Chapter 22: Your Name

After entering, Jian Qing found a small private room tucked away in a corner. Though it was less than a hundred square meters, the space felt warm and tasteful, especially with a full view of the twin towers across the river. The client had not yet arrived and had not provided a real name, instead using the alias "Miss Shuang."

Jian Qing didn’t much care who the client really was; as a designer, she only pursued the most perfect design. The freshly brewed tea, made from just-picked leaves, was neither astringent nor bitter, but crisp and refreshing. As Jian Qing was about to pour herself another cup, the client arrived.

"Designer Fu?"

"Hello, Miss Shuang." Jian Qing rose and turned to see a charming, lively young woman whose expressions danced as she spoke, reminiscent of a little rabbit.

"Designer Fu, I have a very important gathering to attend next Sunday. I’ll only feel reassured if you design these earrings for me."

Li Shuang produced a loose gemstone with a dazzling color. Jian Qing put on gloves and examined it, about to decline when the words caught in her throat.

"Miss Shuang, this stone has an excellent foundation. Any other designer could create a stunning piece with it as well. Our job is merely to reveal its best qualities, and as it is, it’s already exceptional. I—"

"Designer Fu, among the guests at the banquet is someone very important to me. I think you know what I mean—who doesn’t want to show their best side in front of someone they care for?"

As she spoke, Li Shuang took an invitation from her bag and placed it at Jian Qing’s side.

"I’d like to invite you to the banquet as well, Designer Fu. I think this is a rare opportunity for you."

Jian Qing opened the invitation, tracing the embossed patterns on the paper, and paused as her gaze landed on the words "Li Family Birthday Banquet" written in bold, sweeping calligraphy.

She straightened slightly in her seat. This invitation was worth far more than any payment.

Closing the velvet jewelry box and placing it in her bag, Jian Qing did not refuse.

"Very well, but the earliest I can deliver is next Friday. If you can accept that, I’ll start work as soon as I get home."

"No problem, I trust you, Designer Fu."

Li Shuang didn’t stay long—she had to attend the Dute Development dinner next door, arranged by Du Yu.

"Take your time, Designer Fu. I have some things to attend to this evening. The bill’s already settled, and I ordered every dish on the menu. If you’d like more, just let them know and put it on my tab."

"Thank you, Miss Shuang. The food here truly is exceptional."

After seeing Li Shuang out, Jian Qing walked with her through the corridor outside the private room and turned a corner—only to see two tall men squeezed together, deep in conversation.

It was Li Shuang who called out first.

"Brother!"

The man on the left, dressed in a casual suit, turned his head first.

When Li Jingche saw Li Shuang and Jian Qing together, he raised one eyebrow—what was going on here?

Before he could say anything, Li Shuang bounded toward him. But before she could throw herself into his arms, Li Jingche discreetly pushed He Jiangyu in front of himself.

"Your sister’s calling you."

Li Shuang bumped straight into He Jiangyu’s chest, and the two of them grimaced—one clutching her head, the other his chest.

"Wait, Che—"

"What are you doing here?" Jian Qing was a little surprised. She glanced at the trio, her gaze finally lingering on Number 33.

Li Jingche took two steps to Jian Qing’s side, then turned to He Jiangyu.

"I work here part-time. This gentleman’s clothes were stained by wine earlier, so I brought him to change."

Li Shuang had no idea what her brother was up to and sneaked a glance at He Jiangyu.

He Jiangyu quickly caught on and patted Li Shuang’s head.

"You’re always so reckless. Go wait for me in the private room."

Once Li Shuang had been sent off, He Jiangyu straightened his jacket.

"Hello, Miss, are you a friend of Shuang’er?"

He didn’t know what name to use, unwilling to reveal his identity, so he avoided using Li Shuang’s full name. After speaking, he shot a furtive glance at Li Jingche to make sure he hadn’t slipped up.

But Jian Qing was in a bit of a bind herself.

With "Miss Shuang" just now, she had been using the name Fu Zhuo.

Now, in the presence of Number 33, she needed to use her real name.

After a moment’s hesitation, Jian Qing reached out to shake He Jiangyu’s hand.

"Hello, I am—"

"Jiangyu, there you are!"

"Mr. He? Mr. He, I saw Qingqing downstairs and thought you’d called her over. Did you two have a quarrel?"

Moments earlier, as soon as He Jiangyu entered the private room, Li Jingche had pulled him out. Ren Yishan, arriving just after, hadn’t seen him and pestered Xiao Yuncheng to help look. They’d run into the ever-helpful Du Yu, who led them out together—just in time to witness the scene.

A chill ran down He Jiangyu’s spine as he noticed Li Jingche’s expression grow colder. He wasn’t sure if he should turn around.

"Mr. He?" Ren Yishan called again.