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“I long to ride the wind and return there, yet fear those crystal towers and jade halls, far too cold and high.”
When these well-known ancient verses left her lips, the entire venue fell silent. For most people, the term “flying apsaras”[1]Chinese Buddhist art and mythology, depicted as elegant female figures soaring through the sky, often playing musical instruments, scattering flowers, or dancing jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_1465719_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_1465719_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); immediately brings to mind Dunhuang [2]was a crucial oasis city at the strategic crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, where the northern and southern routes converged before entering or exiting China jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_1465719_1_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_1465719_1_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); and its treasure-filled murals.
Yet this piece, whether in the design of the dress or the model’s makeup and hairstyle, bore distinct elements of Chinese style. Everyone had assumed the inspiration undoubtedly came from the Dunhuang murals.
Who could have guessed it would actually be “Prelude to Water Melody”?
And yet, it fit perfectly.
Feathered garments, flying apsaras, riding the wind to return… looking at Zhao Jinjin, one could already envision the sheer beauty of that image.
On the large screen behind her, a line drawing of the flying apsaras was displayed. Xu Zhaixing briefly explained the ideas and concepts behind her design of the dress, as well as the challenges and difficulties she had encountered during the creative and production process.
When she reached the part about the scattered diamonds adorning the skirt, she lightened the mood: “In order to sew on these thousands of diamonds, I didn’t do my homework for a while week and got punished by my teacher three days of cleaning the toilets.”
The audience responded with warm, understanding laughter.
After she finished speaking, a professor from a renowned domestic fashion design institute took the microphone and said, “Just now, when you spoke about your design philosophy, you mentioned a line: ‘The mortal world is a muddy pit, shrouded in darkness everywhere, with only a single beam of light from the heavens shining down, becoming your sole support to rise upward.’ If I may ask somewhat impolitely, you’re only sixteen, and I imagine you come from a well-off family. Why would you have such reflections? And what does that beam of light refer to? In my view, this seems a bit like forcing sorrowful imagery for the sake of artistic expression.”
At the age of sixteen, the biggest worries were likely just studies. Without the pressure that adults face, how could one speak of such heavy terms as “muddy pits” and “darkness”?
The old professor’s question struck right to the heart of the matter. The audience held their breath, waiting to hear how Xu Zhaixing would respond.
To everyone’s surprise, she just smiled faintly and nodded in response to the question. “You could say so. ‘Youth knows not the taste of sorrow’. And I hope I never have to learn that taste.”
Let the darkness that had once almost claimed her life fade forever into the past.
She would never look back.
Only forward.
Those in the audience who had been eagerly anticipating more felt somewhat disappointed. However, the old professor who had posed the question smiled and nodded, setting the microphone down.
After Xu Zhaixing finished, it was the next contestant’s turn. Beside her, Zhao Jinjin finally let out a sigh of relief.
That old man had been deliberately picking a fight earlier, she’d been sweating bullets!
Once all twenty designers had explained their works, the judges began scoring and making their selections. Zhao Jinjin leaned over and whispered. “I think we can at least get third place.”
Xu Zhaixing replied. “I don’t think so.”
Zhao Jinjin looked at her in exasperation. “Why are you so lacking in confidence?”
Xu Zhaixing: “I think we can at least get first place.”
Zhao Jinjin: “…”
My apologies, I was not arrogant enough.
Xu Zhaixing playfully poked Zhao Jinjin’s waist. “Oh, relax. Winning a prize isn’t that important. I’m already more than satisfied just making it to the finals. I’m still young, there’s always next year.”
Zhao Jinjin, more competitive by nature, pouted. “Well, if we don’t make the top three, it just means they have no taste!”
Ten minutes later, the judges concluded their discussion. A staff member brought the results card and handed it to the host. The competition had finally reached its most critical moment. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on that list.
The host milked the suspense for all it was worth, then began announcing the results from third place.
“The winner of the third prize in this year’s Paris Fashion Design Competition is a designer number 30, An Nan, with his work ‘Feast’! Let’s congratulate An Nan!”
An Nan looked pleasantly surprised and high-fived Xu Zhaixing, who was just one person away from him.
The host then announced the second-place winner—a female designer from the UK.
What remained was the highlight of the evening.
