CHAPTER 21: CHAPTER 21: JEALOUSY

After ordering, Rika looked at Su Lingzhi and opened the conversation: "Before, I wanted to hire James as our brand’s exclusive model, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out."

James laughed and said, "Modeling is my hobby; my main focus is still on my own brand."

Saying this, James took out two different packaged jewelry boxes from a gift bag and handed them to the two ladies: "These are my meeting gifts for you. I hope you like them."

Rika accepted it, took a glance, and smiled meaningfully: "I used to invite you but couldn’t get a hold of you. I didn’t expect you to come to me today, and with gifts, seems like I’m benefiting from Lindie’s favor."

Hearing this, Su Lingzhi paused, fully aware of the weight of Rika’s words.

Someone whom Rika couldn’t even schedule before was meeting because of her today, so naturally, this dinner carried a lot of weight.

After a moment of hesitation, Su Lingzhi opened the gift in front of them.

Inside the jewelry box was a butterfly diamond necklace, reflecting brilliantly under the light. Although she didn’t know the exact price, the color and clarity of the diamonds indicated the necklace was valuable.

She slowly closed the lid without saying a word.

No matter how expensive this gift was, she couldn’t refuse it in front of Rika because Rika had already accepted hers.

James withdrew his gaze from Su Lingzhi and personally poured wine into their glasses.

"I heard that Lindie also participated in designing the Lyrae fashion series," James looked at Su Lingzhi, "I wonder how the final product turned out."

Su Lingzhi replied, "There are still some details to be handled."

"I wish you all the best for the Lyrae fashion show."

"Thank you."

James shifted the conversation, "Actually, having Mrs. Rika arrange today, I mainly wanted to befriend you. We might have many opportunities to collaborate in the future."

Hearing this, Rika immediately became guarded, "Don’t poach my people right in front of me."

James chuckled, "Don’t worry, she’s your close associate; I don’t have such intentions."

Rika sighed, "I really like Lindie. I want to keep her by my side, yet I’m afraid others might covet her. If she were my child, no one could take her away."

Su Lingzhi turned to look at her.

Though they’d known each other for less than two months, she hadn’t expected Rika to have such strong feelings for her.

Could it be because of that initial connection? She was somewhat skeptical.

The waiter laid out three steaks, pulling Su Lingzhi’s mind back to the present.

Rika then asked, "At the end of September, Paris Fashion Week, I’d like to invite you to be our brand’s model, would you consider it?"

Getting to the main point, the atmosphere of negotiation instantly heightened.

James’ smile slowly faded, as if he was lost in thought.

After a short while, his gaze turned to Su Lingzhi, speaking gently: "If Lindie appears in the audience, I can consider it."

Su Lingzhi was startled, not understanding his intention.

Rika readily said, "I’ll send the invitation, just not sure if Lindie will be free then."

Su Lingzhi found herself caught in the middle; clearly, this collaboration couldn’t happen without her.

By the end of September, her internship would be over, and she should be back in Beijing.

But if invited to watch the show, she’d be happy to go.

Su Lingzhi replied, "No problem, it would be an honor."

But with just her few words, it seemed this collaboration was preliminarily agreed upon.

Rika showed a victorious joy, speaking with deeper meaning: "Seems I really struck gold."

Saying this, she raised her glass towards James across the table, "Wishing us a smooth collaboration."

"Cheers."

Following this, the dining atmosphere became relaxed and joyful.

However, Su Lingzhi felt something was off, but couldn’t pinpoint what.

James is the principal of Ving Jewelry brand, a status which makes him a highly sought-after model. She understood why Rika wanted him as the brand’s exclusive model. But why was her presence necessary for this collaboration to be successful?

She was merely an emerging fashion designer; how did her face become so influential...?

After exchanging contact information, they parted ways at the restaurant entrance.

James was the first to speak, "Shall I give you a ride back?"

Su Lingzhi held the gift box, glanced at Rika, and finally nodded.

They chatted almost the entire way back, with James sharing some interesting experiences from his modeling and discussing her graduation...

Later, they stopped on a street near the apartment.

Perhaps due to James’ charm and confidence, when he stepped out of the sports car, passersby couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times.

Su Lingzhi stood in front of him, returning the gift box to him with a slight smile: "Thank you for the ride back. This gift is too precious; I can’t accept it."

James gently pushed the gift back, one hand in his pocket, "Just keep it. Once I give a gift, there’s no taking it back."

"I’ve received your kindness, but I also have my principles." Saying this, she forced the gift back into his hands and quickly waved goodbye.

James, watching her depart, smiled wryly.

And this scene of parting, a man across the road saw it all.

Fu Yinli subtly withdrew his gaze.

Amid the shadows, his brow seemed almost furrowed, and his deep eyes carried a dark, ambiguous light.

Behind him, Housekeeper Zhao couldn’t help but sigh, "Nowadays, young ladies can’t resist male models."

"You know him?"

"That’s my niece’s idol; her room is full of this model’s posters."

Back in the car, Housekeeper Zhao glanced at the man in the back seat through the rearview mirror and asked, "Sir, should we follow Miss Su, or head straight home?"

"Home," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion, leaving one to ponder.

Housekeeper Zhao lowered his gaze, started the engine, and drove off.

Originally, it seemed he didn’t care who Su Lingzhi was with, yet as soon as they got home, he calmly instructed.

"Before tomorrow, gather all of James’s past rumors and send them to Lingzhi’s email."

...

In the apartment, Su Lingzhi put away her paintbrush, gazing intently at the painting she had just completed.

The background was an endless field of lavender, with a brown horse wandering through, a pair of lovers sitting on the saddle.

The man in a black shirt tucked into his waistband, holding the reins with both hands, his stature upright, almost enveloping the girl sitting in front of him.

The painting showed side profiles; although their faces were indistinct, and there was no intimate gesture, it evoked a sense of deep affection between them.

This painting took her three nights, and now it was finally completed.

But why did viewing this painting give her a sense of yearning?

Su Lingzhi silently sighed, packed away all the paints and brushes, and prepared to rest.

Just as she was about to lie down, she inadvertently checked her phone for the time and discovered two unread emails.