Gong Hao’s gaze fell on Nan Xin’s prominently rounded belly, and he frowned slightly.
But the expression quickly disappeared. He stood up and politely extended his hand toward her.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Gong Hao, Director of Fragrance Development at Dexin Group.”
“Nan Xin.”
Dexin Group was the largest cosmetics brand in the country. While the Fu Group had its hands in many profitable industries, cosmetics was only one of its business sectors. Dexin Group, on the other hand, specialized exclusively in cosmetics.
Three years ago, the Fu Group released a perfume called “Heart Dust,” which completely crushed Dexin Group’s new perfume series. Since then, none of Dexin’s subsequent perfumes had been able to surpass Fu Group’s products.
For a brand that specialized solely in cosmetics, this was a devastating blow.
“I never expected Moon to be so young. I always imagined you would be an experienced perfumer.”
Gong Hao was somewhat surprised by Moon’s appearance.
Shen Zhixia said proudly, “Don’t let Xinxin’s age fool you. She’s incredibly talented. She registered the Moon account when she was a sophomore in college, and even back then, she already had exceptional talent for creating fragrances.”
“It’s not that impressive.”
Nan Xin didn’t think she was particularly extraordinary. She had simply put in more effort than most people.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shen Zhixia was the first to get down to business.
“When I went to Dexin today for an interview, I happened to hear Director Gong mention that he wanted to invite Moon to join Dexin’s fragrance development department. Since Moon happens to be my best friend, I offered to introduce you two. You can discuss the details of the cooperation yourselves.”
With that, Shen Zhixia poured herself a glass of water and made no intention of interfering further.
Gong Hao spoke first.
“Teacher Moon’s fragrances are indeed exceptional. However, creating fragrances requires exposure to various materials, and I’m concerned that they might not be good for a pregnant woman.”
Nan Xin had already guessed that her pregnancy was what concerned Gong Hao when he first saw her belly.
However, given her current financial standing, there was no way she could compete with the Fu Group. Getting back what belonged to her from Fu Beichen would be even more difficult.
But if Dexin stood behind her, the situation could be completely different.
She treasured this opportunity.
Nan Xin nodded.
“If I were working in a laboratory, it could indeed affect a pregnant woman’s health.”
Gong Hao lowered his eyes, already preparing to end the meeting.
“If Dexin is willing, I’d like to work from home until I give birth. I’ll submit all the required fragrances on schedule.”
“Will your health be able to handle it, Miss Nan?”
Gong Hao was still somewhat concerned.
Compared with work, he felt that her health was more important.
Nan Xin nodded.
“I know my own limits. Other than the period immediately before and after giving birth, when I may need to take some time off, I won’t have any problems working. Of course, it depends on how sincere Dexin is about this arrangement.”
Gong Hao still had some doubts about Nan Xin, but he also didn’t want to let such a valuable opportunity slip away.
“As for the salary and benefits, I need to report back to the company and discuss them with senior management. Would it be convenient to exchange contact information?”
“Sure.”
The two exchanged contact information. Not long afterward, Gong Hao received an urgent call and had to leave. He also paid the bill before leaving.
Nan Xin and Shen Zhixia finished their meal before leaving together.
“Xinxin, where are you going now? I’ll drive you.”
The two walked into the underground parking garage together. Just as Shen Zhixia finished speaking, Nan Xin took out her car key and pressed the button.
A brand-new Mercedes beeped twice.
Shen Zhixia’s eyes widened in shock. She walked around the Mercedes several times.
Pointing at the car incredulously, she exclaimed, “Girl, you’ve made it big! This car costs over a million yuan!”
Nan Xin was shocked too. She had always thought the car was only worth a few hundred thousand yuan.
That strange feeling in her heart suddenly became even stronger.
“I didn’t buy this car. It’s Dr. Ji’s.”
“He bought you a car?!”
Shen Zhixia’s shriek echoed loudly through the empty underground parking garage.
Nan Xin’s face instantly turned red. She hurriedly covered Shen Zhixia’s mouth.
“Stop making things up. It’s his car. He just lent it to me for transportation. You’ve made it sound like something completely different.”
“He saves you like a hero, lets you stay at his house, and now he’s lending you a car… Tsk. Don’t you think something’s really off?”
“That’s just because Dr. Ji is kind.”
“Then why isn’t he kind to his other patients? Why is he only like this with you?”
Shen Zhixia suddenly threw out that question, leaving Nan Xin completely speechless.
Yet deep down, she still believed that her relationship with Dr. Ji was nothing more than a simple doctor-patient relationship.
Seeing Nan Xin’s expression, Shen Zhixia pursed her lips and decided not to say anything more.
The two drove away separately.
Nan Xin went to the market to buy the materials she needed. She also called home in advance to confirm that Fu Beichen wasn’t there.
Only then did she return home.
She retrieved all the fragrance-making tools she had hidden away, packed them up, and took them with her.
The room looked almost exactly as it had when she left, except there were now more children’s toys scattered around the living room.
It seemed Nan Yu had already moved in with Fu Nuan Nuan.
Nan Xin had no reason to concern herself with that.
She said goodbye to the housekeeper and asked her not to tell Fu Beichen that she had returned. Then she drove away.
“What did she come back for?”
Nan Xin had barely left when Nan Yu walked out of another room wearing pajamas.
The housekeeper hurriedly replied, “Mrs. Fu went straight to her room as soon as she came back. When she left, she was carrying a bag. She didn’t tell me what was inside.”
When Nan Xin had called earlier, Nan Yu had been standing nearby. She had deliberately instructed the housekeeper to say that no one was home.
Nan Yu crossed her arms and looked in the direction Nan Xin had left, the corners of her lips curling upward.
She said to the housekeeper, “Remember, no one was home when she came back. Understand?”
“Yes, Miss Nan.”
“What did you call me?”
“Ma’am… Mrs. Fu.”
Seeing the housekeeper’s submissive attitude finally put Nan Yu in a better mood.
She immediately took out her phone and called Fu Beichen.
Fu Beichen was currently in a meeting. When he saw Nan Yu’s call, he assumed something urgent had happened and answered.
As soon as the call connected, Nan Yu’s tearful voice came through.
“Beichen, the engagement ring you gave me is missing from the house. I can’t find it no matter how hard I look.”
“Have you checked carefully?”
Fu Beichen frowned as well.
The ring was worth over a hundred million yuan and had been specially custom-made for her.
“I’ve looked everywhere, but I can’t find it…”
Fu Beichen thought for a moment before asking, “Yu, don’t panic. Give the phone to the housekeeper.”
“Okay~”
Nan Yu handed the phone to the housekeeper. Her pitiful expression disappeared instantly, and she merely lifted her chin toward the housekeeper.
The housekeeper cautiously took the phone.
“Sir…”
“Has anyone come to the house recently?”
The housekeeper glanced at Nan Yu. Meeting the threatening look in her eyes, she swallowed nervously before answering.
“Mrs. Fu came back…”
“Nan Xin?”