Jin Yahui was sweating bullets; his brown dress shirt already damp and stained. He had not had a peaceful night's sleep in two days.
He wrung his fingers , on the verge of a panic attack waiting outside Chairman Shen's office.
Please. Please. Please don't fire me . This repetitive half prayer and chant was stuck in his mind.
"Mr. Jin , you may go inside. Chairman Shen is wait for you."
As soon as he stepped into the office only one emotion besides fear ran through his body.
Regret.
He regretted taking Director Li's offer.
"Oh, Mr. Jin take a seat." Spoke Chairman Shen nonchalantly while reading some documents.The office was decorated in black, grey and red with a large mahogany desk infront of the window. It was a very dark, masculine office that spoke of power.
So Jin Yahui took a seat but it felt as if he was sitting on hot coals. When could a junior assistant in the Mingzhu fashion team see the big boss?Usually it would be an honor to see the Chairman of Shen Industries but now it felt as if a bomb was going to implode his whole life.
A few minutes passed before Shen Wenling looked up at the little assistant who was practically trembling with fear. If this was any other small employee maybe he would have spoken some words of comfort .However ,this man had caused him trouble.
Yes ,maybe he could forgive inexperience or a mistake.Make no mistake his bottom line is betrayal... which this young man had crossed.
"I'm sure you are aware why you have been called here today."Mr. Shen spoke coldly as if he weren't speaking to a person but some inanimate object.
"Umm... yes, Chairman Shen. It is about that incident that occurred at 16 Heart's Magazine with the... the new collection."
Jin Yahui stammered and then nervously swallowed.
"Then are aware that the new collection was a tribute to my daughter from my wife for her 16th birthday?Do you realize how important it is that everything goes well regarding this collection?"
After Jin Yahui mutely nodded in agreement Shen Wenling continued with an arched brow.
"So , Mr. Jin, please do tell what you were thinking when you hired that unruly model from Li Zen?" This man played a large role in Li Gui getting the modeling job . It had messed up his plan to repay Song Xia as well came close to jeopardizing his daughter 's birthday present .
Once it came to this point Jin Yahui tried to lie to save his own skin.
"Chairman Shen, Miss Li is a top model from Li Zen. I was not aware of her behavioral problems and chose her based on recommendations."
Chairman Shen smiled but somehow there was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
" Oh, recommendations I see..."Shen Wenling smirked. Is
" Was it not the 15000 yuan that was mysteriously deposited in your account a week prior to the shoot?"
Looking at the Chairman 's hard eyes he knew that he had kicked an iron plate.
" Remember, Mr. Jin , I hate liars and being betrayed. Perhaps, there would have been hope for you if you had told me the truth instead of treating me like a fool.But ,now I never want to see you in Shen Industies again. Get out of my office and collect your last paycheck."His final words resounded like a death sentence in Jin Yahui 's ears.
" Chairman...." He couldn't utter any protests before a bodyguard dragged him out of the office.
+++
Back at the apartment Shi Qi and Qian Mei were discussing business plans when the door bell rang.Song Xia, who was preparing lunch went to answer the door as she didn't want to disturb her aunt and Qian Mei's work.
"Hello. I have an invitation for Miss Song from Young Lady Shen." A woman in a formal red and white dress and black heels said.
" Hello, I am Song Xia." An elegant red envelope with gold calligraphy was handed to her.
Although they invited the women inside she politely refused saying that she had many invitations to deliver but thanked them for their kindness.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
Not long after the departure of the women Song Xia received a call from Jin Yu.
"Xiao Xia! Xiao Xia! Did you get your invitation for Shen Xue's party yet? I just got mine! "Song Xia confirmed that she had just gotten her invitation before Jin Yu continued talking.
" I didn't even know there was something like an invitation bearer. Song Xia it's supposed to be a masquerade party but I don't have a mask. I suppose we'll need to find a mask and someone to do our makeup. I guess we can ask aunt!"
" I'm sure Aunt will do a good job on our makeup." Song Xia said simply but Qian Mei got up and refused." No way!"
Song Xia looked at her startled." If anyone is going to be doing makeup around here it's going to be me!"Declared Qian Mei with a proud huff and her hands on her hips.
Song Xia looked at Shi Qi for guidance who just nodded and then shrugged. " Well you two, your Aunt Qian is really the best makeup artist around.It would be shame if we didn't put her do good use."
Song Xia put Jin Yu in speakers the both of them giggling when the heard the older women teasing each other.
"Well, Qiqi , I don't know if I'm the thee best but I'm definitely better than you." Qian Mei smirked.
+++
Bodyguard Luo spoke to Shen Wenling in regards to Li Zen's ban on Song Xia.
" Ha!They start trouble in my company! Bribe my employees and now ban the model I'm trying to prop up."
With narrow eyes and a sneer on his face he gave off an oppressive pressure.Shen Wenling had always been an unforgiving man.An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
"Say , Old Luo, since they want to pull their weight around how about we join the game."
+++
" Director Li, this is all your fault! How could have I know that your daughter would cause such a huge problem?Hah, he fired me!But, don't think you'll be safe! He'll ruin you!"
Jin Yahui spat while Director Li the other side of the phone turned pale with fright.