Chapter Thirty-Three: Show Mercy When Mercy Is Due

“Manager, should our clients bear the consequences of your mistakes? Y Studio specializes in haute couture gowns and is renowned in the industry for its efficiency and productivity. Is this how you handle collaborations with high-end clients?”

The store manager’s face flushed with embarrassment at Pei Susu’s pointed question. He straightened his expression and replied, “President Pei, why make things difficult for fellow workers? Let’s show some mercy.”

Pei Susu’s gaze was intense. “I ask for your understanding. Our shooting schedule is extremely tight, and the only thing missing is this gown. The fault lies with your store, so I need you to offer me a solution for compensation.”

Mo Qingyu’s delicate face was tinged with hostility.

“What do you mean? Your work is important, but my coming-of-age ceremony isn’t?”

“All the social elites of the capital will attend my banquet. Of course, I want the finest gown. Your Fu Group has already secured the annual custom slot from the JK designer.”

She clutched the gown tightly in her hands, her eyes blazing as they met Pei Susu’s cold stare. “There are only two top designers in the capital. You’ve claimed one and now you want to compete with me for Y Studio’s gown? Don’t go too far.”

The store manager’s gaze toward Pei Susu grew displeased. “President Pei, you know very well that JK designers and our Y Studio are sworn rivals. To order gowns from both stores at the same time—don’t you think that’s excessive?”

Pei Susu’s lashes fluttered with annoyance, but she explained politely.

“The Fu Group did plan to use JK designer’s attire for our shoot, but the dress was damaged at the last minute. With the task imminent, your studio was the only option we could think of.”

“The choice of JK was made by the previous general manager, based on style. I’ve only just taken over as Fu Group’s manager, and I wanted to use this sudden turn of events to compare the two studios.”

As she spoke, Pei Susu watched the manager’s expression, hoping to persuade him with the prospect of a long-term partnership with Fu Group.

The manager’s resolute face softened a little. If he could win Fu Group’s ongoing collaboration away from JK’s monopoly, Y Studio’s reputation would soar in the design world, and his own promotion would be within reach.

He hesitated, eyeing Mo Qingyu’s hand clutching the garment bag, and spoke with deliberation. “President Pei, perhaps you’d consider some of the other gowns in our store?”

He pointed to the pale golden, cloud-sleeved dress displayed in the glass window. “This is our flagship piece this year. Its design and exquisite embroidery are on par with any classic red carpet gown.”

Mo Qingyu scoffed coldly. “I won’t make things difficult for you. I want the one in my hands. Take any other, I won’t fight you for it.”

Pei Susu glanced in the direction the manager indicated, her expression still aloof. “Sorry, it doesn’t fit our shoot’s theme.”

She proposed a compromise, tentatively. “Miss Mo, why don’t we purchase this gown, and you lend it to us for one day for our shoot? We’ll ensure it’s cleaned and disinfected and return it to you in perfect condition.”

After all, Bai Yuan wouldn’t need the gown after the promo film, and with Mo Qingyu’s birthday banquet approaching, perhaps Pei Susu could earn some goodwill.

Mo Qingyu’s face scrunched in anger. “I refuse to wear something someone else has worn! Especially since Bai Yuan is nothing but a third-rate, filthy woman. If she’s touched it, I’d rather burn it than wear it.”

“You expect me to wear the same dress as some lowly tramp? Pei Susu, you’re insulting my dignity.”

Not far from the store, Fu Zhichen had been dragged to the mall by Fu Yanyue. He was suddenly drawn by Mo Qingyu’s furious voice, and as he followed the sound, he spotted Pei Susu through the glass storefront.

His sister was here too—what were she and Mo Qingyu doing?

They seemed to be arguing. Mo Qingyu, spoiled since childhood by the Mo family, was inevitably proud and capricious. As a regular in the mall, the staff would likely side with her, putting his sister at a disadvantage.

Fu Zhichen hurriedly instructed Fu Yanyue, who was browsing jewelry nearby, “Aunt, I have something urgent at Y Studio. You pick out something yourself—I’ll be back soon.”

“Wait, you rascal! Are you hiding something? Tell Aunt the truth—what’s your relationship with that beauty who dragged you from the bar last time?”

Before Fu Yanyue could finish, Fu Zhichen had already vanished.

Pei Susu hadn’t expected that Bai Yuan, known for her pure image, would be so despised in Mo Qingyu’s eyes.

Moreover, Fu Group’s background check revealed that Bai Yuan was the niece of the CEO of Splendor Entertainment. President Cui had shielded her all the way, ensuring her reputation stayed spotless. Was this some secret among the wealthy?

Her heart raced as she tried to steady herself and soothe Mo Qingyu. “Miss Mo, I misspoke. I sincerely apologize. May we select a more suitable gown for you as compensation?”

Mo Qingyu was clearly infuriated and ignored her, turning to leave. “I don’t want to hear any explanations. I’ve decided on this gown. Don’t try to help that wretch steal it from me.”

Fu Zhichen arrived at the entrance just in time to stop her. “Qingyu, Bai Yuan’s situation is tightly controlled by the CEO of Splendor Entertainment. Only a few of us know the truth. President Pei is working with Bai Yuan for the first time and naturally wouldn’t know.”

“Besides, yesterday at Sunshine Beach, President Pei was made to wait for hours because Bai Yuan tampered with the JK attire. Let’s calm down and hear her solution, shall we?”

Mo Qingyu and Fu Zhichen had grown up together, and she could accept his words. Knowing Pei Susu was also a victim of Bai Yuan, her expression softened considerably.

“Fine, I’ll listen. What kind of gown can you find for me that’s better than the one I have?”

Pei Susu smiled sincerely and offered her advice. “Your figure is stunning, your features are a blend of innocence and allure—unforgettable. That gown is too vivid and pushes your aura toward seduction.”

“A debutante from a noble family, at eighteen, should embody pure beauty and extraordinary grace, becoming the focus of every crowd. The gown in the window would make you look as pure and flawless as the Mo family’s treasured jewel.”

Mo Qingyu was a little moved by her words, her angry face mellowing. “Alright, I’ll try it. But I’ll say this—if I don’t like it, I won’t give up mine.”

Fu Zhichen glanced at Pei Susu, and for a moment, warmth flickered in his usually cold gaze.

As expected of his sister—she persuaded Mo Qingyu with just a few words.

“Your taste is excellent.” Mo Qingyu, after trying on the gown, was all smiles and handed the shooting dress to Pei Susu.

After she left, Fu Zhichen smiled, secretly taking Pei Susu’s hand. “You’re amazing, Sis. When Mo Qingyu gets stubborn, none of us can handle her.”

Pei Susu, usually so commanding, now followed him with playful pride, raising her chin with a smile. “What can I say? Girls understand each other best.”