In fact, Shen Yin had an idea: in this era, what matters most is not the size of the store, but how well-known the brand is.
Although the current studio was small, it had its own system in place.
She was now busy training Wang Nannan and teaching the two seamstresses some techniques. As long as they were satisfied with the clothes they made, and the customers were satisfied, that would be a success.
Once she finished training them, she would have more free time again.
Opening a martial arts school was a hobby, and she could practice along the way. The Chinese furniture business didn't require much of her attention now either.
"Mommy, Zhengzheng misses Daddy," her child said.
"It's only been a day since you last saw him. How come you're missing him again?"
"I miss Daddy."
Seeing that work at the studio was wrapping up, Shen Yin gathered her things, picked up Zhengzheng, and got into the car.
"Driver, please take us to Heyuan Group," she instructed.
The driver had been quite busy these past few days, shuttling between Ziyue Manor and Qinghe Street.
"Haven't seen Mr. Xu for several days now," the driver remarked.
"He's probably been busy with work at the company lately."
It had been a while since Shen Yin last visited Xu Xiuhe's company. As soon as she arrived, she attracted attention once again.
She hadn't been to Heyuan Group since winning the national championship.
Chang Xue, the receptionist, was so excited to see Shen Yin that she almost asked for an autograph. Her fangirl expression was so obvious that if Xu Xiuhe had seen it, he might have considered firing her.
"Welcome, madam. Hello, little one," Chang Xue greeted them.
Shen Yin, without any airs, smiled gently and said to Zhengzheng, "Sweetie, someone just greeted you. What should you say?"
"Hello, big sister," the child replied.
Chang Xue's heart melted. How could a child be so adorable? The way he called her "big sister" in that sweet, childish voice – she was certain no girl could resist such charm.
Shen Yin led Xu Yunzheng into the elevator.
Unable to contain her excitement, Chang Xue bragged in the company group chat: [The boss's wife and the little prince are here! If you want to run into them, hurry up!]
[Wow, really? Ever since the madam won the national embroidery competition, I've been completely captivated by her charm. What kind of goddess is she? Beautiful, rich, and talented, with such a handsome husband and an adorable baby. She's truly living her best life.]
[It's true! Who am I? My eyesight is 20/20, thank you very much. Even if I were blind, I could still use my ears. The little prince called me 'big sister' in that adorable voice. Oh my god, I can't take it!]
[Chang Xue, you're so naughty, making the baby call you 'big sister.' You're probably older than the boss's wife. Aren't you ashamed?]
[Not at all! I don't care. He called me 'big sister,' not you. Hmph!]
[I'm so jealous of being called 'big sister.' Guys, I want to hear the little prince call me 'big sister' too.]
[I'm 22, just graduated. Do you think I have a chance?]
[What the hell? Which department are you from? Where's your conscience? He's only 2 years old!]
[Wah, I'm just asking! The temptation is too great. If I could win over the little prince, I'd not only get a handsome man but the entire Heyuan Group would be mine.]
[You guys are absolutely insane.]
Xu Xiuhe glanced at his phone and saw these unusual messages, falling into deep thought.
What should he do about employees always letting their imaginations run wild?
Suddenly, he realized something. Why were they talking about his son out of the blue in the group chat?
Xu Xiuhe scrolled through the messages above and his eyes lit up – his wife had come to see him!
He stood up and left his office. Just then, Shen Yin and Xu Yunzheng stepped out of the elevator.
"Ahem, how come you're out here?" Shen Yin asked.
"Because I knew you were coming, so I was waiting for you here," Xu Xiuhe said as he took Xu Yunzheng from her.
"How did you know we were coming? We didn't tell you in advance. Don't tell me you watch the lobby's security cameras every day?" Shen Yin asked curiously.
"Maybe we're just in sync. I always know what you're thinking," he replied smoothly.
"Ahem," Shen Yin coughed, feeling shy.
They quickly entered Xu Xiuhe's office.
The group of assistants outside were left dumbfounded. It was the first time they had witnessed their boss being so shameless.
"I never imagined the boss would be like this."
"He clearly saw the message in the group chat, yet he has the nerve to say they're in sync. Ugh!"
"It's just a bit of flirting between husband and wife. It's normal. Mo'er, are you jealous? If you are, go find a boyfriend. If you don't hurry, you might not be able to find one later."
Yang Mo fake-coughed and said, "Me? I don't want to plunge into the bitter sea of love. I'm a firm believer in staying single."
After speaking, Yang Mo glanced at Qin Zhenzhen.
"What about you, Zhenzhen? You've never had a boyfriend either, right?"
"I'm the same as Mo'er. I might not want to find a boyfriend," Qin Zhenzhen replied.
"Wow, being single is great too. Just look at Elder Sister Gu and Elder Sister Yang – they're always so busy," one of the junior assistants chimed in.
"Exactly! If you get married and your husband takes good care of you, that's fine. But if he doesn't care about anything, you're better off not getting married. Living on your own is so much more comfortable," another added.
"That's right, that's right," Elder Sister Gu agreed.
"Li'er, how are things going between you and Liu Assistant?"
The urge to gossip is universal.
Everyone turned their attention to Xiao Li'er.
Xiao Li'er wanted to avoid the topic. She and Liu Bo were just pretending to be a couple. What could she say? It was what it was.
Xiao Li'er, having read many novels and possessing keen observation skills, had long suspected that something was going on between Yang Mo and Qin Zhenzhen. She just hadn't been able to confirm it.
But after seeing that glance Yang Mo gave Qin Zhenzhen earlier, Xiao Li'er was certain. They were definitely a couple.
Wow, this was too exciting! Such great material for shipping!
"Mo'er, since you and Zhenzhen both don't want to get married, why don't you two live together?" Xiao Li'er suggested deliberately. "You won't be lonely in your old age. Best friends living together sounds so comfortable!"
"Yeah, I think that's a great idea," the others chimed in.
Yang Mo laughed awkwardly and said, "Well, I suppose it's not impossible. Right, Zhenzhen?"
"Sure, why not?" Qin Zhenzhen replied.
Xiao Li'er wore a knowing smile. This gossip was too juicy! She truly was an unassuming gossip-detecting genius.
Looking at it this way, she seemed to have figured out who was...
What they didn't know was that the two had already been living together.
Both Qin Zhenzhen and Yang Mo felt a bit nervous, worried that the others might catch on to something.
After all, many people don't accept this kind of love. They want to speak out, but after saying it aloud, they lack the courage to face those strange looks. They're afraid of being called abnormal by others.
Countless times they wanted to tell their colleagues in the assistant department, but always gave up.
They're still afraid, still fearful.
The people in the assistant department are all nice, good people.
"Yang Mo, Qin Zhenzhen, you two are so well-matched. If it's really not working out with others, you should be together," Xiao Li'er continued.
"What? Can you all accept that? Many people can't accept this, you know."