25
When Xu Yan came to pick up Xu Zhaixing from the bookstore, she had already bought her books and was sitting on a bench outside, giggling to herself. Looking closer, she was staring at a mechanical dog in her hand, its body swaying oddly, and grinning foolishly.
She didn’t seem particularly clever, honestly.
Seeing Xu Yan approach, she waved at him happily, offering the mechanical dog like a treasure. “Bro, look at this little dog! Isn’t it super cute and adorable?!”
Xu Yan: “…………”
Her taste didn’t seem great either.
On the way back, she played with the mechanical dog the whole time, so happy she practically had flowers blooming in her eyes, all her earlier gloom swept away.
Though Xu Yan didn’t understand what was so appealing about that ugly, strange dog, seeing her full of energy again relieved him a little. His gaze toward the dog became slightly less disdainful.
But just before they got out of the car, Xu Zhaixing excitedly asked him, “Bro, what name should I give it? How about Guaiguai (Little Obedient)?”
Xu Yan: “?”
Hello, is there a problem?
Early the next morning, Xu Yan sent her and her dog onto the flight back to S City.
This time, returning with a major award, both her parents took time off to meet her at the airport. As soon as they saw her, it was a flurry of hugs and praise. Her mother was dressed festively and asked in the car, “Where do you want to eat? Let’s celebrate at noon.”
Xu Zhaixing thought for a moment and named an upscale private kitchen she used to love. The family, all beaming with joy, went there. During the meal, they even opened a bottle of champagne and ordered a celebration cake.
Just as they were enjoying themselves, a server led a family down the elegant hallway. It turned out to be Song Yanan’s family.
It’s often said that enemies cross paths. Even having a meal, they could run into each other. But it wasn’t surprising—this private kitchen’s flavors appealed to younger people and were quite popular among the wealthy students at their school.
The moment Song Yanan saw Xu Zhaixing, her face instantly showed disgust. She tugged at her father’s sleeve and whispered something, probably wanting to go somewhere else.
But a businessman was a businessman after all. Not only did they not leave, but her father came over with a smile to greet them. “Chairman Xu, Madam, what a coincidence! You’re dining here too?”
Even though they secretly despised each other, they still maintained the civility of businesspeople. Both sides stood up with fake smiles to exchange pleasantries.
Father Song then looked at Xu Zhaixing. “This must be your daughter? I’ve heard Yanan mention her often. So beautiful, takes after her mother! Oh, you’ve opened champagne! Celebrating something special?”
Xu Zhaixing felt this Mr. Song was up to no good, probably worried that Father Xu’s business had made progress and was trying to fish for inside information.
Father Xu was straightforward and didn’t mind his little schemes. Pretending to be modest while actually showing off, he said, “Oh, it’s nothing. Just my daughter won first place in an international competition. Her mother and I are just celebrating a little.”
Song Yanan’s eyes widened. She shot an incredulous look at Xu Zhaixing, who was quietly eating her cake.
You? International competition? Winning an award? First place?
Who are you kidding?
Her father also looked surprised. “Oh! Then that’s worth celebrating! Who knew the young lady was so talented? What competition was it?”
Why so many questions? Does your company work in paparazzi? Xu Zhaixing wasn’t happy about her rival digging into her private affairs. Under the table, she kicked her father’s foot. Father Xu immediately understood and waved a hand. “Just a design competition. Not worth mentioning, really!”
Mr. Song, figuring he wouldn’t elaborate, probably assumed it was some insignificant small competition. He smiled and didn’t press further. After a few more pleasantries, Song Yanan’s family headed toward a private room up ahead.
Once they left, Father Xu lowered his voice. “I was showing off my daughter! Why stop me? So, what if I’m not as good as him? My daughter is definitely better than his!”
Xu Zhaixing found this amusing but feigned anger. “How are you not as good as him? You’re much handsomer! Don’t sell yourself short, Dad! Have some confidence!”
Hearing his daughter call him handsome, Father Xu was so delighted he almost couldn’t find his bearings.
After lunch, her parents dropped her off at home and went back to work. Xu Zhaixing, having unpacked, wasn’t idle. She opened her computer and began organizing the brand concept for her upcoming collaboration with the Paris organizers.
The fashion brand she envisioned for herself was named “Changjuan” (a poetic term for the moon or beauty). It would focus on high-end Chinese-style custom gowns. “Feitian” was just one series within it; others in this series included “Jing Hong,” “Bao Pipa,” and “Zhanghenge.”