When Zhao Jinjin heard that neither third nor second place belonged to her young mistress, she couldn’t help feeling a bit disheartened. Internally, she grumbled, “What’s wrong with these people? Don’t they have any taste?!”
Just as she was muttering to herself, she suddenly heard the host say, “Congratulations to our young designer, Xu Zhaixing, for winning first place in the Fourth Paris Fashion Design Competition!”
Zhao Jinjin shrieked and immediately hugged Xu Zhaixing beside her.
The judges were the best! They had the best taste in the world!
The audience erupted into enthusiastic applause. The judges themselves wore smiles, indicating that this result was a consensus decision. Though Xu Zhaixing had spoken boldly, she hadn’t truly expected to win first place. She was stunned for a moment before breaking into a joyful smile for the cameras.
The other designers who hadn’t won, along with their models, left the stage. Then, the judges stepped up to present the awards.
After the hefty golden trophy was handed to Xu Zhaixing, the microphone was passed to her. Clearing her throat, she happily said, “To receive this award, first I must thank my parents, then my friends and teachers, and then the organizers and all the judges. Actually, everything I just said was taught to me by the lovely Zhao Jinjin beside me. Thank you all.”
The audience burst into laughter.
As she looked into the camera, her smile grew sweet and tender, her voice soft and gentle, as if thinking of something special. “Thank you to my beam of light. I will always love you.”
With the competition concluded, the award winners posed for a group photo with the judges, followed by interviews in the media area. Of course, Xu Zhaixing was the one every media outlet wanted to interview. However, unused to facing so many cameras, she simply said a few words before pushing Zhao Jinjin forward.
Zhao Jinjin thrived in such situations. Her stunning beauty that evening had captivated everyone, and many media representatives recognized her. Questions gradually shifted from her modeling insights to her recent schedule, ensuring plenty of topics to discuss.
Xu Zhaixing watched contentedly as her artist gained significant exposure and popularity. Her mind began to wander, picturing Zhao Jinjin effortlessly securing endorsements, freely choosing scripts, appearing on variety shows daily, and working diligently like a busy little bee to earn money for her.
Hehe, life was good, so very good.
Once the interviews were over, the mutually triumphant pair returned backstage, thoroughly satisfied.
An Nan was still waiting there. As soon as he saw her approach, he hurried forward, first offering his congratulations on her win before asking, “You know that as the champion, you get to collaborate with the Paris organizers to launch your own brand, right?”
Xu Zhaixing nodded. “Yes, I know.”
An Nan rubbed his hands together, tentatively inquiring, “So, once you’ve settled everything with them, could I reserve your first exclusive interview and the debut show for your collection? Li magazine will give you the cover for that issue! I’ve already thought of the headline—it’ll be explosive!”
Xu Zhaixing smiled generously. “Of course, why not? Once I’ve confirmed everything with the organizers, you’ll be the first to know.”
An Nan hadn’t expected to secure her exclusive interview so easily. After all, she was this year’s design champion, the youngest in the competition’s history, brimming with talking points and guaranteed high popularity. Countless magazines and media outlets were waiting to interview her. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, “Great! You have my business card, let’s keep in touch anytime!”
Xu Zhaixing smiled and nodded.
Fashion magazine connections were an area where Star Era Entertainment was currently lacking. Building relationships with people like An Nan would greatly benefit the development of the company’s artists. Naturally, she wouldn’t turn down such an opportunity.
After chatting with An Nan for a bit, an organizer representative came looking for her and escorted her to a meeting room.
The Chinese division heads of the organizing committee were all inside. They handled the backend operations, managing event processes and execution. When they heard that this year’s champion designer was a sixteen-year-old high school student, they were utterly astonished. They immediately notified the Paris headquarters and sent over the winning work.
Soon after, a call came from headquarters: the esteemed Mr. Fei wished to meet the youngest champion designer in the competition’s history.
Mr. Fei was the founder of the Paris Fashion Design Competition. A French-Chinese designer, he had been an internationally renowned figure in his youth, winning countless major awards with ease. The three brands he established spanning from affordable to accessible luxury to high-end were globally renowned. In the fashion world, he was a titan whose mere presence commanded immense respect and influence.
So, the staff quickly brought Xu Zhaixing over.
When Xu Zhaixing entered, the video call on the computer was already connected. On the screen, the elderly gentleman with graying temples appeared refined and greeted her kindly.
