Chapter 19: The New Product Launch Event

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As Jiang Mian was washing her face, the doorbell rang. Before she could react, she heard Xiao Li’s voice calling out, “Coming, coming!” Shortly after, the sound of the door lock clicking shut reached her ears.

“Mr. Qin!” “I brought breakfast for you all.” “Thank you!” The little girl’s cheerful excitement was infectious.

Jiang Mian wiped her face, did a quick skincare routine, then picked out a sky-blue cheongsam from her suitcase to change into. Her long hair was swept to one side, braided into a single plait that rested over her shoulder. A pair of jade earrings adorned her ears, lending her an even gentler aura.

Grasping her phone, she stepped out of the room and saw Xiao Li and Qin Mingchen sitting at the dining table, where several food containers were laid out: a few crystal dumplings, two bowls of wontons, and two cups of soy milk. She wondered where Qin Mingchen had gone so early to get breakfast—it must have taken some effort.

Jiang Mian set her phone down on the table and sat down naturally. Pressing her lips together, she picked up a crystal dumpling with her chopsticks, bit into it, and looked up at Qin Mingchen.

“Senior Brother, was Wen Jinhai and the others invited by Senior Brother Xu Mu?”

Qin Mingchen looked up, thought for a moment, and nodded.

“Yes. The Wen Corporation extended an olive branch to Xu Mu.”

Such matters weren’t confidential, so there was no harm in telling Jiang Mian. She nodded in agreement; it made sense. Wen Corporation was now aiming to develop their jewelry business overseas, and partnering with Xu Mu was the most advantageous path. As an emerging figure in fashion, Xu Mu’s work had already won the acclaim of many foreigners. His previous pieces were mostly sold individually to companies, but a long-term cooperation with Wen Corporation would also help establish a strong presence in the domestic market. No one would object to having more ways to make money. Xu Mu needed funds to sustain himself, after all.

After breakfast, Qin Mingchen led the two downstairs. Jiang Mian glanced instinctively toward Wen Jinhai’s room and asked aloud, “Aren’t they going to bring them along?”

“I asked Assistant Xiao this morning. They’ll go on their own,” Qin Mingchen replied with a smile, pressing the elevator button.

The venue for Xu Mu’s new product launch was the most prestigious hall in the area, exquisitely decorated inside. Guests invited to attend were seated on the second floor for viewing.

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Qin Mingchen led Jiang Mian to their seats before attending to other matters. She stood by the railing and looked down—the crowd was sizable, including many authoritative media outlets. It seemed Xu Mu’s launch was a major event.

Xiao Li, full of excitement, wandered around briefly before settling on a single sofa chair. She reached for a grape from the fruit platter on the nearby table and popped it into her mouth.

“Sister Mian, this is really thoughtful.”

Jiang Mian glanced back at her and smiled softly. “If you want anything to drink, just ask one of the waitstaff here.”

She took a seat beside Xiao Li on the sofa; the soft cushions instantly relaxed her, and her hands rested naturally in her lap.

“Xiao Li, don’t just play around. Pay attention and study more later.”

“I know, Sister Mian,” Xiao Li nodded.

Since Jiang Mian had brought her here, she naturally wouldn’t disappoint her expectations and would strive to learn more.

As the launch was about to begin, people finally arrived in the seat beside hers. Wen Jinhai sat down, crossing his long legs. Noticing Jiang Mian’s gaze, he turned his head and they exchanged a nod of acknowledgement.

Jiang Mian was not particularly surprised to find Wen Jinhai beside her—she had already guessed as much when Qin Mingchen went to fetch them.

Their seats were arguably the best on the entire second floor in terms of view. It was clear that Xu Mu highly valued future cooperation with the Wen Corporation.

Her phone vibrated, and she looked down to check the message. It was from Jiang Zhixuan, sending photos from her engagement shoot with Wen Yan. Dozens of pictures flooded the chat window; she could almost see the pride on the other’s face.

Jiang Mian didn’t even bother to enlarge any of the photos.

She had initially intended to ignore them, but then Jiang Zhixuan sent another message: "Sister, my engagement banquet is next week. You must come!"

Her fingers paused, and her eyes darkened. After all, Jiang Zhixuan was still a blood relative and they hadn’t completely severed ties. Jiang Mian would attend the engagement banquet—it was a matter of face, no matter what.

After a moment’s thought, she replied expressionlessly, “Okay.”

Turning off her phone, Jiang Mian looked toward the first floor where Xu Mu had already taken the stage to explain his design concepts.

Her gaze flickered as she suddenly recalled the first time she met Xu Mu.

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When Jiang Mian enrolled, Xu Mu was already the prized student of Professor Chen. After discovering her talent, he often said he wanted to introduce them. But at that time, Xu Mu was busy building his own brand and had little time to return to school.

As a result, Jiang Mian didn’t meet this legendary senior brother until the winter of her sophomore year.

That day, a heavy snow had fallen. When it stopped, she was carrying a pile of library materials back to her dorm. On the way, she saw Professor Chen laughing and chatting with a tall young man.

Upon seeing her, Professor Chen smiled brightly. “Mian Mian, this is your senior brother, Xu Mu!”

She looked up. The young man in a black coat slightly bowed his head, his refined features wearing a faint smile. Perhaps due to fatigue, there was a trace of weariness in his eyes. Hearing her name, his smile brightened further.

“So you’re Junior Sister Mian Mian,” he said.

That day, they went to have hotpot together. In the steam-filled restaurant, Xu Mu spoke with her at length.

When she came back to herself, she happened to catch Xu Mu looking up toward the second floor. Their eyes met, and Jiang Mian smiled gently.

Watching Xu Mu leave the stage, she unconsciously pinched the palm of her hand.

A few minutes later, her phone lit up. It was Xu Mu.

“Mian Mian, I’ll take you out to eat later.”

“Okay.”

Though they hadn’t seen each other in a long time, Xu Mu was still the same—whenever he sought her out, he always took her to eat. Back then, thanks to his frequent feeding, Jiang Mian had gained a full ten pounds. It wasn’t until Xu Mu went abroad that she had a chance to lose weight.

She chuckled softly and glanced sideways to see Xiao Li intently watching the first floor. The words she had wanted to say caught in her throat.

No rush.

The entire launch event lasted about two hours, showcasing ten new pieces.

Jiang Mian rested her chin on her hand, inwardly marveling. Xu Mu’s designs had become increasingly focused on structural beauty.

When the presentation ended, a banquet followed. It was mainly for Xu Mu’s studio and the attending guests. Those interested in cooperation could take the opportunity to meet with studio staff for discussions.

Jiang Mian sat still, glancing sideways to see Wen Jinhai nodding as he looked at his phone. It seemed he had other matters to attend to.