547 Countdown (1/2)

When the countdown on the big screen reached the one minute mark, a length of big ribbon and a huge pair of scissors were brought onstage. Iris and Jin Chonglin held the huge scissors together behind the ribbon. The Bauer siblings stood beside Iris while Chen Fei and Long Jinjing stood beside Jin Chonglin on the other side. The Chua siblings continued to play their roles as the emcees.

Dom: ”Less than one minute left until we officially launch the company and release Orchidia Beauty's first products!”

Everyone stood up.

Finally, Clover started the countdown.

”10!”

Everyone joined her, shouting each number.

”9!”

Until…

”3!”

”2!”

”1!!!!!”

Iris and Jin Chonglin cut the ribbon with the huge scissors.

Loud cheers of celebration and applause.

”It's official!!! Orchidia Beauty is launched!!! Yay yay!!!” Dom and Clover shouted together, jumping in excitement like little children.

Iris' eyes immediately searched for Jin Liwei. His mouth moved. She read his lips.

”Congratulations, love. I'm so proud of you,” he silently told her.

Her face broke into a bright smile. She had the urge to jump off the stage, run to him and jump into his arms. However, she controlled herself. Her company just launched. It was at this moment that she needed to be professional and act like the boss that she literally was.

”Thank you, darling,” she mouthed back at Jin Liwei.

He also smiled. Well, to her, it was a smile. But to the others, his expression looked cold as usual.

”Congratulations, Sister Xiulan,” she heard Jin Chonglin's voice near her ear.

It was subtle, but she moved away from him a little before turning to face him with a smile.

”Thank you, Brother Chonglin.”

”Can I hug you?” he asked before quickly adding, ”A friendly hug, of course.”

”No,” she replied without even thinking about it.

Disappointment flashed in his eyes at her quick refusal before covering it up with a mock hurt expression meant to tease. He playfully clutched his chest.