Xu Zhaixing remembered, Mr. Fei passed away during her junior year of university.
Now, seeing this legendary figure again, she felt a profound sense of nostalgia. Sitting down opposite the screen, she politely said, “Hello, Grandfather. My name is Xu Zhaixing.”
Mr. Fei chuckled warmly. “Our homeland continues to produce talented individuals. It gladdens my heart.”
The more accomplished a person was, the easier the conversation became. Xu Zhaixing truly felt as if she were chatting with her own grandfather as there was no sense of pressure, only the elder’s expectations and praise for the younger generation.
After they had talked for over ten minutes, Mr. Fei finally asked, “Regarding launching your own independent brand, do you already have some ideas in mind?”
Xu Zhaixing nodded firmly.
Mr. Fei smiled. “Excellent. Young people should dare to dream. The more you envision, the smoother your path forward will be. They will be in touch with you. I look forward to seeing your creations.”
After the video call ended, a staff member promptly handed her the contract, along with the contact information and email address of the dedicated representative assigned to her.
Knowing she was still a minor, the staff member said, “You can take the contract back to show the adults. Once they approve, we’ll also need a signed guardian consent form. You can mail both documents together to your representative later.”
Xu Zhaixing nodded, expressed her thanks to each person, and then left the meeting room.
Downstairs, Zhao Jinjin had already changed out of the “Flying Apsaras” gown and was waiting, holding the dress. Still buzzing with excitement, she rushed over and hugged Xu Zhaixing the moment she saw her. “Young Mistress, you’re amazing! How can you be this incredible? You’re practically replacing Marlon Brando as my new idol! Sniffle… The best decision I ever made was signing with Star Era. You have no idea, several agencies wanted me back then. If it weren’t for how handsome President Xu is, I definitely would have gone with one of the bigger companies.”
Xu Zhaixing: “…”
Girl, you really didn’t have to share that with your boss, you know?
And you chose Star Era because of my brother’s looks??? Wasn’t that a bit… casual? Are you here to be an artist or to become my sister-in-law?
Xu Zhaixing decided that, starting today, she would supervise Xu Yan’s skincare and fitness routine. He absolutely must not start gaining weight or developing a beer belly just because he’s a big boss now. His looks were now company assets, not to be casually diminished.
By the time they reached the exit, Xu Yan had already pulled up in the car. As soon as they got in, he asked, “What do you feel like eating today?”
It seemed he intended to treat them to a celebration meal.
Xu Zhaixing’s mind raced through eighteen different possibilities, pondering how to make him splurge. But Zhao Jinjin, bursting with excitement, beat her to it: “Malatang! And icy cola!”
Xu Yan smiled. “Sure. Where to?”
Zhao Jinjin pointed at Xu Zhaixing. “The place Young Mistress mentioned, that one at the night market!”
Xu Yan thought for a moment. “I know where that is.”
With that, the car started and headed straight for the night market.
Xu Zhaixing, who had been entirely left out of the decision-making: “…”
Wait a minute? I’m the star of today, right? Did anyone ask for the champion’s opinion?
But then again, going to the night market meant she might see Cen Feng. Thinking of that, she happily accepted the plan.
They arrived at the night market just after five. With busy people still at work and the leisurely crowd not yet out, the usually bustling malatang shop had only a few tables occupied—quiet and spacious.
Both Xu Zhaixing and Xu Yan didn’t eat spicy food. Zhao Jinjin made the ultimate concession: “Fine, fine. We’ll have a split pot then.”
Three bottles of cola were placed on the table. Zhao Jinjin, finally getting her wish, looked as if she were in heaven. Xu Zhaixing took a few symbolic bites before putting down her chopsticks and standing up. “I feel like having a hand-pulled pancake. I’m going to buy one.”
Zhao Jinjin said, “Me too! I want bacon in mine.”
Xu Yan gave her a slightly suspicious look. It was unclear whether he guessed what she was really thinking, but he didn’t call her out, simply nodding in agreement.
Xu Zhaixing happily scampered off.
Round the corner, just across the street, was the spot where Cen Feng usually performed.
She had already planned what to say when she saw him, she would tell him her work had won an award. He was so kind; he would surely congratulate her! He might even praise her for doing well!
