Chapter 37 He, and someone worth holding onto...

On Monday morning, the magazine convened an impromptu discussion meeting with several directors and senior editors regarding potential topics.

The meeting was about the cover star and theme of the following year's issue. Logically speaking, starting to work on the cover of the issue in November is quite late.

The brand had purchased the cover of Florian's New Year issue six months ago, and the original cover model was one of the brand's well-established spokespeople. However, last week, for reasons unknown, the brand suddenly changed its mind and replaced the cover model with a highly anticipated up-and-coming male actor.

This change of personnel means that the original plan has to be scrapped and redone.

Based on the brand's requirements, editorial director Wen Hao had already drafted a suitable direction in advance.

"I've done some research on the cover person's image and background, and the tentative theme is 'Choice and Change.' Considering his current popularity, I'm inclined to focus on the results of his choices."

"The story can revolve around how he went from an ordinary person to stepping out of his comfort zone and eventually becoming an actor with representative works, thus exploring the process of choosing what you love and achieving self-fulfillment. Finally, let's return to the point of convergence between him and the brand, the key words being: elegance and breakthrough."

“In terms of visual style, I envisioned a black and white contrast to symbolize the past and the future, change and constancy. Using simple light and shadow to tell the story also echoes the brand’s consistent classic tone.”

After presenting his statement, Wenhao looked at everyone present and asked, "What are your thoughts?"

Sun Ying was the first to offer her opinion: "Although the black and white theme has strong symbolic meaning, ... this is, after all, the first issue of the new year. Wouldn't this color scheme seem too somber?"

The art director nodded in agreement: "The black and white style can indeed be a bit depressing. Perhaps we could add some of the brand's usual colors to that base, so that we can maintain visual contrast without making it too lifeless or gloomy."

Another editor commented, "I was thinking, could we incorporate the concept of dialogue into the filming? For example, the actor could have a conversation with their past self or their future self. Using double exposure and adding warm tones to the light and shadow transitions shouldn't be too jarring."

“This dialogue concept is good,” Wenhao added. “It also echoes the brand’s concept of blending classic and modern elements, and can be seen as a dialogue between the past and the future. Very good.”

Everyone was discussing, one sentence after another. Jiang Nuanyu stared at the documents in front of her, holding a pen cap in one hand, which she gently turned on the knuckles of her other hand.

Noticing the silence around her, she raised her eyelids and found that everyone seemed to be waiting for her to speak.

She forced herself to come back to her senses, but all she could remember was Wenhao's initial words: "choice and change."

She pursed her lips, gathered her thoughts, and said, "Um... I think the theme of 'choice and change' is very good. The director mentioned emphasizing the results of choices, which is indeed a meaningful perspective. But, can the process of making choices itself also be a narrative point? The cover star, as a rising actor, may not have achieved success overnight; perhaps there were setbacks and struggles along the way?"

Wenhao nodded: "That's a good idea, we can explore it further." He then asked, "What about the visual aspect? What are your thoughts on the points we just discussed?"

“Visually…” Jiang Nuanyu raised her eyebrows and glanced at the others—she hadn’t heard a single word of the discussion.

She tentatively suggested, "If it can capture the atmosphere of the New Year... that would be nice too?"

"Okay," Wenhao concluded, "In that case, everyone has reached a consensus on the direction of the visual design..."

Jiang Nuanyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This time, she was lucky; she hadn't completely failed.

The day before, Sunday, she spent almost the entire day lying at home. However, while her body was in bed, her mind was far from resting.

Liang Qi, Ye Ji, Jing Yao, Shi Youning, and even Zhu Li were all included; several of them took turns invading her thoughts.

The video conference with Mariana felt like an abrupt commercial break in the grand drama unfolding in her mind, something she couldn't skip.

She was forced to process this information, and her brain simply couldn't focus on it as she wished.

For the remainder of the meeting, she had no choice but to actively express herself and pass on information during every opportunity to speak, forcing herself to engage in the discussion in this way, and finally managed to get through the meeting to the end.

It was already noon, and everyone went to have lunch one after another.

Jiang Nuanyu returned to her workstation, sat there blankly for a moment with her mind in turmoil, then picked up her phone and sent a message to Ji Meng: "Editor-in-Chief, when are you free? I'd like to take up a little of your time."

Two or three minutes later, Ji Meng replied: "Come to my office at two o'clock."

"Okay, thank you."

Before making a decision after receiving an invitation from Chaleur, Jiang Nuanyu felt she should have a conversation with Ji Meng. This was both out of respect for the magazine and to force herself to confront her inner voice.

