for Yi Sheng, whether she wants to go beyond a working relationship and become friends is a separate matter.

Bai Ye reminded herself that she must maintain professionalism during the collaboration process.

After figuring things out, Bai Yeke decided to end the irrational conversation, but her pause prompted Yi Sheng to offer further explanation.

A life of simplicity: I'm trying to find your videos.

!

Bai Ye looked at the screen, a mixture of surprise and unexpected joy welling up inside her.

"A life of tranquility": But I couldn't find it; I must have clicked the wrong one at that time.

Coconut Cola: Oh, I see...

Bai Yeke's feelings were complicated. She had misunderstood Yi Sheng. How could the big boss have time to watch someone else's home decoration videos? Even when he handed over his own renovation to Bai Yeke, he kept saying, "Just take a look at the design."

It's all her fault for being too impatient and impulsively asking others.

A life of tranquility: Do you have a video account?

Coconut Cola: Yes, but I haven't posted any works.

A life of tranquility: Oh, then why not post it?

Why not send it?

Bai Yeke looked at the sentence and thought about it with some confusion. In fact, she had never thought about this before. She would only forward company videos when asked by her superiors. She was against this behavior, let alone cutting her own hair.

Coconut Cola: I'm not very good at making this kind of video.

This was a relatively decent answer that Bai Yeke came up with, and it was also one of the reasons why she really didn't know how to send it.

A life of simplicity: My assistant, Xiao Yang, should know how. I'll recommend her to you and let her teach you.

?

? ? ?

!!

What an incredible plot twist!

Coconut Cola: Isn't this a bit inappropriate?

"A life of tranquility": Why not? She may not be very skilled, but editing this kind of video should be no problem for her.

Ah, this...

Bai Ye looked at the message from Yi Sheng with confusion and surprise. Before she could react, Yi Sheng sent another message.

A life of simplicity: I just told her that, and she said she could.

Bai Yeke screamed inwardly: I can't do this!

A red number 1 appeared on the WeChat contact icon. Bai Ye clicked on it and saw the verification message: "I am Xiao Yang, Mr. Yi's assistant."

?

Bai Ye was genuinely panicked. Why was she being forced into this situation?

A life of simplicity: Right, it seems like I was just talking to myself, without asking if you wanted to learn.

You finally realized it!

A life of tranquility: If you don't want to learn, that's fine. Just keep her number; you can contact her directly if you need any help.

!

If you need any help, you can directly contact Yi Sheng's assistant!

What kind of unexpected benefit is this?

Could she ask Liu Run's assistant to help her with things?

Bai Yeke's mind went blank once again. Was this a perk from designer Yi Sheng? A perk of their personal relationship? Or just a good deed done by the genuinely kind Yi Sheng?

No, I can't be unprofessional. Bai Ye forced herself not to interpret Yi Sheng's behavior casually.

Now, let's get back to the professional question. Given the opportunity Yi Sheng has given us, how about learning editing?

Bai Yeke felt that from a long-term development perspective, it was worth learning. She didn't need to become an expert; as Yi Sheng said, it was good to get started and have another channel to showcase her work.

She opened Xiao Yang's chat window and politely greeted him.

Coconut Cola: Hello, thank you for your help next time.

Little Lamb, Charge! You're welcome!

Little Sheep Rush: Your WeChat name is so cute! I love coconuts and cola! We're sure we'll get along well in the future, so please don't use the formal "you" anymore! Just use a normal address!

Coconut Cola: Okay~

Bai Yeke is really not good at socializing. She remembers that she met this assistant once before. He was very efficient, but she didn't expect him to have this kind of friendly style when chatting.

However, although Xiao Yang's speaking style was cute, Bai Ye inexplicably felt that this person was an extremely efficient and capable person.

Bai Yeke and Yi Sheng chatted briefly for a few more minutes, and Yi Sheng made an appointment with her for tomorrow as the second time to select materials.

