Shen Tingyu regretted asking Ji Zhixiu out that day.
She not only failed to get what she wanted but also ended up in a state of anger and frustration.
All the agreed-upon collaborations were lost, and filming for the drama was temporarily suspended due to her blindness.
She didn't even mention it was a medical reason, just made up a vague excuse.
And then there was Luo Fei… she knew her breach of contract this time must have infuriated Luo Fei.
But she couldn't help it. How could she possibly film in her current state!
It was difficult even to take care of herself!
Her eyes drooped slightly, her face filled with unhappiness, not the relief that came after being comforted.
Shen Muyuan brought out a Maine Coon cat and placed it in her arms. "I bought a cat to keep you company, so you won't be bored when I'm not here."
The stranger's scent made the cat uneasy.
Shen Tingyu's hand found the cat, and she managed a soft smile. "I'm leaving tomorrow, should I bring this cat with me?"
Shen Muyuan thought for a moment. "He's only a few months old, let's leave him. We're not staying abroad forever, we can let him wait for us at home."
The little cat let out a soft whimper, no longer possessing the aloof demeanor it had in the shop.
Instead, it looked particularly endearing.
Shen Tingyu nodded. "Okay. By the way, Brother, you haven't told Mommy, have you?"
"Told her what? That you're like this because of Zhixiu?" Shen Muyuan sighed.
"It's not because of him, Brother, it's me…" Shen Tingyu earnestly corrected him.
"Tingyu, tell me, what exactly happened between you two that day?"
Even though she couldn't see, Shen Tingyu could sense Shen Muyuan's anger.
It wasn't directed at Ji Zhixiu, nor was it blaming him. It was a form of anger born from his inability to protect his sister.
She bit her lip, unsure how to explain.
She couldn't accept this fact. If the happiness of that past period was only obtainable through Jiang Mian's influence, then what was she?
She couldn't swallow this.
Her hand, holding the cat's head, unconsciously tightened inch by inch, causing the cat pain. It let out a sharp meow and extended its claws, scratching Shen Tingyu's hand before quickly jumping off and hiding under the sofa, refusing to come out.
"Hiss…" Shen Tingyu gasped.
"Tingyu!" Shen Muyuan exclaimed, grabbing her hand and looking down. "Are you alright? It's okay, the little guy's claws were trimmed when we brought him back, it didn't break the skin."
A red mark appeared on the back of her hand. Shen Muyuan frowned slightly. "Zhang Ma, get the first-aid kit."
"Yes, Young Master," Zhang Ma handed it to him.
Shen Muyuan opened the kit, found a cotton swab, dipped it in antiseptic, "I'll disinfect it."
Shen Tingyu's palm moved slightly, then her hand was held tighter. She lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Brother… it's nothing, you should go find the cat."
"No need to apologize, it's my fault. If you don't want to talk about it, I won't ask. I saw the cat run under the sofa, don't worry, he'll come out on his own later."
Shen Tingyu nodded, her voice low. "Brother, what if I never see again?"
"You will. If that day ever comes, I will take care of you for the rest of my life," Shen Muyuan said, stroking her head gently. "Don't overthink it."
From the moment Shen Tingyu came to the Shen family, he had told himself that he must protect and care for this sister. This was his responsibility as an elder brother.
Shen Tingyu raised her face, instinctively turning towards the sound of his voice. She looked obedient and endearing. "Thank you, Brother."
The post-production of the advertising promotional video took nearly half a month, and Ji Zhixiu finally saw the finished product during a morning meeting.
At the European-style long table, everyone sat upright.
Executives from the product department were all gathered.
Fan Cheng handed the meeting documents to Ji Zhixiu.
Operations Director: "If Mr. Ji finds the advertisement satisfactory, we will begin nationwide outdoor screen placement in central squares from the eighteenth of this month. We have also pre-booked prime slots on Weibo and the splash screens of these apps, ensuring users see our product as soon as they open them for all promotions."
Planning Department Manager: "We will also open special counters for the summer limited edition fragrance in offline central squares, along with promotional activities. We have three plans in total, please Mr. Ji make your decision."
Senior Design Consultant: "These are the designs for the three new handbag models. Please review them, Mr. Ji. If there are no issues, we can proceed with production as soon as possible."
Ji Zhixiu looked up, not rushing to view the advertisement.
Instead, with an undeniable aura and sharp eyes, his tone was calm yet easily struck a chord with everyone. "I'm not satisfied with the product name."
"I think we can use the previous plan given by President Cheng. The Summer Limited Edition Fragrance Series, also known as the Chosen Series. 'Chosen' as the prefix, and the limited edition fragrance style as the suffix." Someone spoke up first.
"I think that's feasible, simple and memorable."
"That's not a bad idea."
Then, everyone looked up at Ji Zhixiu in unison.
"Alright," he pondered for a moment and agreed.
"Then let's watch the advertisement."
Fan Cheng clicked on the computer, and everyone turned to look at the screen behind Ji Zhixiu.