But this is not an easy topic.

Florian was her first job after graduation. From her internship to now, from student to working professional, nearly six years of growth have taken place here.

"Jiang Jiang, let me see this!" Feng Shasha brought over a magazine, excitedly flipping to a page. "Look at this group of modern sculptures, they're amazing, so stunning! Can we write a feature on something like this?"

Jiang Nuanyu glanced at the magazine in her hand and said, "It's really good."

“I knew it!” Feng Shasha slapped the table, her tone full of pride. “How about using the sculpture as a backdrop to shoot a series of blockbuster photos? You can suggest it next time you have a topic selection meeting.”

Jiang Nuanyu's thoughts drifted again.

If things really change, she might not be able to attend the next topic selection meeting.

Realizing what she had just been thinking, she frowned slightly, looking a little annoyed.

This is why she insisted on talking to Ji Meng. Although the matter was not yet decided, her inner turmoil had already seriously affected every aspect of her life.

Seeing that she didn't speak, Feng Shasha pressed on, "How is it?"

Jiang Nuanyu snapped out of her daze and nodded, "Mm."

“Yes!” Feng Shasha’s eyes lit up. “I’ll take a picture for reference!” With that, she happily picked up the magazine and skipped back to her seat.

Jiang Nuanyu looked at her energetic and enthusiastic demeanor, but felt somewhat heavy-hearted.

*

Just past two o'clock, Jiang Nuanyu arrived at Ji Meng's office door and knocked.

"Come in," Ji Meng's voice came through the door.

Jiang Nuanyu pushed open the door and went in. Ji Meng was standing in front of the water dispenser getting water. When she saw her, she pointed to the sofa on the side and said, "Sit down."

"Hey." Jiang Nuanyu went over and sat down.

Ji Meng put the water glass on the coffee table and sat down opposite her.

Jiang Nuanyu placed her hands on her knees, lowered her eyelids, and remained silent for a moment.

Ji Meng rarely saw her so hesitant. After a brief look, she asked with concern, "What's wrong? Are you having any difficulties at work or in your life?"

After a few seconds of hesitation, Jiang Nuanyu spoke up: "Editor-in-chief, I have received a job offer from Chaleur."

Ji Meng paused slightly, then smiled: "That's great. What form of invitation is it? How should the magazine cooperate?"

Jiang Nuanyu said, "They wanted me to go to Paris to work full-time as an editor for the international edition of Chaleur."

A hint of surprise flashed in Ji Meng's eyes, then she slowly nodded, understanding the significance of the matter: Jiang Nuanyu's willingness to discuss this matter meant that leaving had become one of her options.

Ji Meng knew that in the creative industry, it was unwise to force someone who wanted to leave to stay. Before Jiang Nuanyu could say anything, she spoke first: "I support you going."

Jiang Nuanyu was taken aback.

“As a fashion platform, Florian is designed to build bridges for people who love this industry,” Ji Meng said. “As editor-in-chief, I am honored to have mentored such a young and outstanding editor as you.”

Touched by Ji Meng's words, Jiang Nuanyu said, "I am very grateful for your support, but... actually I haven't made a final decision yet."

Ji Meng smiled knowingly and nodded: "I understand your hesitation. On one hand, there's a brand new platform and brand new opportunities; on the other hand, there's a familiar environment, a sense of security that you cherish, and the ties of human relationships. It's indeed a difficult choice."

Ji Meng's understanding was spot on, leaving Jiang Nuanyu feeling disappointed.

“But Jiang Nuanyu, you’re currently riding high, and your career is just beginning. You might think that there will be many more opportunities like this in the future.” Ji Meng looked at her and smiled. “But I have to say, only by seizing the opportunity at hand can you make more possibilities truly happen.”

“In a person’s life, there are only a few opportunities that you must seize. An invitation like this from Chaleur is one that you can only dream of,” Ji Meng said. “As the editor-in-chief, of course I don’t want the magazine to lose an editor like you. But from a personal perspective, I believe that you should seize such opportunities every time they come. It is a completely different starting point for you.”

Jiang Nuanyu clenched her hands, her lips were pursed, and her heart was filled with complex emotions. She remained silent for a long time.

Ji Meng crossed her legs, rested her hands on her knees, and slowly said, "Our industry moves at a fast pace, and constant updates and turnover are the norm. When you reach a certain stage in your career, switching platforms and accessing new resources is common, even necessary. You've accumulated experience and resources in Paris, and regardless of whether you come back in the future, your career choices will definitely be more open and free."

