“Come in,” Lou Wang put away his personal emotions and smiled.
To be fair, as a boss, he genuinely admired the young man’s talent. The abundant and vibrant energy that leapt off the paper each time was truly astonishing. At the same time, he felt regret for the young man because he was at a disadvantage due to his young age and lack of experience. Without a notable track record to showcase, it was a pity. However, once the young man gained more experience and personally led a few projects, he would undoubtedly become a highly sought-after figure in the industry. He would surpass the overseas designers the headquarters was about to sign, and even offer better value for money. As a businessman, Lou Wang could say such things without reservation.
After all, some people were naturally gifted in this field. The moment the client presented an idea, this young man could already weave a kingdom in his mind. When the client showed him a piece of clothing, he could imagine an entire fashion week, repeatedly stunning everyone. This was a typical case of a master who wanted to reward his disciple with a meal, leaving others with nothing but envy and jealousy.
For individuals like him, if you could recognize their talent while they were still unknown, establish a good relationship, it would be a highly profitable deal. Once they soared to fame and their value became difficult to reach, trying to win them over would likely require standing in line.
Unfortunately, many professionals in the industry still preferred foreign ink, believing that designers returning from overseas had higher skill levels. They scorned the rigidity and conservatism of domestic designers, even if the latter couldn’t present outstanding masterpieces. Still, their value was artificially inflated.
Lou Wang was one of the key figures responsible for introducing this batch of overseas designers. However, after reviewing the resumes of these designers, he found some issues. For instance, there was a designer with a Chinese name, Qiao An, who seemed more style than substance compared to the others. The all-English introduction letter was elaborate and beautifully written, but upon closer examination, it was quite hollow. Apart from mentioning where the designer studied and the good relationships with renowned foreign designers, the letter went on and on about their design philosophy, sounding very profound.
Other designers, even if they were not outstanding, had seven or eight previously designed works. However, this designer named Qiao had no introduction for their works, and the details were not disclosed, appearing exaggerated and superficial.
It was like dealing with a counterfeit product. A counterfeit product with an extremely high price tag.
Lou Wang raised an eyebrow, making a preliminary judgment without a formal introduction. He was unwilling to take on such a person, especially one who would come and encroach on the space of their company’s excellent designers. However, as the junior executive, he couldn’t go against the orders from his father, who was also his superior.
He handed over the designer’s information to the young talent he favored, making it clear that he hoped the young talent, as a “senior,” could guide these designers and their ideas.
Getting others to guide these competitors for their livelihoods would likely face resistance, with people trying hard to find excuses to refuse. However, the young talent was different. Having joined the company only six months ago, like Lou Wang, they had a shallow foundation. Faced with the dilemma set by their superiors, the young talent had no choice but to accept it.
The position of a newcomer in the workplace is generally at the bottom. However, Lou Wang wouldn’t allow the employee he valued to be treated unfairly. If the young talent refused, he wouldn’t be angry; instead, he would find someone else.
To his surprise, the young talent, after glancing at the designer’s photos and resume, agreed without hesitation.
Lou Wang looked at him in astonishment, “Won’t it affect your work?” The intended pressure to create distance between them dissipated in an instant. Honestly, he was a bit stunned by the young talent’s agreeable and considerate qualities, giving rise to an inexplicable fondness and a desire to cherish.
Yin Minglu shook his head, “It won’t.” Letting him lead this group of people was initially a reflection of his superiors’ confidence in him. Secondly, having control over Qiao An was undoubtedly better than Qiao An being under someone else’s authority. In that case, Qiao An might ally with other designers to attack him. If that happened, Yin Minglu would prefer to be Qiao An’s senior, allowing him to bounce around under his watchful eyes.
As the news of Qiao An’s impressive performance in handling the senior’s responsibilities spread, it was bound to be a spectacle. Thinking about it, Yin Minglu’s eyes curved slightly, and a mischievous smile appeared on his lips, a hint of pleasure evident.
Seeing that smile, Lou Wang’s mood became even more complicated. After calming the palpitations in his chest, he advised, “Everyone knows about your kindness, but you also need to learn to refuse in the future.” Tasks that others didn’t want to do, which required some level of resistance, would inevitably fall on the young talent. Lou Wang would rather see him reject such tasks outright, sparing himself from worrying about it. In the future, he decided not to involve Yin Minglu in such difficult matters. This young man was just too kind-hearted and could easily be taken advantage of.
Wait, advising him to learn to refuse, and then being pitied by his supervisor, Yin Minglu returned to his position with a sense of bewilderment.
The weekend arrived.
Zhou Jinheng still had no idea about Qiao An’s plan to return to China and surprise him with the news. He came to pick up Yin Minglu after work.
As Yin Minglu and his colleagues walked out of the building, they saw a low-profile sports car parked at the entrance. Sitting in the driver’s seat was a handsome young man.
The young man had an extremely handsome face, with a pair of slightly raised peach blossom eyes hidden behind gold-rimmed glasses. He wore a black suit buttoned up to the top, exuding a captivating yet restrained charm. In short, he had a natural playboy style that was ten out of ten.
“Wow, your boyfriend is really charming.” Tony’s eyes flashed with admiration. “I just saw Jennifer, and even she was stunned.”
This man really didn’t belong in this world.
