Chapter 40

Chapter 40

This was, of course, a great opportunity, and Jiang Yiyan was clearly excited. However, amidst her excitement, she retained her rationality.

She knew that there were no free lunches in life, so while this partnership was very tempting to her, she had to consider it carefully.

Therefore, even though Jiang Yiyan was overjoyed inside, she did not show it too obviously on her face. After expressing her surprise, she asked, "Why did Boss Yu choose me? I'm not good at designing clothes; I just know how to draw some flowers and plants."

"It's precisely this skill of Miss Jiang's that I value," Yu Wenlai continued, advocating for himself. "I haven't been hiding the fact that many people have approached my small shop over the years, wanting to collaborate, but I've rejected them all. While I do want to expand my business and make more money, I don't want to compromise the traditional values passed down through generations. The prerequisite for making money is not to damage the reputation of my shop. Before increasing production, we must ensure quality first."

"Miss Jiang looks like someone from a wealthy background, not someone who would jeopardize the shop's reputation for a few extra bucks. Moreover, your appearance suggests kindness, which means you wouldn't secretly sabotage the business or raise prices once the business grows. However... I fear that my humble shop might be too small for someone as esteemed as you."

"How could that be?" Jiang Yiyan blurted out.

However, after saying this, she quickly regained her composure.

She remained reserved, neither agreeing nor declining outright. Instead, she expressed her gratitude for his recognition and said that she needed to think about this matter carefully.

"Taking time to consider is wise," Yu Wenlai said sincerely. "I genuinely wish to collaborate with Miss Jiang and hope you will give us this chance. Even if you ultimately decide against it, there's no need to feel any burden."

"For such a significant decision, I should discuss it with my husband when I get home." Jiang Yiyan remembered that Yu Wenlai had met Wen Mochuan before, so she mentioned him at an appropriate moment.

"Of course, that's only right," Yu Wenlai agreed.

After looking at the samples and discussing the potential collaboration, Jiang Yiyan felt it was time to leave. She stood up and bid farewell, "Then I'll head back now. We can talk more about the collaboration later."

"I look forward to good news from Miss Jiang," Yu Wenlai said, even though she hadn't given a definitive answer.

He escorted Jiang Yiyan to the front of the shop, and at that moment, Little Chen finally arrived after parking the car.

Seeing Little Chen rush over, Jiang Yiyan smiled apologetically at him. "Little Chen, I've finished my business here, so I'll need you to drive me back."

Little Chen suddenly stopped in his tracks as he rushed over.

"Of course, Madam," Little Chen then turned around and went back to retrieve the car.

After bidding farewell to Yu Wenlai, Jiang Yiyan followed behind Little Chen. She walked a few steps until they reached the intersection, where Little Chen drove up.

When they arrived home at half past four, Jiang Yiyan greeted Little Chen as she got out of the car. "The timing is perfect. You can go pick up your boss from work now."

Little Chen replied, "The boss instructed me not to rush to pick him up and to prioritize Madam's needs first. However, the timing is indeed perfect now, so I'll head to the company again."

Jiang Yiyan waved at him as he started the car and drove off. She then hummed a light and cheerful tune as she headed home.

She couldn't help but replay Little Chen's words in her mind. If Wen Mochuan really said those things, he truly was a reliable person!

Even without romantic feelings, she was moved by his admirable qualities.

Character was the most important thing in a marriage, and currently, Feng Ma and Fang Fang were closer to Jiang Yiyan than Wen Mochuan. Therefore, upon returning home, she told them about the collaboration opportunity with the qipao shop owner.

Feng Ma was preparing dinner in the kitchen, while Fang Fang was tidying up the toys Mei Mei had scattered in the living room. Jiang Yiyan sat between them in the dining area and shared the details. Mei Mei, seeing her mother return, dropped everything and ran to her, leaning against her.

"Mommy!" Mei Mei exclaimed, looking up at her.

Jiang Yiyan didn't have the heart to play with her daughter at the moment. She simply picked Mei Mei up and placed her on her lap, then continued to discuss the matter seriously.

"Do you think this is a reliable opportunity?" Jiang Yiyan sought their opinions.

Feng Ma wasn't knowledgeable about such matters. As she continued chopping vegetables, she said, "Such a big decision should be discussed with your husband. Partnering in business is a complex matter, and you mustn't be deceived."

Jiang Yiyan replied, "I plan to discuss it with him when he returns, but I also wanted to hear your thoughts. Do you think I should pursue this?"

"I just feel bored staying at home all day without a proper occupation. If this is a legitimate opportunity, I think it could be quite promising," Jiang Yiyan continued.

Feng Ma glanced over and chuckled. "Madam seems to have made up her mind. It appears you're quite interested."

After tidying up, Fang Fang came over and sat next to Jiang Yiyan.

"Sis, if you want to do it, go ahead. No matter what happens, the boss will support you. Besides... From what you've said, the qipao shop owner must know that you come from wealth, even if he doesn't know your exact identity. He definitely wouldn't dare to deceive you, especially since the boss was present during your first visit. In my opinion, he genuinely appreciates your talent and wants a mutually beneficial partnership."

Jiang Yiyan felt the same way, and hearing Fang Fang's words made her even happier.

"I also believe he wouldn't deceive me. Nevertheless, I'll ask Mochuan to review the details. If he thinks it's a good idea and sees no problems, then I won't have any reason to refuse. It's hot; I'm going upstairs to take a bath."

