Two years later.Early morning.
The first thing Wen Ran did upon waking was open her laptop to check emails.The cross-border reply had arrived.
The response was impeccably polite yet ended with the icy conclusion: "Unable to assist you."
Wen Ran opened the video saved on her desktop.This was an interview program she'd stumbled upon last week.The interviewee was Yan Wangshu, CMO of 'Carlisle'.
Wen Ran had remembered both this man's black diamond accessories and his name, prompting her to watch the program more carefully.During the interview conducted at Yan Wangshu's private residence, he showcased his precious collections. Among them was a traditional filigree incense box named "Fullness of Wealth."
"Fullness of Wealth" was the work of Wen Ran's grandfather.
Her grandfather had been a master of traditional filigree craftsmanship. When she was young, he'd used this exquisite incense box to store her colored stones.With her father showing no talent for the craft, her grandfather had doted on Wen Ran since her childhood aptitude became apparent.
He would often cradle her in his wooden rocking chair, saying he'd teach her filigree techniques when she grew older, urging "Ran Ran needs to grow up quickly."But illness shows no mercy, waiting for no one's growth.
Having rushed to America years ago, Wen Ran didn't know what had happened to her grandfather's relics. She never imagined the incense box would end up with Yan Wangshu.
Wen Ran wanted to buy back the incense box.Posing as a customer, she called Carlisle's customer service to inquire about purchasing it, only to receive the response: "The incense box isn't for sale. Further inquiries required."
After two days of waiting, they reiterated it wasn't available without explanation.Undeterred, she emailed Carlisle headquarters, receiving the same cold reply she'd just read - "Unable to assist you."
Depressed, Wen Ran sat idle in her studio all morning, unable to focus on anything.
In the afternoon, she went to see Bai Weiliang.Bai Weiliang's spacious studio contained seven workbenches.
As Wen Ran helped tidy the workspace, she mentioned: "Teacher, I heard Xinyi is back. I want to visit her tonight and might not return."
Bai Weiliang set down his tools, feigning sternness: "You should socialize more. Staying cooped up in the studio isn't healthy."
Suddenly remembering something, he waved her over: "Come here, I need to tell you something."
Wen Ran sat down beside him.
Bai Weiliang: "Ran Ran, you know the company plans to enter the domestic market, right?""I know."
"The groundwork is laid. It should happen within two years. This is my lifelong dream." He sighed heavily. "Ran Ran, you're grown now. You need to prepare for joining the company.""Okay."
"I'm getting old, my health declining daily. If I don't live to see that day, you and Chengjing must fulfill my hopes."
Having never married or had children, Bai Weiliang cherished Wen Ran as his own granddaughter. Compared to Zhai Chengjing, his mentorship of Wen Ran had always been more lenient.
When Wen Ran struggled to adapt to American schools, he hired private tutors. When she expressed interest in jade carving, he brought in master carvers.
Though confident he'd paved her professional path, he still worried.
Looking at Bai Weiliang's age-spotted face, Wen Ran bent to embrace him: "Teacher, don't say such things. You'll live a long life."
Bai Weiliang patted her back affectionately: "Weren't you going to see Xinyi? Don't dawdle here."
Turning back to his workbench, the elderly man hunched over his wax mold with renewed focus.
Zhai Xinyi was starting at the company next week. Using this as an excuse, she dragged Wen Ran shopping for new clothes and manicures.
Only after Wen Ran's repeated urging did they return to the Zhai residence after dinner.
Upon entering, Wen Ran asked: "Has Senior Brother returned?""Not sure." Zhai Xinyi answered absently, then froze mid-shoe removal, eyes widening. "Wen Ran! You don't like my brother, do you?!"
Impossible!Wen Ran flushed crimson, retorting sharply: "Stop talking nonsense!"
"Look how red your face is!" Zhai Xinyi poked Wen Ran's arm excitedly. "No wonder you wanted to visit! No wonder kept hurrying home! Ran Ran, no secrets between us—do you like him? Do you?!"
Now even her neck burning, Wen Ran covered Xinyi's mouth in flustered anger: "Shut up! I don't!"
During their playful tussle, the front door opened.
Zhai Chengjing surveyed them: "What's going on here?"
Zhai Xinyi pushed the blushing Wen Ran forward: "Brother, Ran Ran's been waiting ages for you."
Stumbling from the push, unsure if he'd heard Xinyi's teasing, Wen Ran awkwardly stated her purpose: "Senior Brother, I need your help with something."
Zhai Chengjing nodded: "Let's discuss in the study."
In the study, Wen Ran explained her attempts to purchase the filigree box.
After listening, Zhai Chengjing offered: "I'll inquire for you.""Thank you, Senior Brother."