So the next morning, Bai Ye declined the sales invitation and prepared to make time to spend with Yi Sheng.

Unexpectedly, after the lunch break, the store manager made an impromptu decision to hold a coordination meeting.

Everyone ate their boxed lunches in a flurry of activity and rushed into the conference room.

The scene was so lively that everyone assumed it was a mobilization meeting or a promotion meeting, because the store was doing really well lately.

The store manager first analyzed the current situation, and indeed the timing and opportunities were very good. Under the cooperation between Liurun and the main brand, the performance was also very good.

But then he changed his tone, "However, even with such a fervent atmosphere, some people still haven't met their targets. This is not an excuse that 'market conditions' can justify! It's a matter of attitude!"

It means that in the past, the overall environment was just like that, and it was indeed not easy for everyone to attract customers. But now that the traffic is so good, there is no reason why it is not possible to attract customers!

Various departments gathered here, and many of them whispered among themselves.

"Damn, they're really trying to make us all-rounders!"

"Wow, is this really necessary?"

"Let him be. Anyway, we have a lot of orders lately, enough to cover the fines for not meeting our personal targets!"

...

Most people did not openly voice their opposition, as they were unwilling to take the lead and offend the store manager, and all planned to endure it and get through this round.

Everyone secretly guessed that this was to wrap up the previous strategic tasks and also to maintain the store manager's leadership authority. After all, the situation was better now, and there shouldn't be any more headcount targets after this round of targets.

The store manager read out the list of those who hadn't met their targets, and Bai Yeke's name was on it. However, because the store had been busy lately, many people had given up asking friends and family for help and were more efficient at taking orders directly in the store. So there were a lot of people on the list, and Bai Yeke blended in with the crowd and didn't stand out.

The only frustrating thing is that Yi Sheng happened to be there again and heard Bai Yeke's name.

Yi Sheng was just wandering around because the shop was basically empty. She happened to wander into the conference room and stumbled upon this scene. After seeing that they were having a meeting, she quietly walked away to a table in the lobby to rest and wait for others.

The meeting was brief, as everyone had to get back to work in the afternoon. The store manager finished the meeting after stating the details of the meeting.

Bai Ye hurriedly went to entertain her VVVIP clients. She hoped that Yi Sheng hadn't heard the name called, and that even if he had... he wouldn't make fun of her.

After all... this woman has a real talent for teasing people.

"Miss Yi." Bai Yeke quickly took two steps forward and greeted her politely with a smile.

"Hmm." Yi Sheng sat casually, but her posture was upright, or rather, elegant. She looked up at Bai Yeke, who was holding her laptop and work tablet, and smiled slightly. "Designer Bai, are you done being criticized?"

"...!"

That's exactly the kind of opening line Yi Sheng uses in conversations!

"Uh... um." Bai Yeke helplessly used her usual vague response.

Yi Sheng stopped teasing her and gestured for her to lead the way to select materials.

"How does Designer Bai plan to deal with this performance indicator system in the future?" Yi Sheng casually chatted with her.

They walked towards the bathroom area, continuing from where they left off.

"There are only three days left in this round, and it's too late to find someone now. Let's just let it go." Bai Yeke had the same idea as everyone else; anyway, the deductions didn't outweigh the profits. "This system will probably be canceled later."

"It won't be canceled," Yi Sheng said casually, but his tone was resolute.

?

Bai Yeke was slightly taken aback. How could Miss Yi make such a decisive conclusion?

Without stopping, Bai Yeke pondered for a moment while working.

Previously, there were few orders, but now the situation is completely different.

But if the store really intended to cancel this system, they wouldn't have held this meeting today. Besides, the store manager has already made it very clear that recruiting people is a matter of attitude, not about getting through the difficulties.

Suddenly, she understood something.

Previously, when the situation was not good, the store said it was a matter of sharing weal and woe. While that may have been part of the reason, under the current circumstances, the "hexagonal warrior" is almost an inevitable product and demand of the industry's intensified competition.

