Chapter 51: Mutual Flattery in Business

Outside the room, Ye Fanxing's expression shifted slightly when she overheard Gu Yining's last question. 

"One Fu Hanniann is already difficult enough to deal with. Now I have to face an equally sharp-witted sister-in-law. Dealing with the two of you is going to be a real challenge for my intelligence," Ji Yunchuan quipped with a lighthearted chuckle, poking fun at his situation.

Just then, a knock echoed from the door.

Moments later, Ye Fanxing gracefully entered the waiting room.

"Hello, Miss Ye," Gu Yining greeted her politely, rising to her feet.

Seeing the famous star in person, Gu Yining couldn't help but feel the urge to ask for an autograph—not for herself, but for the potential profit of selling it.

Ye Fanxing responded with a soft, elegant smile, extending her hand as she approached Gu Yining. "Hello, Miss Leon. Yunchuan, how come you never introduced me to such a talented perfumer earlier? I've been deprived of experiencing her scents for so long."

"You've always been fond of Fu Corporation's fragrances, haven't you?" Ji Yunchuan replied teasingly.

"Can't I change things up every now and then?" Ye Fanxing retorted playfully.

Their casual banter revealed a long-standing friendship, their words imbued with a familiar, friendly jest.

"You two can go ahead and discuss business. I'll excuse myself for now. Sister-in-law, remember what I said—keep it confidential," Ji Yunchuan reminded her before shooting a quick glance at Ye Fanxing and then slipping out of the room.

"Please, Miss Gu, have a seat," Ye Fanxing invited Gu Yining to sit, signaling her assistant to bring in some coffee. 

Dressed in a striking red gown, Ye Fanxing exuded a regal elegance, like a figure straight out of a painting. Even Gu Yining couldn't help but steal a few more glances at her, captivated by her beauty.

"I'm curious, Miss Ye. Why did you reach out to me for this collaboration? Every year, there's a new champion perfumer chosen from the competition. I may not necessarily be the best," Gu Yining began, getting straight to the point.

"Maybe it's just that you caught my eye, the same way I choose my scripts," Ye Fanxing said, her smile still poised and graceful. "If I were to buy out your fragrance, 'Encounter,' and have it exclusively tailored for me alone, how much would you ask for?"

Her voice was soft and polished, and her demeanor carried the natural entitlement that comes with beauty, fame, and fortune.

Gu Yining pondered for a moment before naming a fair price: "Two million, for a lifetime buyout with permanent supply. I'll provide the fragrance samples, the formula, and assist you in finding a trusted manufacturer."

Ye Fanxing's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Miss Gu, I like your straightforwardness. It's always a pleasure to work with someone who knows what they want."

"Likewise, Miss Ye. It's not every day you get to collaborate with a star as beautiful and charming as you," Gu Yining responded, her mouth twitching slightly.

Mutual flattery in business negotiations—it was a skill Gu Yining had mastered over time.

Their conversation continued for nearly an hour, going smoothly and effortlessly. By the end of it, both women were content, and a contract was swiftly signed.

Once Gu Yining left the waiting room, clutching the freshly signed agreement, Ye Fanxing's warm, gracious smile vanished, replaced by an icy, disdainful expression.

With a flick of her wrist, the perfume formula Gu Yining had provided was contemptuously tossed onto the floor. Ye Fanxing's high heels ground into the paper as she stomped on it repeatedly.

From his spot by the window, Ji Yunchuan, who had been waiting for her, witnessed the sudden shift in her behavior. The smile that had adorned his face moments earlier disappeared instantly.

In Ji Yunchuan's eyes, Ye Fanxing had always been a goddess—perfect, untouchable, and above reproach.

For years, he had harbored a secret crush on her, too afraid to confess his feelings. The fear of rejection loomed large; a failed confession could mean the end of their friendship, something he wasn't willing to risk.

But now… What was she doing?

If she truly despised the work so much, why had she spent such a large sum to purchase it?

Ji Yunchuan considered barging into the room to confront her, to demand an explanation. But in the end, he hesitated.

If he walked through that door, it would shatter the pristine image of her he had built up over the years—the flawless, untarnished image he held so dearly.

He didn't want her to hate him.

At the end of the day, Ji Yunchuan was just a coward—always had been, and it seemed he always would be.