"Uh... Sili, it wasn't President Ying who sent this..."
Tao Xinrou held her forehead and smiled bitterly, deeply impressed by Zhao Sili's imagination. What a train of thought—it was a waste she wasn't writing novels.
"How could it not be? Look, there are mango egg tarts, mango pudding, and jasmine tea, all your favorites. If he didn't know what you liked, why would he send these?" Zhao Sili picked up a small piece of mango cake, speaking with conviction. "My cousin is subtle and reserved. That's how he shows he cares—quietly. You'll get used to it." She winked at Tao Xinrou again.
But these were clearly something Zhao Sili had arranged, because some people had no idea what Tao Xinrou liked to eat.
Not wanting to upset her friend, Tao Xinrou forced a smile that felt uglier than crying. She took a bite of the mango cake.
"Is it good?" Zhao Sili asked eagerly.
"Good."
"See? My cousin really knows your taste."
Tao Xinrou couldn't bear to puncture her illusion. She pulled the corners of her mouth into a smile that looked a little less fake and got back to the point.
"Let's continue. I think we can design a series of intangible heritage projects that can be integrated into existing room services or offered as independent add-on experiences. For instance, we can partner with reliable local intangible heritage workshops to customize experience kits that showcase core techniques. When guests check in, they can choose to pay for an experience. Meanwhile, we can embed short introductory videos on the in-room TV system or mini-program to promote the heritage."
Zhao Sili's eyes gradually lit up. "No major room renovations needed, guests have freedom to choose, and it's easy to manage. Xinrou, you really have ideas."
Tao Xinrou continued, "We can even collaborate with the F&B department. If a guest completes an experience, they get a complimentary themed dessert or drink—creating a closed loop."
"Great idea! Xinrou, this will definitely be approved. I'll refine the plan right away. Hmm... for the first batch of testers, I think we can invite internal staff, like those with family or partners?" She began hinting again.
Tao Xinrou immediately became alert. "Sili, this is a commercial project for guests. Internal testing should involve representative employees or regular customers to get objective feedback."
"Alright, I know. Business is business!" Zhao Sili nodded, muttering under her breath, "Let's finalize the plan quickly and pick the first batch of testers."
*
There were only five days left until the proposal presentation.
Originally, Zhao Sili was supposed to present, but she boldly declared in the meeting that Tao Xinrou was the real mind behind the plan and insisted on giving her the opportunity.
Tao Xinrou's head throbbed. She had to use the weekend to polish the PPT. But at nine o'clock on Saturday morning, her phone was bombarded with messages from Zhao Sili, all with one theme—hurry up and go shopping with me!
Tao Xinrou glanced at her work and had no mood for shopping. Unexpectedly, Zhao Sili came straight to her home.
As soon as she opened the door, Zhao Sili urged her to change clothes.
"Sili, can we go after the presentation? I'll go with you then."
"No! We're going now. And it's because the presentation is so soon that we need to shop."
"Huh?"
"To get you a battle robe for your first presentation!"
Tao Xinrou was stunned. "Why?"
"Because all the top brass will be at the presentation. Are you stupid? For such an important meeting, do you plan to go up there in your uniform? This is the group anniversary project—first impressions are crucial, don't you know?"
"I have formalwear, and hotel rules only allow uniforms."
"Oh, just listen to me. For such an important presentation, I won't let you lose! You need to wear something that exudes presence—professional yet gentle, so people think, 'This woman is not simple.'"
Tao Xinrou opened her mouth to argue that content was more important than clothes, but Zhao Sili had already linked arms with her and dragged her out.
*
Two hours later, Tao Xinrou was pressed in front of the fitting room mirror by Zhao Sili. She wore a crisp mist-blue suit dress with a cinched waist and a slightly open neckline, making her look much brighter.
"This one! It makes you look fair, elegant, and subtly sexy. Perfect." Zhao Sili nodded with satisfaction.
Tao Xinrou glanced at the five-figure price tag and gasped.
"Sili, I'm just presenting a proposal, not walking a red carpet."
"Nonsense. The workplace is a red carpet." Zhao Sili had already pulled out her card to pay. "You be beautiful, I pay. Consider it an anniversary gift for joining the company."
Tao Xinrou was speechless. "I haven't been here a year yet."
"Then it's an early gift! Don't you dare refuse, or I'll cry right here."
Helpless, Tao Xinrou watched Zhao Sili pay.
But the ordeal wasn't over. Zhao Sili picked another dress for her and removed the tag while she was trying it on, claiming she had to wear beautiful clothes to shop meaningfully.
Bombarded by Zhao Sili's enthusiasm, Tao Xinrou felt as if she had returned to their dorm days years ago.
Back then, many people flocked to Zhao Sili for favors, but Tao Xinrou had never interacted much with her. She truly got to know her through a white shirt.
In sophomore year, the school held a debate, and Tao Xinrou was elected as the affirmative side.
Everyone discussed wearing clothes that would overwhelm the opposition, but Tao Xinrou could only find a yellow-collared dress in her wardrobe—her mother's gift for her eighteenth birthday. She was about to make do with it when Zhao Sili leaned out from the upper bunk and told her to wait.
She pulled out a brand-new floral dress from the back of her closet and handed it to Tao Xinrou, still with the tag attached. It was from a brand Tao Xinrou had never dared to enter in the mall.
Tao Xinrou froze, afraid to take it, but Zhao Sili casually cut off the tag, saying it was a waste just sitting there, and pushed her into the bathroom to try it on. She even asked if it was wrinkled and if she needed a steamer.
Later, Tao Xinrou learned that Zhao Sili had bought it just the week before.
After the competition, Tao Xinrou carefully had the dress dry-cleaned and returned it.
Zhao Sili didn't even glance at it and told her to keep it—again saying it was a waste in her closet.
In the mirror, Tao Xinrou looked at the form-fitting dress and felt a sudden ache in her nose.