Chapter 123：Why are you being made to go up?

"Why me?" Li Weijie was startled. 

"Shouldn't it be Ah Li who goes instead?"

"Ah Li, you go, too," Xu Rong said with a faint smile.

Hearing that Shen Mengli was also participating, Li Weijie felt a bit reassured. He thought to himself that he had always been the focus of Rongjie's cultivation, and she probably wanted to give me a new learning opportunity. After all, those who could participate in the "Dream Babylon" regional selection were all elites in their own right. Having the chance to witness the masterpieces of these experts would also be a great learning experience.

"Ah Li, Liu Wei should also go, right?" Li Weijie remembered that there was also a top stylist named Liu Wei at Seraphim.

"No, only you and Ah Li will represent Seraphim. Liu Wei won't go," Xu Rong said.

Xu Rong's words surprised Li Weijie once again, but he knew there must be a reason behind it. The two bosses had discussed it seriously and had not made a hasty decision. 

"Rongjie, can you be more specific?"

Xu Rong sighed softly and said in a low voice, "In the past two years, I have been participating in various industry activities, accumulating a certain network of relationships, as well as gaining some experience and reputation. Combined with Seraphim's continued position as the industry leader in City A, it has put Seraphim in the ranks of top hair salons in China. So for this year's selection, we have enough qualifications and industry recommendations, and we have already secured two slots for the competition."

Li Weijie wanted to say, "Isn't it perfect for you and Shen Mengli to compete? You two are already Seraphim's top stylists! Why allow me?" However, he did not interrupt Xu Rong's words, knowing that there was more she wanted to say.

After a pause, Xu Rong continued, "Although I have been constantly updating my information and improving my theoretical level, it has been a long time since I participated in design. If I were to participate in this competition now, I don't know if I can return to my peak state before the competition, and I don't know how much of a gap there is between my current state and others. Moreover, Seraphim is currently at a crucial turning point, and I cannot neglect various affairs."

Here, Xu Rong smiled gently as if to comfort Li Weijie, "So I cannot compete, but I am glad that you can represent me in the competition."

"Why me?" Li Weijie smiled bitterly. "In terms of fame and experience, I am not stronger than Liu Wei. Rongjie, are you not afraid that he will feel unfairly treated? If he feels cold due to this and leaves, it would not be worth it."

At this moment, he really couldn't bear to see a top designer leave Seraphim because of this, so he expressed his concerns directly.

"To be honest with you, we have been discussing this issue before you came back, and we have had a hard time deciding whether to let you go up or not. But after our recent conversation, your ideas are already sound and stronger than Liu Wei's, so we have all decided to let you go up!" 

Lin Ruotong said with a light smile. They were already very familiar and tacit with each other, and a glance exchanged between them already revealed their thoughts, which is why they both said at the same time to let Li Weijie compete.

Nevertheless, Li Weijie still felt a lot of pressure and thought that this decision was not appropriate. To ease his pressure a bit, he joked, "Ruotong if you want me to participate in the competition, you don't need to say that you have decided to let me 'go up'... um, the word 'go up' is very easy to misinterpret."

This comment startled Lin Ruotong and Xu Rong. They, who were discussing serious matters, did not immediately react. It is quite normal to say such things about programs, projects, or competitions, but they do not think about other implications at the moment.

"We've... decided... to let you go... What's wrong with that? Ah—! You little rascal, how dare you! 

Lin Ruotong repeated her words before understanding the meaning behind what Li Weijie said. Taking it out of context, it seemed like she was actively saying that she wanted Li Weijie to "go up"! And adults naturally understand what this "go up" means.

Feeling embarrassed, Lin Ruotong scolded him while playfully hitting his shoulder.

"You deserve it! You're becoming more and more dishonest," Xu Rong echoed, glaring at him.

Li Weijie innocently touched his shoulder. "I'm just correcting your language, no need to hit me so forcefully, right?"

The girls' actions were only to vent their annoyance and did not imply any deep grudge. Li Weijie was deliberately exaggerating to satisfy them and calm them down. Lin Ruotong knew the extent of her actions and, upon hearing his response, changed her tone coquettishly, "So you like being hit? Maybe I was too gentle?"

