The Art of Teasing - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

In the eyes of the world, a witch-hag is hideous. To the creatures of the Dark River, a witch-hag is a guardian deity who shelters them. Her prestige grows with each passing year. Her appearance decays with each passing year. Compared to painting a seductive enchantress in the bloom of youth, she would rather paint an aged witch-hag venerated by the Dark River's lifeforms. But she is unwilling to hang the witch-hag painting out in public, to be condemned by the world's pointing fingers.

Aging is a problem every living being must face. When people grow old, their skin loosens, their muscles atrophy, their waists no longer stand straight, their backs no longer hold upright. Yet some people, when old, invite disgust and loathing; others, when old, command reverence and admiration.

Wen Zhengyu thought of herself. At twenty-six years of age, in the full bloom of life—when she reached seventy or eighty, what would her circumstances be then?

She could imagine the appearance she would have in old age, but she did not know what her life would have become.

Wen Zhengyu finished selecting the paintings and took her leave of Ye Ling.

Ye Ling glanced at the time—it was already the dinner hour. She sincerely invited Wen Zhengyu to stay for a meal.

Facing Ye Ling, Wen Zhengyu truly had no appetite. She said, "I have an appointment with Wen Li to discuss matters."

Ye Ling said, "If it's convenient, I would like to invite you and Wen Li to discuss the opening ceremony. I have reviewed the opening arrangements and have some thoughts."

Wen Zhengyu looked at Ye Ling with considerable surprise. You have thoughts and you didn't say so earlier? The opening ceremony schedule had long been settled—only two days remained until the opening and now she brought it up. But as the largest shareholder who had injected capital, Ye Ling's thoughts were not something Wen Zhengyu could afford to ignore. She pondered briefly and said, "Let me notify Wen Li first." She called Wen Li and explained she was at Ye Ling's place, needed to discuss the opening ceremony with Ye Ling, and would arrive a bit later.

Wen Li said, "Just come over together with Ye Ling."

Wen Zhengyu had no choice but to bring Ye Ling along.

The moment she slipped into the car, Ye Ling, documents in hand, also slipped into the car and sat beside her. Somewhat startled, she glanced at Ye Ling's car and saw Ye Ling's assistant getting into Ye Ling's vehicle.

Ye Ling handed the documents to Wen Zhengyu and asked, "Do you get dizzy reading documents in the car?"

Wen Zhengyu shook her head gently and replied, "No, I don't." She took the documents and glanced at them. The first thing she saw was a promotional brochure for an advertising company. She reviewed the enterprise introduction—it was a company established less than three years ago, though its registered capital was fairly substantial, and the partner organizations introduced in the brochure were all quite strong. After she finished reading the brochure, a rather thick volume titled Kunlun Art Studio Promotional and Marketing Strategy Plan appeared before her. She looked at Ye Ling with great surprise and asked, "What is this?"

Ye Ling said, "This is from an advertising company under my name. Do you recall that after you sent me the opening ceremony arrangements last month, I asked you for the studio's promotional strategy arrangements and related partnership plans?"

Wen Zhengyu nodded.

Ye Ling said, "The promotional intensity is somewhat weak. Never mind what comes later—let's just talk about the day of the opening ceremony. I've reviewed the invitation list you sent out, as well as the list of people you've noted have confirmed attendance, and I've also looked in detail into the influence these people hold in this industry. Their presence could turn the studio's opening ceremony into an industry grand event. For the studio, this is an extremely rare opportunity for large-scale promotion to establish its name and standing. But in terms of the studio's promotional intensity for that day, it's somewhat weak—insufficient to maximize the promotional effect of this opening ceremony." She paused, then said, "When I say the promotional intensity is weak, I'm not referring to the industry-internal side. I mean in terms of the external market, the customer base outside the industry."