Watching the men and women passing by couldn’t help but stare at Zhou Jinheng. Yin Minglu snorted coldly and walked over reluctantly. No wonder the original owner had no sense of security before. With such a flirtatious partner, who wouldn’t be on edge, fearing a green hat at any moment? This persisted until the last moment before the wedding; one couldn’t let their guard down.
Yin Minglu said goodbye to his colleagues and got into the car. Just as he fastened his seatbelt, Zhou Jinheng smiled and said, “I’m taking you to meet some friends. Let’s go home first. You should dress up nicely, try to make a good impression on them. If you don’t dress well, they might be a bit sharp-tongued, but it’s definitely not malicious. They’re just habitually critical.”
He kept talking all the way.
“…” Yin Minglu had a stern face, wanting to beat this man to death.
However, recalling the past, the original owner used to ask Zhou Jinheng to take him to meet those friends, and Zhou Jinheng would always say casually, “Meet friends? Our circles don’t overlap at all. Apart from drawing, cooking, and gardening, you don’t know how to play cards or snooker. You have no idea about golf, and you don’t understand the hobbies of wealthy people. It’s not interesting to take you. Besides, even if we’re getting married, I don’t like you interfering too much in my social circle. Knowing too much about my private matters, I don’t like you doing that.”
The phrase “I don’t like you doing that” completely shut up the original owner. He was afraid of annoying Zhou Jinheng, so he bit his lip and didn’t dare to bring it up again.
Zhou Jinheng was also satisfied with the original owner’s “understanding.” He liked a bit of cutesy clinginess from his little rose, but at the same time, he was a man who didn’t want to be disturbed or crossed boundaries. Brothers were brothers, and lovers were lovers. Brothers were like siblings, while lovers were like clothes. How could they be compared in his heart?
So, the original owner was naturally not as important as Qiao An. Because Qiao An not only held the position of the “White Moonlight” in his heart but also perfectly combined the dual roles of “brother” and “lover.” Zhou Jinheng naturally loved him to the extreme.
Heh heh.
However, now being able to take the initiative to bring the young man along was considered a significant improvement.
Although this man’s mouth still couldn’t produce ivory, he kept giving instructions while the young man was dressing: “Don’t wear that, it’s too plain, and you won’t stand out at all. Not that one either, it’s too flashy. Do you consider my feelings when you show off your legs like that? I can get jealous, you know!”
The final scream was because the young man couldn’t take it anymore and gave him a punch.
In the next ten minutes or so, Zhou Jinheng indeed behaved much better. Although, just before leaving, whether out of nervousness or not, he started waving the car keys and laid down several “rules” for the young man who was putting on his shoes: “You need to behave outside, don’t get angry easily, don’t hit people casually. My brother has a sharp tongue, but he doesn’t mean any harm. Don’t take it too seriously; don’t let it bother you too much.”
“…” Yin Minglu tightened his little face, infuriated to the point of wanting to shove his shoe into this man’s mouth. He had decided; when he got back tonight, he would make this man kneel and wash clothes, wash his dozen or so pairs of stinky socks, to vent his frustration.
As for the hardworking and diligent washing machine, it might as well get an amnesty and rest for the night.
Upon reaching the agreed-upon location, a private restaurant named Mengyuan, with its ancient and picturesque atmosphere and a maze of corridors, it was easy for newcomers to get lost. Zhou Jinheng hadn’t even had a chance to unbuckle Yin Minglu’s seatbelt when Yin Minglu jumped out of the car himself, his dark eyes filled with appreciation.
Zhou Jinheng didn’t mind; he was worried the other might get lost. Just as he was about to take the other’s hand, the young man tossed the car keys to the valet and walked confidently into the garden, more familiar with the place than Zhou Jinheng himself.
Zhou Jinheng: “???” Darling, isn’t this your first time here? Why is your attitude even more extravagant than mine???
Mengyuan was an exceptional private restaurant, a gathering place for the wealthy, equipped with various entertainment facilities. The central stage was lively all day with performances, and the young masters could engage in activities like playing cards, fishing, singing, exercising, and more, indulging in every pleasure.
Zhou Jinheng’s favorite line to say to the original host was, “Our social circles don’t overlap.” After all, there was a natural gap between those born with a silver spoon and commoners who had to struggle from scratch. The wealthy scions always held biases and a superior attitude toward the original host, who followed rules and didn’t know how to enjoy life. They looked down on him for not playing cards, not drinking, not playing golf, and even getting seasick when fishing at sea. It was simply unacceptable to them.
It’s better with Qiao An; he knows everything, like a well-bred noble son.
The original host felt quite disappointed about this, especially since Zhou Jinheng, as his partner, not only refused to teach him but also joined the side mocking him, making him feel inferior to Qiao An in every aspect.
However, in this lifetime, if those people dared to humiliate him by using these outdated reasons, Yin Minglu would definitely make them regret it. Because, while the original host might not be familiar with the hobbies of the wealthy, Yin Minglu knew them all! When he became the young master of the richest family, touring the world in a private jet, indulging in extravagance at Mengyuan, Zhou Jinheng and his group of friends hadn’t even been born yet.
If they dared to mess around in front of him, beware of losing everything!
Author’s note: Today, I have an exam, so I might not be able to update tonight. I’ll make up for it tomorrow.
Thanks to the little angels who voted for me or provided nourishing liquid for me~
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