Chapter 52 Exclusive Release Chapter 52 "You are impeccably dressed..."
The gentleman's service was impeccable; he removed her dress from her shoulders.
The greenhouse was very warm, but the sudden contact of the air with her skin still made Yuan Ning shiver slightly.
"Are you cold?" he asked, his voice lower and hoarser than usual.
“You know perfectly well it’s not cold,” Yuan Ning said, her fingers hooking onto the buttons of his suit vest. “I hate doing this every time?”
"how?"
You are impeccably dressed, while I am utterly disheveled.
Elias took out a pure white handkerchief, wiped his index and middle fingers, and asked, "Do you feel embarrassed like this?"
“Of course.” She paused, then continued, “I lost control.”
Elias placed his hand on the back of her neck, his thumb stroking behind her sensitive ear, soothing her: "It's not your fault, baby."
Yuan Ning was unwilling to give up and reached out to untie his tie. The Windsor knot was tied very tightly, perfectly fitting his Adam's apple, and she tugged at it somewhat clumsily. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't loosen it.
Elias grabbed her wrist, stopping her movement.
"Go to my study."
He picked her up in his arms.
The path from the greenhouse to the study is not far, but it is quiet along the way.
The study door was pushed open by his shoulder, and then silently closed behind her.
This is the core of his absolute domain.
The large walnut desk, like an island, rests quietly in the center of the room.
The hard wooden tabletop felt cool against his skin. Yuan Ning sat on it, at eye level.
She was only wearing her underwear, which was even disheveled. Against the serious and solemn backdrop of the study, the sense of exposure and vulnerability brought about by this contrast was even stronger than when she was in the greenhouse.
Elias raised his hand and began slowly and methodically unbuttoning his suit jacket, then his waistcoat. He didn't take them off, but simply unbuttoned them, letting the perfectly tailored garments slightly open to reveal a meticulously tailored white shirt underneath. His tie remained neatly tied.
His posture at this moment was even more "well-dressed" and more imposing than before.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose, and finally her lips—a light but possessive kiss.
Yuan Ning accepted shyly, then wrapped her arms around his neck, wanting more kisses.
Elias did as she wished.
As Yuan Ning breathed heavily, she leaned on his shoulder and said, "Elijas, you're one of the founding members of Casanova."
Elias's lips lingered above her collarbone, pausing for a moment upon hearing this.
She sat on his desk, almost half-naked.
Then, Elias let out a very soft chuckle, almost from deep in his throat.
“Baby, you’re very good at scheming.” His voice rang out close to the artery on the side of her neck.
Yuan Ning tried to coax him into giving in, but Elias had already straightened up.
He took a half step back, creating a more intimate distance between them. Under the warm yellow light, his slightly open suit vest and impeccably tailored shirt contrasted sharply with her disheveled appearance and flushed cheeks as she sat at her desk.
Just then, Elias turned around and walked toward his huge walnut desk.
He didn't return to his seat, but instead opened a drawer near Yuan Ning's. His movements were unhurried, as if he already knew what was inside.
He took out an extremely thin folder with a dark brown matte cover, made of a special material that felt like the skin of some cold-blooded animal. He placed the folder on the smooth surface of the desk, right next to Yuan Ning.
"Take a look at this."
Yuan Ning's gaze fell on the folder, and her heart inexplicably raced. She reached out, picked it up, and opened it.
The title is: "Framework Agreement on Long-Term Strategic Investment and Cooperation Regarding Ms. Wynne Meng's Personal Development and Related Business Activities"
Her gaze quickly shifted downwards.
Party A: Elias van der Berg (Individual)
Party B: Meng Yuanning
With clear terms and precise wording, this is a business cooperation agreement.
Summary of core terms:
Investment Target: Clearly stated as "the sum of all commercial value, intellectual property rights, social influence and brand assets created by Party B in the next five years".
This is not just a project; it's a buyout of her entire life's trajectory.
