Chapter Four: Hidden Currents
1759 Words
At precisely 9 a.m., Su Momo arrived at Chu Linfeng’s office. As she opened the door, she was surprised to see more people in the room than expected. Apart from Chu Linfeng, Lu Siyuan, Zhang Mingyue, and several unfamiliar senior executives were also present.
“Come in,” Chu Linfeng said, gesturing for her to sit. “Since everyone’s here, present your proposal.”
Taking a deep breath, Su Momo opened her laptop. She knew this was a pivotal moment—not just for the project, but for her future at MK Group.
“This is my Jin Xiu Reborn series design proposal…”
As she finished presenting the final slide, the room fell into silence. All eyes were on the designs—an innovative fusion of tradition and modernity, East and West.
“Interesting,” an elderly board member finally said, stroking his chin. “Using digital techniques to reconstruct traditional patterns is certainly a novel approach.”
“But the risk is high,” another board member frowned. “These designs are far too avant-garde. Will the market accept them?”
Lu Siyuan nodded slightly. “Indeed, it’s bold, but understandable for someone new to the industry. Idealism is natural for newcomers.”
“I actually think it’s great,” Zhang Mingyue interjected unexpectedly, her tone tinged with subtle amusement. “Since the project is already delayed, why not let Miss Su give it a shot?”
Throughout the discussion, Chu Linfeng remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on the designs. Suddenly, his phone vibrated. He glanced at it, his expression darkening.
“Meeting adjourned,” he announced, rising from his seat. “Su Momo, stay behind.”
Once everyone else had left, the office was filled with an almost oppressive silence. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over the room, but it did little to ease the tension.
“Did you complete these designs on your own?” Chu Linfeng asked directly.
“My mentor, Jean de Vienne, gave me some suggestions,” Su Momo admitted. “But my main inspiration came from Chairman Chu’s design sketches.”
Walking to the window, Chu Linfeng stood in silence for a moment. Finally, he turned to face her. “Do you know why Zhang Mingyue supported you just now?”
Caught off guard, Su Momo hesitated. “I thought she opposed me…”
“The board is already discussing canceling the Jin Xiu series,” Chu said, his tone sharp. “If your proposal fails, it’ll give them the perfect excuse. Zhang Mingyue is just playing a larger game.”
The realization struck Su Momo like a lightning bolt. “So that’s why Lu Siyuan chose me? Because I’m… expendable as a newcomer?”
“Business is war,” Chu said, his voice laced with fatigue. “Everyone fights for their own interests.”
“And you?” Su Momo asked boldly. “Whose side are you on?”
His gaze softened momentarily, turning introspective. “I’m on MK’s side. This brand is my grandfather’s life’s work, and I won’t let anyone destroy it.”
At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Assistant Wang entered, looking serious. “President Chu, the representatives from Shirota Corporation have arrived.”
Chu nodded. “Understood.” He turned back to Su Momo. “Keep refining your proposal. No matter what obstacles lie ahead, remember this: trust your own judgment.”
As he left, Su Momo sat quietly, processing his words. Returning to her desk, she immediately began researching Shirota Corporation. It was a leading Japanese luxury brand currently seeking partnerships with Chinese companies.
“How’s the digging going?” Li Xiaolin suddenly appeared behind her.
“You know about this?”
Li Xiaolin lowered her voice. “The whole design department is talking about it. Word is, Lu Siyuan has been pushing hard for the Shirota partnership. If he pulls it off, his position on the board will be solidified.”
“So, the Jin Xiu series…”
“Might be scrapped,” Li Xiaolin said with a sigh. “Partnering with a global brand like Shirota is a safer bet than developing an independent series.”
Su Momo fell silent. She finally understood the crux of this power struggle—it wasn’t just about the quality of the designs, but the future direction of the company. Should MK pursue independent innovation or align itself with international giants?
She pulled out her phone and messaged Jean de Vienne: “Professor, I need your advice. If a brand abandons its roots to follow others, what will happen in the end?”
His reply came quickly: “Designs without a soul will always be mere shadows of others.”
Just then, another internal message popped up on her computer. It was a meeting summary indicating that Shirota had expressed initial interest in collaboration, with Lu Siyuan acting as the main point of contact.
Her heart sank. If the partnership with Shirota went through, her Jin Xiu series would likely be abandoned. Lost in thought, she barely noticed Li Yuting approaching her desk.
“Come with me,” Li Yuting said, her tone unusually serious.