Unless... your expertise is so exceptional that you can disregard everything else, that would be an exception.

Moreover, the attitude refers to a willingness to face challenges head-on and be willing to take risks.

The industry competition has reached a point where it's like rowing against the current; if you don't move forward, you fall behind.

Therefore, Yi Sheng is probably right.

Bai Ye was quite distressed upon reaching this conclusion...

If involution and mass sales are the major trends, will someone like her really be unable to integrate well into the workforce in the future?

This world is so unfriendly!

Can't you leave us ordinary folks a way to survive?

Yi Sheng seemed to see through her thoughts, "But Designer Bai, don't worry."

?

Bai Ye looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Yi Sheng stood in front of the display wall, comparing the styles of the socket panel and the switch panel. "Aren't you already learning to edit videos? You already have this attitude."

Bai Yeke paused slightly.

Yes, the trend is involution, and she feels frustrated and even slightly resistant.

But she didn't run away, nor did she simply give up and bury her head in the sand like an ostrich. She didn't have that right, so she was already facing it and improving herself in many ways.

"Keep a calm mindset." Yi Sheng glanced at her, a slight smile playing on his lips, as if teasing her or giving her a word of advice.

Bai Ye nodded unconsciously.

After ordering, I felt a little silly, like an apprentice learning from a master.

Damn it.

This woman is really good at setting the tone.

In fact, people in their line of work would normally call them teachers.

The main purpose is to enhance the company's image and make clients feel respected, which makes work easier.

"Teacher Bai!" This is how most of her colleagues introduce her to clients. Their various departments work together to create an atmosphere so that clients will naturally accept and call her that as well.

But Yi Sheng didn't bother with any of those formalities. This woman could earn your respect from the bottom of your heart with just a few simple words, and even make you follow her train of thought and unconsciously want to listen to her... teach you?

Bai Ye pursed her lips. If she hadn't been working on creating a designer image for the store, she wouldn't have realized what was happening and would have had a hard time analyzing the effect of Yi Sheng's behavior.

This woman's methods are truly brilliant.

As Bai Yeke was inwardly marveling, Yi Sheng glanced at her again and pointed to the selected panel. She quickly snapped back to reality and wrote it down.

“Actual switches and smart sockets.” Bai Yeke thought for a moment and reminded, “Actual switches and smart lights are already a stable combination, but smart switches with smart lights can achieve more scenarios.”

Bai Yeke felt that the house was inhabited by highly skilled professionals brought in by the Yi family. People like that type of person would like to have more ways to mix and match and pursue a bit of fun.

Yi Sheng was indeed indifferent to this, "Okay, I'll listen to you. Then let's change the switch to the same series as the socket."

After Baiye finished making the changes, they went to the next exhibition room.

Yi Sheng casually explained to her, still referring to Bai Yeke's work, "There are too many ways to achieve your goals. Just choose what you can do and what you are good at. You don't necessarily have to use your weaknesses to compete with others' strengths."

Baiye isn't good at being insincere with people; she excels at working alone and immersing herself in the process. Her existing customers would naturally bring in new customers, and if she regularly updates her videos, it will undoubtedly further boost this referral effect.

Their usual practice is that if a regular customer recommends a place to someone they know for the first time, it's probably because the house is well done. The second time, they have to maintain the customer relationship by asking them to help with referrals. After that, they can't keep bothering the customer.

Posting videos intermittently won't bother people, and each time they see them, they might recommend them to their friends. This gradual approach ensures that opportunities will always be there.

The influence of a work, driven by the internet, can actually surpass the virtual world built through face-to-face conversation.

Using this method to break the deadlock could potentially be more effective than recruiting friends and family.

Bai Ye felt like someone had forced a cheat sheet into her exam room, and it was even the kind that was tailor-made for her.

