FIVE YEARS || MG2018AU

part one: look at me now

part one:
LOOK AT ME NOW

[present day, Creations Workshop, 4PM]

"Madam Shancai, your four o'clock is here."

"Thank you, send him in."

Five years ago, Shancai would never picture herself in a business suit. Never speak in a professional manner. Never be the one to have meetings with representatives of companies and industries. Never be the one to own a business. 

Look at her now. 

Shancai took a seat behind her desk after her client, Mr. Huang, introduced himself and sat across from the businesswoman. 

Dong Shancai is the founder of the Creations Workshop in Manhattan, New York. What was once a small business has blossomed into something much bigger and better.

The young woman was extremely proud of herself for building this workshop that changed lives in those who wish to pursue their dreams in the arts field. 

That's correct; Shancai's business deals with the theatre, arts, and music programs. The workshop branches out to the culinary field as well since Shancai has always dedicated herself to nutrition ever since she could remember.

There's a long story as to why and how Shancai built this workshop, but we'll get to that another time.

Mr. Huang spoke to her in her mother language. Shancai was happy to speak in Chinese again. Mr. Huang would have to be her first Chinese client she's had since her business kicked off. 

"Madam Shancai, I'm a big fan of what you do here," the elderly man complimented. "I'm a supporter of the arts myself. I own a theatre, actually. The Huang Theatre has been in my family for generations and it is currently in my care. Maybe you've heard of it?"

Shancai smiled. She remembered going to Huang Theatre once when she was a child. It was a musical. She couldn't remember the title, but she remembered it was about love and war and it had beautiful choreography, music, and setting. 

He frowned, "However, it has not been doing well lately. The last showcase displayed was roughly ten years ago. It's lost funding, as we both know the support of the arts program is not easy to obtain."

Shancai took out her checkbook from her drawer and clicked her pen, "How much?"

Mr. Huang looked at her in shock. Normally, he would have to go through a lot of convincing. And even then he most likely wouldn't get the funding. But she was willing to give him the money without hesitation.

Dong Shancai truly is a great businesswoman. 

The man smiled warmly, "What I heard was true; you really are selfless and caring."

She returned the smile. "Money isn't an issue, Mr. Huang. And you know my involvement with the arts. I'd be happy to give you the funding you need to keep the theatre alive. And I'm not greedy nor selfish like most businesspeople are." 

Shancai refused to think of the woman she was referring to. The woman that drove her out of China and made her life a living hell - who did everything possible to kill her happiness.

"Though I'm afraid it's more to it than money."

Shancai raised an eyebrow. "What else would you need?"

"I see you as more than the founder of CW. You're a teacher. You inspire those to come out of their shell and become more than what they are. I would like it if you were to participate in this project personally," he paused. "Meaning that you run the showcase by being there and teaching."