Volume 1, Chapter 56: Grand Openings on the Same Day

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He Jingcheng’s eyes darkened, his voice cold and indifferent: “We’ll talk later. It’s close to my grandmother’s memorial day—I hope you won’t ruin the atmosphere.”

Jiang Shuwei was momentarily stunned, watching his indifferent figure slip into the car and disappear from sight.

A heavy weight settled in her heart.

Time passed quickly until the day to move the One Glance Studio arrived. Early in the morning, Jiang Shuwei and Zhou Haixin summoned a vehicle to transport the last batch of items.

Yunrun Tower stood prominently in the city center, its towering structure piercing the clouds. Most floors were leased out to various companies, creating a bustling hub.

One Glance Studio had created a modern lobby, displaying framed artworks that looked like exquisite masterpieces, attracting many employees from different floors to admire them.

Jiang Shuwei’s opening was low-key; she and Zhou Haixin decided only to invite the new employees to a lavish lunch at noon, considering that the opening ceremony was thus complete.

On the first floor of Yunrun Tower, as Jiang Shuwei and Zhou Haixin stepped inside, they saw the lobby filled with an abundance of flowers. Each basket contained rare and precious bouquets, adorned with red paper inscribed with auspicious phrases like “Grand Opening” and “Thriving Business.”

“Wow, who are all these flowers for? Shuwei, you didn’t...” Zhou Haixin eagerly approached, thinking Jiang Shuwei had invited someone to send them.

“I didn’t ask anyone to send this many flowers; I only ordered six pots,” Jiang Shuwei frowned, almost certain these weren’t meant for her studio.

Just then, several black Rolls-Royces boldly pulled up to the main entrance. The doors opened, and Su Mian, dressed in a rose-red professional suit, entered with a group of sharply dressed men. Each exuded an air of refined elegance, unmistakably elite social figures.

Su Mian led the way, chin slightly raised, her gaze filled with haughty pride and aloofness.

“Please move aside...” Two bodyguard-looking men quickly approached Jiang Shuwei and Zhou Haixin, who were standing in the corridor, ushering them aside.

Carrying large cases filled with materials, Jiang Shuwei and Su Mian both stepped back instinctively, clearing the path.

From afar, Su Mian spotted Jiang Shuwei. Approaching with a gentle smile, she said, “Shuwei, today is the grand opening of my company. Come join us for lunch.”

As she spoke, an assistant handed over an invitation card, which Su Mian nonchalantly placed on Jiang Shuwei’s case. “Don’t forget to come.”

Jiang Shuwei responded coldly, “No, my studio is opening today as well.”

Su Mian’s smile grew warmer. “Really? What a coincidence.”

Jiang Shuwei frowned, grabbed Zhou Haixin’s hand, and headed toward the opposite elevator.

Zhou Haixin, frustrated, muttered, “So all these flowers are for the Su family’s opening?”

Jiang Shuwei’s face tightened, an unexplainable heaviness settling in her chest.

Why would Su Mian choose the same day to open? Was it the only auspicious date this month?

Or… was it deliberate?

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Recalling that He Jingcheng had previously asked her the exact date of her opening, Jiang Shuwei wondered if he had shared this information with Su Mian.

Su Mian, intent on overshadowing her and seizing the office space, had deliberately chosen the same day. The Su family, wealthy and well-connected, would host a grand opening full of distinguished guests and influential figures. Compared to that, Jiang Shuwei’s studio would inevitably seem dim and modest.

“It doesn’t matter. We’ll just focus on our own business,” Jiang Shuwei took a deep breath and tried to suppress her frustration.

The seventh floor housed the Su Group’s company offices, decorated with great taste. The corridor was lined with congratulatory banners and flower baskets, even the elevators plastered with posters of Su Pharmaceutical. On the first floor lobby, free gifts were being handed out—a testament to the Su Group’s generosity.

Outside the One Glance Studio, twelve flower pots stood, each with a note indicating they were sent by the elder Mr. He. Not only did he send flowers, but also a generous gift to Jiang Shuwei.

Huang Yujie and her husband were abroad and unable to attend, but their lavish gift had also arrived.

Zhou Haixin looked at two checks. “Shuwei, are these gifts for you? Eight million eight hundred eighty-eight thousand yuan plus a Mercedes S-Class?”

