CITM - 58

After dinner was ready, Mrs. Liang came to invite them to the dining room. Mr. Liang had already seated Bai Wenfu.

At the round table, Mr. and Mrs. Liang sat on either side of Bai Wenfu, and Ye Yun was placed opposite him. Not long after the meal began, Mr. Liang said to Ye Yun, “Little Ye, do you remember what I told you last time? This friend of mine is looking for a skilled tailor. I heard from my wife that you’d be coming today, so I wanted to ask you if you’d be willing to take on Boss Bai’s order?”

Ye Yun smiled faintly and replied gently, “I’m short on time right now and can only take on a limited number of jobs. Generally, I only accept orders from acquaintances. For gentlemen, especially married gentlemen, it’s not convenient for me to take their orders.”

Mr. Liang had never heard of Ye Yun having this rule for accepting work, so he turned to Bai Wenfu and asked, “I haven’t asked you yet, are you married now?”

The others at the table seemed to be serving themselves food, but in reality, all their ears were perked up.

Bai Wenfu took off his coat and handed it to a maid nearby, his expression solemn: “My wife and I have separated.”

Ye Yun lowered her eyes and gently swayed the teacup in her hand. From the moment she heard “separated,” her heart could no longer be at peace.

Mrs. Zheng asked, “Are you divorced?”

Bai Wenfu raised his eyes and looked at her: “Just separated.”

Mr. Liang was quite surprised: “I didn’t even know you had a wife. When did you separate?”

After Bai Wenfu took off his coat, he was wearing a white shirt underneath, immaculately ironed, probably not worn much, as it still looked very new.

He lowered his head to adjust his cuff links, his eyes dimming slightly: “It’s been a few years. Back then, I couldn’t give her a good life; she suffered a lot with me.”

Ye Yun’s breath hitched, and her throat instantly tightened.

That evening, the question she had asked him, he answered in front of so many people.

Su Hong said Bai Wenfu was married, and his wife was much younger than him. She had never imagined that the person Su Hong spoke of was herself. When Su Hong saw Ye Yun touching the ring on her ring finger, she showed a complex expression; it was the first time Ye Yun had seen such a solemn look on Su Hong’s face.

Suddenly, Ye Yun seemed to understand why Su Hong didn’t continue speaking and instead bid her a hurried farewell.

Ye Yun’s eyes gradually welled up. In reality, she hadn’t lived a hard life with Bai Wenfu; he had already given her his best back then. He was never stingy with her; whether it was clothes or food, he always found ways to get her the best. If not for the subsequent changes, perhaps they would have had children by now.

Ye Yun picked up her teacup and gulped down some water, forcefully suppressing the emotions rising within her.

As Bai Wenfu finished speaking, he unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves once.

The pattern sewn into the cuff of his shirt was revealed. Mrs. Liang, sitting next to him, noticed it first and was stunned, turning her head: “Boss Bai, this garment...”

When she spoke, everyone’s attention focused on the pattern on Bai Wenfu’s cuff. It was a very small leaf shape, with fine stitching and a lively design, like a fallen leaf drifting in the air.

Ye Yun raised her eyes and stared at his sleeve, her heart feeling like it had been dropped into boiling water, churning and bubbling, steaming relentlessly.

After leaving him, she had never thought she would one day see him wearing this shirt. Her decision to break ties with him was out of consideration that a lover could be replaced, but family could not be chosen. After she left, it would be impossible for her to have any further connection with the Bai family or with him. She had clearly advised him to let go, advised him to find another woman in the future, yet after making this shirt, she secretly sewed this leaf inside the cuff. She herself didn’t know why she had embroidered this leaf at the time; in such a chaotic and complex state of mind, she did it subconsciously.

Now, looking back, it was ultimately out of unwillingness—unwillingness for him to truly find another woman, to truly give all his affection to someone else, and to forget her. She wanted him to remember her; she wanted to leave her mark on him. All her reluctance towards him transformed into stitches sewn into this leaf.

