16 Long Group

Xue Guangli had been spending days lounging around her home or work, often seeing blank spaces. Wang Weimin hadn't contacted her at all, so it confirmed the lingering thoughts she had: they were over.

She decided to tell her sisters about what happened one evening in the living room while eating some ice cream.

"We broke up," she said to them.

They both stared at her eye-wide; their expressions were showing sympathy. She half-expected Xue Teegan to say, 'I told you so.' But she didn't; she kept silent.

Xue Liena reached out a hand and grasped hers. Xue Teegan sat next to her, taking Xue Guangli into her arms, and she began to cry into them.

It didn't hit her that her relationship was over. She had known Wang Weimin for fifteen years and had courted him for two. It felt strange. It felt like she was letting go more than what she thought before.

Xue Teegan and Xue Liena stayed with her that entire evening. Xue Teegan had brought some wine as they all downed it while watching movies.

Soon after, Xue Guangli felt better, and she began to distract herself with things to occupy her mind as she learned to move on from her relationship.

She felt this is what's best for her now, and she must focus on herself going forward.

...

Qian Meigui was right. The sales of Summer-Autumn Designs skyrocketed. Now, she needed more help than she anticipated. Xue Guangli even started a website to sell things online, improving her sales.

"Is it true that you are well acquainted with Long Huojin?" one of her employees asked; her eyes sparkled.

"Yes," Xue Guangli answered.

"Why don't you contact Long Group they can help you market your company and improve your sales with their e-commerce software," she suggested.

Xue Guangli had considered it before, but she felt strange going to him.

"I don't want to bother him," Xue Guangli said.

"Consider it a sales pitch," her colleague had said. "If anything, you won't directly see the CEO, just the marketing team."

Xue Guangli looked at her employee as if she gave her a brilliant idea.

...

Long Huojin often lost himself in work for six days a week. What made Long Group successful was how much he worked and how his employees were diligent, loyal, and respected by their higher-ups.

Long Group promoted a working environment that is stressful and fast-paced; however, employees are well taken care of, and their health comes first, making them more loyal towards the company. It was rare for anyone to quit, and positions were highly competitive.

Long Huojin decided to look over at the marketing department and joined their meetings with companies that pitch ideas. Most of the pitches range from prototypes with new technology, or simply, to invest in another company or promote them.

He spent the entire day rejecting or approving ideas or suggesting improvements to make their sales pitch better.

The next meeting he had with his team was to use his web designers to create and market the sales of a clothing company.

He hadn't one of these in a while, so it piqued his interest.

Xue Guangli had spent days preparing for her presentation, and she felt nervous at how she had never done this before.

Long Group was a conglomerate of e-commerce, to telecommunications, and technology. Therefore, she doubted that Long Huojin would even notice that Summer-Autumn Designs were signed with them if she were to be successful at this meeting.

Xue Guangli took a deep breath before she walked into the room, alone, greeting all of the executives and marketing team. When she saw Long Huojin sitting down casually at the head of the table with one leg over his thigh, she stilled; their eyes met, and he looked equally surprised.

Xue Guangli glanced away from him quickly, her heart pounded. Damnit! Why was he here? It's so embarrassing!

She politely introduced herself before she set up her presentation. From the corner of her peripheral vision, she could see Long Huojin staring at her. Xue Guangli felt like crawling into a hole, but she couldn't leave now, it would have been unprofessional and even more embarrassing.

So, instead, she kept her face composed as if he did not affect her emotions at all.

They were friends, she supposed, but still, to think he was here of all days! Her luck was over.

Xue Guangli straightened her posture looking at the eyes at every person, including Long Huojin confidently and sharply.

"Hello, I am the owner of Summer-Autumn Designs. I am going to pitch a marketing campaign to re-launch my clothing company in a bigger, brighter perspective," she began.

Xue Guangli had shown them the rise of sales, the promotion going towards them from Song Entertainment, how people are ordering them globally from international shipping. She also engaged her audience with scenarios and solutions. Despite how nervous she was, she successfully executed her presentation without stuttering or stumbling.

She piqued the interest of everyone in the room, and she dared herself to glance at Long Huojin. He looked at her, unwaveringly; his expression, reserved.

"Miss Xue," he began after she finished. "You did well on your pitch, and it is definitely on the interest of our marketing team. But, how could we be sure that your sales are consistent" he asked. "From the previous years, your success declined exponentially; it was only now that there was a sudden improvement. Our reputation proceeds when we market successful companies."

Xue Guangli faced him, and his lips curled. He was challenging her, and by his expression, he was wondering whether or not she would waver.

She held up her chin, high. "I can assure you, Mr. Long, that many people are eager to buy dresses from Summer-Autumn. What we promote is traditional, authentic clothing, something new while appreciating the old. We aren't a fast-fashion brand; our materials are completely recyclable from donated or re-purchased clothing, embroidered with new materials like beads, that way it's affordable but also appeals to new trends and the new generation of buyers."

"And who are the new generation of buyers?" he asked her.

"The ones who care about the environment," she said boldly.

Long Huojin smiled. He rubbed his chin smoothly, chuckling, almost not expecting her to give him a good, firm answer. "Very resourceful," he said.

He then dismissed his team for a break. Everyone was about gone when he rose and approached Xue Guangli.

He then called in his secretary. Long Huojin kept his eyes on her as he spoke to his secretary, "I need you to get set them in our software and collect a promotional team for Summer-Autumn immediately," he said.

Xue Guangli was stunned. "Does that mean—?" she began. "Mhm," he said. "You convinced me, Xue Li."

Xue Guangli smiled at him, broadly.

Long Huojin flushed, but he turned away before she could even notice.

He then turned to face her again, his eyes soft. "Wouldn't this upset Wang Weimin? If you want to hide this collaboration, I will do my best. The last thing I want is to compromise your relationship, Xue Li. I know...I know how much you love him," he said.

Xue Guangli smiled. "I appreciate your consideration, Mr. Long. But don't worry about it. I don't let anyone step between me and my job," she said.

Long Huojin's lips curled. "As it should be," he said. "Everything you've done in the last few months are impressive, I've noticed. There is no doubt that I am confident you are going to be successful because of your hard work. Xue Li, you are the face of the company. Your mother would have been proud. Well done," he said.

His answer surprised her; her lips parted in shock. No one had said such encouraging words to her before. She smiled at him.

"Thank you, Long Huojin," she said, packing up.

"I will contact you when we are ready to proceed," he said.

Xue Guangli began to leave, but she paused at the threshold. She then turned around to face him. He was sitting on the edge of the table, staring at nothing, just lost in thought.

"I broke up with Wang Weimin," she told him, but almost immediately regretted it. Why would he care?

She noticed how Long Huojin's body stiffened; his shoulders straightened.

"I want you to know that nothing is standing in between our friendship from now on," she said boldly.

Long Huojin turned his head, facing her gracefully. He tipped his head back and smiled, almost as if relief washed over him. "I look forward to working with you, then," he said. Xue Guangli grinned. "See you later," she said and left the office.

When Xue Guangli left, Long Huojin called his best friend, Yin Shou.

"Yo," Yin Shou answered.

"Let's drink, tonight," Long Huojin said.

"About time," he said. "You never hang out with me. Should I bring some women?" he said.

"No women," Long Huojin answered.

"...Then should I bring men?"

Silence.

Long Huojin's expression darkened. "It's just between us!" he said.

"Fine," Yin Shou answered. "I'll see you later."