Some of the servants by Alice’s side didn’t quite understand what she meant. With innocent faces, they said, “But I don’t think Miss Zhang is that kind of person. Is there some kind of misunderstanding? She only came up with that risky idea to help you win.”
Alice found it unnecessary to explain, as Zhang Wan’er’s persona as a good person was already deeply ingrained. She believed that as the victim of this incident, anyone who thought about it clearly would know whether the other party was sincere!
Seeing Alice’s silence, the servants grew apprehensive. They exchanged glances, and one of them cautiously stepped forward to ask, “Then what do you plan to do next, young lady? Without the chief designer position, your days in country M will be difficult.”
“I grew up watching my teacher. I know his character: sharp tongue, soft heart! He’s just angry temporarily. Once I realize my mistakes and apologize sincerely, he will forgive me and find me a good position!” After saying this with complex emotions, Alice’s gaze gradually firmed. During the time she awaited forgiveness, she decided to do something else!
Having navigated the world of power and wealth for so long, she wasn't a good person either. To think someone would use her, disregarding her life to achieve their own goals, meant they had to face her impending revenge!
So, Alice made a call to her best friend: “I need you to investigate Miss Zhang Wan’er’s recent activities in detail! And also, see if there have been any escapees from Haikou recently?”
“Okay!” The person on the other end happily agreed to the request and then hung up.
----
Alice’s little drama had ended, and the entire evening party proceeded very pleasantly. After dinner, it was already half-past eleven at night.
As the banquet neared its end, Kruskovich looked at Chen Lishu and asked in front of everyone, “Would you be willing to become my last disciple? I see your talent as a student; you are very gifted. I am willing to pour all my knowledge into teaching you about design!”
“Thank you, but no.” She was well aware of the evolution of fashion design over decades. Moreover, her focus wasn't solely on work. If she became Kruskovich’s disciple, she would inevitably have to spend more time in country M, separated from her family. She couldn't accept that the result of her efforts to become stronger would be this.
Upon hearing Chen Lishu’s words, Kruskovich and everyone present were surprised. Kruskovich was a renowned master in the fashion industry, and many people would clamor for a chance to study under him. Yet, Chen Lishu seemed to dismiss him.
“This woman is too arrogant. Even with superior design skills, what good is it? In the future, her works will be like her, conceited and self-important! Disregarding others’ advice, she’ll design anti-human clothing.”
“I also think this woman is somewhat ungrateful. I don’t know why Kruskovich would want someone like her as a disciple. Aren’t all the people here more obedient?”
“There’s nothing we can do, that’s just who our teacher chose. If you’re not satisfied, you can step forward and try to seize the opportunity. Miss Chen’s work is miles ahead of yours, so my teacher should pay attention to such talent!”
“……”
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, some supporting Chen Lishu, others questioning her.
Kruskovich, who had been stunned, now reacted. With a somewhat ingratiating smile, he asked, “Then I’d like to know, are you accepting disciples?”
Upon hearing this, Lidoviana couldn’t help but exclaim, “Teacher, have you been too busy lately? You are a professor at the Royal Academy of Arts, and Miss Chen is just a graduate from an ordinary university. How can you possibly want to be her master? Alright, I know you’re joking, but it’s not a time for jokes. So many people are watching! Aren’t you making yourself a laughingstock?”
Kruskovich shook his head with some dissatisfaction and continued regardless, “I’m not joking now. Miss Chen, are you willing to take me as your disciple? Your design vision far surpasses mine. Perhaps I’ve spent too much time at the academy these years.”
If this man hadn’t calculated for her to come to country M to participate in the competition, so many troublesome things wouldn’t have happened midway. Chen Lishu didn’t have a very good impression of him, so she refused Kruskovich’s request without hesitation: “I’m sorry, but I cannot grant this request. I am merely a businesswoman, not a designer. I’m afraid my daily schedule is too packed, and I won’t be able to attend to you. Given your esteemed status, wouldn’t that be my fault?”
“So you are rejecting my request?” Kruskovich lowered his head, a hint of disappointment evident.
Chen Lishu remained silent, her meaning already clear. To shift the attention away from herself, she changed the subject: “I have to return to my country tomorrow. I’ve had a bit too much to drink today and might need to go back to the hotel to rest. Please excuse me for not staying longer!”
With that, Chen Lishu turned and left the banquet hall.
He Zinian had contacted her earlier, asking her to call him after the banquet, and he would arrange for a driver to pick her up. The moment she stepped out, she sent a message to He Zinian, and the car arrived just in time.
After getting into the car, Chen Lishu politely said, “Hello, please take me directly to the He Group.”
Besides the driver, a man in a black suit sat in the passenger seat. They said nothing in response to Chen Lishu’s request, remaining silent as they drove and looked at the road.
Chen Lishu found it somewhat strange, but these were drivers arranged by He Zinian. She assumed they were just overly professional, making them seem a bit aloof.
Then, a message popped up on her phone: [Where are you? The driver I sent has circled around but couldn't find you. Give me your detailed location, and I'll have them park the car there.]
Seeing this, Chen Lishu suddenly realized something was amiss. Just as she was subtly preparing to send a message back to He Zinian, the driver in front spoke up:
“Miss Chen, I suggest you’d better not reply to this message. Our master merely invites you for a chat and to discuss matters; he has no other intentions!”
Chen Lishu put her phone away. She couldn't provoke the two people in front of her. She could only test the waters with a cold tone: “So, who is your master?”