Chapter Five: The Truth Unveiled
2400 Words
Late at night, MK Group’s headquarters remained brightly lit. The design department was working overtime, preparing for the critical meeting with Shirota Corporation. Su Momo sat at her desk, focused intently on her computer screen as she refined the final details of her designs.
“Momo, you need a break,” Li Xiaolin said, walking over with two cups of coffee. “You’ve been working for twelve straight hours.”
“Just a little longer,” Su Momo replied, rubbing her tired eyes. “The digital reconstruction of the patterns still needs some adjustments.”
Before she could continue, her screen went black. Startled, she looked up to see that it was Chu Linfeng who had pressed the power button on her computer.
“Now, immediately, go home and rest,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “There’s an important meeting tomorrow, and I need a clear-headed designer, not someone who looks like a zombie after pulling an all-nighter.”
Su Momo wanted to protest but was silenced by the intensity of his gaze. Resigned, she began packing up her things.
“I’ll drive you,” Chu Linfeng said abruptly, heading toward the elevator.
The unexpected offer left the remaining people in the office stunned. Li Xiaolin raised her eyebrows and gave Su Momo a knowing look, causing her to blush as she hurriedly followed him.
In the elevator, the atmosphere was slightly awkward. Leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, Chu Linfeng looked exhausted. Su Momo stole a glance at him and noticed the weariness etched between his brows.
“Thank you for stepping in regarding the Shirota situation,” she said softly.
Without opening his eyes, he responded, “It’s not your fault. Business is always filled with schemes and traps. What surprised me was… the method they chose to use.”
“You mean Lu Siyuan and Zhang Mingyue?” she asked hesitantly.
“It’s more complicated than that,” he replied as the elevator doors opened to the underground parking lot. He gestured for her to follow him. “You’ll know soon enough.”
The black car sped through Shanghai’s neon-lit streets, shrouded in silence. Su Momo stared out of the window at the fleeting lights, her mind racing with questions.
“Do you know why I agreed to let you take charge of the Jin Xiu series?” Chu Linfeng suddenly asked.
“Because of my design concepts?” she ventured.
“That’s part of it,” he said, still looking straight ahead. “But more importantly, you showed me a possibility. MK shouldn’t just be a luxury brand. It should be a symbol for Chinese design, a flag bearer.”
The car came to a stop in front of an unassuming teahouse. Gesturing for her to get out, he said, “It’s time you learned the truth.”
Pushing open the door to the teahouse, Su Momo was greeted by the rich aroma of tea. To her surprise, Chairman Chu was already seated inside, waiting. What shocked her even more was the thick file that sat on the table.
“Have a seat,” the elder Chu said warmly, pouring her a cup of tea. “Do you know why Shirota Corporation is so eager to collaborate with MK?”
Su Momo shook her head.
“Because of this,” Chu Linfeng said, opening the file to reveal a patent application. “This is a special brocade weaving technique my grandfather developed years ago, which perfectly integrates digital technology with traditional craftsmanship. Shirota has been trying to achieve something similar but hasn’t succeeded.”
“So they want to use the partnership to acquire this technology?” Su Momo asked, realization dawning.
Chairman Chu sighed. “It’s not just the technology. They want the entire system, including decades of accumulated expertise and innovation.”
“And Lu Siyuan…” Chu Linfeng’s voice turned cold. “He’s known this all along. Zhang Mingyue’s design being ‘coincidentally’ accused of plagiarism was nothing more than part of their staged plan.”
The pieces began to fall into place for Su Momo. “That’s why he chose me to lead the project. If I failed…”
“The entire Jin Xiu series would be scrapped, and MK’s confidence in its independent R&D capabilities would be shaken,” Chu Linfeng continued. “At that point, partnering with Shirota would seem like the only viable option.”
“But…” Su Momo hesitated. “If you knew all of this, why let me continue?”
The two men exchanged a glance before Chairman Chu spoke with a kind smile. “Because in your designs, we saw hope. Your ideas prove that the fusion of tradition and modernity is not only possible but can be done beautifully.”
