Chapter 255: Chapter 0255: If Softness Doesn't Work, Resort to Threats Chapter 255: Chapter 0255: If Softness Doesn't Work, Resort to Threats “It's like you're saying I can't tell right from wrong,” she said.
Mu Lan half-closed her eyes, a hint of seductiveness in her gaze, that made Huo Tingxiao's eyes go wide.
Fearing he might entertain inappropriate thoughts in broad daylight, he quickly averted his gaze.
“If Shengshi Department Store is not an option for your store's entrance, do you have any other alternatives?” he asked.
Huo Tingxiao's question hit the nail on the head for Mu Lan.
“There are some, it's just…”
“Let's hear them,” he encouraged.
“I've actually been thinking of going to Starlight Department Store in the Imperial Capital.”
To the Imperial Capital? Huo Tingxiao frowned slightly. Was she trying to distance herself from him, using her career as an excuse?
It wasn't surprising that Huo Tingxiao would think this way; given the current situation, he was on edge.
Even the slightest hint of an idea from Mu Lan would lead him to suspect the worst.
“Do you want to leave Sea City?” he asked.
Mu Lan pouted.
“It's not that I have to leave, it's just that after looking at the sales profits of malls in recent years, Starlight's are the best.”
Huo Tingxiao thought for a moment, then shared his own plan.
“Next year, there will be a globally recognized shopping center opening in Sea City.”
Mu Lan looked at him and immediately caught on.
“The new project by TX?”
Huo Tingxiao nodded.
“Yes, it will bring together high-end, top-luxury, trendy brands, as well as various independent designer brands.”
Mu Lan was surprised; the physical retail business was tough, yet he was willing to take such a big risk?
“Nowadays, brick-and-mortar stores are tough to manage. Are you sure?” she asked.
Huo Tingxiao smiled.
“It's all about how you do it. If Starlight can carve out a path, I have a lot of confidence in this project.
Vincent is still the fashion director at the IT group. He'll give me the best benefits in terms of agency rights, and there are other channels as well, including some top-luxury auctions.
There aren't many domestic players in this field.”
Mu Lan was taken aback; she hadn't realized Huo Tingxiao knew so much about the fashion industry.
“You're even thinking of doing top-luxury auctions?”
Huo Tingxiao smiled slightly.
“Not just that, but also the largest vintage luxury goods trading center in Asia.”
Mu Lan couldn't help but applaud him.
“I would never have imagined, the mogul was right by my side all along. All I can say is, your ideas are quite impressive.
This could indeed drive a lot of offline traffic. But your project isn't set to launch until next year, and if my first store waits until then to open…”
She hesitated, and Huo Tingxiao turned on his charm.
“You could start with an online pop-up store, and if needed, direct them to contact your studio.
There's no rush for the brick-and-mortar store. The first one has to be the best choice. Wouldn't it have an even greater promotional effect to open a physical store after attending Fashion Week next year?”
Mu Lan truly admired Huo Tingxiao's business acumen; she was definitely planning to take her brand to the major fashion weeks next year, and using this time to lay a solid foundation was not a bad idea.
“It seems I still have a lot to learn from you in business management. Gu Xiaoman is right, in this day and age, you have to seize every opportunity for publicity,” she remarked.
Huo Tingxiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief; he didn't want to hinder her business ambitions, but nor did he want them to be apart.
Long-distance relationships can easily lead to problems. Although they still seemed a bit distant from completely reconciling, creating additional obstacles was unnecessary, absolutely unnecessary.
“If you need a business consultant, I'm ready to step in any time,” he offered.
Mu Lan was amused by his jest.
“Forget it, I can't afford to treat you; my place is too small,” she said.
Soon, a range of exquisite dishes filled the large table. Mu Lan continued to take care of Yun Xi, and just as Gu Xiaoman said, the more time she spent with Yun Xi, the more she appreciated her personality.
Yun Xi was not burdensome at all; she wasn't very talkative, yet she gave off a very reliable vibe.
Meanwhile, in another private room, Feng Lin stared silently at Huo Tingyang, who was like a persistent piece of taffy.
“President Feng, I know you're always cautious, but a man needs some boldness to make a mark in the world.
You're aware of my relationship with the Shengshi, and you probably understand how the winds are blowing in the boardroom by now.
Although I'm only a vice president at the moment… eventually, the Huo Family will have to be inherited by me.
As the saying goes, 'A fine bird chooses a tree to nest in.' You should understand what I mean.”
Of course, Feng Lin understood, but what he didn't understand was where Huo Tingyang got the confidence to say he was a worthy branch to perch on.
“I indeed understand Vice President Huo's point, but…”
The term Vice President Huo already conveyed his stance, but Huo Tingyang still held onto a sliver of hope, his gaze clinging to Feng Lin.
“President Feng, feel free to state any conditions you have.”
Feng Lin smiled faintly.
“I'm just a hired hand at the Huo Family, paid to do a job.
I won't involve myself in internal struggles within the Huo Family, nor do I want to–it's simply too exhausting.
You, Vice President Huo, are young and promising, with a limitless future. Honestly, you don't need someone like me to assist you.”
After a round of compliments, was he just handing out a polite rejection?
Clearly, this outcome was not what Huo Tingyang desired.
“President Feng, the wise adapt to the times. I truly hope with sincerity that you will lend me a hand.
In the future, I'll make sure you're not shortchanged. A position on the board is not out of the question.”
From President to Director–it was an attractive offer, indeed.
Unfortunately…
“I have limited abilities and truly cannot offer assistance.
Your generous offer, Vice President Huo, I'm afraid I must disappoint.”
Huo Tingyang, already irritable from the figurative slap by Mu Lan, was now even more infuriated by Feng Lin's lack of respect.
“Feng Lin, don't disdainfully refuse the offered drink only to be forced to drink a penalty one. If you can't see the current situation clearly, I don't mind enlightening you!
The Huo Family will inevitably be governed by me, or the old man wouldn't have brought me back to the Huo Family, much less parachuted me in.
If you continue to be stubborn, I can immediately kick you out of the Huo Family. Keep in mind, for an executive like you, being fired would blemish your resume.
If you want to work for another company in the future, you'll be met with suspicion and doubt.
If that's the result you desire, feel free to continue rejecting my olive branch.”
If being nice didn't work, he was resorting to threats.
Feng Lin felt that this was probably all Huo Tingyang was capable of.
“Vice President Huo certainly has a powerful presence; I am indeed not your equal.
I have my own principles when it comes to work. If Vice President Huo thinks I'm not suitable to continue with the Huo Family, I have nothing to say about it.
However… Vice President Huo had better think about what reason you'll use to make me leave the Huo Family.
Could it simply be because I don't accept your courting? Other directors have approached me as well, all of whom I've turned down. But have you ever wondered why I'm still working at the Huo Family in good order, Vice President Huo?”
Huo Tingyang frowned, sensing there was more to Feng Lin's words.
“What, are you telling me you have a more powerful backer?
Could it be that your backer is…”
Chapter end
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