Ahhh! No prize or award could compare to a single word of praise from her idol!!!
She had practically skipped and danced her way there. Pausing to catch her breath at the crosswalk, she noticed someone had set up a small stall selling things in the triangular area across the street.
Xu Zhaixing was taken aback. When the light turned green, she followed the flow of pedestrians across the street and stopped in front of the stall.
The racks were filled with pirated CDs and DVDs. A small speaker blared at full volume, playing current hit songs. The middle-aged vendor greeted her, “Hey there, little girl. Want to buy a disc?”
She asked without thinking, “Why are you selling things here?”
The vendor chuckled, “Why can’t I sell here?”
Xu Zhaixing said, “Someone sings here every night.”
The vendor grinned, “What singer? It’s just me, all day long. I’ve been set up here for a month.”
Her heart pounded twice. She turned and dashed into the nearby convenience store, straight to the counter. The young shopkeeper didn’t recognize her at first glance and greeted her with a smile, “Welcome.”
Xu Zhaixing asked urgently, “A few months ago, I gave you a jar of candy and five hundred yuan, and asked you to give one piece every day to the boy who sang here. Do you remember me?”
The shopkeeper’s face lit up with recognition. “Oh, oh, it’s you. I remember.”
Xu Zhaixing’s throat felt tight. “Did you give them to him?”
The shopkeeper looked at her hesitantly. After a long moment, she bent down, pulled the candy jar from a lower cabinet, and said apologetically, “I’m sorry… He never came back.”
Xu Zhaixing stared at the full jar of candies. For a moment, her eyes stung painfully.
The shopkeeper took out the five hundred yuan. “Since I couldn’t give him the candy, you should take the money back.”
After a long pause, the girl rubbed her eyes. When she looked up, the corners of her mouth were still curved slightly. She reached out and took back the candy jar, saying softly, “Consider it a storage fee. Thank you.”
With that, she gave a polite nod to the shopkeeper and turned to leave.
Watching her despondent figure, the shopkeeper felt a pang of guilt. Struggling internally, she finally stomped her foot and ran out after her, calling, “Hey, wait a moment.”
Xu Zhaixing, still holding the candy jar, turned around. Her eyes were red-rimmed.
The shopkeeper sighed. “Alright, alright. I’ll break my promise and be the bad guy, I’ll tell you the truth. He actually did come, not long after you left.”
She repeated what Cen Feng had told her to say, then added, “Although he didn’t take the candy jar, he did take one piece of candy from it before he left. But after that day, he really never came back.”
Xu Zhaixing stared at her blankly, momentarily unsure how to react to this rollercoaster of revelations.
Her idol knew she had come to give him candy.
Her idol hadn’t taken her candy.
Her idol had taken one piece of candy.
So… did he like it, or not? Why did he ask the shopkeeper to lie to her? And why had he never returned after that day?
Was it because… he didn’t want her to look for him again?
Had taking that one piece of candy been his way of saying goodbye?
Xu Zhaixing looked down at the candy jar in her arms, feeling an even heavier weight in her chest.
By the time she returned to the malatang restaurant, Zhao Jinjin was already full and content. Seeing the candy jar in Xu Zhaixing’s arms, she asked curiously, “Did you go buy candy? What about the hand-pulled pancake?”
Xu Zhaixing sat back down in her seat, her expression completely deflated. She muttered, “It was closed.”
Zhao Jinjin, not picking up on her mood, simply nodded and then asked eagerly, “What flavor is that candy you bought? Is it good?”
Xu Zhaixing, of course, understood the hint, but replied gloomily, “Even if it’s good, you can’t have any. You’ve already exceeded your calorie limit for today.”
Zhao Jinjin immediately puffed up indignantly. “What’s wrong with having one more piece of candy on such a happy day?”
Ignoring her, Xu Zhaixing carefully placed the candy jar on the corner of the table. Even though her idol hadn’t taken the entire jar, he had taken one piece. By that logic, this whole jar essentially belonged to her idol!
Xu Yan noticed her low spirits and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Xu Zhaixing shook her head and forced a smile. “Nothing. I’m just a bit tired.” She picked up her chopsticks, feigning nonchalance. “You didn’t finish everything, did you? Did you leave any for me?”
