Chapter 253: Chapter 253: Just in Time Chapter 253: Chapter 253: Just in Time Mu Lan quietly watched Xueqin's arrogant demeanor, her tone growing even lighter.
“Instead of commenting on how much courage I possess, Miss Sheng might want to take a look at your department store's sales figures over the past year, or even the past two years.
Why did the previous brand withdraw, aren't you supposed to understand that most of all?
Are we still looking down on domestic products in this era? If I remember correctly, Miss Sheng studied finance and should be aware of which country has been the most aggressive in various fields in recent years.
The fashion industry still has significant room for growth domestically. Only those who are short-sighted would think domestic products are weak and blindly worship foreign brands.”
Xueqin was infuriated.
“Who are you calling short-sighted?”
Mu Lan smiled slightly, her attire today of a suit paired with high-waisted palazzo pants and high heels made her look competent and elegant. She was still wearing her own brand, which in no way was inferior to Xueqin's Lanvin suit.
“I said those who idolize foreign cultures are short-sighted, Miss Sheng need not take it personally.
Many designer brands are currently growing and incubating, and there are also success stories among brands founded by Chinese designers.
Miss Sheng can choose to refuse my request to enter your department store, but please do not state your prejudiced views as if they are the absolute truth.”
Xueqin was stunned, momentarily at a loss for words:
“What, do you think you compare to those major Chinese designers? Do you think you can become Philip Lim or Vera Wang? Confidence is good, but don't be overly arrogant.
Shengshi Department Store's first floor is occupied by top international luxury brands. If we let an unknown brand like yours enter, I'm afraid people will say our department store's standards are not up to the mark.
Miss Mu, it's not that I look down on domestic products–I just look down on you.
You should be aware of what level your own brand is at.
Our Shengshi demands brands that are the best, the most top-notch.”
Mu Lan was not annoyed and calmly watched Xueqin confidently express her thoughts. She had simply come to see if the conditions were right to join, and if they weren't, she would look elsewhere.
“Really? If I remember correctly, your department store also carries fast fashion brands like Zara and H&M, are those the most top-notch? It seems Miss Sheng is not very familiar with her own department store.”
Xueqin was stunned; she had forgotten about that!
“You…”
“Since Miss Sheng thinks our brand can't enter, let's leave it at that, no need to waste more time.
However, in the future, it would be better if your company could clarify its requirements more clearly.
Wasting someone else's time is akin to murder.”
Having said that, Mu Lan left the Shengshi Department Store building regardless of how ugly Xueqin's expression was.
Xueqin was rendered speechless by Mu Lan's retort, and the representative beside her didn't dare utter a word, only managing to sweat profusely.
At this inconvenient moment, Huo Tingyang caused yet another problem.
“Hello, what do you want?”
His tone was not friendly; Huo Tingyang couldn't help but frown on the other end of the phone.
“Of course, it's something serious–I've finally found some leverage on Feng Lin, I can arrange a meeting with him.”
Xueqin raised an eyebrow, finally something productive.
“Good, then arrange it as soon as possible, I want to see how tough this Mr. Feng is.”
“I already know where he will have lunch today, I'll take the opportunity to have a good talk with him.”
“This time, you know how to get things done.”
Huo Tingyang despised Xueqin's attitude of a superior dealing with a subordinate, however, having a request, he also had to bow and scrape a bit.
—–
Mu Lan kept encountering oddities, which didn't help her mood.
Perhaps by some telepathy, just as she thought of contacting Tingxiao, he called her.
“Hello?”
“Let's have lunch together at noon.”
“Alright.”
Huo Tingxiao was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected Mu Lan to agree so readily.
After a long silence, Mu Lan couldn't help but ask.
“Hello?”
“It's nothing, I'll reserve a spot and text you the details.”
“Hmm.”
Shortly after their brief conversation ended, Mu Lan received a WeChat message.
It was from Heaven Earth Pavilion, a decent Chinese restaurant in the city.
Huo Tingxiao made an effort to dress up a bit, looking like a young man about to go on a date with his girlfriend. He Yan, watching his boss seem in a good mood, secretly thought that the company's atmosphere could remain pleasant for some time.
Upon reaching the private room, he realized Mu Lan and Yun Xi hadn't arrived yet.
Huo Tingxiao first checked the day's menu, getting a general idea in his mind.
As soon as Mu Lan and Yun Xi appeared, the lobby manager came over warmly.
“Mrs. Huo, Mr. Huo is on the second floor in the Yimei Garden. Please, this way.”
“Thank you.”
Mu Lan had just reached the second floor when she unexpectedly ran into Huo Tingyang. Clearly, Huo Tingyang hadn't anticipated encountering Mu Lan under such circumstances, and he was momentarily delighted.
“Mu Lan.”
But she had long since forgotten who the person in front of her was, instinctively stepping back.
“I'm sorry, sir, but I don't know you.”
Huo Tingyang was stunned for a moment, sadness flickering in his eyes.
“Are you saying this deliberately to see me upset?”
Mu Lan frowned, thinking that she didn't know this man at all. Where did he get the idea that she wanted to see him upset? His feelings were none of her concern.
“I'm sorry, I really don't know you.”
Huo Tingyang's pride was deeply wounded; he felt she was deliberately making him feel embarrassed, causing him a mix of complex emotions.
“I am Huo Tingyang. How can you possibly not know me?”
Huo Tingyang? Upon hearing this name, Mu Lan moved even further away.
This action deepened the sadness in Huo Tingyang's heart beyond simple words. Did she have to be so ruthless?
“Are you here to dine with Huo Tingxiao?”
Although he had a rough idea of the answer, he couldn't help but ask persistently.
Mu Lan didn't know what Huo Tingyang's intentions were, responding calmly,
“Sir, this doesn't concern you. I'm sorry, but please step aside.”
The anger inside Huo Tingyang surged. Just as he was about to step forward and grasp Mu Lan's wrist, Yun Xi reacted faster, kicking him half a meter away.
Mu Lan was startled, not expecting Yun Xi to intervene physically.
Seeing her about to act again, she immediately held her back.
“Yun Xi!”
Yun Xi had a very poor impression of Huo Tingyang; their last unpleasant encounter during the mountain trip was telling, and now he was still pestering her.
“He's no good.”
Huo Tingyang, clutching the painful spot, glared at Yun Xi, wishing he could tear her apart with his gaze.
“What right do you have to lay a hand on me? I was talking to Mu Lan, it's not your place to interfere.”
Seeing him wincing as his face contorted with pain, Mu Lan was about to help him out of politeness, but she was stopped by a pair of hands.
Looking up, she faced Huo Tingxiao's grave expression, dark as King Yama's, intimidating and impossible to look directly at.
Huo Tingyang watched the two of them, jealousy in his eyes.
Chapter end
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