Wen Zhengyu understood Ye Ling's meaning. One of the most crucial factors determining a painter's status was whether their paintings could command high prices. The ultimate purpose of operating an art studio was to generate profit. What could realize all of this was having people willing to spend money to buy paintings. What Ye Ling meant by this was essentially that promoting within the industry alone was of little use—promotion had to reach those beyond the artist community, those who could afford to buy paintings, to be effective.

Wen Zhengyu felt somewhat embarrassed that her work had been a bit inadequate. However, as a novice freshly venturing into the commercial domain, she was still quite appreciative that Ye Ling had pointed out the deficiencies and was helping her check for gaps and fill in omissions. She said to Ye Ling, "Let me review the strategy plan first."

Ye Ling smiled faintly, nodded gently, and responded, "All right."

Wen Zhengyu inadvertently caught sight of Ye Ling's eyes. She noticed that when Ye Ling smiled, her eyes curved, and the smile shone out from within them, suffusing her entire being with a touch of gentleness. When Ye Ling smiled, she was not so loathsome to behold.

Startled by the impropriety of her own thought, Wen Zhengyu guiltily averted her gaze and hurriedly leafed through the promotional strategy plan in her hands.

Wen Zhengyu had not expected that in her impression, Ye Ling could even be associated with the phrase "loathsome to behold." In reality, judging purely by Ye Ling's appearance, she very much conformed to mainstream contemporary aesthetics. Even viewed through the eyes of a painting industry professional, Ye Ling's facial proportions and figure proportions were excellent—if not achieving the golden ratio standard, they came very close. If Ye Ling could shed that overpowering and sharp business attire, change into a dress and dress up a little, she could be pulled out and used as a model. In terms of Ye Ling's conduct, the things she did could all be laid out on the table and spoken of openly and honorably, leaving no room for criticism. Therefore, in truth, Ye Ling could not be associated with "loathsome to behold."

Wen Zhengyu realized her mind had wandered and hurriedly pulled her thoughts back, turning her attention to the strategy plan in her hands.

She vaguely sensed that Ye Ling seemed to be looking at her. She turned her head toward Ye Ling and saw Ye Ling smile at her gently, saying, "Take your time reading, there's no rush."

Wen Zhengyu thought to herself, I'm reading the strategy plan—what are you looking at me for? But sitting in the car was rather boring, and it seemed Ye Ling had nothing much to look at besides people or the scenery outside the car. As a business partner, it was only natural for Ye Ling to want to gain some understanding of her, wasn't it?

Wen Zhengyu would rather bury her head in the documents than exchange pleasantries with Ye Ling.

She and Wen Li had arranged to discuss matters at a restaurant.

Wen Li was an extremely busy person, appearing and disappearing like a divine dragon who showed its head but not its tail. Her schedule was packed to the brim, and she could only squeeze out mealtime for Wen Zhengyu. Even her position as CFO at the art studio only involved steering the overall direction—she had assigned a finance manager to handle the day-to-day operations of the finance department.

It was thanks to Wen Li acting as her gatekeeper, helping her sort out the threads and build the organizational structure of the art studio, that Wen Zhengyu remained orderly amidst the chaos, avoiding fruitless busywork and total disarray.

When she and Ye Ling entered the private room, they saw Wen Li already seated on the sofa, looking at something on her laptop. Her hand propped up her chin, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk, an expression of deliberation on her face.

Wen Li lifted her head to glance at the two of them, said to the server, "Serve the dishes," then looked toward Ye Ling and said, "CEO Ye, I've reviewed the promotional strategy plan and contract you sent me." Her gaze swept over Wen Zhengyu as she added slowly, "The price you quoted is below the current market rate. Factor in future industry expansion, and there's no profit to be made on this deal."

Ye Ling very courteously pulled out a chair for Wen Zhengyu, inviting her to sit, then said to Wen Li, "As a shareholder in the art studio, I am also, in a sense, one of the bosses. Earning money from the right hand with the left hand—the money still ends up in my own pocket in the end. Offering a cost price is fine, as long as I don't take a loss."

