Chapter 14: Discussing Collaboration

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Xiaolin Ji skillfully poured a fresh cup of tea for Shiyun with elegant and practiced movements. “Try this newly arrived Biluochun. The flavor is exceptionally fresh and lively. I specifically saved it for you.”

Shiyun took the tea, sipped lightly, half-lowered her eyes, her curled lashes trembling slightly as if savoring the fragrance. “Excellent tea. Sister Xiaolin, your teahouse’s decor has become even more refined.”

Xiaolin Ji smiled softly, her gaze lingering on Shiyun’s charming face, reluctant to look away.

This young lady is truly a rare beauty, very kind to one’s eyes—one could look as much as they wished.

Shiyun set down her teacup and absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair resting by her neck. She glanced around the teahouse, focusing on the central stage, and asked, “Why is no one singing a tune today?”

Following Shiyun’s gaze, Xiaolin Ji smiled and said, “There’s a distinguished guest upstairs conducting business, who prefers quiet, so we didn’t schedule any performances today. If you wish to hear some music, come by tomorrow. I’ll save you a good seat so you can listen to your heart’s content.”

Shiyun smiled gently. “That sounds wonderful—listening to melodies while savoring tea, such a comfortable life.”

Xiaolin Ji’s tone shifted, her brow furrowing slightly with concern. “By the way, what about the incident at the entrance of the Mo Ru Hall yesterday? Any leads?”

Shiyun shook her head lightly, fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of her teacup. “Not yet. I have no idea who did it.”

Xiaolin Ji frowned. “Don’t worry. We’re all neighbors on the same street. I’ll keep an eye out for you.”

Shiyun took another sip. “Thank you, Sister Xiaolin.”

Xiaolin Ji patted Shiyun’s hand. “Is the person you’re meeting today here to discuss something important?”

Shiyun straightened slightly. “Yes, I’m negotiating a collaboration with the ‘Exploring China’ intangible cultural heritage program. I want to promote the restoration and mounting techniques of Mo Ru Hall so more people will know about them.”

Xiaolin Ji’s eyes brightened. “That’s wonderful! Be sure to tell them everything. If there’s anything I can help with, just say the word.”

A faint smile curved Shiyun’s lips.

Just then, the program’s director pushed open the door and entered.

A poised woman stood before them, surveying the room before fixing her gaze on Shiyun.

Her face lit up with a warm smile as she stepped forward and extended her hand. “You must be Teacher Shi, right? I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Li Yue, the director of ‘Exploring China.’”

Her eyes shone with admiration, lingering on Shiyun for a long moment, almost entranced.

She thought to herself that Miss Shi was even more beautiful than any female celebrity she had ever seen.

Shiyun rose gracefully, smiling as she shook Li Yue’s hand and said softly, “Hello, Director Li. Please, have a seat.”

Li Yue nodded slightly, pulled over a chair, took a file from her bag, and said, “Here is our preliminary cooperation proposal. Please take a look, Teacher Shi. If you have any ideas or suggestions, we can discuss and revise it together.”

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Shiyun took the file and examined it carefully.

Xiaolin Ji poured two cups of tea and placed them before them with a smile. “Have some tea first, take your time.”

Then she rose and left.

Li Yue spoke quietly beside Shiyun, “Teacher Shi, if you’re familiar with our program, you’ll know we have resident guests who participate in filming. There’s a segment where you would guide the guests through the restoration process. Would that be convenient for you?”

Shiyun nodded calmly.

Memories of last night’s explanations from Jiang Zhiyu came to mind.

These resident guests are all highly popular celebrities at the moment.

“Exploring China” is divided into many episodes, each focusing on different intangible cultural heritage projects, drawing a lot of attention thanks to star guests.

Shiyun looked up at Li Yue, her crimson lips parting softly. “That’s possible, but I’ll need a better understanding of the filming process first.”

Li Yue nodded enthusiastically. “Of course. Rest assured, Teacher Shi, we will send you detailed procedures well in advance and fully support your requirements during filming.”

The two then delved deeper into the collaboration details.

Just as their discussion reached a harmonious point, footsteps echoed from upstairs.

Shiyun instinctively glanced toward the staircase.

A tall figure appeared at the corner of the stairs, standing straight and stern.

A well-tailored suit wrapped his strong frame, his every movement exuding noble grace.

Behind him followed several serious-looking business associates, seemingly just finished with negotiations.

Shiyun’s gaze met his briefly before she calmly looked away.

She realized the quiet distinguished guest Xiaolin Ji mentioned was none other than Si Yu Fu.

What a coincidence.

When Si Yu Fu’s eyes caught sight of Shiyun, they brightened ever so slightly before returning to their usual impassive calm.

His aide leaned in, whispering their next schedule.

He nodded faintly but couldn’t help glancing back toward Shiyun.

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Li Yue folded her hands, leaning slightly forward. “Teacher Shi, if everything looks good on your end, would it be possible to visit your studio? That way, I can get a more direct understanding of the filming location.”

Shiyun’s slender fingers gathered the proposal, closing it gently. She responded with a soft “Hmm,” then said, “There don’t seem to be any major issues at the moment. Let’s go. The studio is nearby; I’ll take you there.”

She stood and smoothed her clothes.

Just then, Si Yu Fu approached her quietly and asked in a low voice, “Discussing a collaboration?”

As he drew near, a subtle woody scent enveloped Shiyun.

Surprised by his initiative to speak first, Shiyun’s long lashes quivered slightly.

She felt a faint pang of guilt for not having invited him to dinner alone last night.

Looking up at Si Yu Fu, her eyes unusually warm, she smiled gently and nodded in response.

She then took the lead, stepping forward alongside Li Yue.

Si Yu Fu was momentarily dazzled by her smile, the corners of his mouth lifting involuntarily.

His aide Xu observed the scene closely.

Seeing his boss’s gaze fixed intently on Shiyun’s departing figure, Xu cleared his throat subtly, stepped forward, and whispered, “President Fu, the lady beside Miss Shi is from the ‘Exploring China’ program staff.”

Fu Si Yu withdrew his gaze calmly, expression unchanged but eyebrows slightly raised. “Hmm?”

Xu hurried to add, “I just saw her work badge, so I thought I’d mention it.”

He then struck a proud pose, hoping for praise for his attentiveness.

Fu Si Yu responded with a casual “Hmm,” leisurely adjusted his sleeve, and strode toward the door.

Shiyun led Li Yue to the entrance of Mo Ru Hall and looked up.

The red paint on the gate had been freshly and completely renewed.

Mo Ru Hall once again displayed its former solemn dignity.