Later, when she arrived in Shanghai, at the beginning of setting up the factory, they discussed needing a trademark. She remembered this pattern and drew it. Unexpectedly, Ma Jianliang and Zhou Zeyang both felt that this pattern was very fitting for the name “Yemao” (叶茂, which can mean “flourishing leaves”), so they unanimously approved and used this pattern as their trademark.

Now, any garment produced by Yemao has this pattern printed on its label. However, the pattern on Bai Wenfu’s cuff was clearly not printed but rather hand-embroidered.

Anyone familiar with Ye Yun knew that ever since she closed her tailor shop, she no longer took on those small, miscellaneous jobs. She only made high-end ready-to-wear clothing. Because each garment was designed and made by her with great care, taking time and effort, she would hand-embroider this leaf on every piece of clothing she personally crafted after it was finished.

Over time, this became an unspoken understanding. The ladies present, who were close to Ye Yun in their daily lives and had the good fortune to wear clothes personally made by her, naturally recognized the pattern at a glance.

“Isn’t this Yemao’s trademark?” Mrs. He asked, looking at Ye Yun in surprise.

Mrs. Liang had already leaned in for a closer look and said, “It’s not printed.”

The implication was that this garment was not produced by the Yemao factory, which then shifted the question to Ye Yun.

Mr. Liang, completely puzzled, asked Bai Wenfu, “Did you have Little Ye make clothes for you before?”

Bai Wenfu’s fingers brushed over his cuff, and he simply replied, “This shirt was made by my wife.”

Ye Yun lifted her eyelashes, her limpid almond eyes set in her charming face, her gaze hazy, half tangled and half hesitant.

As everyone looked towards Ye Yun, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she lowered her gaze.

Although the situation seemed a bit peculiar, Ye Yun herself was present, and she hadn’t spoken, so the others naturally didn’t want to speculate wildly. The entire meal passed with a subtly awkward atmosphere.

Soon, Ye Yun excused herself. She bid farewell to everyone, her gaze brushing past the towering figure. Bai Wenfu’s eyes held a serene light that enveloped her, their gazes briefly entangled before separating.

Mrs. Liang escorted Ye Yun to the door, then turned back, and privately asked her, “Is that shirt Boss Bai is wearing made by you?”

Mrs. Liang was asking about the garment, but implying something deeper.

Ye Yun’s thoughts wavered for a moment, and she replied, “It was made by his wife.”

Mrs. Liang smiled, didn’t ask further, and told her to travel safely.

________________________________________

As soon as Ye Yun left the Liang residence, someone chased after her and called out, “Miss Ye.”

Ye Yun recognized the burly man walking towards her as one of Bai Wenfu’s people. At the dance that day, it was this man who guarded the screen, not allowing her to enter.

“What is it?” she stopped and asked him.

“Boss Bai said he accidentally took Miss Ye’s item at the dance that day and wishes to visit your residence tomorrow to return it to you.”

“I’ll wait here; you can just bring it to me.”

“Boss Bai said the item is valuable and he didn’t bring it with him. He hopes to personally return it to Miss Ye at your esteemed residence tomorrow. I wonder if Miss Ye will be free tomorrow evening?”

Ye Yun lowered her eyelids: “What if I’m not free?”

The big man said stiffly, “Boss Bai will wait until Miss Ye is free.”

Ye Yun stared at him: “What’s your name?”

“Lu Zi.”

“Your real name.”

A look of unspeakable embarrassment suddenly appeared on the big man’s square face, completely at odds with his rugged appearance. Ye Yun even felt that he seemed to be shy. She didn’t understand why asking a name would be embarrassing.

Then, the big man stammered, “Zhang Xiuhua.”

“Huh?”

This burly man, who had been so forceful with her last time, blocking her outside the screen, was now blushing in front of her.

Ye Yun suppressed the smile at the corners of her mouth and waved at him: “See you later, Comrade Xiuhua.”

