Chapter 269: Meeting Lin Yueli Again
“It would be great if I have such an opportunity.” Changqing was elated. “Is James coming to China? When can we meet for a meal?”
“He will probably reach Northern City tomorrow. Let’s have dinner with him,” Guan Ying said with a smile. “Lin Yueli is coming along; don’t you have his number? You can contact him.”
“We didn’t really keep in touch after coming back. I feel a little embarrassed,” Changqing said with a pout. “We’re not as close as you and James. Besides, I’m a married woman—it’s not very nice to get to close to another man.”
“You’re just too conservative.” Guan Ying probably didn’t really want to mention Song Chuyi’s name and only said, “Now that things have come to this, do you think your marriage can still continue?”
Changqing fell into a depressing silence.
“I’ll ask them out for tomorrow then,” Guan Ying said. “We should always have a few more friends. Who will come to our help at important times if we don’t have friends?”
Changqing felt that was true.
One would only realize the importance of friends when in need.
“But I still have to record a program tomorrow night...”
“Then we’ll wait for you to finish.”
The next day, it was almost 10 when Changqing was done with the recording of Challenge to the End.
Guan Ying sent her a few messages saying that they were waiting for her at a high-end bar.
Changqing went over with Wen Tong. After all, she was going to a drinking place and she would need someone to look after her.
Changqing had been to the bar Guan Ying mentioned once. It was decorated with an elegant crystal chandelier and under the dim lights, the classical oil paintings made one feel as though they had returned to a fantastical palace of the mid centuries. She had heard someone mention before that every oil painting and every chandelier in this place cost around hundreds of thousands.
The bar even invited an American jazz band to perform tonight. There were many people having fun and dancing on the dance floor.
Changqing walked up the spiral staircase. Upstairs, Guan Ying waved at her. “Over here.”
“Why did you guys come here?” Changqing asked.
“They gave me the impression that they would like places with this style back in Mauritius, so I brought them here to experience a special part of Northern City.” Guan Ying nodded at Wen Tong and brought them to a suite.
The suite was designed in the style of the lavish Renaissance period. The window gave a good view of the dance floor downstairs. It was very noisy outside but the suite was exceptionally quiet. James was sitting on the curved leather sofa with a glass of red wine in his hand, looking like a dignified gentleman. Beside him, Lin Yueli wore a grey flannel shirt and khaki pants. His refined features exude the aura of a reserved gentleman under the dim yellow lights.
“Changqing, it’s been a while.” The moment she walked in, Lin Yueli stood up. His pupils were clear and a beautiful smile was hanging on his lips as always.
“Mr. Lin...” It had been a while since they met and Changqing felt a little awkward.
“Don’t call me Mr. Lin, just address me like before. There’s no need for us to be so distant.” Lin Yueli smiled at Wen Tong. “This is...”
“She’s my assistant, Wen Tong.” Changqing made introductions.
Wen Tong shook hands with Lin Yueli and stepped back behind Changqing before she pinched her back.
Changqing glared at her and heard Wen Tong saying softly by her ear, “When did you get to know such a handsome man?”
Changqing tugged at the corner of her lips. Just then, Lin Yueli said with a soft laugh, “Take a seat.”
He took the initiative to bend down and fill two-thirds of a wine glass with red wine. James smiled and said, “I only realized that the four of you were from the Chinese entertainment industry after coming to China. I really didn’t expect that. We actually accidentally met Chinese celebrities.”
Changqing blushed. “I’m just a little host. Ruan Yang and Duoyao are the real celebrities. Oh, right, how long have you been in China? Do you feel accustomed to being here?”
“I think China is great,” James said with a smile. “We should come to China more often in the future.”
Lin Yueli explained softly, “Many generations of my family have lived in China, so there isn’t anything to be accustomed to. It’s just like my homeland. I heard from Guan Ying just now that your dad runs a pharmaceutical company?”
Changqing was thinking about how to bring up this topic and didn’t think he would bring it up first. She heaved a sigh of relief and quickly answered, “Yes. Previously, a manager in my dad’s company cut some costs in the production of the drugs, so they were tested by the Food and Drugs Administration to be unqualified. After that happened, many companies who were working with our company sent the goods back and canceled their orders. Now, we have a large batch of newly produced drugs stocked up in our company’s store. However, I can guarantee that that batch of drugs is definitely fine.”
Lin Yueli nodded. He suddenly smiled as he looked at her.
Changqing felt a little uneasy because of that smile and explained anxiously: “You can look up our Yan Corporation’s brand on the internet or find out from other people. Although the Yan Corporation isn’t a huge business, we’re an old brand in the pharmaceutical business. We’ve never had any negative news with regards to the quality of our products before. This time, it was because we didn’t employ the right people. Actually, in this industry, it’s impossible to not run into any problems. Only now, there are many companies out there trying to take this opportunity to lower prices and that has put a lot of pressure on the Yan Corporation. I believe that every company will face negative news, but what’s important is how they change and revamp after the negative news.”
