Ever since Chen Li Shu discovered that the mastermind behind her attempted murder in prison was Zhang Wan Er, she found it impossible to treat her normally.
She could believe that Gu Xing Dong wouldn't do anything to betray her, but she also understood that one could guard against a gentleman but not a villain. Moreover, Zhang Wan Er held such a significant trump card!
Thus, during her hospital stay, she felt uneasy, worried that Zhang Wan Er would continuously seek out Gu Xing Dong using this incident as an opportunity to get closer to him.
However, after three days passed, there was still no movement from Zhang Wan Er's side. Chen Li Shu's hanging heart finally relaxed, and she was soon discharged from the hospital.
After her discharge, she couldn't wait to create samples of her designed clothes and put them up for sale in her boutique. She had been in the capital for some time, and their brand had already established a reputation. Therefore, Chen Li Shu only needed a simple promotion for her new collection. The store was thronged, and the clothes she designed sold out within half a day, with sizes running out quickly.
"You all must see these clothes! The shawl design is so interesting; it covers my shoulders perfectly, making me look much slimmer. It's a godsend for those of us who are a bit heavier!"
"Isn't that right? I'm so tired of ordinary T-shirts. This new invention really appeals to me; it gives off a different vibe."
"Mainly, Shu Se Group has made great progress this time. They're no longer focused on revealing skin as the trend. Clothes like these are what ordinary people can wear. You can't exactly wear a bare-shouldered outfit to work in the fields, can you? Showing so much skin seems inappropriate."
"Alright, you ladies stop chatting here. If you see something you like, buy it quickly. Don't you see how many empty shelves there are? If you keep talking, you might not find the styles you want."
"..."
The chatter abruptly stopped as everyone threw themselves into the task of buying clothes. Soon, all the clothes in the store were snapped up. The store employees, witnessing this scene, were so moved that they wept, covering their mouths.
Su Nian, seeing this, cast a slightly disdainful glance at them and asked, "Crying, crying, what's there to cry about? Isn't it a good thing that the clothes are selling?"
One of the employees tearfully stepped forward and said, "Sister Su, it's always good when clothes sell. We're crying because after everything that's happened to the company, we can finally get back on track. We can work under Sister Chen again and support our families!"
Su Nian was also very happy, but she still said in a slightly awkward manner, "Alright, alright, all of you, wipe your tears. What would customers think if they saw this? To celebrate the reopening of the store, Madam wants to treat everyone to a meal and drinks. Eat to your heart's content!"
"Hooray!" everyone agreed in unison. Chen Li Shu, watching this from upstairs, smiled with a hint of relief, as if everything was finally falling into place.
----
Meanwhile, at the Dynasty Grand Hotel.
Upon hearing the news of Zhang Wan Er's return, Alice eagerly rushed to the entrance to welcome her. "My dear, I've heard about everything that happened. Why didn't you stay home and rest a bit longer?"
Zhang Wan Er, her face pale, managed a weak smile at Alice. "There wasn't much to do at home, so I came back early."
Alice immediately supported Zhang Wan Er and teased, "Is it really because there's nothing else to do, or is it because you came back early for the person you love?"
A hint of pain flickered across Zhang Wan Er's face. She lowered her eyes, suppressing her inner turmoil, and said with a trembling lip, "Alice, please don't mention him to me anymore. I don't think I have any right to be with him anymore, do I?"
Sensing Zhang Wan Er's altered mood, Alice quickly dropped her smile. She clasped Zhang Wan Er's shoulders with both hands and said earnestly, "My dearest, you are brave and kind. You are so much better than that woman surnamed Chen. How can you not be worthy of Gu Xing Dong?
I had someone investigate. I heard that at the hospital, Gu Xing Dong said he would take responsibility for you. Just wait and you'll be in the arms of the man you love. I believe you two will be very happy together!"
Zhang Wan Er let out a self-deprecating laugh. "I don't think things are that simple. Gu Xing Dong has always loved Chen Li Shu. All that talk about taking responsibility is just to fool me. They will never get divorced."
Alice, hearing this, stomped her foot in anger and exclaimed emotionally, "If he refuses to acknowledge this relationship, then I don't mind teaching them a lesson so they know what it means to be a person of their word!
Why don't you go and urge Gu Xing Dong today? See when they will divorce and when he will take responsibility for you. You've contributed so much to them, and since they've agreed, they must follow through. Don't your Chinese people value credibility above all else?"
"But I don't want to force him with this matter. At this point, whether we are together or not doesn't seem that important anymore." After saying this, Zhang Wan Er turned to leave, but Alice grabbed her clothes as soon as she took a step.
Alice's exquisite face showed a determined expression. "No, since he said he would take responsibility for you, he must fulfill his promise according to the agreement. They're not divorcing? I don't mind helping them a bit."
A hint of triumph flashed in Zhang Wan Er's eyes, as her goal was achieved. However, she still put on a show of reluctance. "What are you planning to do now? I hope you won't do anything foolish for me!"
"Don't worry, I, Alice, wouldn't do anything to harm anyone. I just want to create an opportunity to invite Chen Li Shu out and remind them of their promises!" After saying this, Alice elegantly beckoned to a nearby bodyguard.
The bodyguard, receiving her signal, approached Alice and asked, "Miss, what are your orders?"
Alice lazily instructed, "Our company has been in the capital for some time now. For the sake of friendly relations between our countries, I've decided to invite our industry peers to a banquet I'm hosting tonight. It will be a good opportunity for everyone to get acquainted! By the way, the invitation to the banquet must be delivered personally to Chen Li Shu. She is the guest of honor for this event!"
The bodyguard nodded and then turned to leave the hotel. In about half an hour, the news of Alice's banquet spread throughout the entire capital. Everyone, eager to curry favor, accepted the invitations and prepared to grandly attend the event.