NFBE Chapter 287 The Heroine of an Old-Fashioned Romance Novel 7
Chapter 287 The Heroine of an Old-Fashioned Romance Novel 7
A hearty laugh came from the other end of the phone: "Xiao Song, you're really something else! That project you were in charge of, which involved dealing with the Huo family, has just been approved. The contract was already signed and sent over. Tell me, how did you manage to do that?"
Ji Xiaosong's grip on her phone tightened suddenly, almost making her cry out in surprise.
She opened her mouth, then fell silent, her mind racing as she tried to think of a response.
The project had been progressing with many setbacks, and she was almost ready to give up hope. How did it suddenly...?
Could it be because of the Huo family?
But how could she say this directly to President Chen?
"Uh... Mr. Chen, I didn't expect it to go so smoothly. Maybe it was the proposal I prepared that impressed them."
Ji Xiaosong braced herself and tried her best to make her tone sound natural.
"plan?"
Mr. Chen raised an eyebrow, his voice full of suspicion, "Xiao Song, you and I both know that while the plan is good, it's not enough to make the Huo family sign the contract so readily. Stop beating around the bush, did you pull some strings?"
Ji Xiaosong's heart skipped a beat. This old hand, President Chen, was indeed not so easy to fool.
She bit her lip and decided to reveal a little bit:
"Mr. Chen, actually, I've had some contact with the Huo family recently, and maybe... maybe they gave me a favor because of this relationship."
"Contact with the Huo family?"
Mr. Chen immediately perked up. "Tell me quickly, what's going on? Do you know that if this project is successful, it will be of great significance to our company, and it will be very beneficial to your personal promotion!"
"I accidentally helped them with a small favor, so they gave me a project as a bonus. You know, for wealthy families like theirs, a little bit of money they squeeze out is enough for us to live on."
She wasn't wrong, was she?
Having a child who takes the Huo family name is just a small favor.
Grandma Huo gave her so many things, but Huo Chen didn't even blink, which meant she didn't care at all.
While listening on the other end of the phone, President Chen realized that Ji Xiaosong was unwilling to talk about it, or that the Huo family had instructed her not to.
We're all in this together; we know the rules.
Mr. Chen laughed heartily on the other end of the phone, his laughter carrying a hint of understanding: "Alright, Xiao Song, I understand what you mean. Some things are inconvenient to say, so let's not say them. In any case, securing this project will be a great achievement!"
He paused for a moment, then continued, "To reward you, the company is giving you a day off. Take a good rest and relax; this is a reward you deserve."
Ji Xiaosong's eyes lit up, and a surge of joy welled up in her heart. Her nerves, which had been tense from being questioned, relaxed instantly.
Just as she was about to express her gratitude, she suddenly remembered the housekeeper's words that she couldn't just say "thank you" casually.
But after thinking about it, she realized that no one in the company knew about her relationship with Huo Chen. If she didn't thank him and instead put on airs, she would easily be disliked.
"Thank you, Mr. Chen. I'll treat everyone to dinner after the project is completed."
After hanging up the phone, Ji Xiaosong stood on the street, her face beaming with an irrepressible smile.
This unexpected holiday was like a wonderful surprise gift from fate, and she was now happily preparing to open it.
She quickly booked a ride-hailing service and went to the bank to book a safe deposit box, putting the things Grandma Huo had given her into it.
Then, without hesitation, she went to the address of the city's most bustling shopping district.
Sitting in the car, Ji Xiaosong gazed at the fleeting street scenes outside the window, her mind already conjuring up images of the shopping spree that was about to begin. Every exquisite item in the shop window seemed to be beckoning to her.
As soon as the car came to a stop, Ji Xiaosong jumped out and plunged into the mall.
She first went to a jewelry store, where the dazzling diamond necklace in the window immediately caught her eye. But when she thought about the things Grandma Huo had given her, she immediately looked down on them.
Since she was already there, she decided to test her courage and try to appear as skilled as possible.
Before Ji Xiaosong could even step into the jewelry store, the store manager, all smiles, hurriedly came out to greet her.
At the same time, four bodyguards dressed in black suits, with upright postures, quickly appeared beside her, perfectly aligned and exuding a powerful aura.
The lead bodyguard bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Miss Ji, we were sent by Mr. Huo to protect you. This store has been cleared out in advance, so you can shop with peace of mind."
Ji Xiaosong's eyes widened in astonishment, her gaze shifting back and forth between the bodyguard and the store manager.