Wen Li drew out an "Oh" full of meaning, then said to Wen Zhengyu, "Then we're reaping the benefits." She sat down beside Wen Zhengyu and glanced at her with a half-smile. "Let me tell you, CEO Ye holds a sixty-five percent stake in this media company."

Wen Zhengyu looked up at Ye Ling in astonishment. When the ownership stakes in two companies differed in proportion, the money earned from profits also differed—even a primary school student could calculate this.

Ye Ling said with complete forthrightness, "This bit of profit is nothing compared to the opportunity to enter a field I'm fond of and collaborate with a painter I admire."

Wen Zhengyu did not know the market rates in the advertising industry, but the pricing concession Ye Ling offered was no small sum. Judging from the strategy proposal, this was not about a one-time collaboration for the opening ceremony, but a strategic partnership for the long-term development of both enterprises. Although she wanted to make money, she was unwilling to take advantage of others. Only by safeguarding the interests of both parties could a better, long-term collaboration be achieved. She said to Ye Ling, "CEO Ye, would you consider adding your profit margin back in?"

Wen Li cast a somewhat helpless glance at the slow-on-the-uptake Wen Zhengyu and lifted her teacup to drink.

Wen Zhengyu saw no response from Ye Ling, only that Ye Ling's expression seemed a bit speechless. She then looked toward Wen Li and saw Wen Li burying her head in her tea. She asked, "Is there something amiss?"

Wen Li said, "No, you two talk. I'll... drink tea... drink soup."

Wen Zhengyu saw Ye Ling only looking at her without speaking. Not understanding what Ye Ling meant by this, she asked, "CEO Ye?"

Ye Ling revealed a smile and said, "Just call me Ye Ling."

Wen Li, who had been drinking soup with her head down, lifted her head to glance at Wen Zhengyu, then glanced at Ye Ling, and sighed inwardly with a touch of melancholy.

Wen Zhengyu responded with an "Mm" and looked at Ye Ling with a questioning expression.

Ye Ling said, "The fact that I can offer this price and this contract indicates that this is a price both I and the enterprise can accept."

Wen Zhengyu could not say much more. She could only express her thanks, then reviewed the contract she had not yet had time to read from beginning to end. Afterward, she asked Wen Li if she had reviewed the contract.

Wen Li said, "If you find it suitable, go ahead and sign. I have no objections."

Wen Zhengyu reviewed the contract once more. After confirming there was nothing inappropriate, she told Ye Ling she had not brought the company seal and arranged to meet Ye Ling at the art studio the next day to sign the contract. She also mentioned that she wanted to meet the project manager responsible for this assignment.

Ye Ling indicated there was no problem and asked Wen Zhengyu, "Then tomorrow at ten in the morning, I'll come find you at your office?"

Wen Zhengyu replied, "Fine."

After they finished eating, they moved to the sofa nearby to discuss the details of the opening ceremony.

The art studio was freshly established and short-staffed, so many matters had to be handled by Wen Zhengyu herself. Yet she lacked experience in this area and feared making mistakes, so she had Wen Li help her go over the details. Ye Ling, as the major shareholder, also wished to understand the relevant specifics and sat nearby, listening in.

She had drafted all the items to be addressed for the opening on a checklist and assigned tasks to various individuals, designating those responsible. The important matters had already been arranged and prepared properly, but she still worried about issues arising in the details—that tasks assigned might have omissions or the personnel assigned might be unsuitable. If any problems existed, adjustments had to be made quickly.

Wen Li reviewed everything, found no issues, and then passed it to Ye Ling to review.

Ye Ling read through it carefully, then smiled gently and said, "Very good."

Wen Zhengyu saw Ye Ling smiling so broadly that her eyes curved and felt very speechless. She grumbled inwardly, If it's very good, what are you smiling for? Is it that amusing? But since Wen Li said there were no problems, she would disregard whether Ye Ling's "very good" was sincere or merely polite.

