Chapter 15: Let Meng Shutang Come to My Office

Bai Cixian sneered, "It's been so long; my father never mentioned them, mother and daughter. Rest assured, he's long forgotten them."

While speaking, she lowered her eyes, saw the chain in Bai Lianyue's hand, took it, "What is this? So pretty!"

Bai Lianyue said, "This is Meng Shutang's award‑winning work; compared with Zhou Xingfan, it surpasses the master."

"Daughter, you've met an even stronger opponent."

Upon hearing, Bai Cixian tossed the chain back to Bai Lianyue, "Look closely, there's nothing special, quite ordinary."

Bai Lianyue smiled lightly, "Facing an opponent directly lets you see her strengths and flaws."

"Don't clash with her things; knowing yourself and the enemy leads to victory in every battle."

Bai Cixian took it, examined it a few times, then in a petulant mood flung the chain onto the table.

She knew Meng Shutang's strength; it was evident when Fanstarl Studio outperformed many rivals and stood out in the Gu Clan Wenlüxiaozhen project.

At that time, she made great efforts just to prevent Fanstarl from getting the project.

Who could have known that in the end, Gu Yunci made the final decision and chose her.

Bai Lianyue looked at her daughter worriedly, brushed her falling hair behind her ear, "Tell me, why did you leave in anger three years ago?

You could have made it easy, but you insisted… you walked the path Mom walked again."

Bai Cixian stared at the bracelet on the table.

"Mother, her mother is your defeated subordinate; she will also be mine."

Bai Lianyue said, "As long as you think so."

……

"Sister Sweetie, you're right. I asked my fellow townsfolk privately about what caused the exhibition stand to collapse that day at the Wenlüxiaozhen."

"Guess what, a man named Wang Bin didn't even take his wages and left that day."

"The townsfolk gave me his family's phone; I called, and his relatives said Wang Bin hasn't returned home."

"I guess Wang Bin must be hiding."

Ruan An said to Meng Shutang early in the morning.

Meng Shutang nodded, "Alright, have your fellow townsfolk keep investigating."

Meng Shutang had seen the design plans for the stand.

Even if you poured cement on it, it should be fine; how could placing a few ancient pearls cause it to collapse!

So, someone must have tampered with it.

"Do I need to go with you to the Gu Clan collection exhibition later?" Ruan An organized the documents and handed them to Meng Shutang.

The thought of meeting Gu Yunci gave Meng Shutang a headache.

"If Chen Man were here, it would be great; at least she could stand in for me."

But Ruan An is just a junior apprentice; she couldn't handle such a scene.

"No need, review the different dynasty bracelet styles and crafts I taught you yesterday; when you return, I will test you."

Ruan An nodded, stood at attention, and said, "I guarantee to complete the task."

Meng Shutang grabbed her bag and went to the Gu Clan collection exhibition center.

Before getting close, she saw Gu Yunci and Bai Cixian standing side by side from afar; her calm gaze swept over them, feeling no ripple inside.

The exhibition hadn't started yet, so she casually found a seat and reviewed the material she would explain.

Being a guide at the collection exhibition was one of her part‑time jobs.

She was intimately familiar with these, but meticulousness was her professional habit.

Regardless of the scale of the stage, she always approaches it with boundless enthusiasm, as if it were her first time.

Fifteen minutes later, Qin Zheng came over, "Teacher Meng, President Gu called."

Meng Shutang walked over, Gu Yunci introduced her to today's distinguished guests, "Director Wang, Elder Pang, Director Zhang, this is Meng Shutang from Fanstarl Studio, also our specially invited ancient pearl appraiser for this exhibition. Her professional knowledge is solid, and she just won first prize in a highly authoritative ancient pearl competition."

"Next, she'll give a dedicated presentation for you all."

After finishing, he turned to Meng Shutang, "Shutang, this is Director Wang of the Provincial Culture and Tourism Bureau overseeing non‑heritage, this is Elder Pang, a titan of the cultural relic collecting world, and this is Director Zhang, founder of the private museum in Yancheng."

Meng Shutang gave a slight nod, politely greeted the seniors, "Greetings, I am Meng Shutang. I will now explain for you all; if I fall short, please advise."

She was confident and generous, speaking fluently.

Gu Yunci watched her radiant demeanor, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

Bai Cixian stood beside Gu Yunci, smiling obediently, but her bright eyes hid calculations.

Six months ago, when she returned to the country, she heard that Gu Yunci was getting a divorce.

She truly couldn't understand; it's been half a year, why hasn't it been finalized yet?

Last time, she intended to use the chrysanthemum exhibition to end the Fanstarl–Gu Clan cooperation within this month.

That scoundrel Meng Shutang shortened the restoration period to only four days.

"No, I can't just sit and wait to die."

"Meng Shutang, she can't appear so frequently in front of Brother Yunci anymore."

When Meng Shutang began explaining the ancient pearls, she took over from a staff member.

Acting as Meng Shutang's temporary assistant.

As she approached, Meng Shutang instinctively cast a glance.

In that glance, she saw Bai Cixian supporting the tray, while a fingertip lightly tapped and loosened the pearl string's clasp, and the other hand lowered the tray.

She recalled something and instinctively tried to protect.

But the incident happened suddenly, giving her no chance to remedy; the pearl string slipped instantly, and with a bang, the pearls scattered everywhere.

In an instant, everyone was stunned.

Meng Shutang also stood there dumbfounded.

This is the biggest mistake she has made since she started working.

Bai Cixian nimbly picked up each pearl from the ground and placed them back in the tray, "Meng Teacher, how could you be so careless? These are our collection's treasures."

What difficulty have you encountered, to be in such a state?"

Meng Shutang looked at her, "It's you……."

She hadn't finished speaking when Gu Yunci interrupted, "Sorry, everyone, an unexpected situation— the explainer will be replaced right away."

Having said that, he gave Meng Shutang a cold look and said, "You may leave now!"

Meng Shutang stood there still wanting to explain, but Bai Cixian walked over, took the little bee from her, and said, "Meng Teacher, saying more won't help."

In such an important occasion, making a mistake— explaining will only make Yunci brother think you're dodging responsibility, and he'll dislike you even more.

If I were you, I'd smartly hurry away."

Although Bai Cixian was being spiteful, Meng Shutang knew she was right.

She didn't explain further, turned and left.

Qin Zheng had found a substitute explainer, but after glancing at the ancient pearl, she said to Gu Yunci, "President Gu, I'm not very familiar with this pearl……."

Seeing this, Bai Cixian spoke softly, "President Gu, let me give it a try— don't delay the business."

"You speaking clearly? Don't cause trouble!" the man said in a deep voice, taking the little bee from her hand and putting it on himself, then receiving the tray from a staff member and walking over to several seniors, saying, "This set of ancient pearls is from the Southern Song; the pearl's color infiltration is a typical blend of water and soil infiltration; although it slipped just then, it's actually not damaged at all."

His speech was steady and precise, from the pearl's material to its craftsmanship, quickly drawing everyone's attention back from the earlier disturbance to the proper proceedings.

Meng Shutang had already reached the door, but hearing his familiar explanation, she briefly turned her gaze back.

Bai Cixian looked at Gu Yunci with an adoring expression, peripherally confirming Meng Shutang's departure, and gave a faint smile.

After the explanation ended, Gu Yunci saw the seniors off, also saying that today's hospitality had been lacking and he would certainly make amends later.

As soon as those few got into their cars and left, he immediately put on a cold face and said, "Have Meng Shutang come to my office."