Qin He was lost in thought when her phone vibrated again. Gu Qichen had sent her a notice for the competition.
This was the most authoritative competition in the industry, with live broadcasts from over a dozen domestic and international media outlets.
The competition was held every three years, and this time it was China's turn, specifically Jiangcheng.
It was quite a coincidence. If it were overseas, it would have been inconvenient for her to travel, especially now that she had Lele.
Qin He frowned, perusing the notices from previous competitions.
Historically, all participants were subject to a period of managed isolation. It wasn't as strict as a military camp, but it was to prevent cheating. The daily lives of the perfumers would be broadcast live, which had a certain entertainment aspect.
"Jiangcheng, half a month—"
Qin He rested her chin in her hand, contemplating.
Before long, Ming Yuzhu descended from the second floor.
"Gu Qichen left?"
"Mm-hmm." Qin He looked up at her mother. "Didn't you go back to your room? How did you know?"
Ming Yuzhu glanced at Qin He. "I couldn't possibly leave you alone with him. I just saw his car drive away from the balcony."
Qin He nodded. The nanny at the side happened to bring Lele out.
Ming Yuzhu immediately took the little one and chatted with Qin He. "What did Gu Qichen say to you?"
"What else? He wants to collaborate with our family to create a spice brand," Qin He said nonchalantly.
Ming Yuzhu frowned slightly. "You didn't agree, did you?"
"It's a good thing, why wouldn't I agree?" Qin He smiled.
"You agreed?"
"Mm-hmm."
Ming Yuzhu, holding Lele, scrutinized her daughter's expression.
"You know, if we cooperate with the Gu Corporation again, you and Gu Qichen will inevitably have to meet. Have you considered this?"
"I know, but business is business and personal is personal. Mom, you said it yourself before, Qingcheng is this small, we'll have to see each other sooner or later. Besides, why not make money if it's available?"
Ming Yuzhu shook her head. "Our family isn't short of money. If you've really thought it through and don't want any more entanglement with Gu Qichen, then it's better not to take this cooperation."
Qin He smiled faintly. "It's not just about the money. What I value most is the development of the industry. In the luxury market, the status of spices is gradually being replaced by perfumes. Mom, you know I'm a perfumer. I want to see our traditional craftsmanship and culture flourish."
Perhaps it was just a dream, but one had to strive to have hope.
Ming Yuzhu sighed softly.
"Whatever you choose, He'er. No matter what decision you make, Mom just hopes you'll follow your heart. As long as it's what you truly desire, Mom and your brother will support you."
Qin He's heart warmed, and she leaned against Ming Yuzhu.
"I know, Mom."
Lele, in Ming Yuzhu's arms, whimpered and reached out for Qin He to hold him.
Qin He looked at her fair and tender son, feeling a pang of reluctance.
Not seeing Lele for half a month would be agonizing.
Qin He didn't go into too much detail with Ming Yuzhu. In the evening, Qin Yun returned, and Xu Wanwan came with him.
After dinner, they all sat on the sofa.
Qin He then told the three of them about the program she needed to participate in.
"Going to Jiangcheng?" Qin Yun's brow immediately furrowed. "Isn't that a bit unsafe?"
"Brother, don't worry. I've checked. This program is broadcast live the entire time," Qin He signaled to Qin Yun with her eyes.
Even if those behind the scenes wanted to make a move, they wouldn't dare under the watchful eyes of the live cameras.
Xu Wanwan, on the other hand, was brimming with excitement.
"Going to Jiangcheng sounds great. He'er, why don't I accompany you? It's only for half a month, I can treat it as a short trip."
As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Yun interrupted her.
"The wedding is still three months away. You have a lot of preparations to do now and no time to go to Jiangcheng." Qin Yun gave her a knowing look, his meaning clear.
Xu Wanwan pouted.
"I have—"
Qin He found it amusing. Xu Wanwan, who was usually fearless, was surprisingly afraid of Qin Yun.
Perhaps it was a case of one person taming another.
"I can go by myself. I've also reviewed the rules of past competitions, and they should allow perfumers to bring an assistant." Qin He smiled.
"Who are you planning to bring? You don't have an assistant," Ming Yuzhu asked.
Qin He smiled. "I'll bring Di Shishi."
"Di Shishi?" Ming Yuzhu sounded confused. "Isn't that your assistant from the company? She probably doesn't know much about perfumery, but she can help out."
"It's good enough if she can help out." Qin He looked at her brother, whose expression had indeed softened slightly.
Ming Yuzhu didn't know Di Shishi's identity, but Qin Yun did.
With Di Shishi by her side, she would be very safe.
However, if she were away from home for half a month, leaving Wanfang Lun at home might not be entirely safe.
Should she bring it?
Qin He thought about it. She had been updating Wanfang Lun on the medical forum, and it was now halfway complete.
During the update period, she hadn't encountered any significant resistance. Moreover, more and more TCM scholars had discovered its value and were urging her to continue.
This indicated that those coveting Wanfang Lun were not after its medicinal recipes, but the book itself.
It was better to bring it along.
As Qin He was contemplating, Lele whimpered again beside her.
She looked at the adorable Lele with a touch of heartache.
"Just going to Jiangcheng, and I won't see Lele for half a month. My little darling—"
Qin He hugged Lele and kissed him several times.
The four of them chatted for a while. Xu Wanwan secretly tugged at Qin He.
The two of them returned to the bedroom on the second floor. After entering the room, Xu Wanwan spoke softly.
"He'er, if you go participate in that program, what about your brother's illness?"
Qin He smiled. "Don't worry, I'm only going for half a month. By the time I get back, the review by the drug administration should be approved. I'll be able to perform surgery for my brother then."
Xu Wanwan nodded. "You really don't want me to go to Jiangcheng with you? I heard there's a very famous beach there. If your competition program is filmed in Jiangcheng, it's highly likely it'll be there."
"What beach?" Qin He asked curiously.
"Pink Beach, in a small town north of Jiangcheng."
Qin He nodded. Going to Jiangcheng also had its advantages.
Besides bringing Di Shishi, Mo was also from Jiangcheng. At least once she got there, her safety would be well-guaranteed.
They chatted for a while before Xu Wanwan left.
She and Qin Yun weren't married yet, so she had to return to the Xu family at night. Qin Yun saw Xu Wanwan off.
Qin He snuggled on the sofa on the bedroom balcony, watching the car leave. She picked up her phone and sent Di Shishi a message.
Qing Xie: 【@Di Shi, have your relatives all left? Do you have time recently?】
Di Shi: 【What's the matter? Speak.】
Qing Xie: 【I might be going to Jiangcheng for a while next month. I'd like you to come with me.】
Mo: 【???】
Mo: 【You're coming to my turf. Aren't you going to inform me first?】