A few days later, the attention on Shi Wenqian started to reduce as she was only getting a divided attention due to the scandal of a popular actress, breaking out.
But this was no longer Zhang Liling's concern as an important matter had taken up her time.
She was officially going to visit the Fang Family in three days with her mother, and she was nervous as if she was about to give a presentation to a large unfamiliar audience.
Not just that, since her business was booming, she had a lot of goals.
She needed to move her products to different stores in the city and outside and for that, she needed funds.
Since business was first in her mind, she placed a call to Mr. Fang to ask for help.
"... Bingwen, I need about half a million dollars for now."
"I have a proposal for you instead." Fang Bingwen said in response.
"What kind of proposal will help me?" She asked inquisitively.
She was asking for money, what other help can her render to her if not giving her the money she needed?
"I want to partner with you. I will bring in the funds and you will still have the exclusive rights to make the final decision for all of Glint's collaborations."
"What?" Zhang Liling seemed surprise that he had such interest in Glint.
Ignoring her surprised exclamations, Fang Bingwen went in to explain things to her.
"You need funds channelled in the right way to boost your brand and push it internationally.
Yes you had a successful launch, but some people can forget about your brand if you stray form the limelight.
You need to constantly remind them about you and for that, you need funds to reach them with your products and services.
Advertisement, endorsement deals for influencers, research and making sure your products are in high-end stores and other smaller stores.
There are so many strategies to reach a good number of potential customers."
Zhang Liling still found this unbelievable and quickly switched the call to video so she could see the kind of expression on his face while making that suggestion for them to partner.
"Mr. Fang, are you serious about this?" She asked while staring at his face.
'Was this the expression he usually has on his face while trying to strike a deal with a business partner?'
"I'm serious. I won't force you, this is my proposal, you can take your time thinking about it."
There was a minute long silence before Zhang Liling opened her mouth to speak.
"Mr. Fang, thank you for your offer, it is tempting, but I do not want to partner with anyone. I only want to borrow money from you."
Mr. Fang was not surprised that she rejected him even after pretending to be in deep contemplation over his suggestion.
He already knew she wouldn't agree. That stubborn brat that wouldn't think deeply about business and the kind of person that was asking for partnership.
"You need a loan for your business? Go to the bank, they will gladly give it to you."
Even though it was possible for him to give her that amount of money at the moment, he wouldn't give it to her because that money would not be enough to push her brand internationally.
She would end up asking him for another money without first paying back the one she borrowed.
He was making things easier for them if she agreed to partner with him.
Does this young lady not know what she would be missing out on if she refuses his proposal and an intellect in the business field?
Did she know how many people needed him to partner with them just on the basis of boosting their businesses?
She really didn't know as she had a personal relationship with him that was shielding her eyes from seeing things clearly.
"Please Mr. Fang, please help this young business owner out. Remember, I'm your girlfriend!" Zhang Liling reminded while blinking her eyes repeatedly.
She was trying to charm him into agreeing with her own proposal, but he was not going to fall for it.
"This is strictly business. Don't give me that puppy eyes, and don't try to seduce me, it won't work."
Glaring at her, he said word for word.
"After eating, I will clean my mouth."
"Mr. Fang!"
With no one refusing to bend to the other, the conversation changed to another topic.
"Mr. Fang, what should I wear, I'm so nervous."
"As long as you don't dress half-naked, I will be fine with anything." Fang Bingwen replied while maintaining eye contact with her.
"Mr. Fang, is that how lowly you think of me? How could I not think properly before choosing a dress when I very well know whom I'm going to meet?"
There was a hint of disappointment in her tone to hear him say that.
"Yes, I don't trust you. Thankfully, Aunt is there to put you in the right place." Fang Bingwen said as a smile turned up at the corner of his lips.
Seeing her pout her lips and flutter her lashes, he seemed happy to know how annoyed she was.
It was good that way. She shouldn't be smiling mischievously every time.
*******
~Three days later~
The mother and daughter duo travelled down to the next city to visit the Fang family looking there best.
Song Jujing was more familiar with the route than Zhang Liling who had only visited there once.
In the car, she kept chatting about old times to her daughter who wanted to hear more stories about her and the Fang family.
On arrival, they saw the older members of the Fang family, waiting at the entrance for them, with Fang Bingwen inclusive.
"Jing." Old Lady Fang called out with a smile that reached her eyes as soon as Song Jujing stepped out of the car.
"Mother Fang," Song Jujing greeted with all familiarity as she stepped forward to take the old Lady's hand.
Just then, Zhang Liling stepped out of the car and walked toward them.
Standing next to her mother with a smile on her face, she bowed her head slightly to greet the Fang family members.
"Liling, welcome." Jian Cuifen replied her greeting as she stretched her hand out to her.
Taking it, Zhang Liling was led into the house by her as other members of the family that had come out, followed after them.
In the midst of that, she was only able to steal one glance at Mr. Fang who was putting on a polo and a pair of black pants.
For this special meeting, Zhang Liling and her mother decided to put on matching colour of outfit, but with different dress style that showed high taste in fashion.
Being the wife of the next family head, Jian Cuifen led everyone to the dining room.
"It would be rude of us to not offer our guests some water before entering into the conversation mode," The Old lady said as she walked Song Jujing to the dining table were several mouth-watering dishes were served.
"Did you say water? But why does it look like a the delicacies available in the World has been served on your table?"
Song Jujing joked while taking her seat next to the old lady as everyone else took their seats.
"Hahahaha..." Series of laughter erupted from everyone present.
The old lady equally knew how to joke.
She wanted to give her guests some water, but she was dragging them to a table full of delicacies.
Glancing at the several dishes on the table, Song Jujing noted that some of them were French food.
"Cuifen, you really took a lot of trouble to suit my palate."
"It's no trouble at all. Giving a warm welcome to our would-be in-law is normal. Please relax and enjoy," Jian Cuifen replied with a warm smile.
"Thank you,"
"Drop the formalities, we are one family." Old Mr. Fang said while glancing at everyone in the room with a welcoming smile.
The old man seemed pleased with the meeting.
At the same time, other members of the family lined out.
"Jujing, we wanted to use this opportunity to introduce everyone to you..." Fang Huiqing started and then went on to introduce everyone to her.
After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Old Mr. Fang urged everyone to pick up their spoons.
Half an hour later, the pleasant lunch ended happily, with a few of them moving from the dining room to the sitting area.
Since the reason for this get-together boiled down to Fang Bingwen and Zhang Liling's relationship, only his parents and grandparents stayed behind to chat with Song Jujing and Zhang Liling.
"Liling, I'm glad the rumours on the internet was resolved quickly. We were impatiently itching to get involved as we couldn't tolerate someone trying to sabotage your business." Fang Huiqing said.
"I'm happy too, uncle. I almost lost mind a few times, but thankfully, Bingwen was there to guide me."
Zhang Liling genuinely said her mind over a small laugh.
"That's good. We already know your story. You are one smart young lady. And even if you received help to start up something for yourself, is that not wisdom?" Old Lady Fang added.
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