Cen Xiucheng nodded. "My parents in Country K are under a lot of pressure, so I have to go back for a visit. But don't worry, Mom will come to accompany you after a while."
Cen Ya suppressed the joy in her heart. In the past few days, the most she had done was praise Cen Xiucheng to her parents, commending him for his efficiency and for successfully resolving many issues.
Her parents, pleased with her words, naturally assumed that things on this side were almost settled and urged Cen Xiucheng to return to Country K.
As long as Cen Xiucheng left, she could quickly make up that money.
"Brother, I will definitely be good," Cen Ya promised.
For some reason, Cen Xiucheng felt an inexplicable unease in his heart. However, seeing Cen Ya so well-behaved, he suddenly felt he must be overthinking things.
A few days later, Cen Ya personally went to the airport to see Cen Xiucheng off.
* * *
The box office for "Diamonds" continued to rise, and at Su Ming's suggestion, Ye Zhi successfully applied for a key extension.
Upon hearing this, Zhan Ruoqing came directly to Taoxun.
She entered Ye Zhi's office and handed her a velvet box. "Ye Zhi, here, this is a gift for you!"
Ye Zhi accepted it with some surprise. "It's not a holiday, why are you suddenly giving me a gift?"
"This gift is, on one hand, to celebrate your movie's great success, and on the other hand, it's to thank you... Wait!"
Zhan Ruoqing suddenly moved closer, sniffing intensely beside Ye Zhi.
Before Ye Zhi could even open the gift, she was startled by her. Ye Zhi asked with a laugh, "What are you doing?"
"The scent on you..." Zhan Ruoqing frowned, trying hard to recall. "Rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang... I know! Your perfume is Royal Dignity No. 1!"
"Ah?" Ye Zhi was shocked. "Are you sure?"
"Positive! I have a bottle too, and I've been reluctant to use it." Zhan Ruoqing said with satisfaction, "That's great, Ye Zhi. Before, you were so focused on your work and didn't pursue personal enjoyment. Now you can finally afford to buy luxury items?"
Ye Zhi's expression was complicated. She hadn't bought it; Qi Xuan had given it to her.
Royal Dignity No. 1, she had heard of it.
The perfumes of this brand were very expensive, but the bottles were even more so. That particular bottle cost 110,000 pounds, which was nearly a million yuan when converted.
Why would Qi Xuan suddenly give her such an expensive gift? Could it be...
"Coincidentally, this perfume matches the gift I'm giving you today. Quickly open it and see!" Zhan Ruoqing urged excitedly.
Ye Zhi withdrew her thoughts and opened the box. Inside lay a beautiful diamond necklace.
Ye Zhi was stunned. This diamond necklace should be worth around a million. Why would Zhan Ruoqing suddenly start giving her such expensive gifts?
"Why are you giving me this?" Ye Zhi asked, bewildered.
"Isn't the movie Taoxun produced called 'Diamonds'? So I'm giving you a diamond necklace to match the theme! Moreover, I also invested a small portion in that movie, which you helped me secure. I'll be able to share a lot of profit in the future!
Also, with the recent public welfare campaign, Taoxun is basically doing all the work, and Zhiwei is just cooperating. However, Zhiwei's corporate image has become incredibly good because of this, something that money can't buy!
So of course I have to thank you properly. How could a cheap gift express my gratitude? Besides, remember to include me in any new projects you have in the future. I'll be able to benefit from your success!"
After her long explanation, Ye Zhi finally understood. This necklace was essentially a 'congratulations,' 'thank you,' and 'bribe.'
Ye Zhi felt relieved. Qi Xuan giving her perfume was probably for a similar reason, as the perfume bottle also had diamonds on it. She needed to reflect on herself; she had actually overthought things earlier and almost became overly confident.
"Oh, by the way, do you know that Cen Ya's brother has returned to Country K?" Zhan Ruoqing asked, full of gossip.
"Didn't the Cen family's company just start?" Ye Zhi asked in surprise. "Why would he return at such a critical time?"
Ye Zhi was truly surprised because Cen Xiucheng was quite capable. She had paid attention, and his newly established company primarily dealt with tourism and jewelry.
The Cen family's main business in Country K was jewelry, so they naturally had more experience. As for tourism, they had connections in Country K, and Country K was a major tourist destination. It was evident that Cen Xiucheng was skilled at leveraging his advantages.
But he left without even establishing a foothold in Kyoto?
"There must be something going on in Country K. That's not important," Zhan Ruoqing said, looking intently at her. "What's important is, if he's left, will Cen Ya specifically target you?"
"Logically speaking, the businesses of the two companies are completely different and do not pose any competitive threat," Ye Zhi raised her eyebrows slightly. "However, when dealing with them, it's hard to say."
"Then how will you deal with it?" Zhan Ruoqing inquired curiously.
Ye Zhi said speechlessly, "Why would I deal with them? I don't have the time; I have a new project..."
Zhan Ruoqing's eyes lit up instantly. "Quick, include me!"
Ye Zhi was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. "I haven't even told you what the project is yet..."
"No need to say anything. Following you is definitely the right choice!" Zhan Ruoqing said with firm determination.
Ye Zhi: "...You should listen first."
Zhan Ruoqing agreed and listened intently.
"Mobile live streaming?" Zhan Ruoqing nodded slightly. "It certainly has great potential, but as you said, the current environment hasn't caught up yet."
"The live streaming software is actually almost developed, and it also uses the algorithm newly developed by Taoxun. However, I don't plan to promote it yet. Once the environment is more complete, I will focus on promotional work."
"As expected of you, always so prudent!" Zhan Ruoqing praised, giving her a thumbs-up.
Soon, Taoxun's live streaming software was quietly launched on the app store.
After Cen Xiucheng left, Ou Minghan orchestrated several 'chance encounters' with Cen Ya. Each time, he managed to get into an argument with her.
However, Ou Minghan was somewhat anxious.
It had been two months since Cen Ya returned to the country, and they had met quite a few times. Why hadn't Cen Ya gotten pregnant yet?
As long as Cen Ya was pregnant, she would never be able to escape him. He would definitely use the child in her womb to tie her down.
Since there was no child yet, he had to find ways to deepen their entanglement of interests. Only then, even if the Cen family didn't accept him in the future, they would have to consider the great price of expelling him!
Ou Minghan immediately contacted Lin Shuangshuang and asked her to call Cen Ya to the training company.
Afterward, with Cen Ya's reluctant consent, Ou Minghan first had a scuffle with her in the office. Seeing that she was completely subdued, he then revealed his true intentions.
"Yaya, don't you think your brother's company is too conservative?" Ou Minghan said. "Tourism and jewelry are businesses that require gaining customer trust to make money. It takes a lot of time to build brand credibility. But think about it, will Ye Zhi give you the time and space to develop at ease?"