The editor's eyes flicked over her, over the careful set of words she'd chosen, then slid to the leather folder at her side. He did not open it. People in his position learned quickly that some things were better left unseen until the ink had dried on a check.
"All rightmm" he said finally, because saying no would be saying no to an easy story and to the kind of patron who could open doors. "We can run a feature. A front-page spread is ambitious, but we can do a substantial piece next week. We'll send a photographer in the morning and an interviewer when you're ready."
Gu Xuelan's smile sharpened, pleasure sparking behind her composure. It was exactly the sort of small, official victory she liked: an institutional nod to her importance. "Tomorrow morning.." she confirmed. "I will have a selection of signature dishes ready. Choose the most photogenic, make the spread glossy, and emphasize the exclusivity. Make readers ache to be seated."