________________________________________

Ever since Ma Jianliang learned that Bai Wenfu would be visiting in the evening, he changed into a neat outfit and seriously asked Ye Yun, “Do you think he’ll hit me when he sees me?”

Ye Yun furrowed her brows: “Why would he hit you? Did he specifically come to hit you?”

“If we really fight, whose side will you be on?”

“Are you tired of living? Do you have to pick a fight with him?”

Ma Jianliang said gravely, “That’s hard to say. He wanted to hit me last time he saw me. I’m telling you beforehand, if he really hits me, I won’t care about your feelings; I’ll definitely fight back.”

Ye Yun said airily, “He won’t give you a chance to fight back.”

“...”

Ma Jianliang then asked, “What are you really thinking? Are you still planning to have contact with him?”

Ye Yun looked towards the outside of the balcony, following the white sheer curtains being blown by the wind, and didn’t answer.

Yesterday, before parting, she hadn’t told Lu Zi where she lived. If Bai Wenfu could indeed find her residence this evening, it would confirm that he had already inquired about her situation. She just didn’t know if he was aware that she was currently living with Ma Jianliang. In the past, he always minded her interacting with Ma Jianliang.

Ye Yun slowly turned her gaze back to Ma Jianliang, a complex look flashing in her eyes: “Maybe... you should avoid him?”

Ma Jianliang had just adjusted his collar, straightened his glasses, and was admiring his own reflection when he heard this. He retorted, “Why should I avoid him? This is Shanghai, not Erwei Lane. What can he do to me?”

Ye Yun smiled, then stopped speaking and stood up to open the balcony door.

The sun slowly descended from the horizon. Ye Yun sat on the soft chair on the balcony, watching the mottled brick walls and bustling crowds on Yangfang Street. Her already calm heart would still rekindle desire because of his appearance. It was like an instinct in her body, both fearing and longing, wanting to be rational but unable to control herself. Meeting him, all her composure was lost. This feeling of losing control had not appeared in Ye Yun’s life for a very long time. A black Crown sedan stopped downstairs. Ye Yun glanced down; Bai Wenfu, wearing a mid-length trench coat, stepped out from the back seat.

He stood by the car and looked up, their gazes meeting. The setting sun, with its unique touch, adorned her plain long dress with wondrously changing colors. She simply sat there motionless, yet her posture was elegant and her eyes were captivating, like a perfectly composed painting.

Ye Yun’s face was beautiful, the kind that strikes you at first sight and is unforgettable upon second look. However, she used to be too timid, accustomed to living cautiously in a crowd. Once she stepped out of her small shell, shedding weakness and inferiority, her brilliance could effortlessly drive people wild.

Bai Wenfu’s eyebrows raised slightly, and he strode into the shop door, heading towards her.

Ying’an’s voice came from the stairs: “Boss Ye, someone’s here.”

Ma Jianliang’s heart pounded. He said to Ye Yun, “He’s here.”

“I see him,” Ye Yun stood up.

Ma Jianliang was already standing by the stairs, waiting. As Bai Wenfu’s figure appeared on the second floor, their eyes met directly.

He walked over calmly, with no particular expression, yet he gave Ma Jianliang the illusion of an enemy besieging the city. His black leather shoes stepped onto the last stair, and his tall figure appeared on the second floor, instantly breaking the comfortable atmosphere.

Ma Jianliang’s expression was slightly serious as he observed his every move.

Bai Wenfu’s gaze casually swept around. The second floor opened into a spacious area. To the left was a dining room, and to the right, near the balcony, was a living room. Everything was neatly arranged, with women’s items and traces of a man’s life. The three room doors were closed, so the furnishings inside couldn’t be seen.

Bai Wenfu’s gaze returned to Ma Jianliang, his voice steady and strong: “Hello.”

Time is a very magical remedy; it smooths over the sharp edges between people. Bai Wenfu did not show hostility towards Ma Jianliang. On the contrary, he maintained the politeness a guest should have. It wasn’t that he particularly welcomed Ma Jianliang as a person, but rather that he showed Ye Yun full respect, for this man had entered her later life, and to some extent, had her approval.