Initial Capital Pool: An independent trust fund named "Wynne Development Trust" will be established, with initial capital injected by Party A (amount blank, to be filled in, but implying no upper limit). This capital will be used to cover Party B's personal living expenses, global travel, high-end education (such as necessary business school courses), image maintenance, and necessary legal support for the next five years. This money is unrelated to the profits or losses of any specific project and is the cornerstone to ensure she can "explore the world without worry."
Project co-investment rights: For any commercial project initiated or led by Party B (primarily Casanova), Party A has the priority exclusive co-investment rights and will participate on the most favorable terms (valuation, shareholding ratio).
Profit Sharing: 20% of the net profit from all of Party B's projects will be reinvested in the aforementioned trust fund or used as Party B's personal compensation; the remaining 80% will be distributed according to the specific project agreement. However, the agreement stipulates that Party A voluntarily returns most of its excess profits from the Casanova project to Party B in the form of "special advisory fees".
Resource injection: Party A shall unconditionally open its personal social and resource network to Party B and promise to personally introduce and endorse it.
Percival Capital’s analysis and legal teams can provide paid consulting services to Party B at prices far below market rates when necessary.
Party A will provide a credit guarantee in its personal capacity for Party B to acquire important resources.
The agreement appendix outlines clear five-year milestones (e.g., establishing a brand with a valuation exceeding X, completing independent financing of amount Y, obtaining a Z-level industry award or media exposure). For each milestone achieved, the contractor's autonomy in subsequent projects increases, and the trust fund amount receives a "bonus"-like increase.
"Both parties acknowledge that this agreement is based on a high degree of mutual appreciation and trust, and its validity and execution are completely independent of any personal emotional relationship that may exist, develop, or change between the parties. Both parties promise to perform this agreement in a professional manner."
Yuan Ning turned the pages one by one, her fingers trembling.
Elias wouldn't give her a free lunch; he set up a playground for her, a playground only she could play in, but with rules set by him.
There was no ring, no marriage, but he invested in her projects, her education, her life, her knowledge, and all her strength.
She looked up at Elias. He leaned against the desk, relaxed, as if he had just handed her a glass of water.
"What's this?"
“Wynne, don’t be nervous. You can think carefully about whether or not to sign it.” He even casually took out an unopened bottle of whiskey from the liquor cabinet behind his desk and poured himself a small glass.
“But… Elias, as a seasoned investor, have you rationally considered this project?” she asked, her voice trembling without her even realizing it. “Gambling so many resources on one person? This isn’t your style.”
At the same time, she was looking forward to hearing the answer she wanted.
Do you want to hear him say it's because he loves her? No, no, no.
He reached into another drawer of his desk and took out a much thinner document.
“Over the past six months, I have observed and recorded your key behavioral data.” He opened the briefing, his tone as calm as if he were presenting a financial report. “Risk response success rate: After facing major setbacks, your rebound speed and resource restructuring efficiency exceed those of 87% of the startup founders in the Percival portfolio.”
"Learning and Adaptation Curve: From a rudimentary understanding of top social rules to effective dialogue with Alexander Kiyokawa in Winged Foot, and then to professional collaboration in the Dunhuang project, your skill acquisition and application speed will grow exponentially."
“Resource leverage ratio: You leveraged a series of key resources, including mine, with almost zero initial capital and transformed them into substantial progress. This ‘capital conversion efficiency’ is extremely rare in the early-stage investment field.”
He closed the briefing, his voice chillingly calm: "Therefore, this investment decision is very rational."
“Elijas, so you approve of me? You highly approve of my abilities.”
"yes."
Yuan Ning suppressed her racing heart. Although the agreement stipulated that a large portion of her earnings over the next five years would likely go into Elias's pocket, this was an opportunity.
It allowed her to skip ten years of initial accumulation and stand directly on the shoulders of giants.
