Such impromptu meetings often carried a bit of awkwardness, especially since Lu Linshen remained silent after his initial greeting. Meng Suihuan gave him several meaningful glances, trying to steer the conversation toward chip development and website creation, hoping to showcase his personal charm.

“Have you heard of Tianxia Net?”

“Mm-hmm,” Song Mian nodded enthusiastically. “I know it! I love the forums on the website. I’ve met so many like-minded people there and learned so many new things. And the other features are incredibly useful too.”

Talking about a familiar topic seemed to dissolve the sense of distance Song Mian had earlier. Realizing she’d been talking a lot, she blushed and lowered her head. “I’ve been rambling a bit, but I really do love Tianxia Net. I’m its most loyal fan!”

Meng Suihuan chuckled along. “Thank you for your support. Tianxia Net was developed by none other than our smart creator here, Lu Linshen. He’s also responsible for the software development of the smartphone we’re collaborating on. Isn’t that impressive?”

“Mm-hmm!” Song Mian nodded like a pecking chicken, her voice filled with admiration. “Mr. Lu knows so much! I hope our collaborative smartphone can be released soon. When it’s out, I’ll definitely be the first to grab one and experience the new features!”

“Sure,” Meng Suihuan said with a light laugh. “When it’s ready, we’ll have Mr. Lu send you one in advance so you can provide feedback on the user experience.”

“Really?!”

“Of course. The phone will need to go through testing before its official release. I’ll save you a spot in advance.”

Just moments ago, Song Mian had been somewhat reserved, but now, upon hearing this, all her reservations disappeared. “I’ll definitely use it thoroughly and give you the most comprehensive and honest feedback!”

Meng Suihuan felt her mouth was about to dry out from all the talking. Across from her, Lu Linshen remained unmoved, so she deliberately shifted the focus to him, gritting her teeth as she said, “Mr. Lu, as the developer of Tianxia Net, why don’t you share a bit about how these ideas came to be?”

She ended her sentence with a pointed glare at him, signaling him to speak.

Under her gaze, Lu Linshen finally broke his silence and spoke slowly.

“Whether it’s the website or the smartphone chip, I only had some vague concepts. To achieve what we have today is all thanks to President Meng.”

He paused, his gaze falling on the figure across from him, his eyes carrying a hint of appreciation and affirmation.

“Features like the new functionalities of the website, mobile network integration in the phone chips, and even colored imaging were all ideas from President Meng. I simply used my knowledge to bring her ideas to life.”

“Wow! President Meng, I never imagined these ideas came from you. You’re not just brilliant in business but also have such unique insights,” Song Mian said, her excitement causing her voice to tremble. “President Meng, I’ve been studying a lot of smartphone designs from both domestic and international markets lately, but I feel like there’s still much room for improvement. Could you share some advice with me?”

Meng Suihuan: “…”

What the heck?!

She had set up so much, yet Lu Linshen managed to completely shift the focus with just a single sentence? This dinner was clearly supposed to revolve around the two of them, so how did the spotlight suddenly shift onto her? Lu Linshen, you’re really something.

This time, Meng Suihuan didn’t just glare at him a few times—she even tried to kick him under the table. But since they were in a private room and seated at a large round table meant for over a dozen people, her leg couldn’t even reach him. A wave of irritation welled up in her chest.

Noticing no response after a while, she glanced up, only to see a hint of displeasure on Meng Suihuan’s face. This instantly flustered Song Mian. She silently berated herself—how could she have been so thoughtless and forgotten who she was speaking to?

She had only been in the industry for a short time, and being allowed to participate in the smartphone design project was already like a pie falling from the sky. Yet she had let her pride get the better of her and upset someone she shouldn’t have.

Panic-stricken, she quickly stood up and bowed deeply, her tone laced with a hint of tears. “President Meng, I was out of line just now. I hope you won’t hold it against me…”

Meng Suihuan, who had been attempting to kick Lu Linshen, was taken aback when the person next to her suddenly stood up and started apologizing.