"Miss Yi?" Bai Ye noticed that, without realizing it, Yi Sheng was no longer looking at the exhibits, but at her, and his gaze was very different from his usual indifferent and nonchalant attitude.

"Hmm." Yi Sheng withdrew his gaze and looked back at the exhibition hall.

“Uh…” Bai Yeke hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

"how?"

"Were you looking at me just now?"

Bai Ye was very curious, but she regretted asking because it was too rash.

The contractor might ask the client, "Are you looking at me with such a naive question?"

"Hmm." Yi Sheng still had a nonchalant expression. "The way you nodded was like a well-behaved student."

?

!

Bai Ye was completely dumbfounded.

Then my face felt hot and my heart raced.

It's like a quiet and unassuming person who is suddenly called out by the teacher and praised in a grand manner. The praise isn't for doing well on the test or being clever in solving problems, but for writing beautiful handwriting.

A completely unrelated point.

What's going on here?

If it weren't Yi Sheng, but someone else had said that, Bai Ye would have given a sarcastic remark, albeit a mild one.

This floor is the kitchen showroom. Each small cubicle is designed like a kitchen. A colleague who had just finished a live broadcast came out of one of the cubicles after packing up his things, and happened to run into Bai Yeke and her group walking this way.

"Teacher Bai!" the female colleague greeted them.

"Hi," Bai Yeke replied casually, a flat smile on her face.

My heart... my heart is beyond description.

Was she a teacher or a student?

Without even looking, Bai Ye could guess that Yi Sheng's expression must be quite something.

Because she heard Yi Sheng chuckle softly and pleasantly.

Bai Ye numbly walked towards the next kitchen.

Yi Sheng followed her in, saying, "Your store's livestreamer is quite good-looking."

“Of course,” Bai Yeke said casually, “otherwise, why would we have chosen her as the anchor?”

"And what about you?"

"What?" Bai Yeke half-squatted down and opened the cabinet door to show Yi Sheng the inside of the kitchen cabinet.

“Designer Bai is much better looking, why didn’t he choose you?” Yi Sheng asked.

"...?!"

Bai Yeke's face flushed, feeling both embarrassed and slightly pleased.

She was already immune to being complimented on her looks, but being complimented by a beauty like Yi Sheng still made her a little embarrassed.

However, this question is too difficult to answer. No wonder it was asked by Yi Sheng, the master of chatting to death.

"Because I am." Bai Yeke had a "what's the use" attitude and simply said, "Miss Yi, don't you know that too?"

Yi Sheng tilted his head slightly, looking both puzzled and understanding.

“I thought we were acquainted. I’m an I-person.” Bai Ye looked at Yi Sheng, a hint of probing in her eyes, “Miss Yi, didn’t you know?”

Bai Yeke was always well aware of the gap between them, but she still had a sliver of hope that she could get a little closer to Yi Sheng.

"Acquainted?" Yi Sheng looked at her as well, his tone direct and straightforward. "Then would you consider us friends?"

Bai Yeke's eyes widened slightly. She felt her face getting hot again, and her heart was beating faster.

Was she being presumptuous, testing the waters like this? Could Yi Sheng be teasing her?

Will her saying it will invite ridicule from others?

But……

Bai Ye avoided eye contact and asked softly, "What does Miss Yi think?"

She then threw the question back at Yi Sheng.

Bai Ye herself felt that this was a bit petty, timid, and not straightforward.

well……

"Heh." The woman's voice was cool and aloof, accompanied by a faint laugh.

Bai Yeke lowered her eyes to look at the stone surface of the cabinet and began to regret it. She wanted to skip the topic and introduce the marble material, her eyes wandering between several patterns.

“I think so,” Yi Sheng said.

A note from the author:

----------------------

The next chapter will be available for purchase! Thank you all for your support!

Also, I'd like to recommend two pre-order novels: "The Super-Skillful Yuri Romance App" and "The Purifier".