In the future, there would also be four seasonal theme dresses for spring, summer, autumn, and winter: “Awakening of Insects,” “Summer Solstice,” “White Dew,” and “Frost’s Descent,” as well as an “Asterisms” series.
These concepts weren’t whimsical ideas conceived overnight; they were the culmination of her design inspirations over many years. Sketches for several of the theme dresses were already in her sketchbook.
She had also designed the logo: a crescent moon shape. Inside the yellow moon, the characters “Changjuan” were written in cursive script, arranged vertically. It conveyed a sense of the poetic line, “May we live long and share the moon’s beauty across a thousand miles”—graceful, ethereal, and elegant.
In short, it exuded luxury.
By the time she finished organizing everything, it was already evening. She played with Guaiguai for a while before her parents returned from work. After dinner, Xu Zhaixing brought out the contract from the organizers for them to review. Xu Yan had already spoken to them, confirming the contract was fine. However, they still read it carefully from start to finish, making sure their precious daughter wasn’t being cheated, then happily signed the guardian consent form.
That same night, Xu Zhaixing contacted the assigned representative, mailed the contract, and sent the organized documents to their email.
All that remained was waiting for the signed contract to be returned, and then her new chapter would begin.
Finally, having taken a real step toward a dream that belonged solely to herself, Xu Zhaixing slept particularly well that night. The next day, she didn’t even need the housekeeper to wake her; she got up full of energy all on her own.
Having missed several days of school, she actually missed it a bit.
Only after graduating does one realize how precious the campus life they once complained about truly was.
Xu Zhaixing happily went to school, her backpack on her back and Guaiguai in tow. The moment she entered the classroom, Cheng You pounced on her. “Ah! Zhaixing, I missed you so much! You’re finally back! Where’s the book? Where’s my CEO’s Little Wife?”
Mentioning that made Xu Zhaixing want to strangle her. She glared at her several times before pulling out an unopened book from her backpack. Cheng You kissed her cheek, grabbed the book, and eagerly returned to her seat.
This copy was one she bought later. The one her idol paid for was already tucked away like a treasure.
Having missed several days of classes and homework, Xu Zhaixing spent the whole morning diligently catching up. Cheng You just went to the restroom and came back with some gossip. “Zhaixing! Song Yanan and her crew are spreading rumors about you again!”
Xu Zhaixing was used to it by now. “What rumors?”
Cheng You was indignant. “They’re mocking you for taking time off to participate in some low-class, shady competition! They said you’re just seeking attention and making a fool of yourself!” After saying that, she sighed, took out her CEO’s Little Wife and continued reading. “But you’re probably used to it. Whatever, let them talk. It won’t make you lose any flesh.”
Xu Zhaixing paused her pen while solving a problem. “No.”
Cheng You looked up in surprise. She heard her say coldly, “Cheng You, remember this: people can insult you as a person, but they cannot insult your dreams!”
Cheng You: “?”
Xu Zhaixing put down her pen. “Come on, let’s settle this with her.”
Cheng You had almost forgotten her past confrontational side. After the initial shock, she eagerly followed. Song Yanan was in Class One, just two classrooms away. When Xu Zhaixing arrived, Song Yanan was chatting and laughing with her little clique. Seeing Xu Zhaixing, everyone froze.
Xu Zhaixing walked over with a smile, asking very kindly, “What are you all talking about? Share it with me too.”
Song Yanan had provoked her several times without any response, which made her bolder. Now, seeing Xu Zhaixing walk over, she was momentarily caught off guard.
Xu Zhaixing was already close, standing face to face with her. Her smile vanished, replaced by a cold tone. “Go on, say it to my face.”
The surrounding noise quieted, everyone watching the show. Just as her clique was about to speak, Xu Zhaixing sharply turned her head toward them and snapped, “This isn’t your business! Get lost!”
Her fierce demeanor actually intimidated the group of girls. Not a single one dared to speak.
Song Yanan flinched, then recovered, gritting her teeth. “Xu Zhaixing, what do you want? Do you want to hit me?”
Xu Zhaixing gave her a disdainful glance. “Hit you? I’m afraid I’d dirty my hands.”
Song Yanan’s face paled with anger. “You!”
With a slight smirk, Xu Zhaixing leaned in a little closer, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. “Song Yanan, do you know why Zhou Mingyu doesn’t like you?”
Song Yanan stiffened.
Strike where it hurts most. Xu Zhaixing tutted twice, crossed her arms, and stood straight, chuckling softly. “Because the way you gossip behind people’s backs is just too ugly.”
**
Zhaixing: Never lost a verbal battle.