No wonder you have such confidence in her Zhou Yu said. Very well I will commit resources and staff to this partnership.
She will not let you down Huo Jingnian said. Set the date and let me know.
As soon as they ended the call Zhou Yu telephoned Qiao Zhiwei. She was delighted and taken completely by surprise. She had prepared a whole set of arguments and even a backup plan if he should refuse. She would have suggested doing just one session first to show him how well it worked. The idea appealed to her strongly. It was safe reliable and required no capital investment. It was perfectly suited to their situation. Her sister could also be involved and take on more responsibility as the business grew. She would know exactly how many orders came in. If it did not work out they could walk away at any time. If it succeeded she could expand open more branches build a brand and invite others to join.
Then Jingnian and I will come by tomorrow Qiao Zhiwei said happily.
I will be waiting Zhou Yu replied.
Thank you for trusting me she said gratefully.
Thank me later Zhou Yu said. I am counting on your ideas to make the studio grow.
If Huo Jingnian had such faith in her then he would give her a chance too. There was little to lose only a little time and film.
I will do my best Qiao Zhiwei smiled.
They ended the call warmly. She went to share the news with her sister. Qiao Zhilan could hardly believe it. Is it true.
It is.
This is wonderful. I know you will succeed.
Yes Qiao Zhiwei said. Let me teach you how to apply makeup.
Qiao Zhilan knew her sister did things differently. She always looked beautiful yet completely natural as if wearing nothing at all. She had tried before but her patience had run out after just eyebrows and lips. Qiao Zhiwei laid out her cosmetics on the dressing table. Such things were still rare. Most had been brought back from Hong Kong or abroad when their father was wealthy. Because of this most women only wore brows and lips beneath a heavy layer of powder and bold blush. Styles tended to be loud exaggerated and much the same from one person to the next.
She sat opposite her sister. You must be patient this time Qiao Zhiwei said gently. Do not give up halfway as you did before.
I will Qiao Zhilan promised smiling brightly. Even if I get restless I will wait. This is a skill I will need. I cannot rely entirely on you to carry everything.
Qiao Zhiwei looked at her with new respect. The carefree child she had known seemed to have grown up overnight. She picked up her tools and worked carefully. Half an hour passed and Qiao Zhilan sat perfectly still watching her reflection change. I never knew I could look like this she said in wonder.
You have always been beautiful Qiao Zhiwei assured her.
I am going to learn how to do this properly Qiao Zhilan decided.
At the final step Qiao Zhilan asked Where did you come from really.
Qiao Zhiwei’s hand paused. Had she found out somehow. Before she could think of an answer her sister continued You must be a fairy. You know everything. Others may not see it but I do. If not for you our family would have suffered when everything changed. Father would never have thought to arrange medicine from abroad for Grandfather Huo. Huo Jingchen would never have known to choose a major that would earn him a state scholarship years later. Father would never have thought to develop soap and shampoo formulas. Every idea has succeeded even if Huo Jingchen has not always appreciated it. And this new plan will work too. I have no doubt we will repay our debts I only worry whether one year will be enough.
Qiao Zhiwei breathed a laugh. You think that highly of me.
You are the most capable person I know Qiao Zhilan said simply.
How many people have you seen Qiao Zhiwei teased.
None like you. And you are so beautiful too.
There are others Qiao Zhiwei said thoughtfully.
Xia Yin.
Not her. When you see photographs of Jingnian’s mother you will understand what true grace is.
But she is gone.
She left behind her story and her likeness.
How do you know she was remarkable.
It is hard to explain Qiao Zhiwei said. She was exceptionally beautiful.
Of course she was Qiao Zhilan said. Where else would Jingnian get his looks. Not from Uncle Huo. Jingchen takes after her too. Fortunately Jingli takes after their father.
Qiao Zhiwei laughed at her tone.
She is plain and ill tempered Qiao Zhilan went on. That is what comes from being so proud. I would not have stood for it in the old days. But we must be careful now. Then she brightened. Things will be different soon.
Yes.
Finished Qiao Zhiwei stepped back. Look.
Qiao Zhilan gazed at her reflection. I wish I could always look like this. It is lovely.
She was delighted with the result. Qiao Zhiwei watched her feeling peaceful. It had been so long since they had laughed together like this.
It is good you are both here someone said from the doorway.
Qiao Zhilan looked up and saw Qiao Xiawei standing there. I forgot to lock the gate she said in annoyance. We do not want you here. Go away.
Qiao Xiawei ignored her tone and looked genuinely concerned. Zhilan Weiwei I have something important to say.
It will be nothing good Qiao Zhiwei said. We are not interested.
It is about your father and mother Qiao Xiawei said. There is news.
At once Qiao Zhiwei turned to her. Where are they.