Meng Ruozhao's tone was relaxed and half - joking as she tossed the question back, without seeming to be deliberately prying.
Liang Wei was taken aback by her frank and slightly teasing attitude.
Then she also laughed, with a touch of the gossip typical of the high - society ladies' circle.
"It's not really a big deal," she said.
"A while ago at a small gathering, I heard someone mention you, saying that you're the girlfriend of Mr. Yan Qiubai.
"A few of his friends... Well... They seemed to have some 'misunderstandings' about you in their remarks."
Liang Wei put it rather euphemistically, but she emphasized the word "misunderstandings" a bit too much, and her eyes carried a hint of "you know what I mean".
Meng Ruozhao understood immediately.
She had thought it was Du Xixi who had been slandering her outside.
But unexpectedly, it was those friends of Yan Qiubai.
She had only met those people once at the opening of a private equestrian club.
Since she had been abroad for several years and Du Xixi was a high - profile person, the outside world only knew Du Xixi as the eldest daughter of the Du family.
Moreover, her surname was Meng, so no one associated her with the Du family.
Yan Qiubai had taken her there to have fun but didn't introduce her in detail. He just said with a smile that everyone should call her sister - in - law from then on and then went to deal with something.
At that time, someone immediately came over warmly and pulled her to sit down.
It seemed like idle chat, but actually they were trying to pry information from her.
She mostly just smiled it off, except when they asked if she was still studying.
She said that she had opened a clothing store.
She admitted that the store had just opened at that time, and privately she also wanted to do some promotion.
Who would have thought that those people were so snooty.
After they learned that she was just the owner of a "small workshop", their remarks began to carry a subtle sense of disdain.
She had felt that they didn't share the same views at that time.
Later, when Yan Qiubai invited her to similar gatherings again, she always declined, citing her busy work.
Presumably, those people had gossiped about her a lot behind her back.
There must have been no shortage of remarks like "arrogant", "ungrateful", and "putting on airs while trying to climb the social ladder".
When these rumors reached Liang Wei's ears, it was only natural that she had a poor impression of Meng Ruozhao.
"I see," Meng Ruozhao said, her smile unchanged and even showing a sense of relief.
"Miss Liang, you're so straightforward. Thank you for telling me this.
"His friends are indeed all highly - regarded elites.
"I'm someone who deals with needles, threads, and fabrics all day long. I probably don't fit into their circle well. We just can't get along, and I might have offended them without realizing it.
"It's not really a misunderstanding. It's just that we have different pursuits. I think it's better to spend time on doing something practical than trying to force myself into their circle."
Her tone was calm. She neither showed anger and accusation nor deliberately tried to please.
She was just stating a fact and at the same time highlighting her focus on work.
This speech not only explained that the possible "misunderstandings" stemmed from the difference in circles.
It also subtly maintained her dignity.
It also emphasized again her emphasis on work - someone who valued work so much would surely not take the plagiarism issue lightly.
It was also a re - assertion to Liang Wei.
After hearing this, the admiration in Liang Wei's eyes grew stronger.
She had been in the vanity - fair for many years and hated those who put on airs or cried and whined the most.
This Boss Meng in front of her was calm in the face of difficulties, handled things methodically, and spoke neither over - bearing nor obsequious.
She also had a determination to focus on her career.
She was indeed very different from the rumored image of an "arrogant and ungrateful" person.
"Boss Meng," Liang Wei's tone softened completely.
"What you said makes sense.
"Everyone has their own strengths. It's meaningless to force oneself into a circle.
"I'm starting to like your personality."
Just then, Ai Gao ran back out of breath, carrying some documents.
"Ruozhao, here are all the materials!"
Meng Ruozhao took the materials, feeling a bit more at ease.
She had appeased Liang Wei and pried open the lid on the "rumors". Now it was time to prove her innocence with professionalism.
She spread out the design drafts and production records one by one in front of Liang Wei.
"Miss Liang, please take a look. The inspiration for this 'Moonlight Shadow' comes from the artistic conception of the blank space in Song - Dynasty landscape paintings.
"The date of the first draft of the design is three months ago, earlier than the time when [Jinhua] released the 'Ballad of Clouds and Waters' series.
"Look here. The asymmetrical cut of the shoulders is to simulate the undulation of mountains.
"The inspiration for the arc of the slit comes from the meandering of a stream.
"Although it has some similarities in concept with the 'flowing water waves' emphasized in the 'Ballad of Clouds and Waters', the specific implementation methods and detailed treatments are completely different.
"As for the frog - fasteners..."
Meng Ruozhao pointed to the carefully - drawn frog - fastener patterns on the design draft.
"Our frog - fasteners are specially customized with the 'bamboo - knot intertwined - branch' pattern, symbolizing toughness and elegance. Each emerald is hand - inlaid, with a unique pattern.
"The water - drop frog - fasteners in the 'Ballad of Clouds and Waters' have a more modern and minimalist style.
"Miss Liang is an expert. If you take a closer look at the actual items, you can tell the fundamental differences in craftsmanship and design."
As Meng Ruozhao explained clearly and rationally,
Liang Wei compared the design drafts with the actual items and also looked at the pictures on the tablet. The last trace of doubt on her face disappeared.
She could indeed see that there were similarities in the charm of the two.
But in terms of specific design elements, craftsmanship details, and expression concepts, they were indeed different works.
"It seems that it was really just a misunderstanding," Liang Wei said, smiling a bit sheepishly. Her attitude completely changed.
"Boss Meng, I was too impulsive just now. I didn't figure out the situation and just...
"Your design is really unique. The craftsmanship of these frog - fasteners looks even more exquisite than in the photos."
Meng Ruozhao let out a sigh of relief and showed a sincere smile.
"Miss Liang, you're being too polite. I'm glad you understand.
"Regarding the compensation, my previous proposal still stands.
"What style do you like? Or do you have any special ideas?
"We can talk about it now and customize a truly unique cheongsam for you."
Actually, Liang Wei didn't really care about the financial loss.
Her anger was mainly because she had lost face at the gathering.
Since the clothes weren't plagiarized but just a coincidence, she naturally wouldn't take advantage of Meng Ruozhao for nothing.
She also laughed. "Boss Meng, you're so magnanimous. But I, Liang Wei, am not a stingy person either.
"Coincidentally, I have another gathering next month. I'll have to trouble Boss Meng to make another cheongsam for me so that I can really teach those people a lesson then.
"Especially that designer from [Jinhua]!
"As a professional designer, she actually insisted that I was wearing a fake, making me lose so much face.
"Of course, I'll pay all the expenses. As long as I'm satisfied with this dress, I'll introduce more friends to you."
Liang Wei was indeed a straightforward person.
Meng Ruozhao smiled. "Okay. Please rest assured, Miss Liang. I'll definitely make you satisfied this time.
"As for [Jinhua], I'll communicate with them. After all, plagiarism is a fatal blow to a designer."
Plagiarism was indeed no small matter.
She couldn't help but think of Pei Jiangmu's plagiarism scandal again.
Well, now they were in the same boat.