Chapter 862 The Client
Rylan stood up. As he watched Catherine walk away, he smiled. He didnât mind being publicly embarrassed by Catherine. The more she did that, the more it showed she was anxious and not calm inside. Despite her disgust, he could still reach the lab. After all, he was the labâs major sponsor now.
Catherine had just returned to the lab when she heard that Ultan had arrived. She hadnât planned to go out, but Marshall saw her in the office and called her out.
As they walked into the lobby of the lab building, Catherine saw Rylan standing next to Ultan. The moment Rylan saw Catherine, his eyes lit up.
However, Catherineâs face clearly displayed disgust. Obviously, she was getting tired of Rylanâs persistent pursuit.
âMr. Melton, itâs rare for you to take the time to visit. How about saying a few words?â Ultan warmly invited Rylan. His attitude toward Rylan had changed quite a bit now. The failure of the lab certification had made him less arrogant. If the sponsor withdrew at this moment, he couldnât guarantee to find a more suitable or powerful sponsor.
Rylan humbly smiled, nodded, and said, âMr. Farrell, since you are so gracious, Iâll say a few words. What I want to say is simple. The road to success in experiments is always paved with failures. I know the recent setbacks have been discouraging for all the researchers, but these are inevitable challenges on the path to success. I hope everyone wonât be disheartened and will persevere. My company and I will continue to support and witness your efforts. Thank you all.
As Rylan finished speaking, applause resounded. It seemed that everyone had a favorable impression of Rylanâs speech. But then again, it was not easy to find a deep-pocketed sponsor who didnât care about the results.
Ultan noticed Rylanâs concern for Catherine and took the initiative to suggest that Catherine accompany Rylan on a tour of the laboratory.
Showing respect to Ultan, Catherine didnât refuse the proposal. She led Rylan and introduced the laboratory coldly.
âThatâs the general situation. If thereâs anything else you want to know, just ask,â Catherine said.
Rylan was not interested in the laboratory equipment or detailed usage of the donated funds. He was concerned about Catherine.
He asked, âCatherine, I heard something happened to Ronin. Is it serious? Do you need my help? Although I just arrived in Loxton, allocating some manpower is not difficult.â
âThanks, but you donât need to mention him to me again,â Catherine replied and coldly rejected Rylanâs offer.
Seeing Catherine in a bad mood, Rylan couldnât help but ask, âWhatâs wrong? Did Ronin make you angry?â
Catherine remained silent for a moment. This increased Rylanâs certainty, and he cautiously continued, âI heard Ronin betrayed you, but when I heard the news, I couldnât be sure. Is it true?â
âHave you said enough?â Catherine looked up at him with anger in her eyes.
âIâ¦â Rylan muttered.
Before Rylan could continue, Catherine interrupted him directly. She said, â The lab tour is over. If you have any other needs, find Professor Hartley. I have to go finish my experiment report! âWith that, Catherine left, leaving Rylan somewhat caught off guard. He watched her departure helplessly.
Meanwhile, Audrey arrived at the destination given by Kim. After asking around, she finally located Kim.
Kim was busy discussing details with a photographer, completely engrossed.
âKim,â Audrey called out.
Hearing someone call his name, Kim impatiently said, âWait on the side. Iâll find you in a bit.â
Audrey chuckled. âSince youâre so busy, I wonât disturb you for now.â
Kim paused for a moment, and then he recognized the familiar voice. Ðе turned around. Upon seeing Audrey, he immediately abandoned the photographer and rushed toward her. â You brat, you actually come back. I said if you dare show up, Iâll skin you alive!â
âShould I leave then?â Audrey raised an eyebrow and looked at him.
Kim slapped her shoulder. âCanât you hear I miss you too much?â
âMiss me to the point of asking me to work for you?â Audrey teased.
âItâs an emergency. I need your help,â Kim replied.
Audrey exposed Kimâs ulterior motives, but since they were close, Kim didnât hide it. He said, âNow that youâre here, hurry up and change. After shooting this ad, it has to be approved by the client. If we secure this deal, Iâll be set for the year.â
âAlright.â Audrey was here to help out. After listening to Kimâs instructions, she immediately began changing clothes.
Despite her time away from the entertainment industry, Audrey hadnât lost her skills. The commercial shoot went smoothly, concluding in a short time.
Audrey then accompanied Kim with the samples to meet the client. Along the way, Kim kept advising Audrey. He said, âRemember. This client is quite influential. If they act too high and mighty, take it easy. The success of the companyâs performance assessment in the second half of the year depends on this deal.â
Although Audrey had gained some fame in the entertainment industry and held a certain position, she understood the importance of not offending key players. âKim, donât worry. I know how to handle it when the time comes.â
Just as Audrey assured him, Kim pushed open the door to the meeting room. However, upon seeing the person sitting inside, Audrey was instantly stunned.
She quickly renounced her assurance, and her face darkened. âHow could it be him?â
Kim noticed Audreyâs unusual reaction and quickly tugged at her sleeve, whispering, âBe careful. Thatâs our bread and butter, you know?â
Audrey couldnât be unaware. She just couldnât accept that the bread and butter was Brian. Looking at his smug face, she felt the urge to explode.
Showing respect to Kim, Audrey reluctantly stepped into the meeting room.
Kim handed the ad samples to Brian with a fawning smile, and the secretary on the side promptly took them. âMr. White, please take a look.â
Brian stared at Audrey, giving the impression that he was assessing the endorser. He said, âNot bad. The shots are good. Just a few minor issues that might need some adjustmentsâ¦â
Audrey had been holding back her anger, but hearing Brian deliberately nitpick, she erupted. Smack! A loud sound echoed as Audrey slammed her palm on the table. She glared angrily at Brian. âHave you had enough?â
The sudden outburst stunned everyone in the room. Kim was so shocked that he stared blankly at the scene.
Although Audrey wasnât one to tolerate everything, no one had ever seen her so furious, especially at their potential major sponsor. Now, trouble brewed, and even Kim, who usually knew how to handle situations, was at a loss for what to do.