At that moment, Chu Linfeng’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Assistant Wang: “President Chu, Shirota’s executives have arrived early and requested an emergency meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m.”
“They’re getting impatient,” he said, his gaze sharp. Turning to Su Momo, he asked, “How’s your proposal coming along?”
“The core elements are complete, and Professor Jean de Vienne has confirmed the technical details. However, there’s one section that still needs refinement…” she said, pulling out her laptop and opening the latest draft of her designs.
Chairman Chu studied the design closely and pointed to a specific detail. “Here, if you use the traditional gold and silver threading technique, the result will be much better.” Standing, he retrieved an old wooden box from a nearby cabinet. “This is our family’s set of brocade tools, passed down through generations. It might inspire you.”
Opening the box, Su Momo found a set of intricately crafted tools, each marked with precise measurements. She carefully picked up one of the tools and noticed the fine engraving on its surface.
“These were custom-made by my grandfather when he was young,” Chu Linfeng explained. “Each mark was calculated with precision to ensure the perfect recreation of patterns.”
“I see!” Su Momo exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. “If I incorporate this level of precision into the digital modeling process…” She began jotting down notes on her laptop, her mind buzzing with inspiration.
Just then, another message came through on Chu Linfeng’s phone. His expression darkened.
“What is it?” Chairman Chu asked.
“Shirota’s executives are meeting with Lu Siyuan right now,” he said coldly. “It seems they’re trying to align their strategies before tomorrow’s meeting.”
“They’ll definitely try to discredit my designs,” Su Momo said, biting her lip.
“Let them try,” Chu Linfeng said with a rare smile. “Sometimes, the best defense is a strong offense.” Taking out his phone, he made a call. “Assistant Wang, notify the PR department. Tomorrow’s meeting will be held in the press conference hall. Invite the media.”
Chairman Chu nodded in approval. “Good idea. With the media present, Shirota won’t dare push too hard.”
“It’s more than that,” Chu Linfeng said, glancing at Su Momo. “Your designs are the best response we can give. Let the world see what real Chinese innovation looks like.”
The next morning, MK Group’s press conference hall was packed. Cameras from major media outlets were trained on the stage, and reporters eagerly awaited the highly anticipated event.
Backstage, Su Momo reviewed her materials one last time. Through the slightly open door, she caught a glimpse of Lu Siyuan and Shirota’s executives whispering to each other, their expressions tense.
“Ready?” Chu Linfeng’s voice startled her. She turned to see him standing behind her, his gaze steady.
“Yes, I…” she began, but before she could finish, the door burst open. Zhang Mingyue entered in a rush.
“President Chu, we have a problem!” she said, looking panicked. “Shirota is claiming they have evidence of leaks from the design department and are demanding we cancel the press conference immediately!”
“What evidence?” Chu Linfeng asked, his tone calm.
“They say…” Zhang Mingyue hesitated, glancing at Su Momo. “They say they’ve obtained proof of unauthorized disclosures, and…”
“That’s enough,” he interrupted. “Let them present their evidence. Until then, the press conference will proceed as planned.”
Zhang Mingyue opened her mouth to argue but stopped when she met his cold gaze. Defeated, she left the room.
“Don’t worry,” he said, turning to Su Momo. “This is just their final attempt to unsettle us.”
At exactly 9 a.m., the press conference began. Onstage, representatives from MK Group and Shirota Corporation took their seats. When Chu Linfeng announced that Su Momo would be presenting the Jin Xiu Reborn series, every eye in the room turned to her.
“Good morning, everyone,” she began, her voice clear and steady. “Today, I’m honored to present not just a design series but a groundbreaking attempt to innovate within the realm of oriental aesthetics…”
As she explained how digital technology had been seamlessly integrated with traditional brocade techniques, the audience gasped in admiration at the stunning designs displayed on the screen.
Then, the vice president of Shirota abruptly stood. “I must interrupt. We have reason to believe these designs infringe on our intellectual property.”