Zhao Jinjin started picking food for her with her own chopsticks. “Yes, yes! The mild soup side is all yours!”
Xu Zhaixing blocked her chopsticks with her own. “Ahhh! Don’t contaminate my mild side with your spicy oil chopsticks!”
The two of them began playfully poking at each other with their chopsticks, having a great time. Xu Yan’s gaze shifted to the candy jar on the table corner, his brow furrowing slightly.
After the competition, Xu Zhaixing had to return to S City to continue her studies. Xu Yan had already had the company lawyer review the contract from the Paris organizers, there were no issues. All she needed to do upon returning home was have her parents sign the consent form, and then she could begin collaborating with them to launch her brand.
Although she was a fashion design graduate, launching a brand was a first for her. Xu Yan wasn’t familiar with this field and couldn’t offer much advice. After all, brand management was different from company management; the intricate details involved only became clear once you were hands-on.
Before leaving, Xu Zhaixing visited what was reputed to be B City’s largest and most comprehensive bookstore to buy relevant books. She planned to study them thoroughly so she wouldn’t be at a disadvantage during her collaboration with the organizers.
Xu Yan drove her to the bookstore entrance and left, telling her to call him once she was done browsing.
This largest bookstore had four floors, each dedicated to different categories. The specialized books Xu Zhaixing needed were on the fourth floor.
It was a weekday, so not many people were around. The bookstore felt quiet and serene, filled with the scent of ink and paper. Xu Zhaixing wasn’t in a hurry to buy. She browsed slowly, starting from the first floor, and even spotted the romance novel Cheng You kept complaining was sold out everywhere. She tossed it into her shopping basket.
After finishing the first floor, she took the escalator up. On the left side, on the descending escalator, stood a figure.
He wore a dark blue hoodie, a baseball cap, and a black face mask. The hood was pulled up over the cap, shrouding his entire frame in an aura of aloofness that warned others to keep their distance.
His head was bowed, and he held a stack of books as the escalator carried him steadily downward.
Xu Zhaixing was still reading the back cover summary of the romance novel in her hand. Her peripheral vision casually swept past him, and then she froze in place.
Even if her idol were wrapped up like a rice dumpling, she would still recognize him!!!
The reunion was so sudden. The up and down escalators crossed paths. In that moment of stunned silence, Cen Feng had already reached the bottom and was walking toward the exit.
Xu Zhaixing didn’t have time to think. Her brain even seemed to stop functioning the moment she saw him. Driven by pure instinct, she took the last few steps up the escalator two at a time, then turned around and hurried down the descending side, chasing after him.
By the time she reached the entrance, Cen Feng was at the checkout counter.
As she ran closer and saw his figure clearly, the shadow cast by his cap brim on the bridge of his nose and her mind finally began to clear a little. What if… he didn’t want to see her?
Xu Zhaixing hesitated, unconsciously taking a few small steps back, wanting to hide first and calm down. She hadn’t retreated more than two steps when Cen Feng seemed to sense something and turned his head to look in her direction.
The cap brim hid his eyes, but Xu Zhaixing knew he was looking at her. In that moment, all hesitation vanished. A smile broke across her face, warm and bright. “Brother! Long time no see!”
Cen Feng looked at her for a long moment before reaching up and pulling down his mask. He said softly, “Yeah, long time no see.”
Xu Zhaixing’s heart pounded wildly. For a fan girl, such an unexpected encounter was an absolute dream come true. Overjoyed, she was momentarily at a loss for words, just grinning foolishly at Cen Feng.
The cashier bagged his books and said with a smile, “That’ll be three hundred twenty-one yuan.”
Cen Feng glanced back at her, paused, and said, “Just a moment.”
He walked over to Xu Zhaixing, reached into her shopping basket, took the books, and handed them to the cashier. “These together.”
“Of course. One moment, please.” The cashier scanned them. “That’s three hundred fifty-two in total.”
She placed the newly scanned books on top of Cen Feng’s original stack.
After Cen Feng paid, he glanced down. The cover was garishly colorful, emblazoned with exaggerated, dramatic letters: Don’t Even Think of Escaping, The CEO’s Fiery Little Wife.
Cen Feng: “?”
Xu Zhaixing: “……………………”
Brother, it’s not what it looks like! Let me explain!!!
**
Cen Feng: Not listening.
References[+]