Chapter 4

"Here to stick up for Anya?"

Just like in my previous life, when she couldn't win an argument, she'd go complain to Anderson about me. That was her only move.

Too bad, this time I didn't care about Anderson at all.

Complaining to him was useless!

"Why did you block me?"

Anderson countered without answering.

I frowned. "A good ex should act like they're dead."

"After all, you don't want me to bother you, do you?"

He froze, his gaze at me a little complex.

In my previous life, he would have just walked away.

But now, he actually started looking around the store.

"Good location, good craftsmanship, but business isn't great, is it?"

I was about to tell him to leave, but then I heard that, and my interest was piqued.

"You have a solution?"

Anderson made a name for himself at a young age, taking over Anderson Group at twenty-two and tripling its size in just a few years.

When his name was mentioned in the business world, everyone admired him.

Why wouldn't I use an available expert? I'm not stupid.

He glanced at me, a flicker of sadness in his eyes for a moment, then finally spoke.

"You've changed a lot."

"Hey, people have to move on."

I answered casually, but my mind was only on the sales figures. I pressed him again, "So, do you have a solution or not?"

He didn't answer, just found a seat.

After a moment of thought, he spoke.

"I have a solution, but I never do business at a loss."

"How about this, I'll invest my expertise for a twenty percent stake in your studio. If you agree, we can continue talking."

I turned to Mira, and she nodded at me.

I immediately accepted. "Deal."

Anderson didn't waste words, pulling a gold-embossed invitation from his suit jacket and sliding it across.

"The Anderson Group's Designer Invitation Exhibition is in five days. All the attendees are prominent figures from various circles. Your products don't lack quality; they lack the right clientele."

He paused, then added.

"Prepare well. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime."

With that, he pulled out his phone and showed me the screen.

Only then did I remember I had blocked him two days ago. I quickly pulled out my phone and unblocked him.

He glanced at the notification that his contacts were restored, said nothing, and then left.

The black Maybach drove away from the street corner. Mira poked my arm.

"Luna, don't you think Anderson is acting strange? Why is he suddenly interested in our little shop?"

I looked at the invitation in my hand, not lifting my head, and casually said.

"Because our shop has potential."

Mira opened her mouth, but ultimately didn't press the matter.

Day eleven of the cooling-off period.

Mira and I arrived at the shop before dawn. We sifted through dozens of sketches, finally settling on three main showcase pieces.

Mira and I didn't dare be careless with any step of the handmade process.

Just as we were busy, the door pushed open.

"Luna, I hear you're going to participate in the Anderson Group's design exhibition?"

Anya walked in, her stilettos clicking.

"Wanna make a bet?"

"If you can attract customers with your own work in this competition, you win. If not—"

She paused, a smirk playing on her lips.

"You'll publicly admit, in front of everyone, that you opened this studio and started this business just to copy me and seduce Anderson. And then, you'll never try to go after him again."

Mira's face fell. Just as she was about to speak, I pressed her hand.

I looked up, meeting Anya's defiant gaze, and smiled.

"And what if I do win?"

Anya looked like she'd heard a joke. "Oh, please, Luna. That exhibition will be full of important people. Who would even bother to look at your little trinkets?"

"Well then,"

I put down my tools and said slowly, "If I win, you'll promote my studio for free."

After all, the sales power of a popular celebrity is too good to pass up.

Anya clearly didn't take me seriously and scoffed.

"Fine. I'll be waiting to see you make a fool of yourself."

With that, she turned and walked out, her high heels clicking.

Mira grabbed my arm, her face full of worry.

"Luna, what if she sabotages us?"

I patted her hand, reassuring her.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

After all, starting a business is a high-reward, high-risk endeavor.

Day fifteen of the cooling-off period, the day of the competition.

I sent Mira a message on my phone.

"I'll be at the venue in twenty minutes. Where are you?"

I sent the message, but got no reply.

I called again. It rang several times, but no one answered.

A strange panic began to set in.

Maybe she's stuck in traffic, I told myself.

Just as I hailed a cab, my phone vibrated.

It was an unknown number.

"Is this Ms. Luna? This is the emergency center. Your friend, Ms. Mira, was in a car accident and is currently in critical condition. Please come as soon as possible."