The collaboration between Wei Yumeng and Xia Zhou proceeded smoothly, with Xia Zhou's business acumen and problem-solving skills proving highly reassuring.
In less than half a month, the jewelry store brand created by Wei Yumeng had gained considerable recognition across the country.
Furthermore, new creations by renowned jewelry designer Ji Qi were slated to be sold at Wei Yumeng's jewelry store.
This event garnered significant attention from jewelry enthusiasts.
However, just a week before the new merchandise was to be launched, an incident occurred.
"What, Mr. Ji Qi has changed his mind?" Wei Yumeng could hardly believe it.
Precisely before the product launch, Ji Qi withdrew the exclusive authorization for his jewelry designs and canceled their collaboration.
Having already invested heavily in publicity and even planned an event, Wei Yumeng was caught completely off guard.
She couldn't possibly announce the cancellation of the collaboration to a highly anticipatory audience.
Xia Zhou felt a pang of regret, "I'm so sorry, Madam. I truly didn't expect this to happen, but this is all my fault. I didn't negotiate well with Mr. Ji Qi."
Xia Zhou genuinely believed the fault lay with him.
He was the one who had initially sought Ji Qi's collaboration, and he was also the one who received notification from Ji Qi about the cancellation.
This led him to believe that his own actions were insufficient, causing Ji Qi to change his mind.
Wei Yumeng, however, did not share this view. "This isn't your fault. I've already investigated, and another corporation offered a higher price for the exclusive authorization, which is why Mr. Ji Qi made this decision."
Moreover, Ji Qi was notoriously eccentric in the industry, and changing his mind was a common occurrence.
Rumor had it that some companies had been swindled even more severely in the past.
Compared to them, Wei Yumeng felt relatively fortunate; there was still a chance to salvage the situation.
"What should we do next?" Xia Zhou pondered, "How about I contact other jewelry designers and use their work as a replacement?"
Wei Yumeng shook her head. "No, we can't have those designers' work sold under Ji Qi's name. That would be disrespectful to them. Besides, almost everyone is anticipating Ji Qi's creations. If this is discovered, the situation will only become more complicated."
As she spoke, she paced the office, determined to find a solution.
"Here's what I'll do. I'll find an opportunity to meet with Mr. Ji Qi and try to persuade him to change his mind. Even if the chance is slim, I must try."
"Let me go instead. I was the one who initially discussed the collaboration with Mr. Ji Qi, so my appearance might be more effective," Xia Zhou suggested. He had no intention of letting the CEO's wife of Zhan Corporation handle such matters.
Wei Yumeng, however, shook her head. "I'll go. He's a man, and he might be more receptive when dealing with a woman. Besides, I want to meet this Mr. Ji Qi myself. I'm practically a part of the design circle, and having common ground will be an advantage when negotiating."
With Wei Yumeng's firm stance, Xia Zhou had no excuse to object.
After all, as a member of the project team, he also wished for a favorable resolution to this matter.
"Then I'll trouble you with this, Madam," Xia Zhou said with a sigh.
Wei Yumeng nodded. "I'll do my best."
With the plan set, Wei Yumeng began to act accordingly.
"You're looking for Mr. Ji Qi? I'm afraid he's out designing and likely won't be back today."
Wei Yumeng paused, then said to the staff member, "Could you please help me deliver a message? Tell him Wei Yumeng came looking for him and hopes to meet at his convenience."
"Understood." The receptionist nodded. "Miss, don't worry, I'll pass it on."
However, after waiting an entire day, Wei Yumeng received no reply. The next day, she returned to Ji Qi's studio.
"I apologize, Ms. Wei, but Mr. Ji Qi is out discussing business matters today."
She received a similar response.
The third day.
"I apologize, Ms. Wei..."
Wei Yumeng knew the rest of the sentence without hearing it. Ji Qi was still unavailable.
She had spent three full days trying to meet Ji Qi, only to fail to even catch a glimpse of him.
Given Zhan Mohan's influence, she might have been able to pull some strings, but he had traveled abroad for a project.
Wei Yumeng didn't even know if he was genuinely busy or simply avoiding her.
However, she couldn't fathom why Ji Qi would need to avoid her.
If she couldn't resolve this, the project would truly be doomed.
Was there really no other way?
Wei Yumeng sighed. Despite her reluctance, perhaps occasional surrender wasn't entirely a bad thing.
Just then, she overheard two passing staff members chatting.
"Mr. Ji Qi was invited to a banquet? He doesn't like that kind of environment, does he?"
"I asked Mr. Ji Qi as well, but he said he had a reason he absolutely had to attend."
"That must be quite a reason, then. Given Mr. Ji Qi's peculiar nature, it's truly rare for him to attend something like this."
A banquet? Wei Yumeng's eyes widened slightly. Although she had merely overheard the conversation, it provided her with a clear lead.
Since Ji Qi was attending a banquet, it meant she was guaranteed to meet him there.
It seemed fate had not abandoned her and was offering her another opportunity.
If so, what reason did she have not to seize it?
Wei Yumeng learned that the banquet was aimed at major designers nationwide and served as an important gathering for their exchange.
Even her mentor, Huang Hong'an, had received an invitation.
Wei Yumeng thought for a moment and then called Huang Hong'an.
"Teacher, it's me, Wei Yumeng."
Upon hearing Wei Yumeng's voice, Huang Hong'an's tone softened considerably. "Yumeng, what can I do for you?"
"Actually, Teacher, do you know about the designer banquet tomorrow?"
"Oh dear, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten. I was wondering what to do about it. You know I'm getting old and dislike those kinds of gatherings. Why don't you go in my place?"
Wei Yumeng was surprised by how smoothly things were unfolding. She had only intended to ask Huang Hong'an to bring her along, but he had directly asked her to take his place.
"Thank you, Teacher."
As she said this, Wei Yumeng felt a pang of guilt. Huang Hong'an giving her this opportunity clearly showed how much he valued her.
Yet, she was merely using it to pursue another agenda.
"It's alright. Do what you need to do to the best of your ability," Huang Hong'an said, then sighed. "I know your world isn't solely about design. So, whatever else you choose to do, I will support you."
This statement stunned Wei Yumeng. She had never imagined that Huang Hong'an was aware of everything.
He knew Wei Yumeng had ulterior motives.
"Teacher, thank you so much."
After hanging up the phone, Wei Yumeng began preparing for the banquet.
If she still wanted to salvage the project, she had to convince Ji Qi in one go, otherwise, time would run out.