The conversation between Iris and Sir Lu Jianhong impressed both Qiao Yu and Atty. Hong Shaoqiang while Jin Liwei looked very proud of his wife. As a businessman himself, Jin Liwei could understand everything that the two were talking about. The only bone of contention was that he had a different business style from his wife and Grandpa Lu.
The two were aggressive and preferred high-risk ventures while Jin Liwei approached business in a more conservative manner very similar to his own late Grandfather Jin’s style. His goal as the head of Jin Corporation was to preserve the legacy of his two grandfathers, the original founders of the company, and fortify it for the later generations. He wasn’t the most innovative but was definitely a responsible and reliable leader.
He didn’t interrupt the comprehensive discussion between his wife and grandfather because this was an important business and academic hurdle that his wife needed to go through using her own abilities in order to cement her determination to establish her own holding company from the very beginning. This was what she wanted and he respected her decision to do it on her own. It was enough that he was there to witness her magnificent performance and offer his support with his presence.
Right now in his eyes, she was like a bright star that was shining and inspiring awe from everyone in the home office. Pride filled him.
He glanced at Qiao Yu and Atty. Hong Shaoqiang. He was satisfied to see that they both seemed convinced now of Iris’ ambitious plan. Even Qiao Yu, who just a few moments ago looked like he was going to faint when he heard the amount of capital that Iris planned to spend on establishing Eve Holdings, was now nodding while listening at the discussion. Jin Liwei knew that the financial manager’s willing cooperation in Iris’ risky venture would mean less stress for her to worry about while working on making her business plan into reality.
Finally, the discussion ended.
“Thank you for your time, Professor Lu,” Iris said in a humble tone.
The old man nodded, his expression stern. Then a wide grin spread across his face. “Bahahaha! Professor Lu’s work day is now over! You can call me Grandpa Lu again, Xiulan my girl! Bahahaha!”
Iris chuckled. “Yes, Grandpa Lu.”
“I heard that there is a second part to this meeting. What is it? Tell me, I want to know!”
“Indeed, there’s another matter that I want to discuss with all of you. It’s connected to Eve Holdings. I already mapped out a plan but I still want your input in order to make it more perfect.” She glanced at her lawyer. “I especially want Atty. Hong’s thoughts about the feasibility of my plan from the perspective of the law.”
“I understand, Madam Jin,” Atty. Hong Shaoqiang replied with a nod.
Iris went to sit beside her husband because the presentation tired her out a little. Jin Liwei immediately served her a fresh glass of water and some pastries which she immediately consumed before starting the next part of the meeting.
The others didn’t mind waiting for her. Grandpa Lu was smiling in approval at the attention that Jin Liwei was giving the pregnant Iris and was even urging him to feed her more.
Finally, Iris was ready to start. She shared with everyone her plan. The atmosphere became even more serious than during her presentation earlier. This discussion also went on until dinner time.
When it was over, Iris was exhausted. She didn’t feel hungry at all and just wanted to sleep but understood that she must eat for the sake of the twins.
Fortunately, Reina Chua cooked a Filipino comfort food called sopas for her. The tasty chicken soup whetted Iris’ appetite and she was able to finish two bowls.
Everyone was satisfied seeing her eating so well ever since Dom’s parents arrived from the Philippines. Jin Liwei was thankful to Reina for cooking food that his wife was able to eat without any issues.
Later that night, Iris and Jin Liwei were lying in bed in each other’s embrace. They were talking about the suitable time to execute her business plan. Iris was excited and wanted to do things as soon as possible.
“Do what you want, love, but remember to always prioritize rest throughout your entire pregnancy,” Jin Liwei reminded his wife. “Even Theresa’s guide says so.”
“I know. I’ll do what I can without putting my health and that of our twins in jeopardy ever again. But now that I feel so much better thanks to Theresa’s supplements and health guide, and of course, Auntie Reina’s delicious cooking, I want to continue working on the things that I love again. Staying at home doing nothing is so boring.”
“Alright, I understand.” He kissed her forehead and hugged her closer. “Just remember that I’m always here for you.”
She smiled and inhaled the scent on his neck.
“Love you,” she murmured, closed her eyes, and fell asleep in an instant.
“Love you, too. Always.”
###
The Black Stars were all filled with excitement during this time.
First of all, their Boss Iris was finally back!
She might not have any new appearances on TV, radio or magazines, but countless sightings of her in public had been posted on the web in the past few days. Most of the time, she had been seen visiting Orchidia Beauty and LXC Studio.
Another exciting thing was that quite a number of qualified Black Stars working at Long Industries quit en masse and then applied to Orchidia Beauty. The majority of them got hired! The ones who failed the application process didn’t lose hope though and vowed to try again next time after improving their qualifications.
Rumour had it that Orchidia Beauty offered better salary and benefits than Long Industries. All the positive testimonials about Orchidia Beauty’s work environment resulted in many Black Stars, especially those still studying in university, to regard working at Orchidia Beauty their new dream jobs.
Next, everyone celebrated the founding of Black Stars Philippines. Dominic Chua, a.k.a. @DomtheBeautyKing, announced on the fan club’s official website that his relatives set up the Filipino offshoot of Black Stars.
The Chinese and Singaporean Black Stars all welcomed their Filipino brothers and sisters.