“Don’t feel anxious.” Lin Yueli smiled as he poured her a glass of warm water. “I only smiled because I saw how sincere you were. There are many companies who only choose good things to say. You’re the only one who’s so frank, explaining the difficult situation your company’s facing so clearly.”
Changqing felt slightly embarrassed. “I don’t have any experience in managing a company. I just felt that it’s better to be frank about certain things. Besides, we’re friends and that’s all the more reason to not show any deceit. Of course, if you don’t want to work with us, that’s okay. I can understand that. I was just trying my luck.”
Lin Yueli and James exchanged glances and laughed out loud.
James raised his glass and said, “Changqing, you’re really interesting.”
Lin Yueli also smiled widely, showing off his dimples. “You said it yourself. We’re friends and there should be trust between friends. However, from a business perspective, I still have to make sure that the batch of medicine is fine, so when we work together, I will get a professional to inspect the batch of drugs.”
Changqing was stunned. Guan Ying said delightedly, “Does that mean you’re willing to work together?”
“The price that you’re looking for...” Changqing was a little lost. Now that the discussion had led to such technical questions, she had to ask Yan Lei. “Besides, isn’t your uncle the one who’s interested in the purchase? Can you make the decision?”
“I’ve been helping my uncle with his business often. Of course, I do have to get commission occasionally,” Lin Yueli said humorously. “My uncle went to India recently to discuss a business corporation, so he left this matter in my hands. With regards to the price, I’ll act according to the normal market price. You know, the profit margins are greater when exported overseas. If we can have a long-term partnership, that would be great. My uncle had focused his business within South America the previous few years, but in recent years, his business has grown and this year, he decided to enter the Indian market for the latter half of the year. You don’t know how well some Chinese medicinal products sell overseas. They’re even sold at a higher price than here.”
Changqing was so excited she didn’t know what to say.
In the past, she heard Yan Lei talking about exporting products overseas over the dinner table. The profits of overseas exports would be higher. Now, she didn’t expect such a good piece of news to fall from the sky.
If they could have a long-term partnership, the Yan Corporation would definitely be able to overcome the current crisis for the time being.
“Then... when are you free to discuss this with my dad?” Changqing felt that the heavy stone that had been weighing her down recently had finally been lifted.
“Tomorrow morning,” Lin Yueli said. “It’d be better if we met at your company. I want to understand more about your company’s products.”
“Sure. I’ll tell my dad about it when I get back.” Changqing was so excited she wanted to call Yan Lei that very moment.
“Cheers to a smooth-sailing partnership.” Guan Ying raised her glass with a smile.
Everyone touched glasses and Changqing took a sip. James said, “Right, is there anywhere fun around here? Recommend some places to us. Back in Mauritius, you said you’d play your role as the host if we came to China.”
“Of course,” Changqing said with a smile. “However, it’s not convenient to go to places too far away since I have to work. There’s an old town nearby with mountains to hike.”
“I’m quite interested in Chinese old towns. Take us when you have the time.” James smiled at Guan Ying.
Guan Ying swirled the wine in her glass and nodded with a slight shyness.
The group chatted for a while until it was midnight before preparing to leave.
During that time, Changqing wanted to foot the bill on the pretence of going to the washroom, but the service staff said that a handsome Chinese man had already settled the bill.
Changqing guessed it was Lin Yueli. He seemed to have “gone to the washroom” once previously.
At the entrance of the bar, a Mercedes drove over to pick up James and Lin Yueli. Lin Yueli offered to give them a lift but Changqing refused.
“Then be careful on your own. Drop me a text when you’re home,” Lin Yueli instructed and even insisted on seeing them board the car first.
After Wen Tong drove off, she said, “These two gentlemen aren’t bad.”
“Yeah, I hope this business partnership comes to fruition,” Guan Ying said. “Lin Yueli is a pretty straight-forward person. There shouldn’t be any problems.”
“It would be great if we can overcome this ordeal.” Changqing sighed. “Otherwise, I doubt my Dad will be in the mood to get married in a few days’ time.”
“It’s alright, it will all pass,” Guan Ying consoled her.
After sending Guan Ying back, Wen Tong said, “To think that your friendship with Guan Ying is getting back on track.”
“There’s bound to be conflicts between friends. It’s good if we can just get over things after a quarrel,” Changqing lamented. “After all, I’ve known her for such a long time. We’ve put our hearts into this friendship, so we should try to forgive and forget.”
“If things are like this for friendship, what about love?” Wen Tong glanced at her. “Your love life is pretty good. That Mr. Lin is pretty good-looking. If you were to get a divorce with Song Chuyi, you can consider him.”
Changqing rolled her eyes. “Can you not always think about that whenever you see men? I treat Lin Yueli as a friend. Besides, I feel that I just don’t have that kind of life.”
