Lin Zhiyi sat dumbfounded in her seat.
Many images flashed through her mind. Ever since she was reborn and decided to walk the path of design again, she had always regarded Xue Man as her goal.
The rookie competition after she graduated from college, she still remembers the excitement she felt when she saw Xue Man.
Even the first time she stepped into the studio, she vividly recalls which foot stepped in first.
She always thought she was finally walking towards her dream.
They teamed up to catch bad guys together, drank to drunkenness in underground pubs together.
She would teach her how to work and how to be a person like a mentor.
She would also feel regret and concern over her matters with Gong Chen.
Someone who was both teacher and friend could also change.
At this moment, Lin Zhiyi’s feelings were very complicated.
In another life, it’s still hard to distinguish between friend and foe.
"Zhiyi, what’s wrong?"
A concerned voice sounded beside her ear.
Lin Zhiyi raised her eyes and her gaze fell on Bai Ruoshu.
She was still in her usual manner, elegantly neutral, smiling harmlessly.
Lin Zhiyi gave her a slight nod: "Do you need something?"
"I didn’t expect you could still sit here; didn’t you notice you’re missing a lot of things from your desk?"
Bai Ruoshu smirked slightly, as if she were making idle conversation.
"Zhiyi, I really appreciate your abilities, but it would be better if you could be smarter here."
Lin Zhiyi didn’t rush to prove anything but purposely made some noise to attract the whole office’s attention.
She held out her hand towards Bai Ruoshu.
"Miss Bai, congratulations are due. It seems the old man values you greatly, having you accompany the adopted son to welcome clients upon his return."
Bai Ruoshu kept smiling, but the look she gave Lin Zhiyi wavered slightly, almost losing composure.
Many colleagues didn’t attend the charity gala, so they weren’t aware of what happened inside.
When Lin Zhiyi mentioned it, several people widened their eyes and whispered among themselves.
"Adopted son? Last time Third Young Master sent Miss Bai back, I thought the old man would introduce Miss Bai to the Third Young Master."
"How does an adopted son compare to the Third Young Master? It seems Miss Bai and the Third Young Master are not going to happen."
Bai Ruoshu’s expression changed slightly and she explained, "We are staff members, so of course, we have to follow the orders of the host family. Neither I nor the Third Young Master would abuse our positions for personal gain."
"Abuse your position for personal gain, nicely said. Thank you, Miss Bai, for helping me open the gala."
The colleagues who were at the gala didn’t look too happy.
Bai Ruoshu stepping over Lin Zhiyi, the designer, to get on stage was obviously for personal gain. Everyone knew that.
Smiling, Lin Zhiyi walked past Bai Ruoshu and directly headed for Xue Man’s office.
If really pushed to break down here, to make a scene, there was no need for that.
She knocked on the office door.
Xue Man looked up at Lin Zhiyi, then lowered her head impatiently and said, "Zhiyi, you should learn how to get along with colleagues, don’t come to me about every issue."
Lin Zhiyi calmly looked at Xue Man, confirming again that the grace she used to have was gone.
What she saw now was nothing but an ambitious woman who would stop at nothing to achieve her ends.
Xue Man was not wrong; no one was wrong.
Unless you experience others’ pain, don’t persuade others to be kind.
Lin Zhiyi took a deep breath and calmly said, "President Xue, this is something you must be involved in."
Xue Man forcefully put down the pen in her hand: "You’d better have something important!"
"What?" Xue Man exclaimed in surprise, "You want to resign? Zhiyi, you must understand that given your current situation, even if the Third Young Master helps you, it would be fleeting glory. After he marries his next wife, your moment in the sun would be over. Staying with me, at least you can keep the dignity of being a designer."
Lin Zhiyi smiled gracefully, not wanting to argue or make a scene.
"So you’ve made everyone isolate me because you know I want too much to be a jewelry designer, and you know that to quickly establish myself in this circle I can hardly bypass you."