There are many ways to gain Elias's support and unconditional favor, but between marriage and this agreement, she chose this one.
She took a deep breath and picked up the heavy Montblanc pen on his desk.
Without hesitation, she wrote "Meng Yuanning" again in the signature area for Party B.
Elias said, "So, partner."
Yuan Ning smiled and took his hand: "Always."
Early summer, Parsons School of Design graduation ceremony.
Sunlight streamed through the tall stained-glass windows of the auditorium, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the polished marble floor.
The air was filled with the scent of gardenias, and the understated ostentation essential to high society. Luxury cars from all over the world were quietly parked along the tree-lined avenue, and parents, dressed impeccably, conversed in hushed tones.
Yuan Ning sat in the first row of the graduates' seats. She wore a custom-made ivory white linen suit, with a clean cut and no superfluous decorations, except for a gold brooch pinned to her chest.
Her hair was neatly pulled back, revealing her smooth forehead and graceful neck. She stood serenely, her gaze fixed on the podium, beside her sat Qiao Yiya and her male companion, Mr. Jiang Jianzhou.
At first, when Qiao Yiya said she would bring Jiang Jianzhou to her graduation ceremony, Yuan Ning hesitated. But the other party was sincere and only said that she was accompanying her mother to the ceremony. Yuan Ning had just been selected as the graduate representative, so she had no reason to refuse.
The ceremony proceeded smoothly. The president delivered a speech, guest speakers gave presentations, and degree certificates were awarded.
When the words "Wynne Meng – graduated with the highest honors (Summa Cum Laude)" were read, the applause became particularly enthusiastic.
Many eyes were focused on her, some with envy, some with curiosity, and some with mixed feelings from former "Group of Four" members such as Emily and Stella.
Yuan Ning walked onto the stage and received the scroll from the dean. Her steps were steady, her smile appropriate, and the gesture of receiving the scroll conveyed just the right amount of gratitude and confidence. The sunlight happened to brush across the degree certificate in her hand, illuminating the calm, conqueror-like gleam in her eyes.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored," the professor's voice echoed through the auditorium through the microphone, "that we also have a special honor to bestow upon Ms. Wynne Meng today. This honor, from the Parsons Board of Trustees, is intended to recognize outstanding graduates who, beyond their academic achievements, have truly defined the Parsons spirit through their exceptional practice, innovative spirit, and profound impact on the industry."
A beautifully bound certificate was handed to Yuan Ning – “Parsons School of Management Person of the Year”.
This was expected.
The ceremony concluded with cheers as people threw their caps into the air. Crowds poured out of the auditorium, taking photos, hugging, and saying goodbye on the lawn.
Yuan Ning did not immediately join the noisy crowd. Holding the two certificates, she walked alone to a lush oak tree on the side of the auditorium.
Congratulations, Wynne.
Yuan Ning turned her head.
Elias van der Berg stood there. He wasn't dressed up, just in a light gray summer casual outfit.
Holding a bouquet of flowers, not the usual roses or lilies, but a rare bunch of white calla lilies, glistening with dew, simply wrapped in dark green paper, elegant and restrained.
Just as Yuan Ning was about to speak, her mother Qiao Yiya's cheerful voice came from behind her: "Nini, I've finally found you! Oh, and who is this...?"
Qiao Yiya walked over, arm in arm with Jiang Jianzhou. She was wearing a champagne-colored silk dress, her makeup was exquisite, and she looked radiant, clearly well-prepared for her daughter's graduation ceremony. Jiang Jianzhou, on the other hand, wore a well-fitting dark blue suit.
Upon seeing Elias, Qiao Yiya's eyes lit up. Her gaze swept quickly and precisely over every detail of his body, from his watch to his shoes, while also assessing their value.
“Mom, Mr. Jiang,” Yuan Ning introduced them naturally. “This is Elias van der Berg, my important partner at work now.”
