Sulanqiao had only been a model for a short time, and it was just for fun. She hadn't signed any contracts and had been doing some scattered advertising shoots with Yue Xi's small studio before. They were friends, and the split was negotiable.
Now that the news of endorsing the sub-brand Truth had reached Yue Xi's ears, he was thrilled almost to the point of going crazy. "You really did me a favor. This contract is for a year, and my small studio is alive again."
"I didn't expect him..." Sulanqiao paused, then changed her address, "Mr. Chu to suddenly make such a move."
"So, you didn't ask for the advertising fee before to play hard to get, although I don't understand the logic, but you've got the moves." Yue Xi's hearty laughter almost overflowed the phone, "Then, you definitely have to come back. I will personally come to pick you up in a luxurious sedan."
"A luxurious sedan for picking up a bride. I want to bring my mother's ashes back to Chengdu for placement before returning to Beijing." Sulanqiao chuckled lightly.
"But, I thought you wouldn't come back from this trip to the UK, and I've been feeling sad for a long time." Yue Xi sighed deeply, "I mean, it's a pity if you don't continue as a model. Have you read the comments online? They say you are extraordinarily otherworldly, like a calamity in ancient times, you are the source of disaster."
Sulanqiao lowered her long eyelashes and contemplated for a moment. "Yue Xi, could you help me find another house? I might need to stay for a while."
Originally, she wasn't planning to go back. She thought it was the last night, and that's why she had acted so recklessly.
But Chu Cheng's sudden decision sparked certain thoughts in her, making her eager to try.
-
After giving instructions to the steward about the tomb and burying her mother in the cemetery in Chengdu, Sulanqiao booked a flight back to Beijing for the next day. The house that Yue Xi found was very close to Chu's company, and she returned with the two 30-inch suitcases that she had packed half a month ago.
"Come on, take a look at the house I found for you, prime location, every inch is valuable." Yue Xi bent over to help him carry the boxes into the house, gasping for breath, "The room is a bit small, but it's enough since you're living alone."
Sulanqiao lazily strolled around in wide-legged pants inside the room, then stopped at the French window in the living room, where she could see the large sign of "Chu Group" not far away. It was indeed nearby.
It's easier to get to the moon when you are by the water.
"Thanks, bro, I'm very satisfied," Sulanqiao smiled faintly and pursed her lips lightly. "How about we go sign the contract today?"
Yue Xi scratched his head, "You don't need to be in such a hurry..."
"I'm afraid they might change their minds," Sulanqiao said seriously, staring at him, "I'm just an 18th-tier model endorsing such a big brand, even if it's for a sub-brand, what if something happens."
Actually, he still didn't understand why Chu Cheng made such a sudden decision. But since it had been presented to him, he should seize the opportunity.
"Ok, I'll ask Assistant Ling first," Yue Xi said while quickly messaging Ling Feng.
Two minutes later, his phone beeped, and Yue Xi looked puzzled as he raised his head, "Assistant Ling said it can be done at any time."
At any time? Sulanqiao was startled, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt it was a trap.
She quickly unpacked her luggage and put it in the closet, then neatly folded Chu Cheng's clothes from before into a beautiful bag before following Yue Xi to the neighboring Chu Group building.
Ling Feng's office was on the 24th floor of the building, next to Chu Cheng's office.
When Sulanqiao entered, she faintly saw Chu Cheng on the phone through the cracks in the blinds in the next room. It seemed as if the person inside had sensed something, and he suddenly looked up for a moment, which startled her, so she quickly shifted her gaze.
Inside the office, Ling Feng handed a pile of contracts to Yue Xi in a matter-of-fact tone, "This is a one-year endorsement contract with Sulanqiao. Take a look, and if there are no problems, the brand department will work with you on this."
"Chu Cheng has agreed, so there's no need to look at it," Sulanqiao pulled out a chair and sat down, looking calm and composed. She glanced around Ling Feng's office, and the assistant manager's workspace was this spacious, truly extravagant.
Ling Feng raised an eyebrow and asked, "Aren't you afraid of signing a lifelong contract?"
She scoffed inwardly, he would then have even more reason to be by Chu Cheng's side for life.
She looked up, and with a pair of deep and innocent eyes, she said, "I trust Mr. Chu, do you have a pen, Assistant Ling?"
Ling Feng was speechless, and after a moment's silence, he slightly nodded and handed her a pen from the messy papers on the desk.
Damn, what's with the subtle ambiguity between these two?
Sulanqiao quickly flipped to the last page of the contract and wrote her name. It was as good as it gets.
An urgent knock on the door came from outside. Ling Feng called out, "Come in."
A tall figure burst into the room with a furious expression, asking right away, "Assistant Ling, why isn't it me who is the spokesperson for the sub-brand?"
Sulanqiao moved her chair and turned to face him. It was a handsome man, Xia Ran, who had taken on most of the endorsements for Chu's company, now confronting her.
Oh, here comes the confrontation.