"Given my current popularity, of course, you wouldn’t want to fire me. But you are sure that the Third Young Master’s feelings for me aren’t serious."
"So you put mental pressure on me from my colleagues and simultaneously trap me with the position of a designer, using me."
"And if I collapse, you still have a reason to lay me off."
"Was that plan Bai Ruoshu’s idea for you?"
Lin Zhiyi pointed it out bluntly.
Xue Man held her breath for a few seconds, clearly not expecting Lin Zhiyi to see through her and Bai Ruoshu’s plan.
She stood up in a rage: "Lin Zhiyi!"
Lin Zhiyi said, "President Xue, let’s end things on good terms."
Xue Man raised her hand, pointing at her nose: "Ha, how noble you are! How are you any different from that bitch Chen Huan? You’re relying on a man too!"
"I’m indeed not noble, but do you know how noble the old you was to me? You were my aspiration."
Lin Zhiyi earnestly stared at Xue Man.
Xue Man’s hand shook slightly, she grabbed the wine bottle beside her, intending to pour a drink.
Lin Zhiyi raised her hand to block it: "Go see a doctor, stop drinking."
With that, she pulled a resignation letter from her pocket.
Xue Man was stunned: "You’ve thought this through already?"
"Yes, I know this place can’t accommodate me anymore. Thanks for everything before. I’ll hand over my work in the next two days."
This thank you was sincere from Lin Zhiyi.
After speaking, she turned and left.
Xue Man released the wine bottle, sitting there stupefied, some emotions only she understood.
After returning to her seat, Lin Zhiyi continued working as if nothing had happened, listing the remaining tasks in her mind.
She received a call from Sang Li when she got up.
"Want to have lunch together? We can also discuss annulling the engagement."
Lin Zhiyi asked doubtfully, "So urgent?"
"If it weren’t urgent, someone would be dying from anxiety." Sang Li joked lightly.
"Did he contact you?"
"Yes. I’ll be downstairs at the studio in ten minutes."
Lin Zhiyi hung up the phone, grabbed her bag, and headed downstairs.
At this moment, Bai Ruoshu pulled open the door, glanced around, then walked to the window to look downstairs.
She saw Lin Zhiyi get into a car.
Through the car window, Bai Ruoshu clearly saw the person inside.
She curled her lips, turned around, and dialed a number.
When the call was connected, she politely said, "Want to have a meal together."
The person on the other end responded with a faint "Mm."
After ordering, Lin Zhiyi and Sang Li each took a sip of tea.
"Shall I accompany you to apologize to the relatives who organized the gathering back then?"
"Family members have already been reminded, so it shouldn’t be a big problem. But there might still be a few who gossip outside, so let’s be more polite to avoid giving them a handle." Sang Li said.
"Of course, I’ll listen to you." Lin Zhiyi spoke apologetically, "Mr. Sang, I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble."
"It’s all in the past, and I’ve made an extra two percent profit from my collaboration with the Third Young Master, so I’m actually making a net gain," Sang Li comforted her.
Lin Zhiyi chuckled softly, looking at him with gratitude in her eyes.
He spoke so lightly, just to make her feel a bit better.
She changed the topic: "How is Chu Yin?"
"Recovering from injuries."
As he spoke, the waiter brought the dishes.
"Would you like the last dish now or later?"
"Prepare it later and help me pack it," Sang Li instructed.
The waiter turned and left.
Hearing this, Lin Zhiyi smiled faintly, "For Chu Yin?"
Sang Li said quietly, "Incidentally."
Lin Zhiyi nodded, recalling she had heard the same phrase from Gong Chen’s mouth.
Sang Li continued, "The Third Young Master mentioned you want to go solo?"
"How did he know that while keeping it so secret?"
"That’s because the Sang Group has a good interior design company that can help you with designing and also keep your secret." Sang Li explained.
Lin Zhiyi was tempted.
Sang Li continued, "Find a time to go with me to Hai City. After discussions, it’s not too late to decide."