On the day of the opening, her paternal uncles, cousins, elder male and female cousins, her master, Mr. Qi Qianshu, and a multitude of fellow disciples all came. Added to the guests invited by Wen Li and Ye Ling, the parking lot reserved and prepared in advance was not enough to accommodate all the vehicles, and the adjacent parking lot had to be temporarily rented as well. The congratulatory banners hung up made even Wen Zhengyu herself feel the enthusiastic atmosphere when she looked at them.

Of course, she knew perfectly well that so many people had come not for her sake but essentially for her grandfather's sake, Wen Li's sake, and Ye Ling's sake.

As for the people within the industry, she recognized virtually all of them. Even if she didn't recognize the person, hearing the name gave her a rough understanding. Those long-standing associates who had good relations with her grandfather, she also recognized. As for those in Ye Ling's and Wen Li's business circles, she didn't know them very well. Both Wen Li and Ye Ling were willing to introduce them to her, allowing her to become acquainted with quite a few people.

The schedule for the opening ceremony was almost entirely fixed. The only differences lay in the degree of formality and complexity and the nature of the related activities.

For the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the chairman of the Artists Association had been invited to cut the ribbon. After that came her speech on stage, followed by Ye Ling's and Wen Li's speeches.

Both she and Ye Ling had arranged for media to be present. A battery of long lenses and short lenses was set up, flashbulbs popping incessantly. Although in the past she had been unable to avoid being stared at and scrutinized, facing so many media outlets and video recording devices for the first time, she inevitably felt a bit awkward and nervous. Fortunately, she had been mentally prepared well in advance, so she delivered her speech fairly calmly and composedly. After she finished her speech, the emcee invited Ye Ling to the stage.

Wen Zhengyu prepared to step down from the stage. Seeing Ye Ling approach, she handed the microphone to Ye Ling.

Ye Ling took the microphone with one hand while smoothly hooking her other arm around Wen Zhengyu's arm, capturing her in place. She then struck a pose and greeted the news media side.

Wen Zhengyu immediately tensed up, her back ramrod straight. Pressed into service like a duck driven onto a perch, she had no choice but to cooperate with Ye Ling under the scrutiny of the crowd. She thought to herself, What is this supposed to be?

Facing the microphone, Ye Ling said with a slightly playful air, "At the last art exhibition, Zhengyu had important matters to attend to and was unable to be present, which left me quite regretful. Today, I've finally managed to catch hold of her." She then asked the media friends to help take a few more group photos.

Wen Zhengyu: "..." She very much wanted to ask Ye Ling, Are you short on group photos? If you'd said so earlier, if you'd said so earlier, I would have—I would have avoided you and not taken photos with you either.

Ye Ling, her face brimming with delight, announced to everyone, "From this day forward, Zhengyu and I are business partners. I believe that with the combined efforts of myself and Zhengyu, as well as—" She looked toward Wen Li as she spoke, saying, "Wen Li, CEO Wen, and with everyone's support, our art studio will surely thrive more and more..."

Wen Zhengyu turned her head toward Ye Ling, utterly speechless. She had never known that Ye Ling, who usually seemed taciturn, restrained, and even a bit neurotic, would become lively, playful, and even long-winded once on stage. The difference on stage and off was like two different people, the contrast so stark it was truly a bit—at this moment, she wholeheartedly agreed with Wen Li's remark that Ye Ling was a lunatic.

Wen Zhengyu was very exasperated. She did not want to stand there acting as a supporting foil and a green leaf. But this red flower was holding onto her and unwilling to let go. She could not simply shake off Ye the Red Flower and walk away—if she did, on the very day of the opening, rumors would spread that the art studio partners were at odds. She had no choice but to properly play the role of the green leaf, cooperating with Ye Ling and chiming in at the right moments. Thus, following the personal relationship as "close and intimate friends," she and Ye the Red Flower now also shared a financial relationship as "business partners."

Wen Zhengyu's inner mockery bubbled up like strings of foam, but she could not let a trace of it show on her face. She wore a proper smile and spoke appropriate words. She suddenly felt that if someday she no longer painted, perhaps she could even switch careers and become an actress.

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