Shen Qingqing couldn't be bothered to reply, so she got up and left.
Since the organizers were not going to see her, she decided to seek them out. She knew the person in charge's office was on the second floor and headed straight for the elevator.
She pushed the door open without hesitation. The person in charge, a man in his thirties, frowned upon seeing her. "Miss, did you not knock before entering?"
Shen Qingqing got straight to the point. "I am Shen Qingqing."
The person in charge had a sudden realization. "Ah, it's you. What brings you here?"
What a loaded question! Nevertheless, Shen Qingqing answered, "You called me to inform me that my work was suspected of infringement."
"Yes, that's why your work was taken down."
"But I don't accept that."
Shen Qingqing hadn't even seen any solid evidence. Furthermore, she knew her own work inside and out. "Is notifying me with just one text message not too perfunctory?"
"Then I'll notify you in person now."
The man seemed amiable, but he deliberately avoided addressing the issue of infringement.
Shen Qingqing placed her hands on the desk, her sharp gaze fixed on him. "I'm not here to be notified. I'm here to get an explanation."
"What explanation do you want?"
"Evidence."
The man feigned understanding and typed a few keys on his keyboard, turning the computer screen towards her. "See for yourself."
Shen Qingqing glanced at it a few times and then flew into a rage. It turned out their so-called infringement was to falsely accuse her work, which had a strong Hua Guo style, of belonging to another country.
She was so angry she laughed. "This is our Hua Guo culture. Since when did it become Country H's?"
"I apologize. After thorough investigation, this is indeed Country H's culture. Without their consent, no one can present this style in an international competition."
The man turned the computer back and closed the page. He spoke without a hint of guilt.
Shen Qingqing finally understood. This was a setup targeting her. Her eyes glinted with hostility, and she said word by word, "I will not let this go."
The man was startled by her, and in a fit of pique, asked, "Are you threatening me?"
"I'm merely informing you."
The man felt ashamed that he was actually intimidated by a woman. Angrily, he declared, "Since you don't accept it, you don't need to participate in our competition anymore. From now on, your work is completely disqualified!"
Shen Qingqing stared directly at him.
The man felt a chill run down his spine. "Why are you looking at me? Are you planning to hit me?"
He tensed up, even considering calling the police if she dared to make a move, and having her sent to jail.
But Shen Qingqing turned and left.
The man watched her leave the room, still in disbelief. She just left like that?
When Shen Qingqing returned to the hotel, news of her work being disqualified had already spread. She didn't pay much attention, but unexpectedly, she ran into CEO Fang in the hotel lobby.
"CEO Fang, what brings you here?"
CEO Fang looked sympathetic. "I know what happened to you. I believe you. I believe you wouldn't do such a thing."
Shen Qingqing felt a warmth spread through her heart. "Thank you."
CEO Fang glanced at the bustling lobby. This wasn't the place to talk, so he said, "Shall we find somewhere else to talk?"
"Okay."
They walked one after another into the lounge on the left side of the lobby. There were few people inside. As soon as they entered, they asked for two cups of coffee to be brought over.
This hotel was a comprehensive establishment for dining and entertainment, offering everything.
"Try it, the coffee here is good." Shen Qingqing picked up her coffee and took a sip. She was a discerning eater, and this was the first time she had encountered coffee that suited her taste so well.
CEO Fang took a sip and nodded in satisfaction. "It tastes good."
"CEO Fang, are you not just here to comfort me today?" Shen Qingqing asked.
"Of course not. I don't think you need my comfort either." CEO Fang knew her well and had seen a lot of her information. He admired a young woman for achieving so much. "I wanted to ask if you need any help."
His status could serve as proof that she was a renowned designer from Hua Guo.
With such a background and so many internationally acclaimed works, there was no need for her to resort to such acts, nor would she stoop to infringing on another country's culture.
Shen Qingqing refused, however. "No, I can't clarify things in that way."
Seeing her conviction, appreciation flashed in CEO Fang's eyes. "Very good. Then, can our collaboration continue? I hope you can design for our company's products."
Shen Qingqing was curious. "Why do you insist on collaborating with me?"
"Because I've researched your life story and seen your work. I have great faith in your talent and design capabilities." To secure the collaboration, CEO Fang even offered generous compensation. "I'm willing to double the previously agreed-upon remuneration. Please consider it."
Shen Qingqing hesitated. "But we had already signed for a one-time collaboration..."
"Then we'll sign another one." CEO Fang indicated that this was not a problem. "How about this, I'll give you some time to consider. I'll go back and prepare the contract. If you've made up your mind, give me a call anytime." httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"May I ask what product you want me to design for?"
"Infant supplies."
Shen Qingqing had a child herself, and upon hearing those words, her hesitation lessened considerably. "Then please wait for my call."
CEO Fang smiled in satisfaction. "No problem."
As they were talking, Fu Jingshu arrived.
He pulled Shen Qingqing up and looked at CEO Fang. "Excuse us, we have something to attend to. We'll take our leave now."
CEO Fang smiled politely. "Goodbye."
Shen Qingqing passively followed him until they entered the room, where she finally explained, "We were just discussing a collaboration. He wants me to design an infant product for him."
Fu Jingshu's steps abruptly halted.
"Do you think I'm jealous?"
"... Aren't you?"
Fu Jingshu glanced at her, neither confirming nor denying, and turned to walk towards the sofa. Shen Qingqing followed him with a puzzled expression, unable to help but ponder.
Did she guess wrong?
Fu Jingshu said, "I'm not jealous."
She also sat down. "Then why? It couldn't be because you dislike CEO Fang, right?"
He fell silent.
Shen Qingqing blinked. "I guessed right? Why?"
"Don't collaborate with him," Fu Jingshu said something completely irrelevant.
"Why?" Shen Qingqing frowned slightly. "He seems like a decent person, and he admires my design work. He even helped me when Lin Minglan caused trouble before."
"A little favor and you're swayed?"
"What do you mean by 'a little favor'? What kind of condescending tone is that?" Shen Qingqing was unhappy, feeling a sarcastic undertone. "I just think he's a good person, and the collaboration should be reliable."
"Do you make decisions based on your feelings?" Fu Jingshu asked indifferently.
Shen Qingqing felt a little uncomfortable. "Can you stop speaking so sarcastically? You said you weren't jealous, so why are you making these snide remarks?"
Fu Jingshu choked.
After a while, he softened his expression and said in a low voice, "I'm doing this for your own good."
"Then tell me why."
"There's a problem with his products," he stated bluntly.