As Su Nian described her situation, Chen Li Shu's expression remained unchanged, her demeanor still relaxed and leisurely. Just as Su Nian was about to ask if she had already devised a solution, a commotion sounded from outside the door.
"Li Shu! Li Shu!"
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Su Nian clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing with a hint of danger. "This woman dares to show up again? Could she be here specifically to flaunt her success in front of you? Madam, I really can't stand it. If she does anything out of line, please don't stop me, I'll definitely teach her a lesson!"
A helpless expression flickered across Chen Li Shu's face. She then waved her hand, signaling, "Alright, I'm not in a hurry, so you don't need to be either. It's not that big of a deal. Bring her in, and let's hear what she has to say!"
Su Nian reluctantly walked to the door and opened it. Alice was being held down by several people, while she continuously called out Chen Li Shu's name from the ground. To an outsider, one might think they had a deep friendship, and Alice was rushing to clarify a misunderstanding.
Su Nian crossed her arms, a look of disdain on her face. "Enough, let her go. Madam has something to discuss with her."
"Yes!" The security guards quickly released Alice upon hearing Su Nian's command, allowing her to move freely within the company.
Upon entering the office, Alice eagerly approached Chen Li Shu, her expression somewhat flustered. "I really had no intention of targeting you. When I came to Hua Xia, I just wanted to live a good life and give my brother a peaceful one!
The reason I opened my shop next to yours is that the Feng Shui of that street is indeed quite good, with a large flow of people, making it suitable for business. I believe in your judgment, and I genuinely want to be friends with you. I don't want to ruin our relationship, so I specifically came to explain. I know this explanation might seem a bit weak."
Seeing Alice's anxious demeanor, Chen Li Shu nodded faintly. "I believe you."
If Alice truly intended to sabotage her, as a chief designer, wouldn't it be simple for her to replicate their designs? The two of them sold entirely different types of clothing.
This was how times were. With the relaxation of policies, many people had innovative capabilities. If Alice hadn't bought that shop, someone else would have. Competition in the workplace was a very normal thing!
"Do you really believe me? But today all the customers went to my shop to buy clothes. Your side... I'm really sorry. I didn't expect my clothes to be so popular and to steal your customers!"
"I don't mean to brag. I genuinely want to apologize to you. Rest assured, I will do more to promote your company's products!" Alice, perhaps feeling her words weren't sincere enough, stood up and bowed to Chen Li Shu to express her attitude.
Chen Li Shu couldn't help but chuckle. "That's not necessary. Our company has its own unique promotional methods, so you don't need to worry about that. Now that your new store has just opened, your most important task is to manage your own shop well.
In this era, there is gold everywhere, but obtaining that gold is not an easy task. You must put all your focus into your own shop, continuously learning and growing. I hope your establishment will one day have a place in Hua Xia!"
"After interacting with you, I've found that Miss Chen, you are not as unbearable as Zhang Wan Er described. You are truly a person of great magnanimity. Then I will borrow your good wishes and hope I can truly succeed!
There are indeed many things waiting for me to handle at the shop, so I don't have time to chat with you here. Let's grab a meal together sometime, as my apology!"
Chen Li Shu nodded and readily agreed to the arrangement. Since she had many things to attend to at her shop, Alice didn't chat much with Chen Li Shu. Having achieved her objective, she left the company.
It wasn't until Alice had left that Su Nian spoke up. "Madam, what are you thinking? Our business is about to be snatched away, and not only are you not worried, but you're also treating our workplace adversary with such kindness!"
"What's the rush? Alice is indeed a design genius, and she also has a talent for business. She knows what kind of work can attract attention and stand out!
However, there are more intricate dealings in the workplace than just this. Back when we bought our shop in Kyoto, we suffered so many losses and were schemed against so many times before we gradually stabilized.
The bigger Alice's business becomes, the more others will become envious, and trouble will naturally follow. This path might not be smooth sailing!" Chen Li Shu propped her head with one hand, her gaze towards the door becoming increasingly profound.
Su Nian's interest was immediately piqued. She curiously leaned her head towards Chen Li Shu and asked, "So, what you mean is that this matter is under your control? Alice's shop is destined not to last long, and you are punishing her for the price of scheming against us?"
Chen Li Shu couldn't help but laugh at Su Nian's wild imagination. Back then, Su Nian, as a mercenary, had a more simplistic way of thinking. Now, being influenced by her, her mind was full of dark schemes! She wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing.
Facing Su Nian's curiosity, Chen Li Shu could only explain, "What scheming is there in this? The market nowadays is diverse. Even if Alice didn't rent the shop in that location, someone else would have. We can't prevent outstanding people from emerging.
Besides, the girl's background is indeed quite pitiable. Who isn't working hard for their family, for survival? We are both girls, so there's no need to be so absolute! If we can help, let's help.
Moreover, from our conversation, it's clear that Alice did not intentionally intend to oppose us. Otherwise, why would she have come all this way to apologize? Her intention in targeting me was probably just to see me gnash my teeth and live poorly, right?"
"Madam, what you say makes a lot of sense. But what do you plan to do next to help?"
Chen Li Shu pursed her lips, tapping gently on the table with one hand. After a moment of hesitation, she slowly said, "The time is not yet right. In at most three days, Alice will encounter a major problem in her life. I'll give her some advice then and help her find a way to solve it. This way, we can turn enemies into friends. Having more friends is better than having more enemies, isn't it?"
Su Nian nodded, seemingly understanding yet not fully grasping it. "Madam, I trust you! I also trust your decisions!"