Shang Wu stood at the door of the reception room, her brows furrowing slowly.
Even though a long time had passed, she still recognized him.
It is Qi Yan.
Back then, Zhou Yanci's company and Qi Yan's group clashed fiercely over a major project, engaging in a fierce business battle.
In order to win, Zhou Yanci used her design talent and fame to design a series of comparative advertisements targeting the brands under the Qiyan Group.
Although it was within the bounds of the law, the methods were quite ruthless, causing Qi Yan considerable public relations trouble and damage to his image.
That business battle ultimately ended in Qi Yan's crushing defeat, for which he paid a considerable price.
Shang Wu never expected that after so many years, she would meet this business tycoon she had indirectly crossed paths with again in this way! Moreover...
The other party still appeared at her personal studio as a major client.
She instinctively wanted to back away, to find an excuse to cancel the order.
But reason quickly pulled her back.
Why hide? Back then, she was just a pawn being used, and in business competition, everyone is on their own side. She didn't do anything that violated professional ethics or the law.
Moreover, with the passage of time, even if a busy man like Qi Yan remembers Cheng Zhou, he wouldn't remember her, someone he only met once.
Shang Wu took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in her heart, put on a smile again, and calmly walked in.
"Mr. Qi, hello, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I'm the designer Freya."
She extended her hand, her tone calm and natural.
Qi Yan slowly turned around, his gaze sharper and calmer than before, as if he could see into people's hearts.
His gaze fell on Shang Wu, with a hint of scrutiny.
But that was all; nothing unusual was observed.
He reached out and gently shook her hand, the pressure just right, before letting go.
"I have long admired you. I apologize for the intrusion and hope I have not disturbed your creative process."
"Mr. Qi, you're too kind. The customer is always right." Shang Wu smiled and invited him to sit down, then took her seat on the sofa opposite him.
She took out her tablet to take notes, "I wonder what kind of jewelry Mr. Qi would like to design? Is it a gift or for personal use? Do you have a rough budget and style preference?"
Qi Yan leaned back on the sofa, his posture elegant and relaxed, as if he were truly there to discuss business.
He briefly explained his needs.
A brooch, to be given to an elder female who has shown him kindness and support. The style should be grand and elegant, with understated luxury. There is no budget limit.
Shang Wu listened attentively, occasionally asking some professional questions.
Qi Yan behaved exactly like a normal, demanding client.
Shang Wu's tense nerves gradually relaxed, and the unease in her heart slowly dissipated.
It seems I was overthinking things; he doesn't remember those old stories at all.
She fully immersed herself in the exchange and began to conceive several preliminary design directions.
Just as Shang Wu was getting into the swing of things and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, Qi Yan suddenly picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip.
He spoke as if it were unintentional, his tone as casual as if he were talking about the weather.
"To be honest, this isn't the first time we've dealt with each other."
Shang Wu's fingers, which were gripping the stylus, suddenly stiffened.
Does he remember?
She looked up, revealing a perfect smile tinged with slight confusion.
"Oh? What makes you say that, Mr. Qi? Have we met before?"
Qi Yan put down his teacup, his gaze landing on her face with a half-smile.
"It seems Miss Shang has a bad memory. Many years ago, at the Mingyue Bay project, you and Mr. Zhou left a very deep impression on me, especially the advertisements you designed. They were so clever and effective."
His tone remained calm, even tinged with a hint of appreciation.
Shang Wu's breathing became slightly labored.
He remembers.
He not only remembered, but remembered it very clearly, even pointing out the project name and what she did.
Shang Wu put down the tablet, sat up straight, and spoke with sincere apology.
"So that's what Mr. Qi was referring to. I'm very sorry. I was young and impetuous back then, and was taken advantage of, which led me to do some inappropriate things. If this has caused you any trouble, I am deeply sorry. But that's all in the past, and business competition is inherently..."
"Everyone is acting on their own, and it's all about the winner taking all the credit. I understand."
Qi Yan interrupted her, picked up where she left off, and smiled, “That’s why I’m sitting here today. I’m not here to interrogate you. On the contrary, I admire your talent and courage back then.”
He changed the subject, his eyes becoming somewhat playful.
"However, we were rivals back then, and now we're clients. What a strange twist of fate. I'm repaying evil with kindness by coming here specifically to patronize your business, shouldn't Miss Shang show some appreciation? Perhaps, perhaps, give me a special thank you?"
Shang Wu: "..."
She was completely speechless.
What does this person mean? Is it a slap followed by a sweet treat? Or is he deliberately teasing her?
She took a deep breath and maintained a polite smile: "Mr. Qi is right. I should thank you for your generosity and appreciation, both emotionally and logically. If you don't mind the unpleasantness of the past, our studio will do its best to design a satisfactory piece for you."
"Of course, if you still have reservations, we completely understand, this order..."
"The orders will proceed as usual." Qi Yan made a decisive decision, leaning forward slightly. "Thanks can't just be words. How about this, it's almost dinner time, why don't you do me the honor of having a simple meal together? It would be a good start for our cooperation, wouldn't it?"
Shang Wu was extremely unwilling.
But since the other party has already said so much, if she refuses, wouldn't she seem petty and immature?
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
