14
During the weekend holiday, Xu Zhaixing spent two days making final revisions to her drawings and sent her work to the competition’s email address just an hour before the submission deadline.
It was a global competition with no restrictions on age, gender, or nationality. The preliminary round was also judged anonymously, ensuring absolute fairness and impartiality.
Now, all she had to do was wait for the results.
With finals approaching and needing to review, she didn’t feel too anxious. Her graduation project from her past life had managed to pass the preliminary round, so this piece, refined over several years, should have no problem either.
After the final exams, as the Chinese New Year approached, Xu Zhaixing received a reply email from the organizers congratulating her on successfully passing the preliminary round. She was requested to submit a confirmation form and photos of the finished garment in early March to participate in the semi-finals held in City B.
Xu Zhaixing hadn’t told her family about entering the competition initially. Now, she needed to start gathering materials to create the piece—various fabrics, tiny diamonds, threads—all requiring careful selection. The expense was substantial, and her allowance alone definitely wouldn’t cover it.
During dinner, she brought it up with her parents, asking for some financial support.
When her parents first heard the news, they didn’t take it too seriously. Their daughter had always loved fiddling with her dolls since childhood. They had even bought her a sewing machine in elementary school and let her have her fun.
Now, hearing Xu Zhaixing happily announce she had passed the preliminary round of a fashion design competition, they initially assumed it was some kind of doll clothing contest.
It wasn’t until after dinner when Xu Zhaixing showed them the organizer’s email, and they searched online to find words like “international,” “high-end,” and “luxury” associated with the competition, that they realized their daughter wasn’t just playing around.
Her mother scrutinized her for a long moment, half-doubting. “Can your little hobby projects really qualify? Is this competition some kind of scam to make money?”
Her father shot her mother an annoyed look. “Go on, get out of here! My daughter is amazing! She’s had a talent for design since she was a kid! Haven’t you read the news? Those who make it to the semi-finals are all internationally renowned rising design stars!”
Her mother still felt uneasy. Her father thought for a moment and decided to call Xu Yan.
Ever since the real estate materials incident and the subsequent bankruptcy of Xu Zhiwen’s project while Xu Yan’s company thrived, Mr. Xu was very satisfied with him, finding the young man reliable. Whenever unsure about something, he liked to ask for his advice.
After the call connected, Mr. Xu put it on speaker and explained the competition situation. Her mother chimed in, “Xu Yan, could you help us check if that competition is legitimate? Zhaixing says she needs to go to City B for the semi-finals.”
Fashion and the entertainment industry were always closely linked so of course, Xu Yan knew about this highly prestigious international competition.
He truly hadn’t expected his little cousin to surprise him like this yet again.
After praising Xu Zhaixing a few times and explaining the competition’s scale and influence to her parents, he finally said with a smile, “Making it to the semi-finals is already a huge affirmation for any designer. Uncle, Aunt, Zhaixing is really incredible.”
As soon as the call ended, Mr. Xu hugged Xu Zhaixing and ruffled her hair affectionately.
“My daughter is too outstanding! Too outstanding! Ah, how did I manage to have such an outstanding daughter?”
Her mother also relaxed, her face beaming with joy. “Was she born by you? I’m the one who gave birth to her! Zhaixing, just tell your dad how much money you need. Have your dad raise the limit on the supplementary card!”
Seizing the opportunity, Xu Zhaixing said, “After the New Year, before school starts again, I need to go to City B. Some materials can only be bought there, and I also need to contact a model in advance.”
With Xu Yan in City B, her parents felt reassured enough to agree. Once the first few days of the New Year passed, they bought Xu Zhaixing a plane ticket, saw her off at the airport, and watched her board the plane. Then they contacted Xu Yan, insisting he go to pick her up early.
After several hours of flight, Xu Zhaixing finally stepped onto the soil of the city she had longed for day and night.
Xu Yan was already waiting at the arrival gate. Seeing her come out, he smiled and took her suitcase.
As soon as she saw him, Xu Zhaixing started with flattery. “Brother, you’ve gotten even more handsome! You’re practically a walking, talking CEO!”
