#17: Designer Luo, Nice to Work with You

Shi Min’s mother was impeccably made up and dressed. She took off her leather gloves and entered the studio, but upon hearing that Luo Mingjing was bedridden with illness, she stopped at the curtain and instructed Shi Min to come out after serving the soup for a heart-to-heart talk in the car.

Luo Mingjing quietly asked Shi Min, “Is it serious? It’s such trouble for your mom to bring soup over... I feel so embarrassed. How could we possibly bother Auntie with this? Will Auntie be unhappy...”

But Shi Min said, “Aside from her penchant for drama, my mom is otherwise normal. She’s highly accepting, optimistic, cheerful, and doesn’t overthink things. Eat, and I’ll go talk to her.”

Shi Min’s mother, who had been waiting in the car, kicked her sleeves, not calling the driver or Shi Min’s father to join. She was alone in the car.

Shi Min got into the car and hugged her neck.

“Ask.”

“When did you start living together?”

“Yesterday.”

Shi Min’s mother choked a bit and then asked, “How long have you been dating?”

This question made Shi Min think for a long time. Finally, with a displeased look, she said, “Because of his personality, if he really takes me seriously and accepts my pursuit, it might have started yesterday.”

Shi Min’s mother gossiped, “What happened?”

“He’s very quiet, like a lazy stone, neither smokes nor moves.” Shi Min described, “He’s not honest, not proactive. I observed and figured him out for over two months before I had a strategy. He’s someone I must take the initiative with; otherwise, he won’t respond.”

Shi Min’s mother paused and said, “...Isn’t that just what you want?”

Shi Min laughed and hugged her mother’s shoulder, shaking her head and sighing, “Ms. Zhang, you still know me well.”

“You have your father’s personality, wanting control over everything. Dating can tire people to death...” After venting, Shi Min’s mother asked, “Are you serious about this? Are you aiming for marriage?”

“It’s still early,” Shi Min said. “But he’s my ideal type, about eighty percent there. If I decide to settle down, I’ll let you know. So for now, don’t focus too much on him; it hasn’t reached that stage yet.”

“I see, your ideal type.” Shi Min’s mother raised her chin. “At first glance, he looks flirtatious and frivolous, too obviously handsome, making people uncomfortable... That’s the kind you’ve always liked since you were little.”

Perhaps due to cultural reasons, most people prefer beauty that isn’t too ostentatious or dazzling. Most aesthetic tendencies lean towards subtlety and restraint—beauty shouldn’t be overly vivid or full, especially for men. Appearance should not overshadow temperament; otherwise, even if they are beautiful, people will evaluate them with certain biases.

Shi Min’s mother softly said, “Sigh, this is what people in the circle often say: bad eye appeal.”

Luo Mingjing’s features were outstanding, perhaps too obviously so. At first glance, this was a disadvantage, unable to increase likability. Being in the same room as him, one’s gaze would inevitably be drawn to him. Over time, it gave the illusion that he was domineering and hard to get along with.

Such an unapproachable outstanding appearance in the entertainment industry is often referred to as: poisonous beauty.

Shi Min frowned, clearly unhappy. “Really?”

Shi Chu also said this about Luo Mingjing, saying that although he looked good, he wasn’t advantageous, being pushy and easily provoking dislike.

Shi Min’s mother added, “But looking closely, this boy’s eyebrows and eyes aren’t harsh or prickly; he seems quite obedient.”

This was considered praise, and Shi Min calmed down considerably. As a former famous gold medal agent, Shi Min trusted her mother’s judgment. Hearing her evaluation now proved that she could accept Luo Mingjing.

“In fact, he’s not obedient.” Shi Min’s eyes sparkled with laughter, lowering her gaze. “He’s very proud, similar to me.”

Shi Min patted her mother’s shoulder and said, “In choosing partners, people ultimately seek themselves. He and I are both similar and opposite. I lay out that part of myself externally, while he hides that part similar to me internally. So spending time with him feels comfortable.”

“In fact, as long as you’re happy, that’s fine.” Shi Min’s mother softened, chuckling lightly. “I talked to your dad last night. Your dad... unconditionally trusts you. He told me that whatever Minmin likes won’t be bad. He trusts your judgment. Thinking about it, it makes sense. I’ve relaxed a lot today. Your dad told me not to interfere too much. You and your brother are different. He said his daughter is always the clearest-headed; love won’t blind her eyes. He’s very reassured about you.”