Ji Zhixiu also turned slightly, his gaze falling on the screen behind him.
The opening was a close-up, zooming in on Jiang Mian's features, and magnifying her beauty.
She got out of bed, grabbed the perfume from the bedside table, held it in her palm, and showed it to the camera.
Then, as if going on a date, her eyes held a hint of shyness and surprise.
The camera then focused on the perfume bottle. After spraying the perfume, there was a sudden transition. Behind layers of sheer fabric, a woman's delicate and elegant shoulders were revealed as the fabric was blown away.
She wore a slip dress with a large bow, exuding an indescribable nobility.
She was as beautiful as an otherworldly fairy, yet she lingered in the mortal world.
All of this was because of the perfume in her hand.
The advertisement was dubbed with a slogan and sound effects.
Paired with the visuals, it was… indescribably beautiful.
Especially the scene of her exposed shoulder… it was unforgettable.
Her flawless, exquisite features captured everyone's attention, finally resting on the perfume bottle in her soft palm.
Her fingers, like scallion stalks, were slender and long, fair and tender. Holding a small, unique perfume bottle, it somehow exuded a subtle allure.
It was clear this was a young woman preparing for a date after applying perfume.
The post-production was exceptionally perfect, the visuals so exquisite they didn't seem like an advertisement at all.
The conference room was deathly silent.
Only Ji Zhixiu's expression grew progressively gloomier.
Fan Cheng cautiously glanced at him, not daring to speak.
"She's very beautiful, Mr. Ji's taste is indeed unique. This advertisement is very aesthetic, and the perfume is also depicted very well. She's very good at facing the camera," the Senior Designer offered his approval.
"It's all thanks to Mr. Ji, the final product exceeded my expectations. It looks great," the Marketing Manager nodded repeatedly.
Ji Zhixiu smiled, but his eyes held no warmth. He let out a barely audible scoff and retorted, "What's so great about it?"
"This shot of her bare shoulder creates a great atmosphere, it's very visually appealing! Very captivating," he affirmed.
Fan Cheng could barely watch, thinking that this was courting disaster.
"Very captivating," Ji Zhixiu repeated, savoring the words.
"Then delete this part," he decided with a casual wave of his hand.
"Ah??"
"Mr. Ji?"
"Why is that??"
"Is this shot necessary? Is the focus on the person or the product? Where should consumers' attention be directed?" he asked, his tone growing heavier with each question.
The air in the conference room seemed to freeze, a chilling silence.
The Senior Designer hesitated for a few seconds before finally saying, "But the perfume also appears in this shot. As a woman, I was captivated by this shot. It's hard to guarantee that consumers won't buy it because of this."
"Yes, Mr. Ji, good looks are justice," someone dared to chime in.
Ji Zhixiu glanced at them, a faint smile playing on his lips, tinged with displeasure. "This is my decision. Meeting adjourned."
He stood up and left the office first.
He left behind a group of people exchanging bewildered glances, unable to comprehend why their president was suddenly angry.
"Assistant Fan, you have to help us ask!"
"What's wrong with the president?"
"What's going on?"
Appealing gazes fell on Fan Cheng.
Fan Cheng was also troubled. If the president wasn't happy, then he couldn't be happy either.
"Don't worry, don't worry, I'll go see," he gave everyone a reassuring look.
Then he quickly followed Ji Zhixiu.
"President, President!"
He called out twice, but the man didn't respond.
Ji Zhixiu returned to his office, not even glancing at Fan Cheng, and coldly commanded, "Have the advertising department redo the post-production. Delete that shot."
"President, are you unhappy that the young madam is working outside?" Fan Cheng asked indirectly, standing still.
"No," if he didn't want the young lady to do what she loved, he wouldn't have supported her acting. But this was a different matter.
Ji Zhixiu rubbed his temples. Heaven only knew how unwilling and annoyed he felt when he saw that shot.
He had always known the young lady was beautiful, but he didn't want to share that beauty with everyone.
The advertisement was indeed beautiful, even perfect.
Every part of her body was intimately familiar to him.
Every inch of her was what he loved. Countless nights, she had nestled in his arms.
In the blink of an eye, the young lady's body was to be displayed to everyone.
This feeling was very subtle.
He knew very well that this was different from acting.
He pondered for a moment and asked, "Check who arranged this shot."
This implied he intended to hold someone accountable.
Fan Cheng became even more worried. He could understand the president's feelings.
However, others didn't know she was the president's wife.
Moreover, this shot added at least three points of appeal to the advertisement. It was just right.
Seeing him hesitate, Ji Zhixiu frowned. "What?"
Fan Cheng stammered, "President, deleting it is fine. But the young madam was aware of every shot that was taken. If she asks you why a shot is missing, what will you say?"
Ji Zhixiu pondered. "Deleting one won't affect much."
"But then you'll hurt the young madam's feelings! This is the result of her hard work."
Ji Zhixiu gave him a half-smile, glancing at him. "I can appreciate it all by myself."
The implication was that her efforts would not be in vain.