After Rex Thompson finished most of his meal, he shifted the conversation. "Last time we met, I heard you're working on a smart wheelchair project. How's that going?"
Grace Li replied, "It's going pretty well. The product's been on the market for about four months now, and sales have already surpassed ten million dollars. The feedback from users has been really positive. We're planning to do a Series A+ funding round later this year, mainly to expand our factory and equipment and grow our sales channels."
Rex Thompson asked, "Are you short on funds for this round?"
Grace Li answered, "Our previous investors are looking to add more funding, so we're actually in a pretty good position financially."
"Guess that means I won't get a chance to join in," Rex said.
Grace Li didn't want Rex Thompson involved in the funding, especially since Verve Capital was her and Aiden's company. She didn't want him to interfere. But she couldn't say it outright, so she responded, "Of course not, Mr. Thompson. It would be an honor if you could join us. It's just that the funding has already been allocated, and it's a bit tricky to adjust at this point."
Rex Thompson caught the subtle refusal in her words and didn't press the issue further.
He continued, "Aside from this project, what other investments are you involved in?"
Grace Li answered openly, "I've also invested in a traditional Chinese-style clothing project, which has already completed its Series A round of funding."
Mabel Thompson looked curious. "What kind of clothing is it? Can I take a look?"
"Of course." Grace Li grabbed her phone, opened the online store for Nange, and showed it to Mabel. "It's something like this."
Mabel looked over the screen and said, "It's beautiful."
"It really is. I fell in love with the design style right away, which is why I decided to invest."
"Do you have anything that's suitable for someone my age?"
"Yes, we do." Grace Li seemed to relax a little now that the conversation was flowing. "Actually, I've got a little gift for you. It's a modified qipao from their collection. I thought it would suit your style, so I brought it for you to see."
Mabel was surprised. She hadn't expected Grace Li to prepare a gift for her.
Grace Li had already placed the gift in the cabinet of the private room. The qipao was carefully packaged in a classical, elegant box, and she brought it over to Mabel.
Mabel stood up and walked over to her, pulling her back toward the table. "Let's take a look here."
Grace Li opened the box, and Mabel saw the qipao inside. The deep navy blue fabric, with light gold floral patterns, looked stunning.
Mabel smiled warmly. "You're very thoughtful."
"It's just a little welcome gift, nothing too extravagant. I hope you like it," Grace Li said.
Rex Thompson cleared his throat, and Grace Li glanced at him, sensing what was coming. She smiled and said, "Oh, I also got a little something for Mr. Thompson. It's a health wristband from the company I've invested in."
She picked up the gift box beside her. "This wristband can monitor heart health in real-time. It hasn't officially launched yet, but it's passed all the necessary tests."
Rex Thompson chuckled. "So, you're using me as a guinea pig?"
Grace Li smiled and replied, "I'd say you're the most honored of our first users."
Rex laughed softly. "You sure know how to charm people."
"I learned from the best."
"Who's that?"
"Your son."
Rex Thompson: "…"
Mentioning Aiden seemed to bring out a bit of Rex's disdain. "My son sure has a sharp tongue when he's arguing."
Mabel Thompson laughed from the side. "Sounds just like you."
Grace Li watched them joking around and felt a bit more at ease. It suddenly struck her that Aiden's parents weren't as intimidating as she'd thought.
After the meal and the gifts, Grace Li's next step was to take them to see the cherry blossoms.
Rex Thompson signaled for her to ride in the same car. With Tom driving, she naturally sat in the front passenger seat.
The group arrived at the cherry blossom viewing area in Central Park. The trees were in full bloom, with a sea of pink blossoms. It was indeed crowded, and the winding paths were packed with people.
Mabel Thompson looked around at the lively scene and said, "It's been years since I've been to a place this busy."
Rex Thompson replied, "You never want to come when I suggest it. Always avoiding the crowds."
Mabel Thompson didn't enjoy crowded places. On weekends or holidays, when Vera suggested going to the park for a walk, Mabel would always worry about the crowds. She preferred quiet activities like having afternoon tea with a few friends, visiting art exhibits, attending brand events, or going for spa treatments.
Grace Li guided them through the crowd, strolling along the paths lined with cherry blossoms. The fluttering petals added a romantic vibe to the late spring setting. She couldn't help but think that if she were here with Aiden, it would be even more special.
She pulled out her phone and snapped a few pictures. Under the cherry trees, lots of people were taking photos—energetic teens, sweet young couples, and older couples enjoying their time together.
Grace Li turned to Mabel Thompson and said, "Mrs. Thompson, would you like me to take a few pictures for you?"
Mabel Thompson looked around. The place was so packed that no matter where she stood, there were people everywhere. She replied, "I'm not really into taking pictures, forget it."
Grace Li didn't push. "If you change your mind, just let me know. I'm pretty good at taking photos."
Rex Thompson turned to Mabel and said, "It's not every day you get to be in such a beautiful place. Come on, take a few photos."
Mabel Thompson said, "With so many people around, do you really think it'll look good?"
"Just focus on your shot, who cares about the rest?"
Mabel hesitated for a second. She hadn't taken a photo with Rex in ages, so she said, "Okay, let's take one together."
Grace Li noticed that they had agreed, so she led them to a spot under a cherry tree where there were fewer people.
Rex Thompson handed Grace Li his phone, and he and Mabel stood under the cherry tree. They didn't do anything fancy, just stood side by side, with Mabel holding onto Rex's arm.
Grace Li adjusted her angle and snapped a few pictures. Afterward, she swiped through them and showed them the screen. "What do you think? Are these okay?"
Mabel Thompson looked at the photos. Grace Li had used an upward angle and managed not to capture the other people in the background. "They turned out pretty good."
"Well, it's because Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are such a perfect match, so no matter how you shoot, it's going to look great."
Rex Thompson laughed and said, "I see you're really good at flattering people."
Grace Li wasn't just flattering them; she said sincerely, "I'm being honest. I always tell Aiden how handsome he is, so of course, his parents are impressive too."
Mabel Thompson smiled and asked, "So, is it because my son is handsome that you like him?"
"That's definitely part of it."
"What's the other reason?"
"It's his personality. He's got this charm that really draws me in."
Hearing someone praise her son really put Mabel Thompson in a good mood. Looks like Aiden was right—spending time with Grace Li is actually really comfortable.