Seeing this, the store manager immediately stepped forward, standing ramrod straight with a perfectly professional smile on his face, and said in a highly professional yet friendly tone:
"Ms. Ji, it is a great honor for us to have you visit our store today. We are committed to providing every guest with the ultimate shopping experience. If you have any needs during your selection process, whether it is suggestions on styles, questions about craftsmanship, or if you need us to help you with your overall look, please feel free to let us know. Our team will do its best to present you with the most top-notch and attentive service."
This scene left Ji Xiaosong somewhat bewildered; she opened her mouth, but was momentarily speechless.
Originally, she just wanted to use shopping to get used to her new identity and practice her courage, but she never expected Huo Chen to arrange such a thing.
However, after a brief moment of panic, she quickly calmed down, thinking that since she was already there, she might as well make the best of it, so she nodded slightly and pretended to be calm.
As Ji Xiaosong entered the store, her gaze wandered among the dazzling array of jewelry, but the image of Huo Chen involuntarily surfaced in her mind.
Why would this usually cold and aloof man suddenly send someone to protect her while she's shopping?
Thinking of the little life inside her, she suddenly realized.
"Miss Ji, this way please. These are some newly arrived limited edition necklaces in our store. They have unique designs and are made of superior materials, which are very suitable for you."
The store manager warmly led Ji Xiaosong to the display area, carefully took out a necklace inlaid with sapphires, and handed it to her.
Ji Xiaosong took the necklace and held it up in front of the mirror.
The sapphire's deep blue luster made her skin appear even whiter, but she couldn't help but wonder. Although it was beautiful, it seemed to fall short compared to the emerald necklace that Grandma Huo had given her.
She hesitated for a moment, then put the necklace back on the tray.
The store manager, with his keen observation skills, immediately noticed the hesitation and pickiness in Ji Xiaosong's eyes.
He secretly guessed that someone so highly regarded by the Huo family must have extremely high standards, and ordinary jewelry would probably not catch her eye.
A thought flashed through his mind, and the store manager's face immediately lit up with an even more ingratiating smile. He said, "Miss Ji, to be honest, there's a jewelry showcase next door featuring a top-tier celebrity. We have close ties with the event organizers, so I'll contact them right away and have them invite that celebrity over to model your latest jewelry. I guarantee it will be a sight to behold!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Xiaosong was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
Before she could even respond, the store manager had already quickly dialed the phone and was communicating urgently and respectfully into the receiver.
A moment later, the store manager hung up the phone and said, "Ms. Ji, everything is arranged! They will send the celebrity and the top jewelry designs over soon. Please move to our VIP room to rest for a while, where you can enjoy the display more comfortably."
Ji Xiaosong was still in shock when she was escorted by the store manager and bodyguards to the VIP room.
Throughout the journey, her mind raced. The influence of this wealthy family was beyond her imagination. She had only come to stroll around town, yet it had caused such a commotion.
Stepping into the VIP room, a luxurious setting comes into view: soft leather sofas, dazzling crystal chandeliers, and a subtle scent of high-end perfume in the air.
Ji Xiaosong had just sat down on the sofa when she heard footsteps approaching.
The door opened, and a female celebrity with exquisite makeup and a gorgeous dress walked in, followed by a group of staff members carrying jewelry boxes.
The female celebrity wore a professional smile and greeted Ji Xiaosong warmly upon seeing her: "Hello, Ms. Ji, it is an honor to show you these beautiful jewels."
Ji Xiaosong nodded, trying her best to appear calm and composed.
The presentation then officially began.
The female celebrities took turns wearing dazzling pieces of jewelry, turning gracefully to show them off in front of Ji Xiaosong, while staff members explained in detail the design inspiration and material source of each piece of jewelry.
Looking at the jewels that changed like a revolving lantern, Ji Xiaosong had to admit that these pieces were indeed exquisite.
But her mind wandered a little. She couldn't help but think that if it weren't for the child in her belly, how could she have the opportunity to enjoy such treatment?
She began to ponder what complex relationships and responsibilities lay hidden behind the glamour of this wealthy family life.
Halfway through the presentation, Ji Xiaosong's gaze was drawn to a ruby necklace.
The rubies on the necklace are all full and brightly colored, and the diamonds set around them make them even more dazzling.
The female celebrity seemed to sense Ji Xiaosong's interest and lingered in front of her for a while, gently turning her neck so that every angle of the necklace could be seen.
Ji Xiaosong frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.
This necklace is indeed beautiful, but was the purchase made out of genuine love for it, or merely to flaunt one's current status?
Is she now actually starting to think about such questions?
Just as she was struggling with her decision, the store manager whispered to her, "Miss Ji, this necklace is a limited edition worldwide, and it's a perfect match for your style."
Ji Xiaosong looked up at the shop manager, then at the necklace, and suddenly made a decision.
"Wrap them all up and send them to 15 Central Park West."