"What exactly is going on here?" Zheng Xiaowen's face was dark as she looked at the others in the meeting room. "How could such a big mistake happen?"
The staff member responsible for delivering the clothes kept their head down in silence.
"Xiaowen, don't get too worked up. It's really not that big of a deal. Just have Zoe change her dress, and it'll be fine," said Yu Tianjin, Zheng Xiaowen's partner. Before Chen Fusi's investment, Yu Tianjin was Zheng Xiaowen's biggest partner in Asia. They had known each other for years.
"If it's just about asking Zoe to change her dress, why am I wasting my time sitting here?" Zheng Xiaowen said, clearly displeased. "Also, how come I wasn't informed about inviting Ruoxue to the opening ceremony?"
Yu Tianjin quickly explained, "I made the decision to invite Ruoxue. She's one of the hottest stars right now, especially with her upcoming role in Spring Chill, which has generated a lot of buzz. I've known her manager for a while, so I reached out and sent the invitation. To our surprise, she really liked VX's designs and immediately agreed to attend."
Getting Ruoxue to attend was indeed a significant accomplishment, and it would help boost VX's presence in the mainland market.
Zheng Xiaowen frowned, but her voice was sharp. "But now, we've caused a mess because of our negligence, and now you want Zoe to change her dress? Do you think Zoe is just some small-time internet celebrity who can be pushed around?"
Yu Tianjin was surprised. "She's at most a social media influencer. If it weren't for the rumors with Song Chi, she wouldn't even have the right to attend one of our VX events. It's just a matter of changing a dress. Why make it such a big deal?"
Yu Tianjin had mainly worked on the production line and had little experience with the entertainment industry.
Zheng Xiaowen didn't want to argue with her at this moment. After a brief pause, she said, "This matter is about more than just changing Zoe's dress. If we're going to ask Zoe to change, we need to show that we're handling this professionally. Was it Xiao Sha who delivered the dresses?" She looked up at the young woman who had been silent throughout the meeting.
Xiao Sha raised her head.
Zheng Xiaowen's eyes softened for a moment, but she quickly hardened her resolve. "This was your mistake, Xiao Sha. I think you should resign."
Xiao Sha's face went pale, and she was at a loss for words. She opened her mouth to say something, but Yu Tianjin spoke before her.
"Xiaowen, this is such a small issue. Do you really need to fire Xiao Sha over it?" Yu Tianjin said, sounding exasperated.
"Tianjin, do you think this is a small matter?" Zheng Xiaowen's voice was firm. "If we handle this poorly and Zoe isn't happy, the word will get out, and VX will be seen as unprofessional. Do you understand how much damage that could do to our brand?"
Yu Tianjin's tone grew defensive. "Zoe is not that big of a star. She'll be fine with switching the dress. What's there to be upset about?"
"Tianjin, you don't understand the entertainment industry. Just leave it to me. This is how it's going to be," Zheng Xiaowen said decisively. She turned to Xiao Sha. "Go apologize to Zoe and give her the blue dress. Also, let Ruoxue's team know that the dress has already been chosen and ask her to pick something else."
Xiao Sha nodded, agreeing.
Yu Tianjin glared at Zheng Xiaowen as if she were seeing a fool. "I seriously think you've lost your mind."
"Tianjin, let me remind you one last time. The most important thing for VX is our image and reputation. We don't engage in this kind of favoritism. It's not the VX brand's style," Zheng Xiaowen said sternly.
Yu Tianjin sneered. "Which brand doesn't play favorites? The value Ruoxue can bring to VX is far greater than what Zoe can ever do. I heard you have a good relationship with Zoe. Don't try to make excuses."
"Do you think I'm doing this just because of my relationship with Zoe?" Zheng Xiaowen shook her head, a little helpless. "Tianjin, if you think that, then there's nothing more to say. Let's just leave it at that."
Yu Tianjin stormed out, shooting a glare at Xiao Sha on her way out.
Xiao Sha looked down, but sat up straight, her expression a mix of tension and defiance.
The situation regarding the dress took an unexpected turn, leaving both Zoe and Lan confused. It wasn't until Zheng Xiaowen personally called Zoe to apologize and explain the situation that Zoe understood there were deeper issues at play within VX itself.
Zoe had only ever dealt with Zheng Xiaowen directly, and she had only met Yu Tianjin briefly during the afternoon tea after the big fashion show. They hadn't even exchanged WeChat contacts.
"Are you worried this will offend Ruoxue?" Zoe asked, concerned for Zheng Xiaowen's position.
"Don't worry," Zheng Xiaowen reassured her. "An artist of Ruoxue's level may have influence in the film industry, but to VX, she's just one of many options."
"Thanks," Zoe replied, relieved.
"I'm not doing this for you. I've invested so much time and effort into building VX as a brand. I don't want it all to be ruined by a small issue like this," Zheng Xiaowen added, her voice steady.
Lan spoke up, "Now we just have to wait and see how Ruoxue reacts."
"She's probably furious," Zoe said, already anticipating the backlash.
"Of course she is," Lan agreed. "The question is whether she'll be willing to swallow her pride."