Volume 1, Chapter 6: Should Anything Go Wrong, I Shall Bear the Responsibility

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Either way, today’s situation was a lose-lose. The foreman pulled the evening banquet program from his pocket and handed it to Lou Nanzhi. Carefully, Lou Nanzhi opened the schedule and flipped to the section listing the piano performance. Upon seeing the pieces, her heart tightened.

The Third Piano Concerto
English Country Tunes
Petrushka

No wonder they had invited a world-renowned pianist. These were universally recognized as difficult compositions, with scores of great complexity—only pianists of exceptional skill dared to attempt them. Some composers themselves couldn’t even perform their own works.

“Hmph! They’ve invited a world-class pianist; it’s not a joke,” the foreman grumbled.

Though he didn’t understand the music titles at all, the look on Lou Nanzhi’s face told him she wasn’t up to the task, so he snatched the program back abruptly. Just as he was about to drag Sister Wu to plead with Vivian, Lou Nanzhi grabbed him back.

“Are you annoying or what? Can you stop already?” The foreman’s patience snapped. Having just been promoted to foreman and now facing possible unemployment, his anger surged.

“Foreman, these pieces may be difficult, but I think I can try!” Lou Nanzhi said firmly.

“Try?” The foreman laughed bitterly.

“Sis Lou, I don’t know what you did before, but don’t overestimate yourself. You don’t think it’s just about pressing a few keys, right? Tonight’s guests are all top business elites of the capital. If you mess up the annual negotiation meeting for the Fu Group, we’ll never find work in the capital again.”

“Let me try. If I truly mess up, I’ll take full responsibility and cover all the expenses myself.”

“N-Nanzhi!” Sister Wu pulled at Lou Nanzhi.

The foreman couldn’t believe his ears. She was willing to take all the blame? Fine! He’d been looking for someone to take the fall; now that someone was willing, what was there to complain about?

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“Sis Lou, you mean it? No regrets, agreed?” The foreman’s expression changed instantly as he flattered her. “When you first applied, I knew you weren’t an ordinary person!”

“Nanzhi, why do this to yourself? Don’t get yourself into trouble. The compensation won’t be a small sum!” Sister Wu, despite her heavy burden, still thought about her—Lou Nanzhi didn’t have much to lose. If she lost this job, she could find another. At worst, Wei Guoxiong would pay the compensation. He wasn’t willing to divorce? Then let him fulfill his obligations.

“Sister Wu,” Lou Nanzhi grasped her hand reassuringly, “I do know the piano somewhat. Besides, having a performance is better than none. The priority now is to find that damaged dress of Vivian’s. I’ll try it on, and foreman, please help me print out the sheet music for those three pieces.”

“Alright! I’ll get right on it!” The foreman dashed off excitedly as if energized by adrenaline.

Lou Nanzhi then led Sister Wu upstairs.

Vivian’s dress was truly expensive, adorned with countless Swarovski crystals, each stitch painstakingly crafted. In the afternoon, Sister Wu had hung it in the closet, but when taking it out, a nail protruding from the wardrobe had snagged and torn a long rip along the back.

Looking at the dress, Lou Nanzhi felt a pang of sorrow; no wonder Vivian was angry.

“Sister Wu, fetch me some needles and thread. I’ll sew it up. I brought a shawl from home—if I wear it, no one will notice.”

“Nanzhi, you don’t have to do this—it was my fault…” Sister Wu wiped tears from her eyes.

“Sis, don’t think about it. Just do as I say. You need this job more than I do.”

Choked up, Sister Wu said nothing more and brought the sewing supplies. Whatever the outcome today, this kindness was engraved in her heart.

Before long, Lou Nanzhi had mended the dress.

Looking at the dress she had sewn, Lou Nanzhi couldn’t help but recall the early days of her marriage to Wei Guoxiong. Conditions had been tough then—her clothes were patched in many places. Even wearing a simple cotton shirt counted as a luxury.

A bitter smile crossed her lips.

But she quickly regained composure.

“Sis Wu, help me bring the dress—I want to try it on. Vivian is a young girl with a slender figure. I wonder if my barrel-shaped waist can fit.”

“You’ll fit, definitely! You usually wear loose clothes, but I can tell—you have a waist just as slim as any young girl.”

Lou Nanzhi had always been disciplined. Though she’d spent thirty years as a housewife, when no one was home, she’d secretly practice yoga in front of the TV.

Back then, she feared becoming an old, plain woman, afraid Wei Guoxiong wouldn’t even glance her way. Looking back now, it seemed unnecessary.

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A good man never despises you for growing old or losing beauty. But scoundrels, no matter how angelic you dress, will always stray with other women.

“Oh my!” Sister Wu slapped her thigh upon seeing Lou Nanzhi transformed into a vision of grace. “I told you, Nanzhi! You’re stunning—clothes do make the person!”

Gazing into the mirror, Lou Nanzhi realized this was the first time she’d worn a gown. She had begged Wei Guoxiong many times to take her to have wedding photos taken, but he always dismissed it as childish nonsense.

Yet he himself had been wilder than any young man, engaging in an affair and even having a love child.

Knock knock knock!

“Sis Lou! I’ve printed the sheet music you wanted!” The foreman’s voice came from outside.

Sister Wu hurried to open the door.

Following her in, the foreman’s face registered disbelief as he looked at Lou Nanzhi.

“Wow, Sis Lou, I told you you weren’t ordinary. From the back, I could’ve sworn it was Vivian herself!”

“Just wait till I turn around!” Lou Nanzhi joked as she faced them.

The three laughed, momentarily forgetting their troubles.

Once everything was ready, Lou Nanzhi and Sister Wu went to the lounge. The foreman, still uneasy, gave them many last-minute reminders before reluctantly returning to his duties.

Meanwhile, in the grand hall of the Moonlit Pavilion, dazzling crystal chandeliers shimmered like stars, each ray illuminating the smiling faces of the guests.

To the sound of elegant music, the capital’s elites raised their glasses, enjoying drinks and discussing business.

Suddenly, a man lifted a glass of champagne and approached Fu Mingyuan, the heir of the Fu Group.

“Meeting the heir is truly a blessing!” The same man who had scolded the foreman leaned in to introduce quietly.

“This is Mr. Wei Guoxiong, CEO of Xiongfeng Cosmetics.”