Shi Min confidently smiled, “Dad understands me.”

“But as a mother, I’m still somewhat worried...” Shi Min’s mother said, “Mom has always felt that in a relationship, the active party tends to give more.”

“That’s how it should be,” Shi Min smiled, “If I like this feeling, I won’t find it tiring. Don’t worry, Ms. Zhang.”

“Do you plan to stay here long-term?”

“Mm.” Shi Min said, “We’ll try.”

“This place is inconvenient.” Shi Min’s mother worried, “It’s so small, cold, and narrow.”

“It’s okay, not something you need to worry about.” The daughter hugged her mother’s shoulders, said goodbye, and got out of the car. Her mother rolled down the window, asking anxiously, “Mom was so embarrassing yesterday, leaving such an impression. Will he think Mom is rude...”

“Don’t think too much about it.” Shi Min said, “You enjoyed your performance last night. He wasn’t feeling well and didn’t notice you. But coming late at night... indeed wasn’t appropriate.”

Shi Min’s mother revealed a relieved yet disappointed expression.

“Minmin, one last question.” Shi Min’s mother said, “Does that kid have a proper job?”

“...He works in fashion design.” Shi Min thoughtfully looked at the studio, saying, “Thanks for reminding me; it made me remember something important.”

After seeing off her mother, Shi Min got the landlord’s phone number and immediately rented the attic above the studio. She called in housekeeping and renovation teams, had Fiona buy air conditioners and water heaters, and redid the attic.

She showed Luo Mingjing the simple decoration blueprint, and upon getting his approval, immediately had people knock down the partition wall, expand the kitchen space, connect the doors between the upper and lower floors, and install the stairs.

Lying in bed, Luo Mingjing thought, “Life is about to end.”

Whether it would be a good life or a bad one, he himself couldn’t tell. The only certainty was that changes came when he tacitly allowed Shi Min to enter his stagnant life.

These years, he was like a mobile phone with low battery, quietly maintaining its operation. Any slight change would make him feel the crisis of being consumed entirely. Thus, he dulled himself, living slowly, yearning for someone to recharge him but cautiously guarding his safe zone and resisting change.

Anyway, his dreams were still far away, and without a home, having lost both the road ahead and the support behind, he became a wandering ghost prematurely. Only when Xu Qianqian came did he feel somewhat connected to the world. Otherwise, he was like being ignored by the entire world, walking alone on a desolate path.

Later, Shi Min came. She quickly inserted herself into his life, not needing his answer whether yes or no. He tacitly agreed, completely handing control over to her. Whether to draw closer or distance himself, he didn’t care. Unknowingly, changes had already occurred.

She pulled him along, accelerating his pace.

Luo Mingjing thought, anything goes. Let her take charge; this way, even if she leaves, she won’t take anything from him.

Life is still life. As long as he remains passive and merely complies, someday when she wants to leave, he won’t be hurt.

Shi Min bought a double bed and placed it in the center of the attic, preparing bedding and pillows as well.

Happy with her work, she also hung a few paintings downstairs, personally installed scenic lights, and wired them up.

One bedroom decorated, Shi Min stepped back two steps to take a look, muttering, “Barely acceptable to sleep in.”

That evening, she called Luo Mingjing, whose fever had subsided, upstairs to see. Shi Min patted the bed, gesturing for him to sit over.

Luo Mingjing sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, as if he were a guest in someone else’s house, not daring to touch anything else, saying, “This is too extravagant; I feel so embarrassed...”

“Spending money on things you like is a very comforting thing,” Shi Min patted the pillow, telling him to lie down and try.

Luo Mingjing lay down and asked her, “Are you going to live here?”

“From now on, I’ll sleep here.” Shi Min said, “I plan to take a three-month vacation and live together.”

After hesitating for a while, Luo Mingjing finally decided to discuss with her, “Can we not play props in bed... President Shi, honestly tell me, do you have any special preferences?”

“Like last night, you can’t handle that.”

“...Honestly speaking.” Luo Mingjing said, “Last night... I didn’t mind too much.”