Ma Jianliang’s tense heart settled slightly. He greeted him, “Hello. Little Ye told me you were coming to deliver something. Why don’t you sit for a bit?”

Bai Wenfu’s gaze shifted to Ye Yun, who had walked in from the balcony. She looked at the chair opposite the sofa and said, “Sit.”

Bai Wenfu then took a seat on the chair, while Ye Yun sat on the sofa opposite him, her calves beneath her dress looking fair and shapely. Bai Wenfu’s gaze swept over them, meeting hers without evasion.

Seeing this, Ma Jianliang sat beside Ye Yun. Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward.

Ma Jianliang took the initiative to ease the tension: “I heard you’ve been in Shanghai for a while. Are you here for business?”

“Yes...”

“...And no.”

Bai Wenfu’s hesitant answer made Ma Jianliang’s recently settled heart rise again. He remained expressionless and continued, “When do you plan to go back?”

Bai Wenfu shifted his gaze from Ye Yun to Ma Jianliang, his eyes as deep as a pool: “I don’t plan to go back.”

Ma Jianliang’s expression stiffened slightly: “Are you settling down in Shanghai?”

Bai Wenfu pursed his lips in a silent affirmation, then looked back at Ye Yun, his gaze holding a deep, direct meaning.

Ye Yun got up and went to the side to make tea. Ma Jianliang turned his head to glance at her and said, “Since that’s the case, we’re bound to run into each other in the future. Little Ye built everything from scratch here; it wasn’t easy for her. Whatever unpleasantness you had before, now that it’s in the past, there’s no need to bring it up again, right?”

Ma Jianliang’s words were a subtle warning to Bai Wenfu, clearly telling him that Ye Yun was not alone in Shanghai and that he didn’t want Bai Wenfu to bother her again.

In Ma Jianliang’s view, all the hardships Ye Yun had endured came from the Bai family. From his heart, as a close friend for many years who had watched Ye Yun struggle her way to today, he didn’t want past events to hinder her progress.

Bai Wenfu clearly understood. His jaw tightened, and a sneer crossed his lips. He didn’t respond.

Facing Bai Wenfu’s powerful and calm aura, Ma Jianliang felt a slight unease. He then cut to the chase and asked, “What’s the situation with your younger brother now?”

Ye Yun’s hand, holding the tea leaves, paused. She heard Bai Wenfu speak: “Two years ago, he went south to try his luck. Last year, he settled down there, and in the middle of the year, he brought my mother over to settle down.”

In just a few sentences, she learned that Wen Bin seemed to have returned to a normal life.

Ye Yun picked up hot water to brew the tea leaves. Hearing these things again, it suddenly felt as distant as if it had happened in a past life.

A sense of helpless struggle still surfaced in her heart, but her mindset was different now. She could more calmly listen to Bai Wenfu talk about that person’s recent situation. Perhaps many things Ye Yun encountered later were incredibly difficult, but looking back now, at least everyone was alive, still breathing, and able to live peacefully. So, what else could be bad?

Ye Yun brought the tea to Bai Wenfu, handing it to him. As he reached out to take it, his thumb brushed her fingers, a subtle current spreading through her fingertips. Ye Yun sensitively curled her fingers. He casually took the tea and took a sip.

The subtle interaction between the two fell into Ma Jianliang’s eyes. He shifted his gaze and silently questioned Ye Yun with his eyes. Ye Yun turned and looked back at him, her expression unchanged.

Bai Wenfu placed the teacup on the coffee table in front of him. The ceramic base of the cup meeting the glass surface produced a dull sound that echoed in the air, interrupting their eye contact.

The air pressure in the room dropped a few degrees. He took a beautifully wrapped box from inside his coat and placed it beside the teacup. Then he pulled out the small ring and placed it on top of the box.

