Sofia spoke softly from the passenger seat, "Lily, why not sign a long-term contract with our company. You know how caring we are with our employees. If it's because of the conditions, there is room for negotiation."
Lily smiled and waved her palm, "Sorry, Sofia. I only wanted to try modeling and acting because I thought it would be fun. Honestly, I already have plans for myself. Right now, I'm only interested in being a part-timer. Thank you for taking care of me for all this time. I appreciate what you and the company have done for me."
Sofia let the words she had wanted to say slide back down her throat with her saliva. She knew how stubborn Lily was when it came to work. Therefore, she could only accept another rejection.
Since Lily's academic life came to an end, she had more free time to spare. She decided to pursue other interests as she worked along other part-time jobs. Though she was lacking confidence in a certain subject, she decided it was worth a risk in trying out the writer's field.
While she sent her resume to various companies for a part-time position, the stylists were busy setting up her outfit. After everything was prepared, everyone was called to their spots. The photoshoot for the day was for a new double-sided clover design necklace.
This was the first time Tian Corps had invested in a jewelry line. Lily heard that Tian Corps' young master, Tian Yuo, would show up to support the event. Wearing the clover necklace, Lily changed poses every other minute to make the necklace more noticeable.
Due to her quick reflexes, the shooting ended earlier than expected. Everyone gathered around for lunch and didn't notice a man with a face mask had blended with the crowd. Lily was discussing the photo results with the photographer when she realized a shadow covering hers. 'This necklace...' she found small details that didn't seem right with the accessory on her neck.
Turning around, she met a man with sunglasses and half covered face leaning closer to her. Out of defense, she stepped away from him and glared. The man seemed to be unaffected by her offended behavior. He leaned towards her direction as she subconsciously covered her chest.
Her eyes looked fearlessly at him as he continued staring. After a minute or two later, he voiced his opinion, "Ugly. You don't match the necklace."
Hearing an insult coming from an unknown stranger, Lily's lips twitched. She made another step backwards before straightening her back. Aiming daggers to his eyes, she warned him, "Mister, you've been staring for a while. If you are done, then excuse your behavior."
Sticking his hands into his front pockets, he mocked her loudly, "A disgrace to the designer."
Facing a second insult, Lily smiled faintly, "Thanks for complimenting me. I know I don't match the necklace because it's not good enough. It's a disgrace that the designer lacked areas when designing this accessory."
Judging from his appearance, Lily could tell he was wearing designer clothes from head to toe. Though the outfit was quite a disappointed mix and match, she respected his personal taste in fashion. When he heard her words, his harsh voice raised by a tad, catching everyone's attention in the studio.
As whispers circulated around the room, Lily heard his ridiculous description of her height and opinion of her part-timer position. She nodded and closed her eyes with a smile on her face as she listened to his remarks. "Look at yourself. You're shorter than most models out there who have more fame and popularity. With your look, how could you qualify to wear this necklace? Who are we kidding?"
Staffs didn't dare argue with this suspicious man. They felt bad for Lily, who still maintained the same small smile while nodding. After he had finished his words, she opened her eyes, "Are you done? If you are, then it's my turn."
Her steady, piercing gaze almost made him lose his composure. "First of all, you're discriminating against part-time employees and their body shapes. From the description you've said, everyone could be the witness. You've already lost in terms of being a professional role in the business field. You're not treating everyone equally."
"Second of all, I accepted this job on my own because I liked the design of the necklace. When I saw the clover design earlier, I realized someone had switched the product. I was waiting for someone to come out of the shell and speak the truth. Seems like it was you who breached the contract."
"Third of all, the design of this necklace is poor. The original one is much better. I believe the original designer is different from this one. I wonder what President Tian would think if his son deliberately interrupted his first jewelry business investment. Young Master Tian Yuo."
Crossing her arms, she watched him strip the face mask from his face. "The necklace is poor quality? Hah! You've never worn better designs. Since you know who my father is, you should leave this moment and have a professional model replace you. Redo the shooting. You're fired."
"Sure. A contract has been signed already. Since you are breaching the contract because you didn't like my height, body shape and more ridiculous reasons, Tian Corps will suffer the hit. I'll have my lawyers ready to talk to you. Also, if it wasn't for your father, I wouldn't know who you are. You are only recognizable because of your parents. Without them, you're a nobody."
"Maybe Mister Tian Yuo should spend less time judging people and more time on coming up with an explanation to your father. The words you've said to me have been recorded." She turned around to her assistant and walked away. After taking a few steps, Tian Yuo stopped her.
"Wait. On second thought, you're not that bad of a choice. Since we had a contract to being with, you need to be the model." His father would beat him if he found out about this incident. Therefore, he had to take back the words he had said rudely earlier.
Facing him with a smirk, she said loudly, "No. Although we've signed a contract, Mister Tian Yuo had already specified the areas you didn't like about me. You were the one who said I don't match the necklace. Since the client is unhappy with me, I'll give you the opportunity to find a different model."
"What do I have to do to make you drop this incident? Money?" His heart raced rapidly as she refused to easily let him off.
"First, apologize to me in front of everyone. Second, bring back the original clover necklace."
"What? Apologize to a model like you? And this is the right necklace. I don't understand what you mean by original necklace." He impatiently tapped his shoes against the ground.
"Whatever you want to say has nothing to do with me. Besides, I'm not the one affected by it. I am a part-time model, but it doesn't mean I am not a professional. I have a copy of the original job posting with me. If you want me to point out the obvious differences between the two necklaces, then I'll gladly do so."
Unlocking her cellphone, she dialed President Tian's number and waved it to his face. Seeing the familiar number flashing in his face, he lowly asked, "Who the heck are you?"
"Lily Jiang."
"The big miss from Jiang family?"
"Wow. You used your brain juice for once. So?" She tilted her head and was a finger tap away from calling Tian Yuo's father.
"Miss. Jiang, I apologize for my behavior earlier. I shouldn't have said such offensive words. As for the necklace, my assistant most likely swapped it by accident. I'll bring the original one over within ten minutes." He said loudly as he gritted his teeth.
"Very well. Since Mister Tian Yuo had apologized, I wouldn't keep your words in mind. I'll take a ten-minute break and come back by then." In front of everyone's stare, she took a seat. She purposely set a ten-minute alarm and mouthed as she waved her alarm screen to his direction, "Spoiled brat."