Then she turned to Elias, her tone light: "Elizabeth, this is my mother, Qiao Yiya, and her boyfriend, Jiang Jianzhou."
“Ms. Qiao, Mr. Jiang, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Elias nodded slightly. He handed the calla lily to Yuan Ning, then extended his hand to Qiao Yiya.
Qiao Yiya's smile became even more genuine.
“Mr. Van der Berg, Nini often mentions you. Thank you for taking care of her.”
Jiang Jianzhou also politely shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with Elias. He spoke calmly and clearly recognized Elias's extraordinary nature, but his attitude was neither humble nor arrogant.
"Nini has double the joy today! She won the highest honor and a special award!" Qiao Yiya affectionately linked her arm with her daughter's, her eyes brimming with pride. "Jian Zhou and I have made a reservation; our family will have a proper celebration at noon. Mr. Van der Berg, if you're free, please join us!"
Elias's gaze swept over Yuan Ning, who was holding the bunch of calla lilies, her fingers unconsciously tracing the white petals.
"It's my pleasure." Elias nodded in acceptance. "However, how about I arrange the restaurant? I've already booked a nice French restaurant; it's quiet, suitable for family gatherings, and the food is perfect for celebrations."
Qiao Yiya's smile deepened, clearly pleased with the suggestion. "That's wonderful!"
Yuan Ning stood between her mother and Elias, sensing the subtle and harmonious atmosphere.
At this moment, her two separate worlds from the past—East and West, family and ambition, emotions and calculations—seemed to converge peacefully in an unexpected way under this oak tree, in the early summer sunlight.
“Shall we go?” Yuan Ning said with a smile, gently taking her mother’s arm with one hand, and naturally handing the bunch of calla lilies to Elias with the other. “Can you hold this for me? I want to take some pictures with my mother.”
Elias accepted the bouquet naturally. Qiao Yiya, already excitedly taking out her camera, began searching for the best angle to take a picture.
Jiang Jianzhou gestured for Elias to follow, and the two of them lagged slightly behind.
“Mr. Van der Berg’s Chinese is very good,” Jiang Jianzhou said casually.
"I've been studying for the past six months and I understand a little bit now."
Ahead, Qiao Yiya was directing Yuan Ning to pose: "Nini, look here! Yes, smile bigger! Oh my, my daughter looks good in anything!"
Yuan Ning cooperated with her mother, her smile radiant.
Qiao Yiya suddenly waved to the back: "Mr. Van der Berg, come on over, take a picture with Nini."
Yuan Ning also looked at Elias, her eyes filled with a hint of inquiry and a vague expectation.
Then, he raised the corners of his lips very slightly.
“Of course.” He walked towards her.
Once both of them were in the frame, Qiao Yiya was very satisfied. The two stood side by side, without any intimate gestures or even eye contact, but the scene was strangely harmonious, possessing a power that transcended words.
"Okay, that's it! Look at the camera!" Qiao Yiya pressed the shutter.
Yuan Ning then realized that this was the first photo of her and Elias together.
"One more shot, Nini, move a little closer to Mr. Van der Berg, it'll look more intimate," Qiao Yiya instructed.
Yuan Ning did as instructed, taking a small half-step towards Elias. Her arm almost touched his sleeve.
The sunlight was a bit dazzling, and she squinted slightly, her cheeks burning from the heat of her proximity and her mother's gaze.
Just as Qiao Yiya raised her camera again, ready to press the shutter.
Elias put his arm around her lower back, raising his right hand at the same time.
Then, before Qiao Yiya's wide-eyed surprise and Jiang Jianzhou's slightly raised eyebrows, amidst the dappled shadows of early summer at Parsons College and the faint background of noise, he lowered his head and kissed her lips.
Crack.
Qiao Yiya pressed the shutter.
Elias finally released her, and Yuan Ning staggered before regaining her balance. Her cheeks instantly turned bright red, the redness spreading to her ears and neck.
