"Hello, Mr. Huang," Wei Yumeng said as she entered the reception room, greeting Huang Hong'an.
Upon seeing Wei Yumeng, Huang Hong'an became visibly emotional, standing up with tears welling in his eyes.
"Miss Wei, I've finally met you," Huang Hong'an said, extending his hand.
Wei Yumeng quickly took his hand, perplexed by his strong reaction.
"Teacher, this is quite improper," a voice chimed in.
Accompanying Huang Hong'an was one of his disciples, Pei Yunya.
Despite being a master's disciple, Pei Yunya was virtually unknown in the design circle. Her works had been absent for a considerable period.
Huang Hong'an awkwardly withdrew his hand. "My apologies, I was simply too overcome with seeing you."
"Mr. Huang, you are too kind. I'm not a prominent figure, you needn't be so," Wei Yumeng replied.
"No, no, you are of immense significance to me," Huang Hong'an explained. "I've already seen the promotional posters for your Zhan Group, and even the accompanying exhibition brochures. I understand that all the designs were by your hand, correct?"
Wei Yumeng nodded. "That's right. However, my abilities are limited, and I'm not a professional, so please don't mind it." She felt a pang of guilt, wondering if Huang Hong'an was here to critique her designs. She feared being reprimanded by such a master, especially since she didn't truly understand design principles and had simply followed her own ideas and preferences.
However, Huang Hong'an's next words completely surprised her.
"How could I mind? To be honest, I haven't seen such excellent designs in a long time. I can hardly believe these came from someone outside the industry like yourself."
Huang Hong'an sighed. "Frankly, it's been ages since I've encountered such perfect works in the design world."
Wei Yumeng was taken aback. She hadn't realized her designs were so impressive.
"You flatter me. How could I be so skilled?"
"There's no need for modesty. As an elder in the design community, I trust you will agree with my assessment."
Huang Hong'an paused, a hint of hesitation in his voice. There was another reason for his personal visit. He was unsure if Wei Yumeng would agree, as she was the wife of the Zhan Group's CEO, and a refusal would be perfectly understandable. Still, he felt compelled to try.
Wei Yumeng felt rather embarrassed by the praise from such a master, finding herself overwhelmed.
At that moment, she felt a gaze of ill will. Following it, she saw Pei Yunya looking at her with intense jealousy. Wei Yumeng was surprised that she had already managed to incur someone's resentment.
After a moment, Huang Hong'an decided to speak. "Actually, I have a special request for you today."
"Please, tell me," Wei Yumeng replied.
"I wish to take you as my student, to impart all my lifelong knowledge to you," Huang Hong'an said, his gaze sincere. "I believe that with your talent and my expertise, you can become the next great design master. Then, I will be able to rest in peace."
"Teacher! Mrs. Zhan will not agree to this," Pei Yunya interjected.
Huang Hong'an glared at her. "When is it your turn to speak?"
Pei Yunya was filled with resentment. She had been learning from Huang Hong'an for five years, and now, because of an outsider, he intended to pass on his entire legacy to someone else. How could she accept this?
Wei Yumeng glanced between them, understanding now the reason for Pei Yunya's earlier expression. Design wasn't her forte, and she had no intention of pursuing it as a career. If her withdrawal could create more opportunities for someone else, Wei Yumeng felt it would be worthwhile.
"I am truly sorry, Mr. Huang. I am deeply grateful for your kind offer, but as you know, I have many responsibilities here, and I doubt I can dedicate myself to systematic study. Moreover, I've never considered entering the design industry."
Huang Hong'an's face fell upon hearing her answer. Pei Yunya, however, breathed a sigh of relief, believing Huang Hong'an would still consider her his sole successor.
"I understand. Your answer is within my expectations," Huang Hong'an said, shaking his head with a hint of self-deprecation. "It seems my lifelong learning is destined to go to waste."
"Teacher, I am still here! I can learn!" Pei Yunya offered.
But Huang Hong'an shook his head. "I've taught you for five years, and what renown have you achieved? You're not even a tenth as capable as Mrs. Zhan."
Wei Yumeng quickly waved her hands. "Mr. Huang, you overestimate me. I'm not that capable."
Just then, Huang Hong'an gasped for air, his demeanor becoming somewhat alarming.
"Teacher!"
Wei Yumeng was startled and quickly moved closer. "Mr. Huang, what's wrong?"
"Teacher has heart disease. He can't handle sudden shocks, so..." Pei Yunya explained.
Wei Yumeng quickly found the medication Huang Hong'an carried in his pocket and administered it. After some time, Huang Hong'an gradually recovered.
"Mr. Huang, perhaps I should take you to the hospital," Wei Yumeng suggested, still concerned. Looking at Huang Hong'an, it was clear his illness wasn't recent, and she wondered if medication alone would be sufficient.
Huang Hong'an shook his head. "No, I know my condition well. I likely don't have much time left." He sighed. "I had hoped to find a more suitable successor before I pass, but Yunya lacks the capability, which led me to seek you out. Now, it seems I will have to live with this regret."
Initially, Wei Yumeng's decision was influenced by Pei Yunya. However, the current situation stirred her compassion. If she was truly the last person Huang Hong'an had his hopes on, should she let him die with regret?
"I..." Wei Yumeng hesitated, unsure of what to do.
At that moment, she recalled what Fang Xun had told her earlier. It turned out that Zhan Mohan had foreseen what might happen and had asked Fang Xun to remind her. If that was the case...
"Mr. Huang, I am deeply grateful for your regard and for this opportunity," Wei Yumeng said, her eyes now filled with sincerity. "I am willing to become your student, and I am willing to learn from you and carry on your design philosophy."
Hearing this, Huang Hong'an was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face.
"My dear child, I am truly grateful to you," Huang Hong'an said, holding Wei Yumeng's hand and reluctant to let go.