News from Taiwan

Chapter 34 Mutual Appreciation
Jiang Guier couldn't help but scrutinize Shen Huaizhou closely. His calm and open expression made her somewhat afraid to look him in the eye.

"This tea is bitter. If you don't like it, I'll get you a different one."

Seeing that Jiang Guier was holding a teacup but had only drunk half of it, Shen Huaizhou guessed that it might not suit her taste.

"No need, I'm used to it." Jiang Guier snapped out of her daze, and to prove it, she instantly picked up her teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

hiss!
It's really tough!
She forced herself not to frown, raised the teacup to her chin, and showed the empty cup to Shen Huaizhou, saying, "It tastes pretty good."

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Huaizhou picked up the teapot and filled her cup again.

Jiang Gui'er lowered her eyes, concealing the slight trembling fear within them.

The water was poured to about 8% full, not too much and not too little. Her fingertips unconsciously rubbed the inside of the white porcelain teacup. How embarrassing! She wanted to stand up and leave, but it seemed a bit impolite.

I hate awkward conversations; they're exhausting.

Jiang Guier looked up at Shen Huaizhou, feigning enthusiasm, "By the way, how's your studio doing lately? Lin Wan should have told you that my mom is in the manufacturing industry and is an entrepreneur herself, so she really likes young people starting businesses. Her company even has special support programs for young entrepreneurs. You can tell me about the type of your studio."

Her words sounded a bit deliberate; she was clearly trying to defuse the awkward atmosphere.

"Thank you. Lin Wan mentioned to me before that there is support for your mother's business. I have looked into it and have already submitted the relevant materials."

When Shen Huaizhou answered, his eyes showed a rare hesitation. He poured himself a full cup as if to avoid the question, raised his hand and took a sip. The bitterness of the tea seemed to wash away the unspeakable emotions welling up in his heart.

"Really!" Jiang Guier's eyes lit up, and she said happily, "Then I'll go back and tell my mom to pay more attention to it. Also, if your studio doesn't have any orders, I'll mention it to her too."

Upon hearing this, Shen Huaizhou's faint smile faded slightly. "There's no need to say it out of the blue. If I meet the requirements, there's no need to say it beforehand. If I don't meet the requirements, it's unfair to others if you say it."

He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table and put down his teacup. "It's alright. I've taken on a few small orders, but ultimately, I'm still stuck on funding. It's hard to start a small studio. The initial investment is heavy, and the returns are slow. Sometimes, we can't even get the start-up capital for the next project."

He spoke calmly, as if stating something perfectly ordinary, but Jiang Guier could still sense the difficulty in his words.

"You're really impressive. You started your own studio at such a young age. You're very different. You have your own unique ideas and you put them into action."

Unlike many people who create influencer studios or follow trends, you're doing things that require time and experience to mature and may not generate much immediate economic benefit.

Jiang Guier spoke earnestly. Although she herself was a KOL and involved in the influencer economy, she genuinely admired someone like Shen Huaizhou.

Shen Huaizhou smiled, and his smile softened the aloofness and distance he usually exuded, revealing a youthful energy befitting his age.

Jiang Guier felt that he suddenly had a more human touch, unlike before when he always seemed a bit presumptuous. Perhaps it was that scholarly air about him, and she couldn't help but look at him with a hint of appreciation.

Jiang Guier's transformation deepened Shen Huaizhou's smile. The girl before him was full of resilience, making it impossible to look away. "Everyone has their own unique way of living and value. There is no such thing as one being more important than another, or being superior or inferior. Realizing one's self-worth and recognizing oneself is what makes life meaningful."

Jiang Guier nodded, seemingly understanding. Shen Huaizhou paused, not wanting to delve further into the topic. He looked at Jiang Guier earnestly, "There aren't many customers as willing to pay back as you are. Thank you."

Jiang Guier felt a little uncomfortable after hearing his words and quickly waved her hand, "Don't say that. It's only right that it should be settled. I'm also an independent entrepreneur myself, and I know that after completing a project, what we want most is to get paid quickly. It's also a form of affirmation for ourselves. Actually..."

She glanced at Shen Huaizhou and finally spoke, "Lin Wan reminded me that I was busy and didn't see your message earlier. Actually, you could have sent me another message instead of looking for Lin Wan."

Shen Huaizhou was taken aback for a moment, his eyes filled with doubt. He frowned slightly, but soon—he understood.

It must be my uncle. A hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes, followed by an apologetic look: "I'm under a lot of pressure here, and I've caused you trouble. I'm sorry... If you want to settle later, that's fine too. Actually, the price you offered was too high; you can just take half..."

"No need!" Jiang Guier interrupted him before he could finish, "You're worth the price."

Her attitude was firm, and Shen Huaizhou looked at her but didn't insist any further. He just smiled and said, "Well then, if you ever need my help or anything else, just come to me."

These words didn't seem out of place. Jiang Guier thought about it and realized that if she really needed to, it would be easier to ask him.

She wanted to refuse, but when she met Shen Huaizhou's expectant eyes, the words of refusal that were on the tip of her tongue turned out to be: "...Alright, if you really need it, I won't be polite."

Shen Huaizhou's eyes lit up. "I'm ready anytime."

"No problem, no problem." Jiang Guier finally put down the teacup she had been holding for a long time and said to Shen Huaizhou, "I've been here for a while now, I hope I haven't disturbed your work."

"No." Shen Huaizhou shook his head. He watched as Jiang Guier's movement to get up abruptly stopped as she spoke, a somewhat cute moment of hesitation.

He smiled and said, "Miss Jiang, if you have something to do, please go ahead with it."

Jiang Guier, who had thought she had missed a good opportunity to leave, was a little discouraged. But unexpectedly, another opportunity was presented to her. Her eyes lit up and she quickly got up.

"I'm fine, I'm just worried about bothering you, in case something happens to you..."

Her eyes darted around, and she uttered sweet words.

Shen Huaizhou didn't expose her. He got up and saw Jiang Guier to the door, casually hanging his delivery jacket on his body. He considerately opened the door for Jiang Guier, saying, "Take care on the way."

"Okay," Jiang Guier blurted out, "You ride the bike." Her voice trailed off, and she stopped abruptly, her words slightly tinged with embarrassment.

She quickly glanced at Shen Huaizhou, and seeing that he was looking at her, she immediately turned her face away as if she had been burned, and her voice became even lower: "Um... be careful on your way, and don't get hurt."

"Thank you for your concern, I will be careful." Shen Huaizhou stood at the door until Jiang Guier had walked a long way before locking the door, getting back on his electric scooter, and opening the delivery order on his phone.

It's time to get to work.

(End of this chapter)