Qiao Yiya put down her camera and looked at the scene on the screen. Her daughter was being embraced and kissed by a tall, handsome man. Sunlight filtered through the leaves and fell on them, creating a very romantic and impactful scene.
"Wow! This photo is fantastic!"
"Nini, come and see if you like this photo?" Qiao Yiya smiled, her eyes crinkling.
Yuan Ning was pulled over by her, and the mother and daughter looked at the camera screen together. When her gaze fell on it, her face turned even redder.
The news that "Chinese-American student Meng Yuanning graduated with highest honors from Parsons College" quickly spread through various channels.
The college not only issued an official press release, but the photo of Yuan Ning holding the certificate with Qiao Yiya and Jiang Jianzhou standing behind her was also widely reported.
The photos are beautiful. Yuan Ning's smile is bright and confident, Qiao Yiya stands elegantly and proudly beside her daughter, and Jiang Jianzhou stands on the other side of her, his posture calm and composed, like a reliable support.
To outsiders, the family of three appeared so harmonious, successful, and full of new hope against the backdrop of Parsons' elegant architecture.
This photo was accurately conveyed to everyone who cared about her.
Emily saw the alumni notification in Givenchy's office, pursed her lips, and tossed her phone aside.
Stella saw the news in the library, calmly saved the pictures, sent Yuan Ning a short congratulatory message, and added: "The photo was taken very strategically."
In Hushi, the aftershocks of the silent earthquake that struck Mengjia began to manifest in another way.
Qiao Yiya was the first to notice. After returning to Nancheng, she received several phone calls from her "old friends" in Hushi whom she hadn't contacted in a long time.
The voice on the other end of the phone was exceptionally warm, as if the past estrangement had never existed.
"Yiya, I saw the news! Nini really made you proud! By the way, the person next to you... has such an extraordinary air about him, is he... from Minister Jiang's family?"
"When are you going back to Hushi? We old sisters need to get together properly. Can you also share your tips on how you raised such an outstanding daughter?"
Qiao Yiya held her phone, a polite smile on her face, responding to calls in a gentle tone, but her mind was clear, even somewhat sarcastic. She knew these calls weren't about Yuan Ning's graduation itself, but about the message conveyed by that photo.
Qiao Yiya was dumped by Meng Qianyue, but instead of falling into despair, she and her daughter lived a more glamorous life, and even found a seemingly good partner. These astute wives were reassessing her "position" and "value".
What's even more interesting is that two business partners of Meng Qianyue, who weren't usually close, managed to get through to Jiang Jianzhou to congratulate Miss Meng on her achievements.
Qiao Yiya was unaware that Meng Qianyue, at a business reception he had to attend, was casually mentioned by a rival with whom he had a long-standing feud:
"Old Meng, I heard your daughter studying abroad is quite something, isn't she? Parsons' highest honor, and she's involved in some high-end clubs? Tsk tsk, like father, like daughter! But..." the other person drawled, a half-smile on their face, "Why isn't the person standing next to her in the news your wife? Did the media get it wrong?"
The surroundings fell silent for a few seconds, and many eyes glanced over discreetly.
Meng Qianyue's face instantly turned a deep purplish-red, and the veins on his hand gripping the wine glass bulged. He wanted to retort, to rebuke, but found himself unable to utter a single word. What could he say? That she was his former mistress and daughter?
Previously, only mistresses and illegitimate daughters were criticized and scrutinized. This is the first time that a man who cheated on his wife is being judged by his own past "infidelity."
"Mr. Li is joking," Meng Qianyue finally managed to squeeze out a dry voice from his throat, trying to maintain his last bit of composure. "The child has his own path to take, and as parents, we support that."
“Support? Of course!” Mr. Li persisted, feigning surprise, “Oh—I heard your wife isn’t very forgiving. She forced you to cut off her living expenses in New York a while ago? Tsk, a man should have his own opinions. Where do you put your face?.”
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