As time passed, Ma Yun gained a deeper understanding of the brush's power. This power was undeniably immense, yet it came with unpredictable risks. Every time he wielded the brush, it felt like a gamble with fate—both thrilling and burdened by the knowledge that every use exacted a price.
However, just as he was beginning to adapt to this extraordinary ability, a storm brewed quietly in his life. This storm didn't solely stem from his struggle to master the brush's power but also from external pressures, including adversaries he had never anticipated.
Ma Yun's work as a designer had always been smooth sailing. Despite occasional challenges faced by his company, his talent and effort had ensured minimal setbacks. But recently, something felt off.
One day, Ma Yun received a call from Wang Tao, the company's general manager. Wang's tone was grave, tinged with unease.
"Ma Yun, the last few designs you submitted... the boss seems to have some concerns," Wang said in a heavy voice. "Can you come over? We need to talk."
Ma Yun frowned, a subtle sense of foreboding creeping in. He had been working tirelessly and was confident there were no glaring issues with his recent projects. Why would the company's leadership suddenly question his designs?
"Alright, I'll be right there," Ma Yun replied without pressing further. He hung up and headed to the office.
The company headquarters was located in a sleek office building downtown. When Ma Yun entered Wang Tao's office, Wang was already waiting, his expression somber. Instead of speaking immediately, he gestured toward a design proposal on his desk.
"This is the last design you submitted. I'm not sure how to put it, but it feels... off," Wang said gravely. "The boss isn't happy with it. He thinks your work is too ordinary, lacking innovation."
Ma Yun examined the proposal, confusion swelling in his heart. He knew his own capabilities well. His designs were never "ordinary" or "lacking innovation." The proposal aligned perfectly with the company's requirements, and market feedback had been positive with no signs of discrepancies.
"I've reviewed this design, and I don't see any issues," Ma Yun said calmly. "Maybe the boss's expectations weren't communicated clearly. Could you specify what's wrong with it?"
Wang sighed, his brows knitting together. "The issue isn't with the design itself but rather with how it aligns—or doesn't—with the company's brand ethos. The boss is highly sensitive about this and feels your work neglects the core identity of our brand."
A subtle unease began to stir within Ma Yun. The company's brand identity had always been a cornerstone of its success. For the boss to emphasize this issue meant there was likely a deeper reason. Even so, Ma Yun stood by his design principles.
"I'll adjust the proposal to meet the boss's requirements," Ma Yun replied. Though he didn't entirely agree with Wang's assessment, he acknowledged his responsibility as a designer to heed the company's direction.
Wang nodded, watching Ma Yun leave the office. Yet as Ma Yun stepped out, he felt an unsettling gaze on him. Turning back, he saw a well-dressed man standing in the doorway, staring at him coldly.
The man appeared to be in his thirties, with sharp features and an air of sophistication. Ma Yun instantly recognized him as Luo Chen, the company's newly appointed senior consultant.
Luo Chen had a strong reputation in the industry, his background shrouded in mystery. He was connected to numerous large corporations, and his arrival had caused a stir. Ma Yun furrowed his brows. Though he knew little about Luo Chen, Wang Tao's unease toward him was clear.
"Ma Yun, this is our new consultant, Mr. Luo Chen," Wang said with a strained smile.
Luo Chen gave a slight nod, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips. "Nice to meet you, Ma Yun. I've heard a lot about your creative designs. I look forward to collaborating."
Ma Yun returned the courtesy but felt an inexplicable discomfort. Luo Chen's gaze was cold and probing, leaving him uneasy.
"Excuse me, I need to revise my proposal," Ma Yun said, eager to leave.
As he exited the building, his phone buzzed. It was a text from Su Qing: "Come home early today; something's come up."
The message was brief but carried a sense of urgency. Ma Yun's unease deepened. He had a sinking feeling that something unusual awaited him at home.
When he arrived, he found Su Qing and their children looking visibly distressed. His daughter Ma Yue and son Ma Hao sat in the living room, their expressions somber. Su Qing stood by them, her face tense with worry.
"Qing, what's wrong? What happened?" Ma Yun asked, gripping her hand.
Su Qing sighed, speaking softly. "Some people came by yesterday from a company. They said it was about your grandfather's inheritance."
"They said what?" Ma Yun's chest tightened.
"They claimed there are unresolved issues with your grandfather's estate, particularly concerning certain properties. They want us to cooperate with their investigation," Su Qing explained, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Ma Yun's heart sank. His grandfather's passing hadn't previously drawn much attention to the family's assets, but the sudden interest from external parties suggested this was more than a simple inheritance matter.
"I understand. I'll look into it and figure out who's behind this," Ma Yun said firmly.
"Be careful," Su Qing said, her concern evident.
At that moment, the doorbell rang, shattering the tense silence.
Ma Yun frowned and went to answer. Standing at the door were two men in suits, exuding an air of professionalism.
"Mr. Ma Yun? We're representatives from Morning Sun Group. We have some questions regarding your family's assets," one of them said with a practiced smile.
Ma Yun's instincts flared. He immediately sensed their intentions weren't straightforward. "Morning Sun Group? I assume this is about my grandfather's inheritance?"
"Exactly," the other man replied. "We'd like to discuss a potential collaboration."
Ma Yun didn't respond right away. Something about these men felt off. He suspected there was more to their visit than they were letting on.
"Come in," he said quietly.
It seemed the situation was slipping further out of his control.