Bai Wenfu placed this ring, which had once been on Ye Yun’s ring finger, in front of the two of them, clearly stating his stance, which also served as a reply to Ma Jianliang’s previous words.

He could take the ring from Ye Yun’s hand, and he could also make it disappear completely. This was more intimidating than giving Ma Jianliang a beating.

“I didn’t bring anything significant for my visit. I prepared a gift, and I won’t bother you any longer.”

Bai Wenfu looked up at Ye Yun: “Aren’t you going to see me out?”

Ma Jianliang stared at the ring for a moment, not yet realizing that Bai Wenfu had come to deliver this item.

Ye Yun got up to see him off. As Bai Wenfu passed the counter, his gaze swept over Ying’an, and he frowned slightly. Ying’an stood straight and prim, watching the guest leave.

Stepping out of the shop, Ye Yun didn’t see the car, assuming it was parked on the main road outside. So, she and Bai Wenfu walked along Yangfang Street.

Yangfang Street was not a very wide old street, lined with towering plane trees. It was said that they were planted during the concession era, witnessing the prosperity and decline, war and peace, revolution and reform of this place. Perhaps they had also witnessed his reckless and vibrant youth.

Ye Yun walked beside Bai Wenfu and asked, “Why did you specifically deliver it here?”

“What do you think?”

“I think you wanted to see the meaning of that ring.”

Ye Yun glanced at him: “So, can you tell me your true intention?”

“Of course, if you want to know.”

His trench coat was made of gabardine, a sturdy fabric that was wind and rain resistant while looking more crisp. It was first made into trench coats by the British. Currently, not many people in the country wear such trench coats. Ye Yun couldn’t help but want to touch it, but she restrained herself.

“After the ball, I inquired about your situation. Ye Mao’s background is easy to find out. As for your private matters, to outsiders, it seems to be a mystery.”

Ye Yun smiled: “So?”

He looked at her, his gaze caught by her smile, and he paused before answering her.

“So I wanted to personally come and see if you actually have any children.”

His thin, long eyes were like a lurking leopard, making one’s heart pound when he stared.

However, his explanation inevitably made Ye Yun feel it was too absurd.

“Shouldn’t you first confirm if I’m married?”

“You were just over 20 when you left me. It’s normal to find someone suitable again, and with a man by your side, at least your life wouldn’t be too difficult.”

Ye Yun was about to applaud him for this honest confession, marveling at how such a magnanimous man could exist in this world.

Immediately after, he added: “These are insincere words.”

“...”

“I need to know if you have children. Considering a child’s physical and mental health, I would restrain myself with you. But based on my observation, you don’t.”

Ye Yun looked slightly surprised: “Your implication is, as long as I don’t have children, you won’t care if I’m married or have a man by my side? Is that what you mean?”

Ye Yun had never seen anyone who could simultaneously embody the contradictory qualities of rebelliousness and sincerity within their bones. Although she had long experienced his unorthodoxy, she still felt a shock that directly struck her heart. A strange current flowed between them, and her heart felt as if it had been brushed by a feather.

“Why are you living with him?” Bai Wenfu asked directly.

Ye Yun averted her gaze: “For survival.”

Ye Yun didn’t hide anything. At that time, she lived alone on Yangfang Street. A young, beautiful, single woman would always attract some men with ulterior motives. She often had to lock her doors and windows and avoid going out at night.

Later, Zhou Zeyang moved into the factory, and Ma Jianliang needed to find a place in the city. Ye Yun also needed someone to share the rent with her and to get rid of the troubles surrounding her. So, this became the best option for them, for survival.

She and Bai Wenfu fell into a brief silence until Ye Yun asked him, “Where’s the car that brought you?”

“It drove off.”

Ye Yun was a bit surprised: “Drove off? How will you get back?”

“Walk back,” he said unhurriedly.

Ye Yun glanced at his legs: “Are you sure you want to walk back?”

“If you’re worried, you can send me back.”