Xu Yan: “Do you already need a favor from me the moment you arrive?”
Xu Zhaixing: “…………”
Was she that transparent already???
No wonder he was a top-tier agent; his ability to read people was truly sharp…
Xu Zhaixing grinned and trailed behind Xu Yan to his black Mercedes. Once the car started moving, she said, “Did my parents tell you to keep me under your watchful eye, not to leave me alone because I’m prone to causing trouble?”
Xu Yan reversed the car and hummed in agreement.
Xu Zhaixing declared righteously, “Then how could I be so inconsiderate? Is company business important, or am I important? You go ahead and focus on your work. Don’t worry about me!”
Xu Yan glanced at her with a half-smile. Seemingly struck by a thought, he raised an eyebrow and asked in an ambiguous tone, “Are you planning to look for Cen Feng?”
Xu Zhaixing: “???”
Could she have any privacy around this person? Did he study communications or psychology?!
He didn’t even need to wait for her answer; her expression gave it away. Xu Yan chuckled softly, driving leisurely as he said, “Puppy love, huh?”
Xu Zhaixing nearly jumped. “Who’s having puppy love? What puppy love? Don’t talk nonsense!”
Am I even worthy???
Xu Yan let out a meaningful, drawn-out “Oh.”
Xu Zhaixing defended herself. “Appreciation, do you understand? Like how we appreciate the blue sky, twinkling stars, and the curved moon—it’s that kind of admiring something beautiful yet unattainable!”
Xu Yan asked, “So what do you appreciate about him?”
Xu Zhaixing stated firmly, “Of course, I appreciate his talent!” Then, feeling a bit lacking in conviction, she added, “And… his good looks!”
Xu Yan smiled, finally deciding to stop teasing her. “Alright. Just tell me in advance when you want to go, and I’ll give you a ride.”
Xu Zhaixing: “There’s no time like the present. How about today?”
Xu Yan: “…”
It was still snowing in City B recently.
Xu Yan had rented a two-bedroom apartment here. The guest room was already tidied up. After dropping off her luggage, Xu Zhaixing thought about the cold night ahead and put on her hat and scarf, wrapping herself up into a little round ball before following Xu Yan out.
Xu Yan first took her to eat, then called her parents to let them know she arrived safely. Only then did he drive her to find Cen Feng.
Xu Zhaixing didn’t want Cen Feng to see her with Xu Yan, so she asked him to stop some distance away. Leaning against the car window, she instructed, “Brother, stay far away, okay? Don’t let him see you.”
Xu Yan didn’t want to say anything, just waved his hand for her to go quickly.
Xu Zhaixing straightened her fluffy hat in the car’s window reflection and then happily skipped away.
Walk faster, just a little faster.
She was about to see the person she had longed for day and night.
In the end, she was practically running.
Her heart was filled with such joyous, precious anticipation.
She stopped only when she reached the pedestrian crossing opposite. She felt a little warm, breathing in small pants. Her breath turned into puffs of white vapor in the cold air, and the half of her face exposed outside was flushed red.
Finally, she saw him again.
He hadn’t changed at all. Over his black hoodie, he had added a jacket. His hair had grown a bit longer, lightly covering his eyes, fluttering slightly in the winter night’s cold wind.
Xu Zhaixing crossed the street with the flow of pedestrians. With each step closer, her heart pounded so violently it felt like it might leap out of her throat.
She reminded herself inwardly: This time, I must not cry again!
Step by step, she drew nearer and nearer until she came to a stop right in front of him. Xu Zhaixing caught a faint whiff of cold tobacco in the air. The fingers strumming the guitar were red from the cold, but it didn’t affect his movement or the melody.
He seemed even thinner, his jawline sharper, his entire person radiating a piercing, cold hardness.
Xu Zhaixing’s heart ached terribly.
She had so many questions she wanted to ask him.
Why aren’t you eating properly? Your health is the most important. Why did you refuse Star Era? Zhongtian treats you poorly; wouldn’t leaving be better? Are you very unhappy? What can I do to make you even a little bit happier?
