The Rise of the White Lotus

Chapter 291 - She's Dying From Insecurity

Lexi remained silent as she listened to the rational and experienced businesswoman's every word. She already knew that and she took no offense upon hearing her insight. After all, Aubrey Ning had to rely on her manufacturer when she was first starting out while she was the one in charge of selling it with her own label until it was recognized and was now one of the leading skincare brand owners. Lexi glanced at Benjamin Shao and saw that he agreed on Aubrey Ning's explanation as he nodded.

"Miss Yang, in doing business, you have to focus your mind on one thing or you'll only burden yourself with the slow growth of your company." Smiling, Aubrey Ning continued. Now, she understood Ethan Lu as to why he invited her into this place and recommended Lexi Yang… or so what she believed.

Indeed, she was impressed by Lexi and she didn't disappoint her with her formulation skills as she saw its potential. However, with her experience in the industry, though the product was indeed good, the competition was fierce. With all the established brands in the market now, Lexi would have a tough time introducing hers while manufacturing them at the same time. Hence, with Aubrey Ning and Benjamin Shao before her— a once in a lifetime opportunity— Lexi must decide which direction she must take.

"Miss Yang, how about I make you a deal?" Examining the unreadable front of Lexi that was not even giving them a clue that she was wavering or remaining adamant with her beliefs, Benjamin Shao proposed. Without waiting for her response, he continued. "I am interested in your product but since you still have no numbers to show about your sales and inventory— I want to rebrand this pure clay cleanser." It was clear as the day that Benjamin Shao was fond of her, hence, he was obviously pushing her to take the rebranding route.

Of course, Lexi understood his meaning behind it as it wasn't hard to guess. Meekly smiling, Lexi slowly opened her mouth as she already decided. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Shao. I do appreciate it but I must refuse."

Upon hearing her respectful refusal, both frowned in satisfaction. So, all this time, Lexi was still being foolish with her decisions, this was what ran inside their heads. If any beginner would have that offer, especially coming straight from Benjamin Shao, they would instantly accept that offer as it was a win-win situation… maybe, a greater victory to a beginner as Benjamin Shao has an established company.

The curious bystander who from the very beginning eavesdropped on their conversation peered at Lexi with a 'are you crazy' expression plastered across their face at this moment. They were so sure that Lexi would accept the offer as it was a great deal. After all, every student's agenda was a manufacturing company. Hence, for a starter like them, being affiliated with one of the leading brands in the market right now would be a great headstart.

"Hey, do you think Miss Yang lost her mind?"

"What? Did I hear her right? She refused?" One from the booth nearby whispered in distress as she glanced at Lexi with conflicted eyes.

"Tsk tsk, of course, our Miss Yang is great and was certain that she could surpass anyone in the line!" Stella Du who despite hating to see Lexi stealing the spotlight, scoffed in disdain as she unreservedly uttered the comments that were enough to reach the ears near her and the two big shots conversing with Lexi.

She purposely said that out loud to tug at the pride Benjamin Shao and Aubrey Ning held and be displeased even more. After all, the reputation of the two was far too great in that no one in the same industry would try to go against them or humiliate them in public. Furthermore, some people from the media were already, watching Aubrey Ning and Benjamin Shao sit around the same table. Therefore, it was the perfect chance for Stella Du to start the flames and fan it.

Whispers and murmurs grew louder upon Stella Du's scandalous comment. Others who didn't like or didn't know Lexi wavered and scoffed as they looked at her, they thought Lexi was just acting all high and mighty. Others who were rational enough remained neutral and only anticipated a good show as they accepted the fact that theirs wouldn't get the same deal. On the other hand, Lexi's group who had a good amount of interactions with her, wanted to defend her. Alas, since they were close to where Lexi, Benjamin Shao, and Aubrey Ning perched, they chose to shut their mouths as to not add more noise going around.

Still, they could not help but whisper their displeasure about Stella Du's dauntlessness to start the fire that might affect Lexi's future relationship with these two brand owners.

"Tsk, this Stella Du is purposely saying that."

"She's dying from insecurity so she won't let the chance slide to slander Lexi."

"Why was she even here in the first place?"

As the indistinct murmurs that didn't sound well, Benjamin Shao asked bearing a frown. "Miss Yang, may I know your reason for refusal? I hope it's not something to humiliate me."

"Nothing like that, Mr. Shao." Ignoring the whispers going around, and the loud annoying comments from her number one basher, Lexi smiled as her gaze turned sincere towards Benjamin Shao. "As I said, I truly appreciate your wonderful offer and it excites me for a minute because I never expected to receive such a good offer in this trade show. Unfortunately, this might sound foolish but I want to remain steady on my beliefs and capabilities in my business."

Lexi already knew that her plans were rather a hassle for a starter company. However, she had faith in the products she made and to herself as a businesswoman. Moreover, being a manufacturer to these two wouldn't put her company in a good position in the long run as demands and betrayal might happen— tossing her to the side when their contract ends or when they copied her formulations.

There are tons of pros and cons in establishing her own company, the same as being a manufacturer. Hence, if she has to choose one, she would rather struggle to make things work with her own company and own brand.

"I see… Miss Yang, are you willing to hear my offer?" Meanwhile, as Aubrey Ning remained silent, she scrutinized Lexi's front and an unreadable glint flashed across her pair of monolid eyes. When Lexi shifted her gaze to her, Aubrey Ning didn't waste a second and spoke. "I wanted to give you a deal— an investment deal." She smiled as she raised her brows, giving her a knowing look.

Aubrey Ning made sure that her voice was loud— louder than the murmurs and whispers to shut them all up as it was already getting on her nerves. Moreover, for her to boast her wealth and ego towards her displeased competitor Benjamin Shao. Upon hearing her statement, the crowd fell into a stagnant silence before a loud roar of commotion from her offer resounded across the whole venue— garnering more onlookers around the booth.