The sun had set, and a chill began to set in with the wind. Ye Yun had thought she was just seeing him to the downstairs, so she had come down in a thin dress. Now, she was hugging herself, cold.

“I take you home, and then I walk back? Do you know how far it is from here to Jianshan Road?”

Bai Wenfu turned his gaze, amused: “You know where I live?”

Ye Yun stared at the road beneath her feet: “I heard it from someone. You bought a Western-style house there.”

“Want to go see it?” His voice drifted to her on the wind, a sudden invitation that caught her off guard.

Her loose bun was disheveled by the wind. She used the excuse of raising her hand to tuck stray hairs behind her ear, concealing her anxious heartbeat.

Bai Wenfu’s voice, however, came coolly: “Even if you go, I won’t let you in.”

Ye Yun stopped, her eyes wide.

The dim streetlights diffused around the plane trees. When Bai Wenfu turned around, Ye Yun shivered.

He curved the corner of his eye slightly: “I didn’t yell at you. Why are you trembling?”

Ye Yun hugged her arms: “I’m cold.”

He tugged her arm, pulled her in front of him, and then opened his trench coat to wrap her thin body within his embrace.

The wall was etched with mottled marks. In the distance, the doors and windows of an old house swayed precariously in the wind, and the creaking sounds of age drifted into the corner.

Ye Yun was enveloped by his body heat, her heart pounding wildly.

Her smooth dress clung to her graceful curves, and his hand caressed her waist. She was truly in his arms, soft and intertwined.

He lowered his head, his breath buried in her dark hair, his eyes burning.

Ye Yun raised her hand and stroked his trench coat. Bai Wenfu reluctantly released her, took off his trench coat, and draped it over her. His fingers gently caressed her chin, his eyes full of tenderness: “Do you like my clothes that much?”

A figure in the distance stopped. Ye Yun turned her head to see Ye Ru, holding a large bag, staring at them in shock.

Ye Yun’s face flushed, and she distanced herself from Bai Wenfu. She took the bag from Ye Ru’s hand and saw that the car that had brought Bai Wenfu had stopped at the intersection at some unknown time. Lu Zi was standing by the car door, watching them expressionlessly, and she didn’t know how long he had been watching.

Ye Yun felt like she was going to melt from embarrassment. She turned and hurried back.

Ye Ru jogged to catch up, and as she passed Bai Wenfu, she called out, “Hello, brother-in-law.”

This time, he answered.

________________________________________

Ye Ru had gone to the factory to pick up goods today and had just rushed back. As she ran upstairs and saw the exquisitely packaged box on the table, she asked, “What’s this?”

“Bai Wenfu sent it,” Ma Jianliang told her.

Ye Yun saw her eager expression and told her, “Open it.”

Ye Ru opened the box, and inside lay an elegant ladies’ wristwatch, looking very high-end.

She gasped, “Wow,” and brought the box to Ye Yun: “It’s a watch.”

Ma Jianliang asked, “Why did he send you a watch?”

They had almost gotten married back then. He had provided two of the “three turns” (three items of clothing) he promised, only lacking the watch. Many years later, he personally came to her door and handed her the watch, clearly indicating his intentions.

Ye Yun took the box, her fingers brushing the watch face, her eyes swirling with an elusive sentiment.

Later that evening, Ye Ru told Ye Yun that she wanted to work as an apprentice in the factory. Ye Yun had originally planned to have Ye Ru do sales and accounting work with Ying’an, which wouldn’t be too tiring. Unexpectedly, after Ye Ru visited the factory, she proposed becoming an apprentice there, and when she came to talk to Ye Yun about it, she seemed to have already made up her mind.

Seeing that she had made up her mind, Ye Yun didn’t stop her.

“Then I’ll tell Zhou Zeyang later and ask him to look after you.”

Ye Ru, however, flatly refused: “Let’s not trouble Factory Manager Zhou. He... doesn’t seem easy to talk to.”

Ye Yun smiled: “Alright, but if you truly encounter anything at the factory, you can find him.”

