Shi Nian knew how easily she could sink into work. To avoid missing her appointment with Fang Yan, she set an alarm for 12:00 PM. She planned to leave early in case of traffic or unexpected delays.
At exactly noon, the alarm rang.
Shi Nian put away the documents she had been working on and left the study. She used to work in her room, but after Wanwan cleared out the old study Shi Beicheng once used, she began occupying it instead.
This mansion, in fact, was her parents' matrimonial home. After Shi Beicheng married Cheng Yuemin, they moved out of the Shi Mansion, though they often went back and forth because of Shi Weicheng.
While dressing up, Shi Nian texted her chauffeur to prepare the car. Today she chose a more formal look—and she put real thought into it.
She wore a crisp white button-down shirt, cream straight-leg tailored trousers, and a knee-length blazer. She paired the outfit with stilettos.
She wanted to formally represent BaiYue—and she needed to look the part.
As she walked downstairs, she saw Wanwan still cleaning. With the mansion being so large, Wanwan only maintained the main areas. Handling the daily routine alone made her more like a butler than a maid.
"Wanwan, you can hire more help from a service," Shi Nian said.
"Hire a gardener and two more maids. Ask the chef if he needs a kitchen assistant. A total of five workers is enough. They don't need to be full-time."
Wanwan paused, surprised. "Yes, Young Mistress."
"Once they're hired, you can visit your parents freely, the way you used to," Shi Nian added before heading out.
…
As the chauffeur drove, Shi Nian watched the winter city through the window. Light snow drifted down from the sky. In the capital, heavy snowfall only happened around New Year.
Shi Nian arrived at NianXing a few minutes before the appointment.
At the reception desk, Xiao Yu was speaking with someone when she noticed Shi Nian.
"Nian Nian—" she began, but Shi Nian signaled her to continue her conversation.
Xiao Yu smiled. "The Boss informed me already. They're waiting for you in his office."
Shi Nian nodded and walked past. Cheng Youlin had already texted her the same.
The person Xiao Yu had been assisting stared after Shi Nian.
"Isn't that the Boss's sister?"
"You know and you still ask?" Xiao Yu replied without looking up.
"Sister Yu, she looks so different!" the woman, named Sparkle pouted.
"Alright, go on. What do you want to ask? I can see the gossip sparkling in your eyes," Xiao Yu said.
"Sister Yu~" Sparkle whined. "I just wanted to know if it's true she's here to sign a contract with Sister Yan."
"Where did you hear that?" Xiao Yu asked.
"It's not exactly a secret… Everyone's whispering. The Boss's sister hasn't been here in a long time, and the first thing she did was meet Sister Yan~"
"How would I know? I'm just a receptionist." Xiao Yu shrugged.
"You're the closest to her," Sparkle leaned in, eyes wide. "You must know something. Tell me, please~"
Unable to resist Sparkle acting so cute, Xiao Yu sighed. "I don't know about a contract. But she definitely plans to work with Fang Yan—at least on something."
"Don't go spreading it. I might be wrong," she said, flicking Sparkle's nose.
"Sister Yu!" Sparkle covered her face dramatically, leaving only her eyes visible. "My fans will be upset if you ruin my face!"
Xiao Yu laughed as Sparkle walked away. "It was just a light flick."
…
Shi Nian knocked politely. After hearing permission to enter, she pushed open the door.
"Brother Youlin," she greeted.
Then she nodded toward Fang Yan, who sat across from him.
Fang Yan was still fully covered—face mask, hood, only her eyes visible.
With Shi Nian present, the meeting began. Cheng Youlin introduced Shi Nian formally, though Fang Yan already knew her identity.
"This is the current Chief Director of BaiYue Skincare, Miss Shi Nian," he said, emphasizing her role to highlight the importance of the meeting.
Shi Nian appreciated his precision. She had expected him to join the discussion; his presence was essential. Regardless of past disappointments, Fang Yan still trusted NianXing more than any other company. That alone made this meeting meaningful—for both of them.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Miss Fang Yan," Shi Nian began.
"It's not like I had a choice," Fang Yan said softly, but just loud enough.
Shi Nian didn't mind her tone. "I'm here today on behalf of BaiYue. We have a proposal for you and hope you'll consider working with us."
"Work with you?" Fang Yan turned sharply to Cheng Youlin.
"Cheng Youlin, has your sister gone mad?!"