A pond full of blooming flowers, an ultimate addiction.

"Yes, otherwise I wouldn't have taken a liking to you." Liu Shiya said sarcastically with a forced smile.

"Hehe, Mr. Liu's words are as sharp as ever. I've simply gone further; you should be happy for me, why are you so angry?" The woman wore a light gold dress, the entire gown studded with Austrian diamonds, a deep V-neck revealing her alluring cleavage, and a dreamy, ethereal skirt paired with a feather shawl. The entire dress was both noble and beautiful. Her long hair was styled in a low bun, paired with long tassel earrings, and a touch of red lipstick, making her stunningly beautiful.

"Chu Min, you've probably forgotten how much I used to flatter you." Liu Shiya now dislikes Lin Chu Min as much as she used to admire her.

Qiao Chumin understood what she meant. Before, she was just a newcomer who had just debuted, and she wouldn't be where she is today without Liu Shiya's support. But it was impossible for her to hold her back forever. Today was their last collaboration.

"Chu Min, you're late today." Zhai Rong ignored their conflict. He admired Qiao Chu Min's camera presence; she had been impeccable in his photos over the past few years.

"Teacher Zhai, don't blame me. You had to shoot the newcomers today, which must have taken a lot of effort. If I hadn't come a little later, how would you have rested?" Qiao Chumin puffed out her chest, her contemptuous eyes filled with disdain, and spoke with sarcasm.

“You’re just like Shiya, you have a sharp tongue.” Zhai Rong was used to her arrogance and wasn’t angry.

"I remember the first time you filmed, it took you ages to get it right. I really don't know how long it will take Teacher Zhai to recover," Liu Shiya retorted.

"Let's begin. I have an appointment with Mr. Tang from Li Rui to discuss the contract. We can't keep him waiting." Qiao Chumin deliberately said this to Liu Shiya. Li Rui is the number one in the high-end clothing industry.

Zhai Rong picked up the camera and quickly got to work, while Qiao Chumin stood under the flash. Every movement was perfect, and the two worked together seamlessly.

"Filming's finished for today, let's go have afternoon tea." Liu Shiya pulled Jiang Yi away.

Jiang Yi knew that their conversation was full of hurtful words, and Liu Shiya couldn't hide her anger in her eyes. "Okay," she obediently followed.

Two streets away is a charming, upscale street surrounded by office buildings, making it popular with white-collar workers.

The two entered a coffee shop where several tables of customers were chatting and enjoying afternoon tea. They ordered coffee and desserts, found a sofa, and started chatting.

"The girl you just saw is named Qiao Chumin. She used to be my partner in the industry. I had just entered the industry back then. Qiao Chumin was the first model I signed. At the beginning, business was slow, and her salary wasn't high, but she always cooperated actively. Her features and figure allowed her to easily handle different styles of clothing. You could say we helped each other succeed." Liu Shiya still speaks highly of Qiao Chumin to this day.

"She is beautiful, and her movements are perfect in front of the camera."

“Gradually my brand was recognized, and she also gained a foothold in the market.” Liu Shiya regrets that the two have come to this point: “Starting last year, she stopped cooperating and even sent my samples to other brands. I didn’t call the police because of our past relationship, and I also hoped to give each other a chance.”

Jiang Yi didn't understand the relationship between them, and even protected her when she broke the law.

"Everyone has their own ambitions, but I'm angry that she didn't follow the rules, and all my hard work went to waste." She should have realized long ago that you can't keep someone who wants to leave. "I won't call the police; I'll just thank her for her cooperation over the years, which has made my clothes more and more sought after."

"Your clothes still shine whether she's there or not."

"For me, every piece of clothing that Qiao Chumin photographs is in high demand, and more and more people are drawn to her."

“She’s excellent, but her character is flawed. She’s not worth the pity.” Jiang Yi spoke bluntly. “Sister Ya, you chose me because Qiao Chumin is leaving, and you need to cultivate new talent.”

Liu Shiya took a sip of coffee. "Yes, Qiao Chumin took several models with her when she left this time, which made it difficult for me to find someone to take the lead. I saw your photo when I was recruiting that day, so I've been waiting for you."

"It's a pleasure to work with you." Jiang Yi extended her left hand. She liked Liu Shiya's straightforwardness. "I'm new to this area, so please bear with me."

Liu Shiya shook hands with Jiang Yi with a smile: "I'll send you the contract later. You can state any conditions you have."

"Okay." Jiang Yi sensed her sincerity.

"I'll formally introduce them to you at the dinner party tonight," Liu Shiya planned, also wanting to ask Jiang Yi's opinion. "Now, come shopping with me."

Just across the traffic lights is the Chinatown Plaza, which houses various luxury brands. Liu Shiya went straight to the point, even wanting to give Jiang Yi a welcome gift for joining the company.

"No need, I don't usually carry a bag." He politely declined.

"Don't be shy, this is an investment for me. It will also make it easier for you to carry your things when shooting on location later."

Liu Shiya bought a lot of makeup and skincare products, which were then packed into several shopping bags: "Team building gifts."

Jiang Yi looked at the various sizes of packages on the counter on the floor and asked, "How am I supposed to carry all of these?"

"No problem, free labor will be here soon." Liu Shiya sent him a message to come pick him up, since he, as a shareholder, definitely had to participate in the company's team building event today.

The two men started talking about Lü Haotian as if they had opened a floodgate, completely unaware that a figure was approaching.

"Ahem." A light cough came from behind. "Gentlemen, it's not good to talk about people behind their backs." Lu Haotian's voice was a little warmer than Chi Ruiche's. He wore a white shirt and a black suit, and looked very clean.

"There's nothing we can do. Our young master Lu has always been a god, untouched by the mortal world. He just wants to absorb some of our popularity." Liu Shiya covered her mouth and laughed even harder.

"Miss Liu just loves seeing me make a fool of myself; it's her pleasure to see me embarrassed." Lü Haotian shrugged in agreement. The two had known each other for a long time and their interactions were naturally comfortable.

"Let's go." Liu Shiya didn't want to argue with him; she would always lose in the end.

"Xiao Si, when did you return to China? How did you two meet?" Lu Haotian looked at Jiang Yi in surprise, as he had been glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

"Just returned to China."

"I didn't send you a message saying there was a new employee." Liu Shiya shook her head helplessly. Everyone said that Lü Haotian was meticulous, but he often didn't take her words to heart.

"Xiao Si, you?" Lu Haotian suddenly realized.

“I hired her as a print model, and she’s really great.”

"They know about it too, and they don't object?" Lu Haotian asked anxiously.

"They agreed." It was pointless to oppose what Jiang Yi had done.

Lü Haotian, believing that if he couldn't win, he would join in, acted as their driver, put the items in the trunk, started the car engine, and drove away.

Jiang Yi and Liu Shiya had more to talk about because of Lü Haotian, and they chatted and laughed all the way. Liu Shiya didn't forget to tease Lü Haotian.