“What are you apologizing for?” Meng Suihuan stood up as well, placing a hand on Song Mian’s shoulder.

“I spoke out of turn and shouldn’t have bothered you with my work… Please don’t be mad at me, and please don’t remove me from this project,” Song Mian pleaded, on the verge of tears.

At first, Meng Suihuan didn’t understand what was going on, but seeing how close Song Mian was to breaking down, she softly reassured her. “I’m not mad at you, and I have no intention of removing you from the project. Don’t overthink it. I’m actually happy that you trust me enough to share your ideas. I just don’t have much experience with smartphone design, so I might not be able to offer you much useful advice… But if you don’t mind my lack of expertise, feel free to share your ideas with me.”

“Really?” Song Mian let out a sigh of relief, her face lighting up in surprise.

Meng Suihuan nodded firmly.

For the next half hour, she listened to Song Mian’s thoughts. However, the more she heard, the deeper her frown became. According to the book’s description, Song Mian had an extraordinary talent for smartphone exterior design, making a name for herself in just two years. Yet, the ideas she just shared were too basic—most were slight adjustments to existing designs.

When Song Mian finished presenting her thoughts and looked at her expectantly, Meng Suihuan pressed her lips together and asked instead, “How long have you been in this field?”

“A little over six months,” Song Mian replied with a shy smile.

Meng Suihuan: “…”

No wonder President Chen had that expression when she suggested having Song Mian handle the design.

From a normal perspective, for someone with only six months of experience, understanding the basics and forming some personal ideas was already impressive. But this smartphone wasn’t meant to be ordinary—it was supposed to break conventions and offer a fresh, standout design.

Right now, Song Mian’s qualifications didn’t meet those expectations.

The first thought that came to Meng Suihuan’s mind as a businesswoman was to replace her.

But she had just assured her moments ago that she wouldn’t.

Talk about digging your own grave!

“President Meng?” Song Mian called softly, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Seeing the girl’s hopeful expression, Meng Suihuan softened her tone slightly. “For someone who’s only been in the field for six months, your ideas are already excellent. But what we need to design is a brand-new smartphone that stands out in every way. Your current concepts might not even meet the passing mark.”

Song Mian’s face immediately fell. She cautiously said, “President Meng, I know I’m inexperienced and not suited for this position right now. I’ve already mentioned this to President Chen before, but he insisted I stay. To be honest, I’ve been feeling quite stressed. I’ve stayed up late for half a month to catch up and sought advice from others. I’m not saying this to gain your sympathy—I just hope you’ll give me a chance to stay on this project.”

“I’m willing to work hard, stay up all night, and even forgo my salary. I just want to stay here, even if it’s just to assist and gain experience!”

For Song Mian, this opportunity was more thrilling than a pie falling from the sky. Despite her inner panic, she forced herself to remain composed and laid bare all her value to fight for even the slimmest chance.

Watching this scene, Meng Suihuan’s thoughts drifted. Through Song Mian’s desperate struggle, she saw a glimpse of her younger self, trying to convince her parents to stay. Back then, she had given her all—obedience, eating properly, studying hard, agreeing to every demand.

All she wanted was for them not to abandon her.

But alas…

“I can give you a chance,” Meng Suihuan said seriously, “and I can offer you advice and help. But I need you to design a smartphone exterior that’s unlike anything on the market—unique and innovative.”

She locked eyes with Song Mian and enunciated clearly, “Do you dare to accept this challenge?”

“I… I…” Song Mian seemed dazed, stunned by the sudden turn of events, and stammered, unable to complete her sentence.

Meng Suihuan stared at her, repeating her words with a commanding tone that carried immense authority. “I’m offering you the chance. Song Mian, do you dare to accept it?”

After a long pause, the young girl finally raised her face, clenched her fists tightly, and took a resolute step forward, her eyes blazing with determination.

“…I can.”

“I dare to accept it.”