Jiang Meilin stood in the gleaming lobby of Zhao Corporation, her heart racing. The building was a marvel of modern architecture, all sleek lines and gleaming glass. She clutched the edges of her top tightly, feeling out of place among the well-dressed executives rushing past. She was sporting a blue jeans and white top with a blue down jacket and black sneakers.
Taking a deep breath, she approached the reception desk. "Good morning," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm here to see Mr. Zhao Jingshen."
The receptionist looked up, surprise flickering across her face, but she kept her curiousity at bay. "Do you have an appointment?"
Jiang Meilin nodded, fumbling for the business card. "Yes, for 10 AM."
After a quick call, the receptionist smiled. "Mr. Zhao's assistant will be down shortly to escort you."
Moments later, a tall, lean man in an impeccably tailored suit approached. "Miss Jiang? I'm Chen Li, Mr. Zhao's assistant. Please follow me."
As they rode the elevator to the top floor, Chen Li couldn't help but steal glances at Jiang Meilin. Her beauty was striking, even in her simple attire. He wondered how someone so different from Mr. Zhao's usual associates had caught his attention, but he kept his curiosity to himself.
The elevator doors opened to reveal a minimalist hallway leading to a set of imposing black doors. Chen Li ushered Meilin inside, and she found herself in Zhao Jingshen's office.
The space was a study in monochrome elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, while sleek black furniture and grey walls created a stark, powerful atmosphere. At the center of it all sat Zhao Jingshen behind a massive desk, his presence commanding even in stillness.
"Miss Jiang," he said, rising to greet her. "Thank you for coming."
Meilin bowed slightly. "Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Zhao."
"Jingshen, remember?" he said, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Please, have a seat."
As Jiang Meilin settled into a chair, Zhao Jingshen leaned forward, his dark eyes intense. "I've been thinking about you since last night. I mean your artwork. Your talent is undeniable, I must say."
"Thank you Mr... Jingshen" Her face flushed crimson as she thought about him saying he was thinking about her, even though he corrected himself, she choose to indulge in that statement. Only to hear him say "... and I have a proposition for you."
Meilin's eyes widened. "A proposition?"
Zhao Jingshen nodded. "We're hosting a charity gala in three months. The theme is 'Giving Back to Society.' I'd like to commission you to create seven paintings for the event."
Meilin's breath caught in her throat. "Seven paintings? In three months?"
"I understand it's a tight timeline, think of it as your very own art exhibit." Zhao Jingshen said, his tone softening. "But I believe you're capable of it. Your work has a way of capturing emotions that aligns perfectly with our theme."
Jiang Meilin bit her lip, considering. "It would be an honor, but... may I ask about the compensation?"
Zhao Jingshen named a figure that made Jiang Meilin's jaw drop. It was more money than she'd ever seen in her life.
"Of course, you'll have full creative freedom," he added. "I trust your vision."
Meilin took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "This is... overwhelming. In a good way. But may I ask, why me? Surely there are more established artists you could commission."
Zhao Jingshen's gaze softened. "Your painting spoke to me like no other has. There's a rawness, an honesty in your work that I find... captivating."
The intensity of his gaze made butterflies dance at the pit of her stomach. "I... thank you. That means a lot coming from you."
"So, do we have a deal?" Zhao Jingshen asked, extending his hand.
Meilin hesitated for just a moment before taking it. His hand was warm and strong, sending an unexpected thrill through her. "Yes, we have a deal."
As they shook hands, their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. Meilin felt as if she were being pulled into the depths of his dark gaze, while Zhao Jingshen found himself captivated by the mix of determination and vulnerability in her eyes.
Zhao Jingshen felt a surge of satisfaction, a feeling far more rewarding than any successful business deal. He cleared his throat, pushing down the unfamiliar warmth. "There is, however, one more condition to the proposition."
Jiang Meilin's smile faltered slightly. "A condition?"
"Yes," Zhao Jingshen said, his gaze holding hers. "I want you to spend a week living the life you'll be capturing in your art. Immerse yourself in the city's energy, the struggles, the triumphs. Only then can you create a piece that truly resonates."
Intrigue flickered in Jiang Meilin's eyes. "Living on the streets? Isn't that what I already do?" she asked with a bit of shame at exposing her living conditions.
"Not necessarily," He countered. "There are shelters, community centers. You'll experience the city from a different perspective, one that most people, myself included, take for granted."
She hesitated. The idea was daunting, a stark contrast to her usual routine of cramped apartment and late-night studio sessions. Yet, a part of her, the artist's soul, craved this authenticity.
"Alright," she said, a newfound determination in her voice. "I'll do it. But on one condition."
He raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Let's hear it."
She met his gaze, a playful challenge sparkling in her own. "You'll be experiencing the city with me."