But she said nothing, simply standing before him, listening to him play one song after another.
It’s so wonderful to hear him sing again.
His little finger was so beautiful, with distinct knuckles, unbearably sexy when playing the guitar.
Back then, when it was stomped on and broken, it must have hurt terribly.
Once she found out which scoundrel did that, she’d definitely break his legs!
Lost in these chaotic thoughts, she gazed at Cen Feng, unwilling to even blink. She didn’t know how much time had passed when suddenly an angry shout came from beside her: “Cen Feng!”
Xu Zhaixing instinctively turned her head and saw a somewhat plump middle-aged man walking over furiously from not far away.
Cen Feng didn’t look up. He just pressed his palm against the guitar strings, stopping the song halfway.
Xu Zhaixing was still trying to remember if she had ever seen this hostile-looking man among Cen Feng’s past team members when he had already approached, pointing right at Cen Feng’s face and scolding, “The company strictly forbids busking! Are our rules just wind in your ears? You don’t train properly all day long! Do you think the company belongs to you? If you don’t want to be here, get lost sooner! Don’t cause trouble for me!”
He gave a vicious kick to the guitar case holding the money, his angry voice drawing frequent glances from passersby. “Are you obsessed with money? Is this how much you earn?! How much can you make singing out here all night?! Have you calculated the immense loss to the company from all this wasted training time?!”
The guitar case was lightweight to begin with. Kicked over by him, the wind scattered the loose change everywhere.
Xu Zhaixing was almost mad with anger. She didn’t even have time to curse, immediately rushing over to pick up the money.
This was money her idol earned through hours of enduring the freezing cold, working hard!!!
Cen Feng, who had been expressionless, was momentarily taken aback. He looked at the hurried figure squatting on the ground, set his guitar down, ignored the still-fuming man, and walked over.
With his long legs and good flexibility, he bent down and picked up the remaining few bills and coins. Xu Zhaixing, clutching a handful of change, looked up and heard him say softly, “Thank you.”
Her eyes were slightly red, perhaps from the cold or anger. She sprang to her feet, stuffed the money she had gathered into his hands, then turned and stormed over to the still-furious man.
Opening her mouth, she started scolding, “What is wrong with you? Speak if you must, but why resort to violence?! Didn’t your mother teach you to respect others? Didn’t your elementary school teacher teach you manners? So, what if he’s busking? Busking earns money through his own hard work! You’re not young; have you only gained years, not any upbringing?”
The man looked at this little girl who had appeared out of nowhere with surprise and suspicion, then retorted rudely, “I’m disciplining my own company’s employee. What’s it to you? Get out of the way!”
Xu Zhaixing glared at him angrily, suddenly spreading her arms wide, shielding him like a protective mother hen, ready to fight. “Does being an employee mean having no rights? Does being an employee mean you can insult them like this? It’s been decades since the founding of New China; do you still think you’re some feudal landlord?!”
The man was rendered speechless by this sharp-tongued girl. Instinctively, he reached out to push her away. “Get out of my way!”
Before his hand could touch Xu Zhaixing, it was caught by a hand with distinct knuckles, gripping his wrist and wrenching it upwards forcefully.
The man instantly gasped in pain, flying into a rage. “Cen Feng, what are you doing?! Let go of me! Do you even want to keep working here?!”
Xu Zhaixing whipped her head around.
Cen Feng stood right behind her, his arm reaching over her shoulder to grip the man’s wrist.
This move was not gentle. With the force he exerted, his knuckles turned white, the veins on the back of his hand visibly bulging.
His expression remained cold, but his gaze was sharp, like a sharp knife thrusting from the depths of his pitch-black pupils, carrying a ferocity ready to drag the person before him straight to hell, even at great cost to himself.
The man seemed frightened by this look and fell silent for a moment.
But soon, that look faded, the hostility vanished without a trace, and his eyes returned to their lifeless stillness, as if everything just now had been an illusion.
He let go, pulling Xu Zhaixing behind him. His voice, though calm and detached, sent shivers down the spine: “Yes. I don’t want to work here anymore. So what?”
**