Chapter 12 The Farewell Banquet Arrives
The air froze instantly.
When Heyuefang first opened, Quhe would come over to help during her breaks.
However, during that period, the company had been established for less than a year, and Qian Zhaoye's eagerness for quick success led to the failure of many cooperation negotiations.
At the time, Qu He advised him not to be too eager for success, but Qian Zhaoye said he didn't understand.
The worst time was when he directly lost his temper with her, his eyes slicing across her trouser legs like knives, and he even showed disgust when he saw the clay stuck to her shoes.
"Look at the mess you've made of yourself! Don't you understand today's cooperation? Qu He, even if you can't help me, please don't bother me. Clean up this mess right now, and don't go into ceramics anymore. Just focus on helping me make the company a success."
At that moment, Qu He looked at the clay stuck to the shoes and wanted to question him.
But the last question was taken back because of Qian Zhaoye's humble apology and the words "Ahe, you're all I have left."
She changed everything about herself—her hobbies, habits, everything—for him, but what did she get in return?
“Senior sister…” Si Yue touched her hand with concern.
Qu He snapped out of her reverie, a bright smile playing on her lips. "Whether he likes me or not, what does it have to do with me?"
After saying that, she turned around, took an apron from the shelf, and tied it on. "From now on, what I like is the most important thing."
Si Yue's mouth is shaped like an "O".
Qu He spent three minutes explaining it to her.
As Si Yue listened, her brows furrowed more and more, and her whole face turned red!
"I knew it!" Si Yue stomped her foot, her voice rising eight octaves. "I knew it! A man who makes a woman give up her career is unreliable!"
Qu He paused for a moment, then laughed!
Yes, it took her seven years to understand this simplest of truths.
The two chatted for a while, during which Si Yue received a phone call.
After hanging up the phone, Si Yue twisted the apron straps sheepishly. "Senior, a customer ordered a tea set. I was supposed to deliver it after closing time, but she changed her flight at the last minute, so I have to deliver it to her at the airport now."
Heyuefang's main sources of income, besides a portion from individual ceramic experiences, are customized products.
Qu He stood up and said, "I'll go deliver it."
"No, no." Si Yue shook her head vigorously, but her hands were already deftly packing gift boxes. "Senior, you stay and watch the shop, I'll deliver them!"
She went on and on explaining the reasons, "...the client has high requirements...we need to revise the design..."
Later on, Qu He didn't listen to what she was saying at all; she just watched Si Yue flit between the shelves and the warehouse like a busy little bee.
Four years ago, when she handed over Heyuefang to Siyue to manage, she was worried about her. But who could have imagined that the little girl who would get nervous, stutter, and blush when she spoke would run Heyuefang so successfully?
Qu He helped Si Yue into the car and pinched her round cheek. "Please rest assured, Boss Si, I will definitely take good care of the shop!"
Si Yue blushed and muttered softly, "Clearly, Senior Sister is the real boss."
After Si Yue left, the shop was so quiet that the only sound was the air conditioning blowing.
Qu He brewed herself a cup of jasmine tea. The aroma of the tea, mixed with the faint scent of clay, soothed her tense nerves.
Qu He sat on a small stool, resting her chin on her hand, absentmindedly tapping the potter's wheel. Returning to a familiar place, she felt a little apprehensive.
The setting sun shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing Qu He in a golden glow.
It also illuminated the row of ceramic ornaments on the top shelf.
That was left behind by her four years ago.
"Ding-dong."
The bell at the door suddenly rang.
Qu He turned around, "Hello, welcome to He Yue..."
The sound stopped abruptly.
A tall figure stood against the light at the entrance.
The black three-piece suit accentuated the man's perfect proportions of broad shoulders and narrow waist, while the metal lapel pin on his tie reflected a dark gleam, flashing a sharp light as he slightly turned to the side.
Farewell banquet for the Zhuang family.
This name, which once dominated the northern part of the city, now stands in her pottery shop.
Even more absurdly, he was carrying a pink strawberry bear backpack in his left hand and holding the hand of a little girl with braided pigtails in his right.
Qu He stood there, stunned.
"Mr. Zhuang...Mr. Zhuang?" she asked uncertainly.
As the afterglow faded, the outline of the farewell banquet gradually became clear.
Qu He then noticed that he was wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses on his nose.
The air conditioner was blowing cold air, and the potter's wheel was still rotating at a steady speed.
The sounds came in bursts.
“Miss Qu,” Zhuang Bieyan suddenly spoke, his voice a little hoarse, “long time no see.”
Qu He was momentarily confused.
If I remember correctly, the last time I saw him was two days ago at the wedding dress shop.
However, she quickly realized that Zhuang Bieyan, a busy man who was making millions every minute, probably didn't take that incident to heart at all.
It's better if she doesn't remember, since she was somewhat out of control that day...
Xiao Zhuangxi, dressed in a plaid dress, curiously examined the various utensils displayed in Heyuefang.
Qu He's gaze fell on the little girl who was standing on tiptoe trying to see the second shelf of the display case, and she narrowed her eyes slightly.
This is... Zhuang Bieyan's daughter?
The media in Beicheng couldn't find a single secret about Zhuang Bieyan even after digging three feet into the ground, and then she discovered it so unexpectedly?
"Uncle," the little girl suddenly shook Zhuang Bieyan's hand and said in a childish voice, "I want to make a strawberry bear bowl."
The air seemed to freeze for several seconds.
After Zhuang Bieyan's gaze fell on Qu He's slightly surprised face, he revealed a hint of understanding, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and his voice lowered a little, "My niece, Zhuang Xi."
Qu He's ears inexplicably felt hot, as if her inner thoughts had been read.
Zhuang Bieyan gently patted little Zhuang Xi's head, "Zhuang Xi, greet someone."
"Hello, Teacher Qu." Xiao Zhuangxi's eyes crinkled into crescents, and her voice was sweet.
Qu He crouched down to meet her gaze. "Hello, Xiao Xi. You want to make a strawberry bear bowl, right?"
Xiao Zhuangxi nodded shyly and hid behind Zhuang Bieyan, only showing her big eyes to look at Qu He curiously.
Zhuang Bieyan pushed up his glasses, the light reflected from the lenses obscuring his eyes. "Zhuangxi Kindergarten needs to submit a handmade pottery piece, and I just happened to be passing by."
Qu He stood up and nodded.
I see.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Zhuang, the entire process from making to firing ceramics takes about a month, I'm afraid..."
Qu He stopped talking after seeing Xiao Zhuangxi's drooping mouth.
"However, we can try it out today first, and Auntie will give you a piece of art later, okay?"
Xiao Zhuangxi's eyes lit up again.
Qu He smiled and took a children's apron. "Come on, Auntie will teach you how to make a small cup first."
Xiao Zhuangxi looked up at Zhuang Bieyan, and after receiving his approval, skipped over to him.
Qu He helped Zhuang Xi tie her apron and led her to sit on a small stool.
Zhuang Bieyan stood aside.
Qu He asked instinctively, "President Zhuang, would you like an apron?"
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