In the meeting room, Su Momo was stunned to see Chairman Chu seated at the table. Though he looked tired, his eyes were sharp and full of energy.
“Sit down, child,” the elderly man said warmly. “I’ve seen your designs.”
“Chairman Chu, I…”
“No need to be nervous,” he interrupted with a smile. “Do you know why I chose brocade as the focus for this project?”
Su Momo shook her head.
“Because it’s not just a craft—it’s a cultural heritage,” he said passionately. “Every thread of gold and silver, every traditional motif, carries the essence of our culture. When I founded MK, my goal was to show the world that China can do more than manufacture luxury goods—we can create our own.”
“But now…” Su Momo hesitated.
“I know about Shirota,” he said with a sigh. “There’s nothing inherently wrong with business collaborations, but if we sacrifice our foundation for it, we’ll lose more than we gain.”
At that moment, the door opened, and Chu Linfeng entered. “Grandfather, what are you doing here?”
“Checking out this young lady’s designs,” the old man replied with a chuckle. “Do you remember our family’s antique brocade tools?”
Linfeng nodded. “Of course. You’ve always kept them in your study.”
“It’s time to bring them out,” Chairman Chu said, turning to Su Momo. “Come to my home this weekend. I want to teach you some brocade techniques myself.”
Surprised and delighted, Su Momo glanced uncertainly at Chu Linfeng.
“Go,” he said, a rare smile softening his features. “It’s an opportunity you shouldn’t miss.”
Just then, Assistant Wang rushed in, looking distressed. “President Chu, we have a problem. Shirota Corporation is accusing us of plagiarism and demanding that we halt the development of the Jin Xiu series immediately.”
The room fell silent. Chu Linfeng’s expression darkened. “Have we verified this?”
“It’s Zhang Mingyue’s designs,” Wang explained. “Several of her drafts closely resemble Shirota’s collection from last year.”
A sudden realization struck Su Momo. “So that’s why Lu Siyuan…”
Chu’s gaze sharpened. “It seems some people came prepared. Wang, convene the board for an emergency meeting.”
“Wait,” Su Momo said suddenly, standing up. “I have an idea.”
All eyes turned to her. Taking a deep breath, she opened her laptop.
“This is an opportunity,” she said, pulling up her Jin Xiu Reborn designs. “Shirota’s plagiarism claim is just a tactic to weaken us and gain leverage in the negotiations. But if we use this chance to prove MK’s innovation…”
“You’re suggesting we fight back with your designs?” Chu Linfeng asked, his eyes lighting up.
“Exactly,” Su Momo said, her voice firm. “My designs completely break away from traditional constraints, reimagining oriental aesthetics with modern technology. Shirota won’t be able to find any basis for plagiarism because this is entirely unprecedented.”
Chairman Chu nodded in approval. “Good. Use offense as the best defense. Catch them off guard.”
“But time is tight,” Wang cautioned. “The formal negotiations with Shirota are next week.”
“Then we work around the clock,” Su Momo said resolutely. “I’ll contact Jean de Vienne immediately for help with the technical details.”
After a moment of contemplation, Chu Linfeng asked, “Do you understand what this means? If you succeed, you’ll gain industry-wide recognition. If you fail…”
“If I fail, I’ll take full responsibility,” she said, meeting his gaze. “But I believe this is the path MK must take. We can’t abandon our identity out of fear.”
The room was silent. Chairman Chu’s eyes glistened with pride.
“Very well!” Linfeng declared. “Wang, mobilize all resources to support Su Momo.”
“I’ll also share key insights from traditional brocade techniques,” Chairman Chu added. “I’ve been studying ways to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology—it might give you some ideas.”
At that moment, Lu Siyuan entered the room, his expression faltering as he took in the scene. “President Chu, Shirota…”
“There’s no need to discuss it further,” Chu interrupted coldly. “We’ll address the board this afternoon.”
As everyone filed out, only Su Momo and Chu Linfeng remained. Sunlight bathed the room, softening the tension.
“Are you scared?” he asked quietly.
She shook her head. “No, because I know this is the right thing to do.”
For a moment, admiration flickered in his eyes. “Then go. Show me what you’re capable of.”
Later, as Su Momo prepared to leave, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Jean de Vienne: “Got your updated designs. I must say, you’ve made me rethink Chinese design. Should I fly over to assist?”
Smiling confidently, Su Momo replied. She knew a battle that could redefine her future—and MK’s—was about to begin. What she didn’t realize was how deeply this decision would also alter her relationship with Chu Linfeng.
- Writer
