Wei Yumeng had attended many banquets before, but this was her first time at one specifically for designers. She had heard before that designers were a peculiar group, and now seeing them, she found it to be true. Compared to the business cocktail parties she had attended previously, where almost everyone wanted to showcase their status and wealth through their attire, the people here were more relaxed. Even the venue for the banquet was a renowned hotel in the area, known for its rich design aesthetic.
Upon arriving, Wei Yumeng felt a bit awkward. She was not familiar with the designers present, and her sole objective was Ji Qi. She had seen Ji Qi’s photo before, but after searching the attendees for a long time, she couldn't find him. "Where could he be?" Wei Yumeng scanned her surroundings, not wanting to miss any corner.
Finally, a young designer noticed Wei Yumeng. "Excuse me, are you Miss Wei Yumeng?"
"I am," Wei Yumeng replied politely, though her gaze involuntarily drifted elsewhere. If she missed Ji Qi because of this, she would regret it terribly. The other person noticed Wei Yumeng's distraction and proactively asked, "Miss Wei, are you looking for someone?"
Wei Yumeng thought for a moment. Instead of searching anxiously, perhaps she could ask. "I'm looking for Mr. Ji Qi. Have you seen him?"
"Ah, you're looking for Mr. Ji. Didn't he tell you? Mr. Ji is a special guest at this banquet, so he's in the private rooms inside."
"Thank you," Wei Yumeng said and hurried inside. No matter what she faced next, she was mentally prepared.
Wei Yumeng reached the door of the private room, took a deep breath, adjusted her demeanor, and then knocked. "Who is it?" a voice called from inside.
"Apologies for disturbing you, I'm Wei Yumeng, and I'd like to see Mr. Ji Qi."
There was a moment of silence from within the room before a voice said, "Come in."
It was then that Wei Yumeng truly met Ji Qi for the first time. He was not very old, but his attire and presentation were rather unconventional. Even the way he looked at her carried an indescribable feeling.
"You are Wei Yumeng. I didn't expect you to be so persistent," Ji Qi said directly, getting to the point without evasion.
Since that was the case, Wei Yumeng saw no need to beat around the bush. "Mr. Ji, perhaps for you, this project is not worth mentioning, but it's different for me. It concerns the reputation and survival of our jewelry store. I can't just let it go."
"So, you value the jewelry store and this project more than yourself?"
"That's right," Wei Yumeng answered without a second thought.
Ji Qi nodded and, after a moment of thought, spoke again. "In that case, are you willing to do anything to ensure the project's success?"
"I'm willing to try," Wei Yumeng said. Her purpose for coming today was singular, and she would not deny it.
"Alright, if that's the case... today, you will be my assistant at the banquet. As long as you perform well, I can consider cooperating with you again."
Wei Yumeng frowned. Just "consider"? Perhaps Ji Qi wouldn't change his mind in the end, or perhaps he was just toying with her.
"What? Hesitating?" Ji Qi sneered. He had always disliked associating with people from the business world, knowing they were all selfish and self-serving. They would refuse anything that wasn't in their own best interest, showing no regard for personal relationships.
"No, Mr. Ji, I accept," Wei Yumeng said firmly. Even if she couldn't change Ji Qi's mind in the end, at least she wouldn't have any regrets if she tried.
"Good, then starting now." Ji Qi said, glancing at the wine glass beside him. Wei Yumeng immediately understood and walked over to pour him a glass of wine. Ji Qi nodded, showing a hint of satisfaction in his eyes towards Wei Yumeng, at least she could understand his intentions immediately.
Just then, the door to the private room was knocked again. "Who?" Ji Qi asked, his tone growing impatient. "Tsk, why are so many people looking for me today?"
"Mr. Ji, it's me. We spoke earlier about collaborating on a piece."
"Come in."
Wei Yumeng saw that the newcomer appeared to be another talented designer. During their conversation, she could tell that the other party had no ulterior motives and was solely focused on collaborating with Ji Qi. However, Ji Qi's attitude remained consistently poor, delegating almost everything to Wei Yumeng. He had her drink for him, entertain for him, and even handle matters related to the service staff. Consequently, before Wei Yumeng had done much else, she had already consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.
After finally seeing one person off, several more arrived. Ji Qi seized the opportunity to make an excuse and leave, abandoning the entire private room to Wei Yumeng.
"Miss, are you Mr. Ji's assistant? I've never known him to have such a beautiful assistant before."
"Yes, yes! We originally wanted to cooperate with Mr. Ji, but now we're more interested in you, Miss."
"Miss, how about this? Don't be his assistant anymore. Why don't you be my secretary?" As the man spoke, he reached out to touch Wei Yumeng.
Wei Yumeng quickly dodged. "I'm sorry, sir, I have no intention of changing jobs. Mr. Ji is very good to me."
"This is considered good? He left you here with us and went off to enjoy himself somewhere? He went off to relax."
As the man spoke, he poured another glass of wine and handed it to Wei Yumeng. But now, the sight of a wine glass made Wei Yumeng feel dizzy. "I'm sorry, I really can't drink anymore..."
"How can you not drink? Miss Wei, you can still have a little, right?" Saying this, the man forced a glass down Wei Yumeng's throat. Although the strange glint in the man's eyes only flashed for a moment, Wei Yumeng still caught it. Did they intend to get her drunk and then...? Wei Yumeng dared not think about it. She couldn't understand why she would encounter such a situation at a banquet.
"I'm truly sorry, I can't drink any more."
"Is that so? Is this the hospitality of your Mr. Ji? It seems I'll have to have a word with Mr. Ji."
Hearing this, Wei Yumeng could only grit her teeth and sit back down. How could she possibly cause trouble for Ji Qi? The project between her and Ji Qi was still undecided. If this incident made things even worse, the project would be completely hopeless. Wei Yumeng found herself in a dilemma; it seemed no matter which choice she made, she would lose the other.
"Come, come, Miss Wei, have another drink..."
Wei Yumeng looked at the wine glass, feeling as if it contained not just wine, but a poison that would soon plunge her into hell. Just as the wine glass was being brought closer to Wei Yumeng, the door to the private room was opened.
"Who is it!" The men asked impatiently. Their good deed was about to be accomplished, and now someone inconsiderate had come to interrupt. However, upon seeing who it was, they could only suppress their anger.