"In fact, most changes are just temporary adjustments, not the final destination. So you don't need to put so much pressure on yourself."

Jiang Nuanyu listened to Ji Meng's words thoughtfully.

These past two days, her struggle has been confined to the question of whether to stay or leave, as if that alone is enough to imprint everything in her future, leaving no room for maneuver.

She viewed the changes brought about by this choice as a phase of experimentation. This perspective was indeed something she hadn't considered.

As Jiang Nuanyu left Ji Meng's office, a magnified version of her emotions surged through her. Several deep breaths failed to calm the turmoil in her chest.

She knew she had made her choice.

She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window next to her workstation, gazing at the towering skyscrapers across the way.

The early winter sunlight reflected off the glass curtain wall, cold and dazzling. She squinted at the light, but stubbornly refused to look away.

When she realized what she was doing, she had been staring at the number on her phone screen for a while.

In the "Contacts Saved" section, there is only one name: 't'.

She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down, but all she could see was Liang Qi.

From the first time she saw him to the last time they parted, his back turned as he turned away, scene after scene flashed by.

She was startled to realize that every fragment of her memories of him was so deeply etched in her consciousness. Every image was so clear and vivid, so vivid and real, so real that... she just wanted to cling to it.

Her heart was being violently tugged, clamoring to be immersed in such beauty, almost pulling her back from the line of reason.

She opened her eyes abruptly, her fingers trembling as she switched to WeChat, opened Ji Meng's chat window, and typed: "Editor-in-Chief, I've decided to accept Chaleur's invitation. Thank you for your suggestion. I'll finish my current feature article first."

The screen went dark and then quickly lit up again. Ji Meng replied, "Okay."

Jiang Nuanyu turned around, her steps unsteady as she sat down in a chair. She quickly shook the mouse to wake the screen, as if afraid she would regret it, and hurriedly replied to the confirmation email from Chaleur.

The moment she sent the letter, her mind went blank, and her palms were covered in a thin layer of cold sweat.

She pulled up her calendar, and the last item on her schedule was due on January 10th.

There are less than two months left...

She suddenly felt uneasy, her mind adrift and empty, unable to fully accept what she had done.

The clock in the upper right corner of the screen is ticking away.

Time did not change with the occurrence of any particular decision.

The rest should not change as a result.

Going to Paris doesn't mean completely cutting ties with everything you have now.

That must be it.

The editorial department had recovered from its slow pace at noon, with various sounds intertwining and spreading into the air before drifting down to her ears.

She lowered her head, resting her hands on her forehead, her mind buzzing. She thought about many things, yet it felt like she thought about nothing at all.

Time seemed to stand still for her.

"Nuanyu...?"

Jiang Nuanyu, not wanting to be startled, immediately propped her head up and gathered her hair behind her head, a fleeting look of disorientation in her eyes.

He Anqi looked worried: "...Are you feeling unwell?"

Jiang Nuanyu shook her head and smiled easily, "No. I'm fine, just spacing out." Her gaze fell on the documents in He Anqi's hand, and she raised an eyebrow, saying, "What is it? Tell me."

“Okay.” He Anqi glanced at her again before saying, “I just contacted Yu Miao, the electronic painter who will be interviewed this time, and confirmed the shooting and interview time. It’s still next Monday, no changes. The original plan was to shoot in Studio One, but she suddenly said… she wants to change the shooting location to outdoors.”

"Shooting outdoors?" Jiang Nuanyu frowned.

He Anqi nodded: "Mm."

Jiang Nuanyu sighed, gently patted the back of her head, pulled out relevant documents from the storage shelf, glanced through them, and said, "The established clothing style and overall tone won't be greatly affected by moving the shoot outdoors..."

She thought for a moment, then said, "Let's go along with her." She looked up and asked, "Did she mention a preferred location?"

“No, not at all,” He Anqi said.

Jiang Nuanyu nodded, biting her lip lightly—she still needed to decide on a new filming location.

She thought for a moment and then instructed He Anqi: "You first confirm the details of the clothing loan with the brand. I will send you the interview outline right away. Please send it to her so that she can confirm it in advance."

He Anqi nodded in agreement: "I also think it's necessary." She pouted, "What if she has new requirements later? We'll have to revise the plan all over again."

Jiang Nuanyu noticed her dissatisfaction and smiled, "Artists, they all have their own personalities." She then added, "I'll confirm the shooting location with you after I've chosen it... And who's the photographer?"

“It’s photographer Liu,” He Anqi said. “But he has two more shoots scheduled for Studio 1 that day. If we change the location, he might be a little rushed.”

