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And so we do.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The thing about being a VP at a private equity firm is, I have a million contacts in various industries. And I know exactly which ones to call now. I stride back into the office with my head held high, and I’m struck by what Auntie Jiayi said, how women here walk with purpose. It’s true, and I savor the walk. It’s only possible because of all the sacrifices that people like Auntie Jiayi have made. I ignore the looks from the other employees and nod at Mushu, who jumps up and follows me into my office.
“How did it go?” Mushu says.
I fill her in as quickly as I can, then say, “We’re going to show them that Wutai Gold is worth saving, and I know exactly how to do it. Make a list.”
Mushu takes out her phone and looks expectantly at me.
“All right, that banquet that’s happening tomorrow night—”
“The Women Entrepreneurs one?”
“Yes. Who’s organizing it again?”
Mushu doesn’t skip a beat. “Alicia Lopez.”
“Oh, nice! I met her at a conference last year.” I scroll through my contact list and find Alicia’s name. I tap dial and put the call on speakerphone.
Alicia picks up on the second ring. “Mulan, girl, it’s been a while. How’s it going?”
“Hey, Alicia! It’s been way too long. I’m here with Mushu.”
Mushu calls out, “Hey, Alicia, how are the kids?”
“Adorable monsters as always. Kevin has teeth now, if you can believe it. Makes breastfeeding super fun. Not.”
“Ouch,” I say, wincing. “Anyway, I know you’re really busy, so I’ll get to the point. I’m calling about the Women Entrepreneurs Awards.”
“Yes, what about it?”
“Is it too late to be a sponsor?”
“A sponsor? Are you kidding? Of course not. It’s never too late. All right, I’ll put Facai Capital on the list.”
“Actually,” I say, “could you put Wutai Gold down instead?”
“The whiskey company? Really?” Alicia pauses. “I’ve seen their ads. Why do they want to sponsor our event? They know it’s not a thing celebrating cis white males, right?”
“Yeah, they’re thinking of changing their brand, branching out a little.”
“Okay.” Alicia sounds hesitant.
“We will donate two large crates of the finest Wutai Gold whiskey.”
“Done,” Alicia says immediately.
I laugh. “Well, that was easy.”
“Free whiskey? You are speaking my language.”
“In exchange for Wutai Gold banners and posters at the event.”
“Fair enough.”
“And you’re having the event at the Regency Court?”