The room erupted in murmurs. Flashbulbs from cameras lit up the stage.
Calmly, Chu Linfeng rose. The hall fell silent.
“An interesting accusation,” he said. “Could you provide specific evidence to support your claim?”
The vice president gestured for his assistant, who handed over a document. “This is a patent application we filed last year. Based on the technical similarities, 80% of Su Momo’s designs overlap with our patent.”
Su Momo stepped forward. “May I ask, when was this patent filed?”
“Last October.”
With a calm smile, she replied, “Then please look at this.” She switched to the next slide. “This is a patent MK Group secured fifteen years ago, developed by Chairman Chu himself. My designs are based on this original innovation, with further advancements.”
The room erupted in applause as reporters scrambled to record this revelation.
At that moment, the screen behind them lit up with a video call. Jean de Vienne appeared on the screen.
“Good morning, everyone,” the renowned designer said. “As a senior evaluator for the International Design Association, I can confidently say that Su Momo’s work represents a significant breakthrough in oriental aesthetics. Her designs honor traditional craftsmanship while pioneering a new design language.”
Shirota’s vice president turned pale. He glanced toward Lu Siyuan, who avoided his gaze.
“And speaking of patents,” Chu Linfeng said, producing another document, “we’ve uncovered attempts to acquire our proprietary technology through unauthorized means. The person responsible…” His eyes locked on Lu Siyuan. “Is in this very room.”
The audience gasped as cameras turned toward Lu Siyuan, whose face was ashen.
“President Chu, I can explain—”
“There’s no need,” Chu Linfeng cut him off. “All evidence has been handed over to the authorities.” Turning back to the vice president, he added, “I suggest we focus on genuine collaboration moving forward. MK welcomes honest business partners, but only on the basis of mutual respect and fairness.”
Shirota’s vice president hesitated before nodding reluctantly. “You’re right. We’ll reevaluate our approach. I hope we can discuss future collaborations.”
The rest of the presentation proceeded smoothly. By the end, the reporters were no longer focused on the business conflict but captivated by the groundbreaking designs on display.
After the press conference, the newsroom was abuzz with activity. Reporters flocked to Su Momo, eager to learn about her creative process and inspiration. Watching from a distance, Chu Linfeng allowed himself a rare moment of pride.
“Momo, let the PR team handle the interviews,” he said, stepping in at just the right moment. “Come with me.”
In his office, sunlight poured through the windows, filling the space with warmth that matched the mood of their victory.
“You did well,” he said, smiling. “Not only did you save the Jin Xiu series, but you also brought immense prestige to MK.”
“I’ll admit, I was nervous when Shirota’s vice president challenged us,” she confessed.
“But you stayed composed,” he replied. “That’s why I trust you. Even under pressure, you held onto what matters most—your commitment to design and your respect for culture.”
Before she could respond, Assistant Wang entered the office, his expression serious. “President Chu, Lu Siyuan has submitted his resignation. Also, the board has called for an emergency meeting.”
“I expected as much,” Chu Linfeng said. “Prepare the necessary documents.” Once Wang left, he turned to Su Momo. “The company is about to undergo some major changes. I’d like you to take on the role of Design Director.”
Su Momo was stunned. “That’s too sudden… I don’t think I’m qualified…”
“Qualifications aren’t the most important thing,” he said, meeting her gaze. “What matters is that you have the right vision and unwavering principles. MK needs someone like you to lead the design team.”
Taking a deep breath, she replied, “I need time to think about it.”
“Fair enough,” he said with understanding. “But in the meantime, I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Next week is my grandfather’s 80th birthday,” he said, his tone softening. “I’d like you to design a special gift—something that reflects both MK’s heritage and its future.”
As the sunlight bathed his profile in warmth, Su Momo saw a rare tenderness in the usually aloof man. In that moment, she felt she understood him a little more.
What she didn’t realize was that this design project would not only define her career but also mark a significant turning point in her relationship with Chu Linfeng.
- Writer