“Liu is too late,” Jiang Nuanyu said decisively, then asked, “What about the other photographers?”

After a moment's thought, He Anqi suggested, "How about... we use a camera?"

Jiang Nuanyu paused, suddenly recalling her chance encounter with Shi Youning at the supermarket last Saturday.

She sighed inwardly: Sure enough, you can't keep talking about things; whatever you think about comes true.

But she couldn't simply reject the suggestion outright. That would truly blur the lines between public and private matters.

"Okay, then you go and coordinate it." She closed the folder beside her, looked up, and smiled gently. "Thank you for your hard work."

"It's nothing," He Anqi waved her hand. "Let's go."

After He Anqi walked away, Jiang Nuanyu sighed deeply again—she still had work to do.

Fortunately, she still had work to do.

*

That afternoon, Liang Qi finished dealing with external affairs and returned to the 53rd floor.

The elevator doors opened, and the receptionist stood up to greet him: "Good afternoon, Mr. Liang. Director Pan Mingjie from the data center is waiting for you in the waiting area."

Liang Qi didn't stop walking, and nodded slightly with his chin: "Understood."

After passing through the waiting area, Pan Mingjie stood up and respectfully greeted, "President Liang."

Liang Qi glanced at him and walked straight into the office: "Come in."

Pan Mingjie picked up the folder on the table and followed him inside.

Liang Qi casually unbuttoned his suit jacket, sat down in his office chair, and looked up at Pan Mingjie: "Speak."

"Mr. Liang, regarding the VVIP membership system added to Mr. Yao's sub-project, I have compiled the member distribution and consumption points usage details as you requested last Friday. After the data came out, there were indeed a few anomalies."

Pan Mingjie handed over a report: "Among the newly added VVIP members, the customers' background information is seriously lacking. In particular, for several customers who frequently make high-spending purchases, the system only has the most basic information such as their names, and there is not even complete identity verification information."

In other words, we actually have no way to verify the true identities of these people.

Liang Qi looked at the report without looking up, tapping the table with his index finger to signal him to continue.

Pan Mingjie said, "Data shows that the redemption tendency of member points also deviates significantly from the norm. In YunJing's original membership system, only about 5% of members choose to redeem points for social activities. However, in the VVIP system of the sub-project, more than 50% of the points are used to redeem a social activity called 'Celebrity Game'."

"A gathering of celebrities?" Liang Qi looked up. "What's that for?"

“This is a special project set up by President Yao for VVIP members, and it is not compatible with Yun Jing’s existing points redemption system.” Pan Mingjie shook his head. “But the specific details… because it is a relatively private social activity, it has not been disclosed to the public.”

Liang Qi kept a poker face and didn't say anything.

"Also, Mr. Yao's team has been frequently accessing these customers' spending records recently, and has re-labeled and categorized some of the data."

Pan Mingjie hesitated before adding, "These operations themselves aren't a big problem, but President Yao clearly tried to make them disappear without a trace. His actions weren't reflected in the external reports; I only managed to detect these traces through the previously installed global analysis system."

At this point, Liang Qi leaned back in his chair and squinted.

Pan Mingjie couldn't fathom his true thoughts at that moment and remained silent for a while.

A moment later, Liang Qi closed the document and instructed, "Continue to follow up on these anomalies, and report any new developments immediately."

Pan Mingjie pushed up his glasses: "Yes."

After Pan Mingjie left, Liang Qi's gaze fell on the report, his fingertips tapping lightly on the table.

What exactly is Jingyao doing? What does he want to do?

He picked up the phone, dialed an extension number, and said, "Come over here."

Soon, Peng Ze knocked on the door and came in; Liang Qi handed him the folder on the table: "Find a way to figure out what this 'Celebrity Game' is all about."

Peng Ze nodded: "Okay."

He took the document and was about to turn and leave when Liang Qi suddenly asked, "How's the response to the feature article about the collaboration with Conti lately?"

Peng Ze paused for a moment, then said, "Over the past two weeks, all the feature articles from the media that participated in the exchange meeting have been published, and the overall response has been very positive."

Sensing that Liang Qi seemed to be alluding to something, he added: "As the only lifestyle media outlet, Florian offers a unique perspective on cultural interpretations, and the overall feedback has been positive."

“Okay.” Liang Qi nodded and said, “Sponsor each of the media companies involved in this collaboration with a content support fund. Florian will receive an additional bonus on top of its existing sponsorship.”

Peng Ze: "...Yes." He turned and left.

The boss's way of expressing himself is quite subtle and roundabout.