“Six million six hundred sixty-six thousand, plus a full set of Bvlgari jewelry. My goodness, these gifts are so heavy!” Jiang Shuwei was truly grateful. In fact, Huang Yujie had initially planned to gift her a house for the opening, but Jiang Shuwei had declined, so she settled for these instead.

As for the elder Mr. He’s gift waiving ten years’ rent for the company, it was a tremendous blessing. Jiang Shuwei had even called him to insist he not send any more gifts, but he insisted anyway.

Now, all thirty or so employees of One Glance Studio knew their boss was wealthy and well-connected, filling them with hope and pride.

For the noon banquet, Jiang Shuwei had reserved a famous restaurant early on, securing a large private room with two tables.

Everyone was excited about the lunch, so after finishing their tasks, they took a car to the venue.

“This is a seven-star hotel! I heard the chefs have won awards worldwide. Oh, I can’t wait!”

“With so many of us eating, it must cost a fortune.”

“No worries, President Jiang has the means.”

The group chatted excitedly.

Jiang Shuwei and Zhou Haixin were delighted—they had finally moved the studio from a small residential house into a skyscraper.

While waiting for the elevator, they noticed a convoy of luxury cars arriving, with clusters of elite guests entering. Men wore sharp suits, women donned elegant gowns, all formal and graceful.

“What’s going on?” Zhou Haixin frowned, glancing at Jiang Shuwei. “Our opening day clashes with the Su family’s, and now even the banquet hall?”

Jiang Shuwei was unsure, but since it was a seven-star hotel, many guests came daily, so clashes seemed unlikely.

“Let’s head upstairs first,” Jiang Shuwei said, a faint unease gnawing at her.

Upon reaching the floor, they entered their private room. Nearby, in another grand hall adjacent to their corridor, a lavish opening ceremony was underway.

Zhou Haixin’s eyes widened as she pointed to a welcoming sign: “Su Pharmaceutical?”

Jiang Shuwei’s expression stiffened. Clashing on the date was bad enough, but now her reserved dining room was right next to Su Group’s event. She felt uneasy.

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If it wasn’t deliberate… no, it was absolutely deliberate.

Jiang Shuwei’s face darkened, but thinking it was a good day, she lifted a smile and said to everyone, “Let’s go inside and eat first.”

Outside in the corridor, people gawked at the grand spectacle. Such a magnificent event was unfamiliar to these employees, all distinguished figures in attendance. Bottles of champagne cost as much as seventy thousand yuan each, and each table had three. As for other rare liquors, they were beyond imagination.

Everyone stared in awe—this was the life of the wealthy.

Jiang Shuwei took a deep breath. It was infuriating to compare.

“Shuwei, Su Mian is truly disgusting. Why else would she pick the same day as us? And to think we booked this restaurant a whole week ago, yet she’s right next door?” Zhou Haixin was already angry.

Jiang Shuwei knew Su Mian’s tactics well—she had quietly arranged all this and was now playing her big move.

“Haixin, let’s not let her affect us. Let’s eat,” Jiang Shuwei gently comforted her.

“She stole your husband and now wants to compete in everything. A mistress acting so arrogantly—what nerve!” Zhou Haixin’s voice was loud, and some nearby guests glanced over.

“Enough, don’t make a scene,” Jiang Shuwei wanted to retort but knew today was not the day.

Once the private room door closed, Jiang Shuwei felt the world quiet down.

Su Mian stood at the entrance, having changed into a bright red qipao, her long hair elegantly pinned up. She was radiant and graceful.

She gracefully received guests with a smile that drew compliments from all who saw her.

Su Mian was the only cherished daughter of the Su family. Hearing their princess praised, her parents beamed with pride.

“Apologies for any shortcomings, please come in.”

“Enjoy your meal and drinks, don’t hold back.”

Su father, Su Zhentong, was flushed with joy. Beside him stood a middle-aged woman in a black dress—Su Mian’s mother, Tong Jiefang. Her commanding presence surpassed even Su Zhentong’s, calm and reserved like a fierce tigress, radiating the aura of a formidable woman.

“Is that Qin Weizhou? President Qin?”

At the elevator entrance, a tall figure suddenly appeared, followed by Qin Weizhou’s two friends, Zhou Zirui and Yan Feiye.

Su Mian pursed her lips in surprise and glanced back at her mother. “Mom, did you invite Qin Shao and the others?”