"About the matter I talked to you about before, starting a studio together. What's your decision?"
Yin Yiyan propped her chin and looked at her with a beaming smile.
Start a studio?
Ning Anmiao was in a daze for a few seconds, a look of bewilderment flashing in her eyes. "When?"
"Just before. We agreed that as soon as you got divorced, we'd start a business and jointly set up a studio to create our own brand!"
Ning Anmiao's expression froze.
"Yanyan, I have something to confess to you."
Ning Anmiao said carefully, "I got hit on the head before. After I woke up, I lost my memory and can't remember what happened in the past three months."
Yin Yiyan was taken aback for a moment, then waved her hand. "It doesn't matter. At least you survived that accident. That's already very lucky."
Ning Anmiao couldn't agree more.
At this moment, the bartender at the bar walked over and asked what they would like to drink.
"Whiskey Sour," Yin Yiyan ordered, then turned to Ning Anmiao. "Miaomiao, what would you like?"
"Just grape juice. I can't drink alcohol for now."
Yin Yiyan nodded, then looked at her with hope in her eyes again. "It's not too late to consider now. So, how about starting a studio with me?"
Ning Anmiao thought for a moment.
When Yin Yiyan proposed this idea, Ning Anmiao did have a fleeting impulse to agree.
However, if she really agreed to jointly set up a fashion design studio with Yin Yiyan, considering the location and market, it would be most suitable to develop in Shanghai.
In comparison, Jiangcheng is an old city with a slow pace. In every aspect, it can't keep up with the more trendy and fast - paced Shanghai.
That meant she had to stay in Shanghai.
Thinking of this, she was lost in thought for a long time.
Yin Yiyan, sitting opposite her, took a sip of the Whiskey Sour the bartender had served. Seeing Ning Anmiao frowning, she reached out and patted her on the shoulder.
"What's wrong? Do you have any concerns?"
Ning Anmiao sighed silently. "It's not that I have any concerns. I'm also looking forward to having my own studio."
"Then what are you still hesitating about? Don't just think about it, take action!"
Ning Anmiao picked up the grape juice and looked down at the purple liquid inside. She hesitated before saying, "But I've already promised my parents that I'll go back to Jiangcheng next week."
Yin Yiyan was stunned.
She thought Ning Anmiao would hesitate because of financial problems or be worried about the success rate of starting a studio. But she didn't expect that Ning Anmiao would choose to go back to Jiangcheng.
She felt a bit sorry.
"Miaomiao, are you sure? If you go back to Jiangcheng, what are you going to do?"
"I don't know. Maybe spend some time with my parents, then find a suitable university and become a university lecturer."
Saying this, Ning Anmiao felt a bit sad.
With her current qualifications, it would be no problem for her to apply for a job as a lecturer in Sinology at a well - known university.
Moreover, this was what Ning Zhijing wanted to see even more.
Inherit her father's mantle, become a respected lecturer, and then gradually become a professor in the college over the years, and finally become a well - known teacher in the industry.
This was indeed a good life.
But she always felt a bit regretful.
That regret came from the unwillingness deep in her bones and a hint of restlessness.
Hearing what Ning Anmiao said, Yin Yiyan thought it was a complete waste. "You're going back to be a university lecturer? Ning Anmiao, the number one rising star in the design world, is actually going back to be a university lecturer?"
"What, do you look down on university lecturers?" Ning Anmiao joked and gently punched her on the shoulder. "University lecturers are very popular."
"Stand on the podium and only have a few classes a week. Then you can leave after the classes are over." As she was stating this, it seemed more like she was trying to comfort herself. "And you can also be promoted. Then I'll be a respected teacher."
"I don't look down on this job. I just think..."
Yin Yiyan hesitated but still said what was on her mind. "I just think this isn't the job you like."
Ning Anmiao was shocked.
Sure enough, no matter how many words she used to hypnotize and numb herself, all her defenses would be shattered by the words "this isn't what you like."
Yes, she didn't like it.
Yin Yiyan took another leisurely sip of her drink and then said slowly, "You've said so much. I just want to ask you one question. If you can answer it, then I'll believe that you really like being a teacher."
"Is this really the life you want?"
Ning Anmiao lowered her head and didn't even dare to look at Yin Yiyan.
Looking at Ning Anmiao's expression and behavior, Yin Yiyan already guessed the answer. She leaned forward and hugged her arm, looking at her eagerly.
"Miaomiao, if you really choose this kind of life, then how is it different from when you married your ex - husband before?"
Ning Anmiao pretended to be calm. "There is a difference. At least no one will bully me anymore."
Yin Yiyan was so angry that she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Is that all you aim for?"
"That's exactly all I aim for."
Seeing her non -chalant attitude, Yin Yiyan was frustrated. "Ning Anmiao, stop being so self - defeating, okay?"
Ning Anmiao didn't answer.
"Being suitable" and "being liked" were obviously a very difficult choice.
What was suitable might not be liked, and what was liked might not be suitable.
"But if I do this, my father will definitely be angry."
Ning Anmiao lowered her head, her fingers nervously twirling. She was looking for an excuse. "Moreover, I've already promised him that I'll go back."
She wanted to give up on herself and cut off all the thoughts that might rekindle her restless passion for design.
"Fine. Since this is your choice, as a friend, I'll definitely support you more."
Yin Yiyan said in a flat tone, "But our friendship ends here."
Ning Anmiao's hand holding the glass tightened suddenly.
"The reason is that I don't like to be friends with cowards."
Yin Yiyan was unrestrained and proud. She still remembered countless nights when she and Ning Anmiao talked about design late into the night, and she knew how enviable Ning Anmiao's talent in design was.
But such a person chose to give up.
"If you choose to give up design now, even if you achieve great success in Sinology, you'll still be just an ordinary person."
"As Ning Zhijing's daughter, you may get a perfect score. But as Ning Anmiao, your life is a failure."
Every word Yin Yiyan said hit the softest part of her heart, waking her up again and again and making her tear off her disguise and pretense.
Ning Anmiao lowered her head slightly and said softly, "You're right."