“I won’t find him,” Ye Ru said unequivocally.

The next day, Ye Ru moved from Yangfang Street to the factory’s staff dormitory and officially became an apprentice at Yemao Garment Factory.

Meanwhile, ever since the dance, Zhou Zeyang had been actively pushing forward the cooperation with Boss Yu. For this, Zhou Zeyang and Ma Jianliang, the two brothers, had a not-so-small dispute.

It stemmed from Ma Jianliang’s disagreement with having Bai Wenfu act as the guarantor for this business deal. He told Zhou Zeyang that Bai Wenfu had visited Ye Yun’s home two days prior and had given her a valuable watch, implying impure intentions, and he did not want any further entanglement with him.

Zhou Zeyang leaned back, looking like he was giving up.

“I’ve already finalized everything with Boss Yu. If you don’t want him to be the guarantor, fine. Within two days, find someone suitable.”

These words made Ma Jianliang’s face look troubled. He asked, “Can we have a few more days?”

Zhou Zeyang opened a drawer and threw the trade delivery schedule in front of Ma Jianliang, clearly telling him that for every day they delayed, their construction period would be shortened by a day, and no one could afford to exceed the construction period.

Ma Jianliang kept a tense face and said nothing. Zhou Zeyang tapped the desk, reminding him, “What does entanglement have to do with you? I’m just asking you, when Boss Bai gave Little Ye the watch, what was her reaction? Did she show any unhappiness, difficulty, or rejection?”

Ma Jianliang thought for a moment: “I don’t know what her reaction was; she didn’t say anything.”

Zhou Zeyang leaned back in his chair: “Then that’s that. Even if Boss Bai’s intentions are impure, they’re not directed at you. Little Ye didn’t say anything, and you’re jumping out to object? Just because you live under the same roof, you can make decisions for her? This matter is settled.”

Finally, Zhou Zeyang made the final decision, settling the contract signing date.

Zhou Zeyang had ventured to Shanghai in his early years, worked in factories, and also ventured into business. After the factory was established, he mainly focused on production, and he could basically make direct decisions regarding factory matters.

Ma Jianliang was primarily responsible for client对接 (liaison), daily visits to cooperative partners, maintaining client relationships, and also some retail work. This was his old line of work, and he handled it with ease.

As for design, styles, fabrics, craftsmanship, and other product-related matters, Ye Yun made the decisions.

Thus, the trio formed a solid “iron triangle” relationship, each with their strengths and clear divisions of labor. Although they experienced some bumps in the road at first, they managed to put Yemao on track in just a few years.

Ye Yun had been constantly running to the school lately, so even Ma Jianliang didn’t have many chances to talk to her. When they met, he informed her of the contract signing date, telling her to make sure to clear her schedule.

However, that afternoon, Ye Yun had a very important assignment due for submission, which was related to her graduation. When she rushed to Boss Yu’s factory, everyone else had already arrived.

Ye Yun walked into the conference room with a stack of design drawings, her expression not particularly relaxed, a hint of hesitation always lingering between her brows. But as everyone looked at her, she quickly adjusted her expression: “Sorry for making everyone wait.”

Boss Yu smiled and said, “Good things take time. Even if it takes until sunset today, we will definitely wait for you.”

Ye Yun then noticed that the conference room was full of people. She hadn’t expected so many people to attend today.

Zhou Zeyang pulled out the chair beside him. Ye Yun walked straight towards him. As soon as she sat down and put down the pile of things in her hand, Ma Jianliang handed her a teacup: “Catch your breath.”

Ye Yun had rushed all the way from school, her throat practically on fire. Now, taking the tea, she disregarded any pretense of delicacy and began to drink.

While she was drinking tea, Zhou Zeyang leaned over and told her, “We’ve already confirmed the terms. Take a look. If there are no issues, just sign it.”

Ye Yun craned her neck, the tea sliding down her throat, but her peripheral vision caught the man sitting opposite her, and she nearly choked on her water.