Shi Min leaned over and pulled out a thick notebook from the bookshelf, handing it to Luo Mingjing, “Take a look.”

“Yours? What is it?” Luo Mingjing took it with a puzzled look, “A diary?”

As the pages flipped open, the attic fell into dead silence.

“Knowledge about gender relations.” Shi Min said, “I organized it with a table of contents. You can take a look.”

Shi Min had always been a clever child skilled at learning and analysis, especially adept at organizing knowledge points so that theories could be systematically applied to practice.

Luo Mingjing was dumbfounded. Shi Min pointed to the section on sexual psychology and acceptance, saying, “You suit me taking the lead, with appropriate restraints. Repression allows you to be more honest; otherwise, you won’t let go.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.” Luo Mingjing admired and was astonished, “...I am very honest.”

Shi Min remained noncommittal, “Alright, tell me, do you like me?”

Luo Mingjing didn’t answer; judging by his expression, he seemed still undecided between liking and not liking.

“I’ll tell you the answer.” Shi Min leaned over him, her fingers tracing the contours of his jawline and neck, slowly moving over the most vulnerable area of the throat. Then, she nestled into his neck hollow, biting and gently rubbing his Adam’s apple.

Luo Mingjing gasped sharply, tilting his head back, offering this area entirely to her. He reached out and tightly embraced Shi Min.

Shi Min said, “When people are repulsed, they have instinctive reactions. Luo Mingjing, the answer is obvious. You didn’t push me away; instead, you pulled me closer.”

She softly whispered in Luo Mingjing’s ear, “I’m curious. If someone else did this to you, would you react the same way, denying it verbally but not refusing in action?”

Luo Mingjing froze.

Shi Min chuckled softly, “Or is it only me you don’t refuse?”

She waited a long time. Luo Mingjing stared blankly at the ceiling. Finally, Shi Min’s patience was about to run out, and she furrowed her brows.

It seemed this man was even less honest than imagined.

Shi Min sat up, and Luo Mingjing held her, saying, “Only you.”

Shi Min slightly raised an eyebrow, almost imperceptibly, like her slightly leaping heart.

Luo Mingjing said, “I’ve thought it through. You’re right. My body might... be more honest than my heart. Only you, Shi Min.”

Shi Min laughed, gently sucking on Luo Mingjing’s lips, suppressing the joy that was about to spill over her brows, and said in a low voice, “Thank you for your honesty. As a reward, here’s a gift.”

“What?”

Shi Min said, “Don’t you want to create a personal brand? Write a proposal. Money isn’t an issue; I’ll invest.”

Luo Mingjing sat up in shock, his face showing disbelief.

“...For real?”

“How much savings do you have now?”

“...About 100,000 RMB.”

“How large do you want the scale to be, brand positioning, market positioning, what else do you need? Quickly write a proposal for me.” Shi Min said, “Luo Mingjing, I’ll take a three-month vacation to help you build your dream. Do you accept?”

Luo Mingjing softly said, “...It’s not a small amount, and... I don’t have qualifications, no degree... it might fail.”

“It doesn’t matter; money isn’t an issue.” Shi Min replied, “The key lies with you. Are you ready? Qualifications and degrees don’t matter. If you need a team, I can find one for you. If you need connections, I’ll help you smooth things out. If you want to do it yourself, then we’ll do marketing, build your market value. Live streaming, creating buzz, I have channels to make it happen. It depends on whether you’re willing or not.”

It really isn’t a small amount. To create a personal brand, the initial promotion, brand awareness, positioning, and the entire supporting chain require continuous investment of money.

Luo Mingjing struggled, “...Then consider it as borrowing from you.”

“No need.” Shi Min said, “If you really don’t want to owe me, then give me twelve times the emotion to repay.”

Shi Min said, “Luo Mingjing, I don’t lack money, nor love. I lack nothing; I just want to be happy.”

She pointed at Luo Mingjing, “Now, if you’re happy, I’m happy. So, nod quickly.”

Luo Mingjing turned his face away, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

He nodded.

Shi Min extended her hand, “Nice to work with you, Designer.”

Luo Mingjing shook her hand earnestly, “Nice to work with you, President Shi.”