Yue Xi was scared by this imposing presence and even took a step back. It was truly a great drama with the new and old spokespersons meeting.
"You're well-informed," Ling Feng maintained his professionalism and calmly explained, "Xia Ran, your contract is for the product line, not the entire line. The company has other arrangements for the sub-line that do not require your consultation, right?"
Xia Ran took a deep breath but couldn't contain his agitation, "Yes, I was at fault for missing the last shoot, but to think that Sulanqiao, a nobody, would take over my advertising and endorsement, I can't accept it."
Ling Feng moved his chair and stood up with a serious look, "First, this is Mr. Chu's decision, so you don’t need to accept it. Second, the advertisements by Sulanqiao have resulted in actual sales. You can see the data on the official website."
And after being silent for a long time, Sulanqiao suddenly spoke, "Even a nobody like me could replace your endorsement. Senior, shouldn't you reflect on your business capabilities?"
Chu Cheng was no fool. Xia Ran had been the spokesperson for Chu's company for two years, but this year, his popularity had plummeted and the sales weren't improving either. Even without Sulanqiao, he would have been substituted.
This sub-endorsement was just an experiment.
Xia Ran was taken aback by Sulanqiao's seemingly cold demeanor and her audacious words. He was stunned for a moment, then his face turned red, and he slammed the table, "You shut up! Talk to me after you have reposted on Weibo over four digits."
"Indeed, you don't live up to your reputation, senior," Sulanqiao sneered, appearing calm, "Don't you know that Weibo data can be bought now?"
"You are making trouble for no reason."
"You attacked first."
Sulan Qiao's voice was soft and gentle from beginning to end, without a trace of anger, displaying a clear distinction between right and wrong.
The door of the room was pushed open again, and this time, the tall and straight figure of Chu Cheng stood in the doorway. "What's all the noise about? I can't even get peace through two closed doors?"
"Manager Chu, sorry for disturbing you. It was Sulan Qiao who provoked and taunted me first, and I couldn't help but retort," Xia Ran complained first, weakening his entire demeanor, sounding almost genuine.
No shame.
Sulan Qiao silently cursed.
He stared straight at Chu Cheng, greedily looking at the face he had longed for, even the cold curve of his lips was so charming.
After sweeping his gaze over several people, Chu Cheng turned and issued a stern warning before closing the door, "I'm not deaf. This matter is settled. If there is any more disturbance, I will have you thrown out."
The office instantly fell silent, so quiet that the sound of the wind blowing through the dust seemed audible.
After holding back for a while, Xia Ran suddenly pushed Sulan Qiao's chair and left in a huff, "Let's see what happens next. This is not over yet."
Is it over or not? Finally, a hint of impatience appeared in Sulan Qiao's eyes. He narrowed his eyes and looked down at Ling Feng, "Assistant Ling, anything else?"
"That's all for now. Tomorrow night, we have an internal party. You can come by and make an appearance," Ling Feng tidied up the contracts and offered a reminder, "Xia Ran is not someone to trifle with."
Sulan Qiao put on a smile, "Thank you, Assistant Ling. You're very kind. By the way, can I disturb Manager Chu for a few minutes?"
"He's leaving in ten minutes, so there shouldn't be any issues, but it's just a short amount of time. Don't be unreasonable," Ling Feng raised his hand to look at his watch, indicating something.
"Where are you going?" Sulan Qiao lifted the bag in his hand, "I'm going to return something to Manager Chu."
Ling Feng breathed a sigh of relief and put on a professional fake smile, "Then, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."
Yue Xi also stood up and nodded slightly, muttering, "When did you become so close to Manager Chu?"
Sulan Qiao didn't want to explain further, lowering his voice, "Wait for me at the door, just two minutes."
As he spoke, he stepped out and knocked on the door of the adjacent office, "Manager Chu, may I come in?"
"Come in," Chu Cheng put down the phone, assuming a comfortable posture and staring in the direction of the door.
Not seeing each other for more than half a month, the audacious little model still had the courage to come back?
Sulan Qiao entered, gently closed the door, and said in a clear voice, "Manager Chu, long time no see."
"Sulan Qiao, what trick are you up to now?" Chu Cheng lifted his eyes to look at him, with a sharp gaze that carried a hint of scrutiny.
Sulan Qiao pouted, sounding somewhat aggrieved, "Why don't you call me little cat?"
Chu Cheng sneered, "I think you are more like a wild cat, catching people and then running away. Tell me, what do you want from me?"
"I came to..." Sulan Qiao slowly walked over, leaned against his desk, and placed the clothing from the bag neatly on the table, "return the shirt and trousers I borrowed from you that day. Although I'm reluctant, things must be returned to their rightful owner."
Chu Cheng casually picked up the shirt collar and shook it, raising an eyebrow, "Did you enjoy wearing my clothes?"
"Very much," Sulan Qiao smiled freely, his beautiful eyes curved, "it feels as comfortable as hugging you."