Chapter 356 The Watermelon is Gone
Although Zhang Quanyong is a writer from country A, his science fiction novels, especially "The Big Bang," sell very well in country P and are considered bestsellers. Therefore, Zhang Quanyong's book signing event was also held in country P.
Jiang Ning was a reader of Zhang Quanyong's work, and Zhang Quanyong's editor even contacted her personally to invite her to participate.
Although she had been harassed by Zhang Quanyong once before, this time it was a book signing event, and she thought that Zhang Quanyong would not dare to lay a hand on her in front of everyone.
Moreover, she was accompanied by two bodyguards this time.
Zhang Quanyong truly deserves his reputation as a highly sought-after writer, especially in Country P. Jiang Ning, who accompanied the team leader and editor, saw advertisements for "The Big Bang" and Zhang Quanyong everywhere they went.
The book signing event was held in the Royal Ballroom of the International Hotel. Most of the invited guests were dignitaries from Country P, with only a few readers who had won prizes.
Jiang Ning was surprised to see Lin Wanrong among the group of people.
Although Lin Wanrong wasn't wearing a revealing evening gown today, her suit was still very gorgeous and bright, in a fuchsia color.
Because of her striking color, Jiang Ning noticed her at a glance.
Jiang Ning did not believe that Lin Wanrong was also a fan of Zhang Quanyong's books.
For no apparent reason, Jiang Ning had a bad feeling.
The book signing proceeded as scheduled, and the fourth item on the agenda was for Zhang Quanyong himself to give a speech.
He spoke passionately, saying many things that sounded grand and impressive in Jiangning, but were not very credible.
"Finally... I would like to announce a very important decision to our readers and industry professionals..."
Zhang Quanyong deliberately took a deep breath, and the entire venue fell silent.
Jiang Ning looked up at Zhang Quanyong, who was standing on the stage.
Their eyes met for a fleeting moment.
Immediately afterwards, she saw Zhang Quanyong give her a malicious smile.
That laugh sent chills down Jiang Ning's spine.
"My new book, 'The Big Bang,' which won the Hugo Award, will soon be a collaboration with the Lin Group to launch a cross-brand jewelry collection. Please look forward to it!"
As soon as Zhang Quanyong said this, a spotlight immediately shone on Lin Wanrong.
"Please welcome Ms. Lin Wanrong, President of the Lin Group, to the stage."
At the host's enthusiastic invitation, Lin Wanrong went on stage and stood next to Zhang Quanyong.
Below the stage, Jiang Ning gently closed his eyes.
Just then, the phone rang; it was Gu Qian calling.
"Hello? Gu Qian..."
"Boss, Mr. Lu's assistant contacted me saying that Zhang Quanyong has been secretly contacting the Lin family in Country C recently, and we should be careful..."
"I already know."
"What?"
"I am currently at Zhang Quanyong's book signing event in P country. He just publicly announced that he will collaborate with the Lin family to launch a jewelry series for 'The Big Bang Theory'."
"……ah?"
Gu Qian didn't react for a moment.
"Is the Lin family going to enter the jewelry industry?"
"It seems so."
While talking on the phone with Gu Qian, Jiang Ning glanced up at Lin Wanrong and Zhang Quanyong on the stage.
Looking back now, she realized that she had underestimated Lin Wanrong.
Perhaps it was at that business dinner, when she saw Lin Wanrong actively seeking out Zhang Quanyong for business, that Lin Wanrong conceived the idea of intercepting him.
Later, she offended Zhang Quanyong, who naturally preferred to cooperate with Lin Wanrong.
Zhang Quanyong doesn't seem like a very shrewd person. It must be Lin Wanrong's doing that made Zhang Quanyong pretend to agree to cooperate with her JN Studio, using going abroad as an excuse to delay signing a formal contract, only engaging in verbal negotiations.
Let them waste their time, energy, and manpower preparing for a collaboration that doesn't even exist.
Then, reveal the real partner in this setting to deliver a major blow to her.
Jiang Ning couldn't help but sigh.
To say that she wasn't affected at all would be a lie.
After all, it really likes Zhang Quanyong's book "The Big Bang". It put a lot of effort into this cross-border collaboration and designed many co-branded products with a burst of inspiration.
Unexpectedly...
It was all for naught.
Jiang Ning turned and left dejectedly.
Her disappointed figure fell into Lin Wanrong's eyes, making the smile on Lin Wanrong's lips even more radiant.
Jiang Ning left the international hotel under the escort of bodyguards.
However, he did not return to China immediately.
She was thinking.
I pondered this for an entire afternoon, and by the time I came to my senses, the sun had already set.
Jiang Ning stood on the white terrace of the coffee shop, one hand holding onto the lime railing, gazing at the bustling street scene below.
Just then, her phone rang.
The caller ID surprised Jiang Ning.
"Yuan Pei?"
"It's me... Where are you now?"
"I'm in a coffee shop in country P."
Jiang Ning spoke the truth.
Did Brother Lu call you?
Jiang Ning was taken aback when he suddenly heard Yuan Pei mention Lu Junyan.
"...No...but Gu Qian called me."
Jiang Ning remembered that Gu Qian mentioned on the phone that it was President Lu's assistant who told her to be careful of Lin Wanrong, which showed that this news was originally meant for Lu Junyan to tell her.
"So you know that the Lin family in Country C might be a threat to you?"
"Hmm... Zhang Quanyong has already announced his collaboration with the Lin family, so my new sci-fi series is doomed..."
Sensing Jiang Ning's disappointment, Yuan Pei immediately encouraged him.
"How did it fall through? You just wanted to collaborate with a science fiction writer! I recommend one to you, QD's great author Black Hole Boy. Let me tell you, his writing is no worse than Zhang Quanyong's. I think they even have similar ideas when it comes to conceiving stories!"
Jiang Ning chuckled to himself.
It wasn't that she looked down on online novels, but Zhang Quanyong, as a Hugo Award winner, was currently riding high, and she personally really liked his book, "The Big Bang".
"Okay, I'll consider what you said."
Jiang Ning was not just giving Yuan Pei a perfunctory answer.
She was actually very grateful to Yuan Pei for providing her with new ideas.
She racked her brains all afternoon but couldn't come up with a better collaboration theme that could surpass Lin Wanrong's.
Jiang Ning doesn't usually read online novels, but she recently downloaded a new QD reading app and found Black Hole Boy.
When she saw the book title, she realized that the currently popular short drama was written by this guy named Black Hole.
"Yuan Pei's suggestion... might actually work."
Jiang Ning muttered to himself, a sudden inspiration flashing through his mind.
Compared to the prestigious Hugo Award, young people may prefer the down-to-earth online novel authors.
A light shone in Jiang Ning's eyes again.
She immediately called Gu Qian and explained her thoughts to him.
“For JN’s new collection… I plan to make silver jewelry.”
"Silver jewelry?"
Gu Qian was stunned.
"Yes, fine silver jewelry. We need to reduce costs, but achieve high-end standards in design and craftsmanship."
"Boss, are you sure you can bring the costs down with this requirement?"
Jiang Ning could almost see Gu Qian's speechless expression on the other end of the phone.
"Then let's discuss this properly when I get back."
After talking with Gu Qian, Jiang Ning felt a sense of sudden enlightenment.
She looked up at the afterglow of the setting sun and took a deep breath.
It was only then that she realized what was happening—
When did someone start standing next to her?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com