Chapter 28 Become My Woman Unconditionally
The success of the Xi brand's debut took the city by storm. People were talking about the stunning presentation, the incredibly expensive clothes that were instantly sold out, and the dazzling designer, Su Hexi, who had risen like a phoenix from the ashes.
The tailor shop was finally no longer deserted, but was crowded with people who came to inquire about the next batch of new products, or simply wanted to see Su Hexi's style.
Zhou Lin was busy maintaining order, with fatigue that was hard to conceal on his face, but there was genuine joy for Su Hexi in his eyes.
At that moment, a black sedan silently stopped at the edge of the crowd. The door opened, and Tang Yuelin, wearing a neatly trimmed woolen coat and meticulously combed hair, stepped out. His presence carried an aura of authority that subtly quieted the noisy crowd, causing them to make way for him.
Zhou Lin thought it was an important client and hurried forward to receive him.
Tang Yuelin didn't even look at Zhou Lin. His eyes passed over him and locked onto Su Hexi who was checking orders in the store. With an ambiguous smile on his lips, he walked straight in.
When Su Hexi saw Tang Yuelin, her heart sank, and an instinctive alertness instantly rose. She quickly walked to the door and took the initiative to put her arm around Zhou Lin's. This intimate gesture made Zhou Lin's body stiffen suddenly, and he looked at her sideways in disbelief.
Su Hexi ignored his surprise. With a proper yet distant smile on her face, she spoke clearly to Tang Yuelin, "Director Tang, I'm sorry for not welcoming you. Let me introduce you, my husband, Zhou Lin."
She pronounced the word "husband" very clearly, as if she was declaring her sovereignty or drawing a line.
Zhou Lin felt as if his heart was hit by something suddenly, and a huge, sour ecstasy instantly surged through his body!
She admitted it! She had so clearly acknowledged his identity in front of outsiders! He was so excited that his fingers trembled slightly. He subconsciously straightened his back. Although he was wearing old work clothes, he tried hard to show an aura worthy of her.
Tang Yuelin's eyes seemed to have just noticed Zhou Lin, and they stayed on him for less than a second. His eyes were calm, without surprise or contempt, as if he was scanning an insignificant piece of furniture. Then, his eyes returned to Su Hexi, and his tone was understated:
"Ms. Su, congratulations. Your debut presentation was a success." He paused and got to the point. "I'm here to talk to you privately about the future development of your 'Xi' brand and any possible... collaboration between us."
He deliberately emphasized "alone" and "cooperation".
Su Hexi's heart was in turmoil. The weasel was paying New Year's greetings to the chicken, and there was no good intention. But she was still young and could not completely break off with Tang Yuelin.
She took a deep breath, patted Zhou Lin's arm, and spoke in a slow but unquestionable tone: "Zhou Lin, go and help me sort out the orders outside. I have something to talk to Director Tang about."
Zhou Lin glanced at her worriedly, then looked at the unfathomable Tang Yuelin. His lips moved, and he finally chose to believe her and whispered, "Okay, I'll be outside."
He glanced at Tang Yuelin warningly before turning and walking out, carefully closing the door ajar, leaving a gap.
Only Su Hexi and Tang Yuelin were left in the shop.
Tang Yuelin stopped beating around the bush and walked over to the hanging black dress sample. His fingers gently brushed across the smooth satin. His tone remained calm, yet it carried an undeniable sense of oppression:
"Miss Su, you are a smart person and talented. But you should understand that in this place, without a background and backing, you won't get far with just a little cleverness and luck. The power of the Red Star Factory is far beyond your imagination. It's no exaggeration to say that I can easily destroy your small tailor shop."
Su Hexi clenched his fists, said nothing, and waited for his next words.
Tang Yuelin turned around and looked at her sharply: "I value your ability and admire your ambition. How about we make a bet?"
"Betting agreement?" Su Hexi frowned.
"That's right." Tang Yuelin's lips curled up in a calculating arc. "Let's bet on the sales of your 'Xi' brand in the next show. If your next sales can reach three times the total of this debut, then you win. At that time, I will mobilize all the resources at hand, even using Red Star Factory's overseas channels, to promote your brand nationwide and even overseas!"
This condition is extremely tempting! It is exactly what Su Hexi has been dreaming of!
But she knew that the price would be extremely heavy.
Tang Yuelin will definitely use all his connections and channels to create obstacles for her and squeeze her living space.
"What if I lose?" she asked in a dry voice.
Tang Yuelin's eyes instantly became dark, filled with a predatory determination: "If you lose, your 'Xi' brand will be closed immediately and disappear forever. And you yourself..." He paused, and said word by word, "You must unconditionally become my woman."
Su Hexi's pupils suddenly contracted and her heart almost stopped beating!
"Of course," Tang Yuelin added slowly, seemingly oblivious to her sudden change of expression, his tone as cold as a knife. "If you don't dare to take the gamble now and reject my offer, then I guarantee that your store won't last until next month."
Threats, naked threats! Either risk everything for a slim hope, or lose everything now!
Su Hexi's face turned pale, and her blood seemed to freeze. She knew it was a trap. Since Tang Yuelin dared to propose such a bet, he must be absolutely sure that she would lose! Those obstacles would definitely be devastating.
But... her recent success had ignited her confidence and ambition! Her stubbornness and pride wouldn't allow her to just give in! Furthermore, if she won, the future was too bright!
Since there is no way out, let’s give it a try!
Only by giving it a try can you truly break free from the shackles and fly to a wider world!
The huge risk and the huge temptation fought fiercely in her heart. In the end, the ruthless will to refuse to admit defeat prevailed.
She suddenly raised her head and met Tang Yuelin's deep eyes. Her voice trembled slightly due to nervousness, but it was unusually clear and firm: "Okay! I bet! But I have to add one thing! If I win, you can only be my business partner and helper, and you can no longer have any improper thoughts about me!"
Tang Yuelin showed a meaningful smile, a sign of success. "No problem." He extended his hand. "Then... it's a deal."
Su Hexi didn't shake his hand, but just looked at him coldly.
Tang Yuelin didn't care, he took his hand back and smiled: "I look forward to your performance."
He turned around and left the tailor shop gracefully.
Outside the door, Zhou Lin immediately rushed in and looked at Su Hexi's pale face nervously: "Wanwan, what did he say to you? Are you okay?"
Su Hexi looked at Zhou Lin's concerned and anxious eyes, and thought of the crazy gamble in which she had staked herself and her future. A huge sense of fear and confusion instantly swept over her.
The moment she agreed to the bet, perhaps, she had already stepped into the trap that Tang Yuelin had carefully woven for her, a trap that was doomed for her to fail, but she just refused to believe it!
All the obstacles she encounters will be stepping stones to her success!
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