“What kind of life?” Wen Tong was puzzled.
“The smooth-sailing life in love.” Changqing sighed and said depressingly, “I liked Fu Yu then but was it easy for me? I had a crush on him for so many years and stayed a virgin. Don’t even talk about the outcome. In any case, I was rejected after I confessed. After all that, I finally met Song Chuyi. Aye, forget it, the outcome with him was even worse... I should just focus on my career in the future. I think it won’t be easy for me to have a smooth-sailing marriage in my life.”
“Don’t spout nonsense.” Wen Tong smacked her head. “It’s nothing; you’re still young.”
Changqing propped her head on her hand and looked out the window.
After a while, Wen Tong couldn’t help but say, “However, it’s such a waste to let other women have such good-looking men.”
Changqing was speechless. I can’t stand it. She’s boy-crazy.
Although she used to be like that, after being with Song Chuchu, she had long turned over a new leaf.
Upon returning to the Yan Household, Changqing didn’t care that Yan Lei had already gone to sleep. She quickly woke him up and told her this news.
Yan Lei was quite happy to hear that. However, he was still a little worried. “Changqing, he’s someone you met from your travels. Is he trustworthy?”
“Dad, you’ll know if he’s trustworthy tomorrow when you two meet up. There are so many conmen out there right now, but we still have to see the money before we hand over the goods,” Changqing said.
Upon hearing that, Yan Lei nodded feeling a little reassured.
The next morning, Changqing went to the company with Yan Lei. It was around 9:30 am and Lin Yueli called to say that he was downstairs.
Changqing went down personally to pick him up. He came alone and was dressed rather casually, wearing a pair of blue three-quarter pants and a plain shirt with a pair of brown sunglasses hanging by his collar. He had his hands in his pockets and attracted many gazes at the entrance.
Changqing had seen him dress casually previously at the beach. His body size was a little similar to Song Chuchu but Song Chuyi was a little thinner than him and stood a little straighter. The lines on his face were also a little more apathetic. When she saw Lin Yueli in Mauritius, she often imagined how Song Chuyi would’ve looked in casual clothes on the beaches in the Maldives.
A pity they still didn’t manage to go to the Maldives in the end.
Changqing put away her regrets and beckoned at him. “Yueli, over here.”
Upon hearing those two words, the corners of Lin Yueli’s mouth curled up into a happy smile. He walked over with large strides.
The two stood in the elevator. From the corners of his eyes, Lin Yueli looked at her style of dress today. She was wearing a blue striped tapered dress and looked vibrant and youthful. She had tied her hair up into a bun, making her face look even dewier. Even her arms that were showing were long and proportionate and the sandals that she was wearing gave her an overall youthful and beautiful look.
“You look pretty today,” he said admiringly.
Changqing was stunned. Her face burned as she said, “Thank you. That... didn’t James come with you?”
“He had something to do,” Lin Yueli said.
In the guest room, Yan Lei welcomed them with a few company higher-ups at the door.
Changqing entered with them and listened to Yan Lei introducing the company, its development, products, and previous partners to Lin Yueli.
Changqing was only listening by the side. They talked for more than an hour before Yan Lei took Lin Yueli to the Yan Corporation factory for a tour.
After that, he invited Lin Yueli to lunch at a specialty restaurant in Northern City.
Although Changqing didn’t speak, she felt that this partnership was likely to happen based on what she heard. Besides, the two parties were very satisfied with the price stated.
When lunch was coming to an end, Lin Yueli said with a smile, “Uncle Yan, this is the first time we’re working together after all, and I’m working on behalf of my uncle, so I have to be more cautious. Why don’t we do it like this—I got a few boxes of medicine from your company’s store just now. If the test results come out fine tonight, we’ll sign the contract tomorrow morning?”
“Sure. You should be cautious when it comes to business.” Yan Lei shook his hand happily. After Lin Yueli left, he said to Changqing, “This Lin Yueli speaks very well. When I was chatting with him, he doesn’t give me the impression of a scheming person. If this partnership is realized, not only would the Yan Corporation be able to overcome this crisis, we wouldn’t feel so much pressure from the competition within the country now that we’ll be venturing out overseas.”
Hearing Yan Lei say that, Changqing felt exceptionally happy. “There’s definitely no problem with our drugs, so the contract-signing tomorrow will definitely be successful. Dad, don’t worry.”
Yan Lei smiled and nodded. However, how could he really be at ease? The competition in the industry nowadays was too stiff. As long as the contract wasn’t signed yet, there was a probability for change to happen.
However, Lin Yueli contacted her the next morning. “We’ve done the tests and my uncle said that the drugs are fine. Changqing, tell your dad we’ll sign the contract today.”
“Sure.” Changqing leapt out of bed agitatedly.
“You will be there during the contract-signing today too, right?” Lin Yueli asked suddenly. “If you’re not coming, I would feel a little awkward facing your dad alone.”
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