Chapter 9: Brewing Storm
1267 Words
Morning, MK Group Design Department.
Su Momo was poring over documents while deftly sketching design lines on her drawing tablet. Inspiration for Mr. Chu’s birthday gift had kept her awake all night, but the final draft brought her satisfaction. She was confident in her design, yet deep down, she sensed that the road ahead would not be smooth.
The atmosphere in the design department was as lively as ever, but Su Momo could feel some people’s scrutinizing and jealous gazes directed at her.
“Su Momo, Mr. Chu wants to see you in his office now,” Li Yuting said as she approached, her expression complicated. “Looks like you’re being entrusted with something important again. Everyone in the design department is talking about you.”
Su Momo paused, nodded, and put away her drawing tablet. She followed Li Yuting out of the department. Along the way, she overheard murmurs from her colleagues:
“She’s only been here for how long? I heard even the ‘Splendor’ series project was assigned to her.”
“Could it be more than just talent? Do you think Mr. Chu has taken a special interest in her?”
“Don’t talk nonsense! If Mr. Chu hears you, you might get kicked out of the company.”
Pretending not to hear, Su Momo quickened her pace, following Li Yuting. However, unease rippled in her heart. Since joining MK, her hard work had been recognized, but the whispers and rumors increasingly weighed on her.
“Don’t mind the gossip,” Li Yuting suddenly said in a low voice as they reached the elevator. “The competition in the design department is fierce. It’s normal for some people to feel resentful. As long as you show real skill, no one will dare question you.”
“Thank you, Sister Yuting,” Su Momo said gratefully.
When the elevator reached the top floor, Su Momo opened the door to Chu Linfeng’s office. He was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the city. His tailored gray suit complemented his tall, commanding figure.
“Mr. Chu, you wanted to see me?” Su Momo asked cautiously as she approached his desk.
Chu Linfeng turned around, his sharp gaze landing on her. He nodded slightly. “Su Momo, I reviewed your design for the birthday gift. It’s good, but I have some suggestions.”
“Where do you think it needs improvement?” Su Momo immediately took out her notebook, ready to jot down notes.
Chu Linfeng walked to his desk, picked up her draft, and examined it for a moment before pointing to a detail. “This pattern connection is already intricate, but if you add a gradient effect here, it will enhance the depth and layers of the design.”
Examining the detail closely, Su Momo had an epiphany. “You’re absolutely right! This will not only improve the visual impact but also better emphasize the theme of heritage and innovation. I’ll make adjustments right away!”
“Good.” Chu Linfeng placed the draft down, his tone softening slightly. “One more thing: the company is hosting a business reception in a few days. Many key partners will attend, including executives from Shirota Corporation. The prototype of the ‘Splendor’ series will be showcased at the event, and I want you to take full charge.”
Su Momo was taken aback. “Am I managing this alone? Isn’t that a bit risky?”
“I trust your abilities,” Chu Linfeng said firmly. “This isn’t just an opportunity to display your work but also a stage for you to prove yourself.”
Meeting his resolute gaze, Su Momo took a deep breath and nodded. “Understood. I’ll do my best.”
Meanwhile, at an MK Group conference room.
Lu Siyuan and Zhang Mingyue sat on a sofa with a preliminary market research report on the “Splendor” series in front of them.
“Chu Linfeng is giving that little girl too many chances,” Zhang Mingyue sneered. “But that’s fine. Let her shine now so the fall will be even harder to watch.”
“Failure?” Lu Siyuan smiled coldly. “Miss Zhang, this isn’t just about making her look bad. We need the ‘Splendor’ project to lose all value, perhaps even tarnishing MK’s reputation.”
“What’s your plan?” Zhang Mingyue asked, intrigued.
Lu Siyuan tapped a figure in the report and whispered, “I’ve contacted some media reporters. At the reception, they’ll stir up some ‘news.’ If we guide public opinion to question the originality of the ‘Splendor’ series, this project won’t stand a chance.”
Zhang Mingyue’s eyes lit up, her smile turning icy. “Brilliant. It’ll strike both Chu Linfeng and that girl. The board will have no choice but to reconsider our previous proposals.”
The two exchanged a conspiratorial glance, their eyes gleaming with malicious intent.
That night, Su Momo returned home.
She opened her laptop and continued refining her design, immersing herself in work to temporarily escape her worries. Then her phone rang.
The caller ID showed Lin Jinyu’s name.
“Jinyu, why are you calling so late? What’s up?” Su Momo asked as she tidied her materials.
“Momo, how’s it going with Chu Linfeng lately?” Lin Jinyu teased. “Is there something between you two?”
“What do you mean ‘something’?” Su Momo sighed. “He’s my boss. I’m just doing my job.”
“Come on! The company is buzzing with talk about you being Chu’s ‘special attention.’” Lin Jinyu laughed. “Honestly, I think he treats you differently.”
Su Momo fell silent. Images of Chu Linfeng’s piercing eyes flashed in her mind. Shaking her head, she brushed the thoughts aside. “Jinyu, stop imagining things. I’m focused on my designs right now, nothing else.”
“Fine, but just be careful. Rumors like this can have consequences if they spread too far,” Lin Jinyu warned.
After hanging up, Su Momo leaned back in her chair, exhaling deeply. She couldn’t deny noticing Chu Linfeng’s peculiar attitude toward her, but she was acutely aware of the gulf between them—not just in status but in every way.
Lost in thought, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was an anonymous text message:
“Miss Su, be wary of those around you.”
No signature, no additional details, just one cryptic line. It sent a chill down Su Momo’s spine.
The night of the business reception.
The MK Group headquarters was dazzlingly lit, and the venue was elegantly decorated. Celebrities and elites mingled, creating a grand spectacle.
Su Momo stood in a corner of the venue, carefully inspecting the display area. Across the room, Chu Linfeng conversed with important clients, occasionally casting a concerned glance her way.
Suddenly, someone appeared before Su Momo. Looking up, she saw Lu Siyuan.
“Miss Su,” Lu Siyuan greeted with a smile. “Tonight’s showcase is critical. I trust you won’t disappoint Mr. Chu.”
Su Momo politely nodded. “Rest assured, Vice President Lu. I’ll do my best.”
As Lu Siyuan walked away, a cryptic smile lingered on his lips.
Not far away, Zhang Mingyue sipped her wine, her cold gaze fixed on Su Momo as though anticipating a “good show.”
At that moment, the stage lights dimmed unexpectedly. The screen, initially playing the promotional video for the “Splendor” series, suddenly switched to a mysterious “confidential document.”
The storm was about to break.
- Writer
