Chapter 76: Invitation
Translator: _Min_
The shop assistant shook her head with a touch of regret in her eyes. “I’m sorry, miss, but Master Gu.D designed this dress based on her own measurements.”
Jiang Yue was about to complain, indignant at the small size, but her words caught in her throat when she heard the shop assistant’s explanation. Her face, however, betrayed her slight dissatisfaction.
Song Ling, noticing her discomfort, gently patted her head and asked the assistant, “Can the size not be altered?”
The shop assistant replied, “No, every petal of the skirt on this wedding dress was hand-sewn by Master Gu.D with exquisite technique. If we alter it, we won’t be able to restore its original beauty.”
Jiang Yue, though frustrated and unwilling, had no choice but to accept this and select another wedding dress. Although the one she ended up choosing was still stunning, it lacked the magic of the masterpiece in the store had.
Before leaving the wedding dress shop, Song Ling’s eyes lingered on the dress now returned to its prime position. A thought crossed his mind that Gu Dai might be able to wear it.
By the time the two left the shop, dusk had settled.
Jiang Yue, holding Song Ling’s arm, gazed up at him and softly suggested, “Brother Song Ling, I heard that a new Western restaurant opened nearby. The steak there is delicious. Let’s go…”
Before she could finish, Song Ling interrupted her, “I’m sorry, Yueyue, I have work to handle later, so I won’t be able to have dinner with you.”
Jiang Yue was momentarily taken aback and asked in confusion, “But you said you didn’t have work this afternoon?”
Song Ling’s brows furrowed, caught in a lie he had forgotten.
As he pondered how to soothe Jiang Yue, his phone rang, providing a timely interruption.
Song Ling quickly answered, “What’s up, Assistant Zhao?”
Zhao Xuan had prepared himself for an earful, knowing that he was interrupting Song Ling’s date with Jiang Yue. But he was surprised to detect a hint of joy in Song Ling’s typically emotionless voice.
Zhao Xuan informed, “Mr. Song, the Shi family is hosting a banquet tonight, and they have sent you an invitation. Will you attend?”
Song Ling’s response was affirmative, “Yes. 1’11 send you the address. Come pick me up.”
For a fleeting moment, Zhao Xuan doubted what he heard, thinking he must be hallucinating. After all, the Shi family had a good relationship with the Gu family, and a banquet hosted by them would certainly extend an invitation to Miss Gu Dai. Considering President Song’s recent disagreement with Miss Gu, Zhao Xuan had assumed that Song Ling would direct his anger at the Shi family and refuse the invitation.
Now it seemed, Zhao Xuan realized that his understanding had been too narrow, and he had misjudged the situation.
Close by, Jiang Yue overheard the conversation and asked after Song Ling hung up, “Can’t you not go?”
Song Ling, shaking his head, carefully explained, “The Shi family’s status is only second to the Song family. This banquet is a networking opportunity with other influential figures, which could lead to several partnerships. Furthermore, the Shi family patriarch’s health is poor, and since he was just discharged from the hospital, I should pay my respects.”
Jiang Yue’s eyes sparkled with understanding as she smiled, “Okay, go work, I won’t disturb you.”
Song Ling nodded.
Soon after, Zhao Xuan had driven over and Song Ling got into Zhao Xuan’s waiting car.
Leaning back and closing his eyes, he was left to ponder why he had felt so irritated during his time with Jiang Yue and why he had chosen to attend a banquet he didn’t need to.
Meanwhile, at Gu Group.
A young man with a crew cut, dressed in a suit, entered the office and placed an invitation on the desk. His ears reddened, and his voice shy as he informed, “Chairwoman Gu, this is an invitation from the Shi family.”
Gu Dai looked at Zheng Ming and smiled, “Good, you go first to prepare some gifts for Old Master Shi.”
Zheng Ming respectfully acknowledged.
After Zheng Ming left, Lin Sheng came in, his laughter hearty as he inquired, “Chairwoman Gu, do you find Zheng Ming to be a suitable candidate?”
Gu Dai’s approval was prompt, “He’s good. I’ve observed him for a day now. He’s efficient, serious, mature beyond his years, and not overly talkative. Let’s keep him for now.”
Lin Sheng nodded, “Alright.”
Then, he asked, “Chairman Gu, are you going to the Shi family’s banquet tonight?”
Gu Dai nodded, agreeing without hesitation, “Yes!”
She had intended to visit Old Master Shi after her busy schedule, but receiving an invitation had expedited the plan..