CHAPTER 560: CHAPTER 558: YU ZIMU

Mai Qiqi and Jiang Lingling both immersed themselves in intense study and work, pouring unparalleled passion and energy into their endeavors because they truly enjoyed what they were doing. Following the advice of once studious Wan Chu’er, they devised more effective learning plans and techniques, achieving progress and a sense of accomplishment daily.

During their study sessions, Wan Chu’er was also busy searching for a location for their studio.

After much discussion with Mai Qiqi and based on Dan’s suggestion, they decided to set up Time Studio in the Jinhui Imperial Building, generously provided by Kong Zifeng.

Once the location was settled, Wan Chu’er brought in professional interior designers. After several rounds of discussion, the renovation plan was confirmed, and workers were hired to start the renovations.

News of the three of them opening a fashion studio quickly spread. Xiao Bai chuckled, "Typical women. Do you want some investment from me? From now on, Xiaoxiao and my little Princess can have their clothes taken care of by you guys."

Li Shan also laboriously suggested that Wan Chu’er customize some clothes for Mao Xiaoyu.

The women of the Jiang Family also expressed their support, and it was said that Lin Jiayi called Jiang Lingling to express her skepticism, which so infuriated Jiang Lingling that she vowed never to listen to Lin Jiayi again.

Mrs. Mai quietly sought out Wan Chu’er and told her to reach out if she encountered any difficulties. Mrs. Mai felt that it was not easy for her daughter to find something of interest and hoped this interest would last.

Regardless, everyone was basically supportive of the trio’s endeavors, even if it meant just spending money for the sake of a hobby.

The three of them were moved, motivated, and pressured, even more committed and internally cheering themselves on: they had to achieve something noteworthy.

Seeing that the renovations were almost complete, Wan Chu’er began to focus on finding a chief designer capable of shouldering the studio’s reputation. She, Mai Qiqi, and Jiang Lingling met with the designer recommended by Dan. However, after one meeting, they unanimously disagreed on hiring this designer.

Mai Qiqi put it bluntly, "It’s as if his eyes are nearly on top of his head, treating us backers with such a commanding air, as though our faces were stamped with ’silly and rich.’"

Jiang Lingling’s review was slightly more professional, "The guy is indeed famous in the industry, but the personal style of his designs is too aggressive, which is not good."

Wan Chu’er felt that hiring this person would surely disrupt the harmony of the studio in the future.

So, they split up and continued their search for suitable partners through their respective networks.

One day, as Wan Chu’er was leaving a fashion gathering and searching for her keys in her bag in the underground parking lot, a shabby and disheveled man suddenly appeared beside her. Wan Chu’er got startled, thinking he was a robber, and instinctively spun around and kicked out.

The man was sent flying two meters away before crashing heavily to the ground, unable to get up for a while.

After calming down, Wan Chu’er checked her legs and feet. She hadn’t used that much force, yet she managed to kick someone so far! This man must not take a kick well.

Could he be a scam artist? Another thought crossed Wan Chu’er’s mind, so she stood still and waited. She saw the man struggling to move, but he didn’t stand up; instead, he turned his face towards her and gave her a painful smile.

What’s he up to?

Wan Chu’er felt creeped out, and she asked, "Who are you? What do you want?"

The man moved his lips a few times before asking, "Do you have any water? I’m very thirsty." His voice was hoarse, indeed indicative of thirst.

Wan Chu’er observed him more closely and then noticed how thin he was, with his hands and face looking skeletal.

She sighed with pity, searched her bag for the car keys, opened the car door, and took out an unopened bottle of mineral water, offering, "This is all I have. I put it in the car this afternoon. Do you want it?"

"Thank you, I’ll take it."

Wan Chu’er placed the bottle of mineral water beside him, an arm’s length away.

"Can you help me open it, please? I don’t have the strength right now."

Wan Chu’er looked at him and saw his weak appearance, apparently lacking the strength to open it, having difficulty even sitting up, so she took the bottle, twisted off the cap.

"Do you want a hand to sit up to drink?"

A grateful smile appeared on the man’s face, "That would be much appreciated."

Wan Chu’er grabbed his back with one hand, pulled, and with her help, he managed to sit up, grabbed the mineral water bottle, and gulped down quickly, soon emptying the bottle.

Has it been several days without water? Probably days without food, too.

Moved by compassion, Wan Chu’er asked, "Do you want me to buy you something to eat?"

After finishing the water, the man regained some energy, his eyes notably brighter.

"Hello, my name is Yu Zimu. I heard you were looking for a fashion designer. I came to offer my services today," he said.

Hearing this, Wan Chu’er assessed him with a new perspective, questioning if he really was a fashion designer. Could a skilled designer end up in such a state?

Yu Zimu knew how incredible his claim might seem, especially given his current state, and he understood Wan Chu’er’s skepticism. He smiled and explained sincerely:

"I am indeed a fashion designer. I used to work as a designer for a fashion company under OSH Group. Later, I partnered with others to start a studio. Unfortunately, I trusted the wrong people and was trapped by my partners a year and a half ago. I was ousted from the studio and after much difficulty returned to my country, only to end up homeless."

His story was pitiable, but the details didn’t seem to hold up under scrutiny.

Wan Chu’er inquired, "If you are a fashion designer and have worked for OSH, I believe many companies would welcome you if you wanted to resume your career in China. How did you end up in this situation?"

Yu Zimu showed a bitter smile, lifting his limp right hand, and said in a low voice, "My right hand is ruined. No company wants a designer with a disabled right hand."

Everyone understands what the right hand means to a designer. Without it, even the most talented individual can’t express their creativity, making such talent practically non-existent. Hence, a designer without a right hand is virtually incapacitated.

Wan Chu’er, while sympathetic to his current plight, remained skeptical about the exact circumstances of his misfortune.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Yu, I indeed need a designer right now, but we require a chief designer who can bear major responsibilities. If you truly have nowhere else to turn, I can arrange a menial job for you, which won’t demand much from your right hand."

Her studio was a business, not a charity.

Yu Zimu appeared to have anticipated rejection, but he hadn’t expected Wan Chu’er to be a kind person, willing to help him out, further validating that he hadn’t misjudged her.