"Ok, let's finish the main point." Lin Ruotong realized they got sidetracked and tried to steer the conversation back on track.

"What about Liu Wei?" Li Weijie naturally longed for this opportunity, as it was every hair stylist's dream. Being able to participate in the regional selection meant they were already among the industry's elite. If they could represent the Chinese region at the Babylon Grand Prix, even if they did not win, it would still be a rare honor.

However, he did not want another personnel change at Seraphim when it was already unsettled. Liu Wei, who was usually low-key and not as prominent as Shen Mengli and Luo Feng, still had undeniable influence as one of Seraphim's top three designers. If he also left, it would inevitably take away a group of stylists and assistants with him. With Seraphim's already injured vitality, it would suffer a major blow.

Xu Rong smiled slightly and gave an understanding look, "Ajie, I know you are considering Seraphim's interests, and you don't want to affect Seraphim because of personal gain. This shows that I haven't misjudged you."

Lin Ruotong continued softly, "Ajie we don't have many reliable people left, let alone those with talent. Ah Li is one, and you are another."

"Liu Wei also wants to leave?" Li Weijie was surprised.

Xu Rong shook her head, "He hasn't made a decision yet. He has a weak desire for fame and fortune, it's just his personality. He would rather take the familiar route. If the conditions aren't too different, he will stay at Seraphim.

However, because of his non-competitive nature, it is difficult for him to make great progress. Liu Wei's performance at Seraphim has always been mediocre, and he can be considered a top-tier talent. However, that's all there is to it. His personality limits the further development of his potential."

Li Weijie was silent for a while, not sure what to say. With Xu Rong's insight and experience, along with working with Liu Wei for so long, she shouldn't have misjudged him. However, if it was really up to him and Ah Li to compete, working diligently for years and still being overshadowed by someone who has only been here for a few months would be hard for anyone to accept!

Xu Rong also seemed a little helpless. "Reality can be very cruel. In such a top-level competition, if you can only produce average work, you won't be able to impress the judges. The competition requires stunning works. Liu Wei's current thinking and ideas determine his limited potential, and he may not be able to wow the judges with his designs. So I would rather let you have a try.

Furthermore, you need to take time to train during this period, and Seraphim still needs someone to hold the fort. Liu Wei's influence and reputation are suitable for this role. Don't worry, I will talk to him, so you don't have to feel pressured."

Li Weijie nodded. The burden on his shoulders had suddenly become much heavier, and he felt the need to fulfill Xu Rong's expectations as well as justify the opportunity presented to him.

"Let's put it this way, our goal is not only the regional competition or hoping to enter the formal competition. We also hope to achieve a certain level of success at the Babylon Grand Prix, which will help us achieve our goals and bring influence and brand recognition to Seraphim, thus attracting high-end clients and talent." Lin Ruotong explained.

"And since there is only a slim chance for Liu Wei to pass the regional selection, we have to give up on him. Ah Li is the main force, and you are the wild card, so you don't have to be too nervous," Lin Ruotong frankly shared all their thoughts.

Li Weijie thought for a moment. This seemed to be the only way to go, why not take the opportunity? It would be a waste to forgo such a valuable chance, not only for himself but also for Seraphim. Instead of sacrificing for a favor, it was better to bravely face the challenge and achieve excellent results to prove everything!

"Rongjie, Ruotong, I understand. I know what to do now," Li Weijie's voice was not loud, but determined, like a promise.

Xu Rong and Lin Ruotong both smiled.

"I hope you can truly progress quickly. Your progress since joining Seraphim has been remarkable, especially in terms of concepts, it has already exceeded my level. What you need to do now is to quickly enhance your technical skills."

After some thought, Xu Rong continued, "Your basics are solid. Don't think too much about it now, or make it too complicated. Instead, focus on the ideas you have tonight. If you can truly understand the hearts of the customers and create works that truly satisfy and surprise them, that alone will make the judges take notice."

Li Weijie understood the implication of her words. Although he had been learning from Shen Mengli for some time, he still had many shortcomings. However, there was no time to address all these deficiencies one by one, so he could only make a breakthrough in one aspect.

That is, to no longer be distracted by learning other things and focus on quickly developing his unique strengths.