He cautioned: "But don't get your hopes up. You know Carlisle's expanding in North America while we're entering the domestic market—we're competitors. Whether Yan Wangshu will grant this favor is uncertain. Perhaps Teacher Bai should intervene?"
Wen Ran shook her head. Someone of her teacher's stature hadn't traded favors in decades. She wouldn't be so presumptuous.
Zhai Chengjing changed subjects: "Teacher mentioned arranging your company position this year?""Yes."
"Any thoughts?"Wen Ran shook her head. She trusted her teacher's arrangements completely.
"Focus on design. Leave other matters to us. It's family business—don't overthink it." Noting her anxiety, he added: "I'll push about Yan Wangshu. Money's no object. Don't worry."
Wen Ran nodded absently.
Two days later, Zhai Chengjing informed her Yan Wangshu refused to sell—Carlisle had designated the incense box as the grand prize for their upcoming Apollo Jewelry Design Competition.
Researching the Apollo Competition, Wen Ran learned it was Carlisle's internal designer contest. Winning entries would be auctioned publicly—part publicity stunt, part showcase for new seasonal designs.
When Zhai Xinyi heard this, she clapped excitedly: "Just enter the competition then!"
Though Xinyi said it flippantly, Wen Ran took it seriously.
One month later.Wen Ran approached Zhai Xinyi with news: she'd submitted designs to Carlisle and received an offer.
Xinyi choked on her coffee, coughing violently before recovering.
"You're actually doing this? They're our rivals!" Her momentary concern gave way to amusement. "But it sounds thrilling—my little spy Ran Ran!"
"Don't joke! I'll work properly and come back once I get the box."
"Just teasing." Xinyi grew serious. "But you can't tell Grandpa Bai or my brother. They'd never agree."
"I know. That's why I came to you."
Xinyi sipped her coffee: "You already decided. Now you want me as accomplice."
Wen Ran didn't deny it. Having always been obedient, this rebellion left her both guilty and fearful.
Noticing Wen Ran fidgeting, Xinyi laughed: "Ran Ran, I support you.""...""I love seeing you misbehave." Xinyi found her adorable like this.
Wen Ran: "...You have to help me."Xinyi vowed grandly: "OK! Leave America to me."
The night before returning to China, Wen Ran baked Bai Weiliang's favorite cinnamon rolls.
Enjoying pastries with tea, the unaware mentor dispensed advice:"Traveling is good. Objectively, you're talented but stagnant in design lately.""Your introverted nature limits inspiration. New experiences may spark breakthroughs.""I know veteran Chinese artisans. Visit them if interested—just let me arrange introductions."
Ultimately sentimental, he added: "Return early if unhappy. Your current skills already ensure industry standing. Don't pressure yourself."
Wen Ran nodded eagerly. She hoped to retrieve the heirloom and gain design inspiration for future company contributions.
Next morning, Zhai Chengjing personally drove her to the airport.On the wide, sparse airport road, even 100 km/h felt slow.
Leaning against the window watching jet trails dissipate, Wen Ran felt both reluctance and anxiety. She glanced at Xinyi, who squeezed her hand reassuringly.
At the airport, while Zhai Chengjing handled luggage, Xinyi embraced Wen Ran:"Come back if unhappy. We'll find another way for the box.""Okay.""I fear you being bullied overseas. By the time I fly over, you might already..."
Wen Ran laughed despite herself: "Must you be so morbid?"
Xinyi grinned mischievously: "Then I wish you a romantic adventure!"
Wen Ran pinched her waist: "More nonsense!"
Spotting Zhai Chengjing approaching, Xinyi yelped: "Angry because it's true? Maybe you really..."
Wen Ran desperately covered her mouth: "Shh! Senior Brother's coming!"
Zhai Chengjing handed over documents: "Call home if any trouble.""I will."
At security, Xinyi whispered: "Don't get fooled by bad men.""Enough!"
Loud enough to draw stares in the English-speaking airport, Xinyi shouted: "Don't trust handsome strangers!"
Wen Ran's last glimpse was of Zhai Chengjing knocking Xinyi's head in reprimand.
Twelve hours later, the plane descended through cloudy skies.Shanghai—international metropolis, China's economic powerhouse.
First time in this city, Wen Ran waited curbside in the rain with her luggage, texting family of her safe arrival.
When her arranged driver failed to appear, she called.The panicked voice explained: "Miss Wen! Terrible accident ahead—traffic control."
"Any estimated time?"After muffled discussions, he answered: "Unclear. Maybe try taxis?"
Hanging up, Wen Ran asked directions and trudged through rain, suitcase in tow.
Seven minutes later, she paused to wipe her damp forehead, unsure if lost or misdirected.
A white sedan pulled up, young man leaning out: "Need a ride? Free—just want friends."
Wen Ran shook her head, clutching her suitcase as she hurried away.