Zhang Bin’s words were so perfectly spoken that Chen Lishu found it impossible to refuse his request. From a business perspective, she indeed needed such a "stepping stone." It was also after that night's phone call that Chen Lishu and Zhang Bin, implicitly, reconciled.
Her thoughts paused there. Coming back to herself, Chen Lishu propped up her head and said, "It just so happens that the company has no other pressing matters for me to attend to. I’ll come over and take a look at what extraordinary fabric you’ve acquired!"
Zhang Bin's eyes lit up. He eagerly replied, "Excellent! Let's pick a place and go then."
----
Two hours before the end of work, Chen Lishu packed her bag early and arrived at the location Zhang Bin had arranged.
Pushing open the private room door, she saw a massive item wrapped in a black plastic bag. Chen Lishu wasn't sure if this was the mysterious fabric Zhang Bin had mentioned, but the item’s presence in the room was too conspicuous to ignore.
Seeing Chen Lishu arrive, Zhang Bin's expression grew somewhat flustered. He rubbed his hands together, suppressing his nervousness, and said, "Ms. Chen, you've arrived? Please, have a seat. We can chat while we eat."
Chen Lishu nodded and then sat down directly opposite Zhang Bin. Compared to Zhang Bin's nervousness, her demeanor seemed rather casual. "It's only been a while since we last met, and you've become so reserved. Back then, when you discussed work matters with me, your language was so passionate! The whole company could hear your voice!"
Hearing Chen Lishu bring up the past, Zhang Bin's face instantly turned crimson, and he was consumed by guilt. "Yes, we got along so well back then, and our work collaboration was incredibly默契 (mòqì - tacit understanding/harmony). How did things come to this point? Ms. Chen, I apologize to you. I was foolish and got tricked, doing such a shameful thing for the company! I don't know how to compensate you. In this lifetime, I could never repay your kindness, even by serving you day and night. Your help has benefited me immensely!"
Chen Lishu shrugged with great magnanimity, her expression calm and composed as she comforted him. "What era are we in, talking about repaying kindness by serving like oxen and horses? Anyone with sense knows that when the tide rises, boats float higher. Everyone has their own pursuits; it's a perfectly normal thing. I haven't dwelled on it for a long time, so you don't need to obsess over it either! I've been so immersed in work lately that I haven't had a proper meal. Since you're treating today, I certainly won't be polite. Have you ordered yet? Bring the menu! We can discuss anything while we eat; there's no need to be so rushed!"
After Chen Lishu finished speaking, she took the menu from Zhang Bin's hand. Seeing Chen Lishu's casual actions, Zhang Bin's nervousness gradually eased.
Once Chen Lishu finished ordering the dishes, he couldn't wait to say, "Didn't I say I had new fabric to show you? Since there's nothing else to do right now, why don't we take a look and you can offer your opinion!"
Having lived so many years, Chen Lishu had seen all sorts of fabrics. She wasn't particularly concerned about it, but fearing that Zhang Bin would become more and more reserved if they didn't find something to do, she nodded and went along with him, "Alright."
Zhang Bin gave a silly chuckle and eagerly pulled open the plastic bag. Immediately, Chen Lishu saw the secret beneath the plastic.
The fabric seemed to be made of silk, and its color was silver. It sparkled brilliantly under the light. Silver and white gowns were both symbols of noble status.
Seeing Zhang Bin's eager expression regarding fashion design, Chen Lishu couldn't help but laugh. She nodded and generously said, "Of course, no problem. But are you sure you want to give this fabric to me? This fabric is not commonly seen in the market. You must have put considerable effort into acquiring it, haven't you?"
A hint of pride appeared on Zhang Bin's face. He patted his chest and said, "This fabric is indeed uncommon. I got the inspiration from a master and designed it myself. If you need it, I can provide it in large quantities in the future. I truly hope we can have an opportunity to collaborate again, allowing me to atone for my past mistakes and learn more about design."
Upon hearing that the fabric was personally designed by Zhang Bin, Chen Lishu raised her eyebrows in surprise. She then suppressed her excitement and said, "If that's the case, then we can certainly collaborate. I have an eighty percent chance of winning the competition. If I can become the chief designer in country M and lead the company to internationalization, I hope to position our products as luxury goods!"