Jiang Yiyan got up and finally had the time and energy to attend to her daughter. "Mei Mei, Mommy is going upstairs to take a bath. I'll come down and play with you later."

That evening, after dinner, Jiang Yiyan proactively approached Wen Mochuan.

"Do you have time? I'd like to talk to you," Jiang Yiyan stated straightforwardly.

.

This was the first time his wife had approached him with something to discuss in recent times. Surprised, Wen Mochuan paused briefly before nodding. "I have time." Then he asked, "Where shall we talk?"

Jiang Yiyan thought about it seriously. This was a significant matter, and discussing it casually in the living room or dining area wouldn't convey the necessary importance. Therefore, she directly invited Wen Mochuan, "Let's talk in your study upstairs."

"Alright," Wen Mochuan replied succinctly, getting up and heading upstairs first.

Since returning home, Jiang Yiyan's heart rate had probably never dropped below a hundred. Her heart still pounded as she followed Wen Mochuan, filled with excitement.

This feeling was akin to unexpectedly ranking among the top three in class during school exams or suddenly achieving the highest sales performance at work and receiving a bonus.

Just a few days ago, she was contemplating finding a job instead of idling around. Now, an opportunity had presented itself.

With a joyful heart, Jiang Yiyan followed Wen Mochuan and soon arrived at the door of his study on the third floor.

Jiang Yiyan had never been to the third floor before. Her bedroom was on the second floor, and she usually spent most of her time on the first and second floors, with no need to venture up to the third. Additionally, knowing that the third floor was Wen Mochuan's private domain, she avoided coming up here.

Wen Mochuan's study was quite large, almost like a suite. It was divided into two rooms, one on each side of the spacious area; one room was the study itself, and the other... Since the door was open, Jiang Yiyan took a casual glance and saw a bed, indicating it must be where he rested.

As this was her first time entering, Jiang Yiyan moved about somewhat cautiously. Wen Mochuan glanced at her before instructing her to take a seat.

The study had a crisp scent, seemingly a blend of faint jasmine mixed with something else. Regardless, it was light and refreshing, invigorating to inhale.

Wen Mochuan clearly had exquisite taste, as evidenced by the layout and the quality of the furniture, both suggesting that the person who arranged this space held a high social status.

However, Jiang Yiyan wasn't fond of how his home resembled an office. To her, work was for the workplace, and home was meant for rest and relaxation.

After seating her, Wen Mochuan also sat down on the sofa beside her. Noticing her silence and her gaze fixed on his study, he followed her line of sight.

"Is there something different about this place?" For Wen Mochuan, his wife had been here before, so her slightly curious expression struck him as odd.

Gazing at her silently, Wen Mochuan furrowed his brows slightly.

Jiang Yiyan snapped back to reality and met his eyes. The probing look in Wen Mochuan's eyes made her heart flutter. She realized that her scrutiny of the study might easily raise suspicion.

Logically, as Wen Mochuan's wife, she shouldn't be unfamiliar with his study.

To divert his attention, she said, "I really do have something important to discuss with you."

Wen Mochuan's focus was indeed momentarily diverted. He subconsciously adjusted his glasses and calmly asked, "What is it?"

Jiang Yiyan then enthusiastically recounted today's encounter with Yu Wenlai and his proposal for collaboration. After finishing, she awaited Wen Mochuan's reaction, only to find that he remained completely unresponsive.

In Jiang Yiyan's mind, based on Wen Mochuan's usual demeanor, if he found the idea promising, he would likely nod in agreement with a smile, suggesting they could explore the partnership. If he deemed it unfeasible, he would patiently offer guidance.

Instead, her words fell flat, like a stone tossed into water without even a ripple.

Jiang Yiyan had spoken with great excitement, but his lack of response left her with a frozen smile.

"Erm..." After waiting for nearly ten seconds without any reaction from him, Jiang Yiyan felt awkward. "Do you think... this is some kind of trap? Hmm?"

Perhaps realizing his lapse in composure, Wen Mochuan slightly averted his gaze. He shifted in his seat and assumed a new posture.

"Not necessarily," he said. "As long as the contract is well-drafted and all aspects are considered, even if he has ulterior motives, they will come to naught." His response was measured and thoughtful.

Hearing this, Jiang Yiyan felt a genuine sense of relief. Her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, settled back into place.

"That's good!" She lightly patted her chest, exhaling deeply, her face still showing signs of lingering surprise.

Wen Mochuan raised his eyebrows at her, gradually regaining his composed demeanor.

"You seem eager to collaborate?" he asked.

"Of course," Jiang Yiyan replied without hiding her intentions. "If the terms are suitable, I'd like to proceed." Her stance was firm.

Wen Mochuan gazed at her once more in silence. The woman before him seemed almost unrecognizable.

Or perhaps, over time, he had grown accustomed to her current temperament, and memories of the past felt distant and removed.

She had changed significantly in recent times, almost as if she were a different person entirely.

Wen Mochuan couldn't fully grasp what she truly thought or intended. Initially, he suspected that her sudden change in behavior might precede some unexpected move. However, he later realized that wasn't the case.

At least, after such a long period, she had remained well-behaved, refraining from causing trouble or targeting Shu Yao.

"Yiyan, what are you really thinking?" He decided to ask directly.