15 Spiritual

Slowly, the white cloth fell to the ground. The audience's heart dropped when the dress was revealed.

It was a classic cheongsam, but it wasn't its classic design that moved people's hearts. It was the beautiful image sewn onto it, which made this legendary piece called 'Spiritual'.

China's Heavenly animals were embroidered onto its red silk cloth highlighting each piece with a golden thread. Just with that technique, a tailor would take years to master its difficult patterns. The two dragons, Azure Dragon and Yellow Dragon coiled against each other on the chest, the White Tiger and Black Serpent Tortoise on the skirt hem. And at the back of the cheongsam, the Red Phoenix's wings spread wide symbolized its prosperity and power.

The audience gaped in awe at its wonderful art brought life on this legendary piece.

Qinyang took a few steps back from the masterpiece and also admired its wondrous design, still getting stunned despite seeing its beauty many times as nostalgia slowly entered her head. She wished she could keep it for herself, but she didn't have the confidence to do it justice.

Junting's eyes softened at the sight of the dress while recalling the face of the only one he had ever loved.

Fengyuan started fanning himself with his hand and loosened his tie. 'Why is it suddenly so warm in here?'

The final item was finally sold so the auction concluded. Qinyang walked towards the backstage and clapped her hands together. "It's finally over, great work everyone."

Lu Weiwei hugged her with a smile. "Good work today as well. Your speech was good."

Qin Huangjian nodded in agreement to Lu Weiwei. "Xiao Wei is right, it was like you were never scared."

Qinyang shook her head and took off her mask while waving it. "It's all because of this. If I could wear this to the interview tomorrow, it'd be a great he—."

"Boo!"

Qinyang's body jolted up and saw Ahn Qiaofu behind her while was laughing.

She calmed herself down from the scare and started playfully hitting Ahn Qiaofu's back. "What was that for?" she said with puffed cheeks.

But then, a bouquet of tulips appeared right before her eyes. Qinyang looked around not understanding what was happening.

Luciel patted her back and said, "It's a little gift from everyone. We wish you good luck for your interview tomorrow."

"Really?! You guys shouldn't have… I don't even know I will pass." Qinyang's heart warmed, touched by their gesture. She took the bouquet into her arms and gazed at it fondly.

Liu Haojie reassured her and said, "You will do fine. If it were my company, I would hire you immediately!"

Lu Weiwei smirked. "As if I will let you, I will scout her first!"

The happy small conversation among the members was then interrupted by one of the staff. "Someone is outside to claim his item."

"Clients are only allowed to claim their items after an hour as we still have to pack them carefully." Liu Haojie replied.

The staff shook his head and said, "I already told him that, but the man said he has other business to attend to. He also mentioned that his name is President Lee."

Lu Weiwei tilted her head. "Oh my… then let's give his item first then."

"Alright then, you guys enjoy the party. I'll be going first and will preparing for tomorrow's interview." Qinyang made an excuse and everyone let her go.

The rest went their separate ways to entertain their clients at the after-party.

Lee Junting and Wu Fengyuan were waiting in the private guest room when a staff called their attention and invited them to the back stage.

Lu Weiwei and Liu Haojie greeted Lee Junting and Wu Fengyuan with the masterpiece in the glass box behind them. "President Lee, would you like to inspect the item before we wrap it up?"

Lee Junting shook his head not even doubting them.

Wu Fengyuan looked around and asked, "Is President Aurora around? We would like to give her our thanks for inviting us to this event."

"I apologize but our president left early due to personal reasons," Liu Haojie said and then waved his hand to the staff standing behind them to wrap the item.

Lee Junting did not mind, his mood was good because of his purchase today. He extended his hand, showed his business smile. "It is a pleasure seeing you both here."

______________

The next day, Qinyang called Zixuan over to help her prepare for the interview. Since this was her first time, Qinyang needed help.

In front of the mirror, Qinyang's palms become sweaty as she made her thumbs go in circles. She was also taking deep breaths as if the butterflies in her stomach would be blown away.

"You look fine! Be confident a bit, will ya?" Zixuan combed Qinyang's hair while staring at the beautiful nervous woman in the mirror. "I'm sure you'll leave a wonderful first expression with them. Of course, 95% of it is thanks to your talent!" Zixuan hummed and continued combing Qinyang's hair.

Qinyang wore a blue blouse tucked in with a long beige skirt. Wanting to look as natural as possible, she also applied as minimal makeup as possible.

"Are you sure..." Qinyang mumbled to herself.

It's been a long time since she met and talked with a new bunch of people. She looked at herself in the mirror and tried to smile but the result she got was an awkward lips trying to stretch itself.

'What would Lee Junting say? Would he recognize me?' she asked wiping off that terrible smile..

Ever since Qinyang told Zi Xuan about her romantic interest, she couldn't help but want to travel back in time while imagining all the fun things they could have done together. Sometimes, she would even go through her yearbook. 'He probably would tease me.' She sighed.

Zixuan clapped her hands. "All done! You are ready. Let's get you there on time! Go go go!"

Qinyang stared at her hyper friend and laughed. She stood up and took one last look in the mirror before grabbing her car keys from the counter and head out together.

-----------------------------

"The-the interview will be in the conference room on the 19th floor, Mr Lee. " the young male receptionist respectfully said. He tried his best to keep calm, but his back was sweating as the cold wolf didn't give any response and simply walked away.

Wu Fengyuan noticed the trembling in the voice and smile at the pitiful young man. "Thank you for informing us."

Both men entered the private elevator for higher-ups only. As the door closed, Fengyuan shook his head at the man beside him. "You could have been more friendly you know."

"Whatever." Junting watched the elevator number increase as they go up.

Fengyuan sighed at his best friend's cold attitude and changed the topic. "Oh, did you look at the resumes I sent you? Anyone you find interesting?"

"No. It's in the trash," he said coldly.

Wu Fengyuan eyes widened as he pursed his lips. "Are you serious?! I have worked days to summarize it since I know you dislike wasting time so much!''

Lee Junting casually placed his hands in his pockets. "I prefer seeing them with my own eyes. Texts can lie but their voice can't."

Fengyuan knew that this man had the ability to tell when a person was lying with just the voice but did this guy had to disregard his blood, sweat, and tears at his work? 'This heartless man…'

"Will all of the board members be present today?" Lee Junting looked at his watch while wondering why the elevator speed felt so slow today.

Wu Fengyuan smiled and wiggled his eyebrows. He said in a teasing voice, " Of course! Even she is coming, you know?"

Lee Junting gave an innocent look at his best friend. "Who?"

"Don't lie, Lee Junting. You know Miss Mina is coming today! It's so rare for her to come to the office already, that's why I'm actually surprised she said yes. It's probably because she knew you were coming." Fengyuan playfully hit his arm.

"So?" Junting was uninterested in any woman except for his Zhou Qinyang.

Wu Fengyuan's jaw dropped. Speechless, he let out a heavy sigh and said, "Sometimes I really do wonder about your sexuality. She is one of the few capable women who can be your wife."

"No matter who it is, there's no one capable enough to capture my heart," he replied coldly as the elevator door opened.

Wu Fengyuan stood still and stared at Lee Junting walking away with disbelief. He placed his hand against his mouth and thought, 'I can't believe he said such a cringe line. I am going to vomit right now.'