After Liang Wei had her measurements taken and had a preliminary discussion about the new design, she left first.
Although she paid a deposit of 20,000 yuan before leaving, she was all smiles, a far cry from when she first came.
As soon as she left, before Meng Ruochao had the chance to say anything to Ai Gao, Mrs. Chen and her daughter showed up again.
Mrs. Chen, well - maintained, was dressed in an expensive Chanel suit and carried a Hermès handbag.
There was a habitual air of reserve and aloofness on her face.
The daughter beside her was dressed as daintily as a doll. Her eyes were bright as she looked around eagerly, her anticipation undisguised.
"Boss Meng," Mrs. Chen nodded slightly as a greeting. Her eyes swept across the store, with a hint of barely perceptible criticism. But then, thinking of Meng Ruochao's identity, she quickly adjusted her expression.
"Hello, Sister Meng!" Zhou Zhou's voice was clear and crisp, but her eyes were still searching the store.
"Eh? Isn't that handsome guy here today?" she asked directly, her tone a bit coquettish and matter - of - fact.
Meng Ruochao hadn't expected Mrs. Chen and her daughter to actually come. She'd thought it was just adult "social niceties" yesterday.
"Welcome, Mrs. Chen, Miss Zhou," Meng Ruochao put on a professional smile.
"Student Pei Jiangmu has classes at school today and hasn't come yet," she explained calmly.
"So his name is Pei Jiangmu. But why isn't he here yet?" Zhou Zhou's face instantly fell. She made no attempt to hide her disappointment, and even her voice sounded dejected.
"I thought it was agreed for this afternoon. I came early on purpose..." she pouted and looked at her mother.
Mrs. Chen patted her daughter's hand to soothe her, then turned to Meng Ruochao. Her tone was casually condescending.
"Boss Meng, when do you think that young Mr. Pei will come today? Our Zhou Zhou rarely takes an interest in anything. We mainly wanted him to serve Zhou Zhou today and give some young people's opinions."
She casually positioned Pei Jiangmu as a subordinate who provided services.
The smile on Meng Ruochao's face faded a bit. Mrs. Chen's words sounded polite, but the meaning between the lines was obvious - in their eyes, Pei Jiangmu was just a good - looking "toy" to amuse Zhou Zhou. Since he was a poor student, he should come at their beck and call, and there was no need to confirm his schedule in advance.
This attitude of regarding people as playthings and ignoring them made Meng Ruochao feel a strong sense of discomfort and a faint anger well up inside her.
Even if Pei Jiangmu was working here because he needed money, why should he be so despised by these so - called upper - class people?
"Mrs. Chen," Meng Ruochao's voice remained polite, but there was more distance and determination in her eyes.
"Student Pei is a graduate student at Haicheng Academy of Fine Arts. His coursework is very heavy, and his schedule is determined by his classes. I can't be sure exactly when he'll be able to come. After all, a student's primary responsibility is study, especially a student as talented and hard - working as him."
She paused and looked at Mrs. Chen and Zhou Zhou. Her tone was neither overbearing nor humble, with a hint of barely perceptible edge.
"Moreover, even if he comes, he won't be able to serve Miss Zhou. He's not an ordinary part - time employee in our store. He's in charge of guiding the design direction. His artistic vision and unique understanding of color and composition are very professional and profound. I believe that in time, he will surely become one of the top and most prominent painters in the country. It's our honor and a blessing for our 'Floating Cloud Studio' to have him here to help."
This speech, while seemingly praising Pei Jiangmu, was actually a counter - attack against Mrs. Chen's disdain. By emphasizing his important studies, his talent, and his promising future, she was telling them that he wasn't a "toy" they could order around and use for entertainment. He was a respected and promising artist! The subtext was - don't look down on a young man just because he's poor!
Mrs. Chen clearly understood the meaning behind Meng Ruochao's words. A look of surprise and displeasure flashed across her well - maintained face. She hadn't expected this seemingly meek Boss Meng to dare to subtly defy her in order to protect a "part - time" college student. Could it be that her meekness and kindness in the previous two visits were all an act? After all, she was a woman who had hooked up with Yan Qiubai. How could she be a pushover? Now, for the sake of protecting a part - time employee, she was actually offending a big customer like herself.
Zhou Zhou was a bit confused. She seemed not to fully understand but sensed that the atmosphere was a bit off.
Just as the situation was at a delicate standstill, the door of the studio was gently pushed open.
"Sister, I'm here," a clear and pleasant voice broke the silence.
Pei Jiangmu was carrying an easel on his back. He was wearing a simple white T - shirt and gray sweatpants. His bangs were slightly damp, as if he'd just rushed over. The sunlight shone in from behind him, outlining his tall and handsome figure. There was a gentle, harmless smile on his handsome face, and his eyes immediately fell on Meng Ruochao.
However, no one noticed that the moment he stepped through the door, a strange glint flashed through his clear eyes, like a shooting star in the night sky.
He'd heard. He'd heard Meng Ruochao's last speech defending him! She'd said that having him was her blessing. Every word was like a hot drop of honey, unexpectedly hitting his heart. It instantly stirred up a wave of ecstasy and contentment that almost drowned him.
His Ruochao, even though she'd forgotten everything about him, forgotten who he used to be and what he'd done to her, still instinctively protected him! She'd proudly and firmly announced his value to others! Even though he was now just a "poor student" who had nowhere to go and could only eat cheap rice balls, she still stood up for him.
The anger that had flared up when he'd heard someone was causing trouble during the meeting had now completely dissipated. In its place was a kind of almost sickly satisfaction. He clenched his fists tightly, as if trying to suppress the crazy urge to pull her into his arms.
"Little brother!" Zhou Zhou's disappointment was instantly replaced by surprise. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him.
Mrs. Chen also concealed her displeasure and put on a proper smile.
"It's good that you're here, Young Master Pei. We were just talking about you with Boss Meng."
Pei Jiangmu acted as if he'd just noticed them. He showed just the right amount of cool detachment.
"Hello," he greeted politely, then quickly returned his gaze to Meng Ruochao. His smile widened, full of trust and attachment.
"Sister, I rushed over right after class. Am I late?"
"No, you're just in time. Go to the back first. I'll find you later," Meng Ruochao met his clear eyes and gave him a look, indicating for him to go to the workshop where she usually drew design sketches.
"Okay," Pei Jiangmu smiled brightly.
Mrs. Chen watched this scene and remembered Meng Ruochao's speech just now. Her eyes darted back and forth between them, a complex look in her eyes. This Boss Meng's attitude towards this young man seemed more than just that of a boss towards an employee. So, did Yan Qiubai know?