The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane raised a brow. "It's not a bad idea."

"I tried it out today," I said slowly. "And it turned out pretty well. The sales of the designer collectibles were better than that of the merchandise. But it has its downsides, too.

"The sales ride on hype, and the numbers would drop once the hype is over. I'll have to think of a way to make the hype last longer."

Zane stared at my computer screen wordlessly, taking in the design sketches of half a dozen designer collectibles. He chuckled and asked, "So, your idea is to launch a new collectible just as the hype for its predecessor dies down?"

"That's right," I answered frankly, not wanting to keep my plans a secret from him. Zane said approvingly, "Not bad. You're grasping opportunities and perceptive enough to know your market and the hype."

I pointed out, "If I don't act fast, I could lose my chance to make good money." Zane was proud of me for putting myself first.

However, he must be disappointed that he could not tempt me even with his fine looks and seductive get-up. With a sigh, he slid off the bed and poured me a glass of water. "Well, I can't afford to laze around while our resident breadwinner is hard at work."

He set the glass before me as he said this. I took it. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." It was the first time Zane saw me working to build a business of my own, and his interest was piqued. "Have you come up with a marketing strategy yet?"

"No," I admitted. "But I'm aware of the supply-and-demand principle. I'm also aware that short and sweet advertisements of my products would leave a stronger impression in my targeted audience's minds. Figuring these out is the key to simplifying the actual marketing process."

"I know you can do it," Zane encouraged.

Realizing I would not spare him a second glance no matter his efforts, he changed into his usual sleepwear and sighed as he brought his work into the bedroom.

He thought he might get to

experience the joy of intimacy on his wedding night, but things turned out differently. It seemed he would spend the rest of the night working in the bedroom, and the only exciting part of which was the change of surroundings.

Still, Zane was grateful for Annalise's company. It motivated him.

As he worked, he sneaked glances at Annalise and found himself smiling like a fool. He sensed Annalise's drive and ambition, and it was only a matter of time before she succeeded in business.

After that, Annalise could very well be invited to speak at formal events and introduce him to her cohorts. Given how hardworking he was now, he reckoned she wouldn't think of him as an embarrassment.

When I was done with my sketches, I sent them to the manufacturer and began drafting my marketing strategy.

Zane had finished his work and glanced at the marketing strategy. After a moment, he looked away. The strategy looked like it had been drafted by a professional.

"I feel like I've seen the strategy

somewhere. The content isnoveldrama

different, of course, but the style is similar," he said. "It's simple but

effectively markets the selling points of the product, and it leaves a strong impression on the audience

a

I did not glance over my shoulder as I told Zane the name of my previous

workplace. "Were you thinking about this company?"

He nodded. "That's right."

"I used to work there," I replied by way of explanation.

He gave me a surprised look. "Why would you work when you had your own company?"

"Because I wanted to see for myself what an employee needed at work. It's the only way I can learn what incentivizes them to work," I said.