The grand ballroom of the city's most prestigious fashion venue buzzed with excitement and tension. Tonight was the night of the biggest fashion gala of the year—the stage where careers were made or broken. Su Nian stood backstage, heart pounding, hands trembling slightly as her collection awaited its debut.
Dressed in an elegant silk robe, Su Nian took a deep breath and closed her eyes. This was more than just a fashion show—it was her chance to prove that she belonged in the elite circle of designers.
From across the room, she caught sight of Tang Xue, radiant in a sparkling black gown, her smile sharp and confident. Their eyes met for a brief moment, a silent challenge passing between them.
"Ready to see who's the real star tonight?" Tang Xue's voice was low but cutting as she passed by.
Su Nian didn't answer. Instead, she let her work speak for itself.
The lights dimmed, music soared, and models began strutting down the runway, one by one unveiling Su Nian's latest collection—bold yet delicate, modern yet timeless. The crowd was captivated, whispering in awe at the creativity and emotion woven into every stitch.
Backstage, Lu Cheng watched with pride burning in his eyes. Every piece told a story—her story—and it was beautiful.
But the gala wasn't just about the designs; it was about power, prestige, and survival in a ruthless industry.
Moments after Su Nian's show ended, Tang Xue's collection hit the runway. It was dazzling, provocative, and daring—but lacked the authenticity and soul of Su Nian's work. The crowd was impressed, but there was a distinct difference.
When the final applause echoed, the critics began whispering. While Tang Xue's designs were flashy, Su Nian's collection had heart, passion, and originality—something no one could fake.
The next day, headlines screamed with praise for Su Nian, calling her the rising star who had stolen the show. Tang Xue's attempts to overshadow her had backfired spectacularly.
Yet, amidst the success, Su Nian knew the war wasn't over. But for now, she had earned her place—not just as a designer, but as a woman who refused to be pushed down.