The buzz surrounding Su Nian had reached a fever pitch. While some admired her boldness in marrying a powerful CEO, others were eager to see if she could truly stand on her own merits in the competitive world of fashion. And now, her moment to prove herself had arrived: the prestigious Golden Needle Fashion Competition.
Held annually, the competition was a make-or-break event for designers, especially those just starting out. Su Nian had been invited to participate after receiving rave reviews from industry insiders and mentors. This was the opportunity she'd dreamed of since she was a little girl, and yet, the pressure felt suffocating.
Su Nian was up late the night before the competition, putting the finishing touches on her designs. Her studio, once a place of creativity and inspiration, now felt like a battlefield. The sheer volume of the expectations—her own, her family's, and the public's—was overwhelming.
"Cheng, I don't know if I'm ready for this," she said quietly, her fingers trembling as she adjusted a delicate gown on the mannequin.
Lu Cheng stepped into the room, his calm presence washing over her. "NianNian," he said softly, his voice steady, "You don't have to prove anything to anyone. You've already proven it to me. And that's all that matters."
She smiled up at him, grateful for his unwavering support. "But what if I fail? What if I'm not good enough?"
He took her hand, guiding her to stand in front of him. "You are good enough. You've worked harder than anyone I know. This competition is just a step in your journey, not the end of it."
Su Nian nodded, the weight of his words sinking in. His belief in her was unwavering, and for the first time in days, she felt a flicker of confidence.
"Thank you, Cheng," she whispered, gazing up at him. The warmth in his eyes made her feel like she could conquer anything.
The day of the competition arrived with a whirlwind of activity. Su Nian was surrounded by models, stylists, and designers all competing for the coveted first-place prize. The pressure was palpable, and everywhere she looked, she saw women with piercing eyes and sharp smiles, all desperate for victory. It was a world that felt as foreign as it was thrilling.
Lu Cheng had promised to attend, and true to his word, he showed up at the venue just as Su Nian was preparing her final looks. His presence, strong and grounded, gave her the calm she needed.
As he entered the backstage area, their eyes locked, and for a moment, the chaos of the competition faded away. Lu Cheng smiled at her, his expression full of pride and love. "You've got this, NianNian," he said, his voice low and steady.
She smiled back, her nerves melting in his gaze. "I won't let you down."
The fashion show started with a grand flourish, models strutting down the runway in dazzling creations. Su Nian's designs were a stark contrast to the other entries: elegant, modern, and surprisingly bold. Each piece told a story of her journey, of the woman she was becoming.
When it was her turn, Su Nian felt her heart race. The models donned her creations—floral gowns that shimmered like morning dew, sleek suits with unexpected cuts, and dresses that hugged the body with a delicate yet powerful confidence. The crowd watched in silence, mesmerized by the artistry of her designs.
Lu Cheng stood in the front row, his eyes fixed on Su Nian's collection, a proud smile tugging at his lips. He could see her heart in each stitch, her soul in every line of fabric. The other designers may have had money, experience, and fame on their side, but Su Nian had something they couldn't replicate: raw, unbridled talent.
But as the final model took the stage, Su Nian couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Yanmei standing backstage, her eyes filled with cold disdain as she observed Su Nian's collection. The venomous look from the other designer made Su Nian's stomach churn.
"Still playing with the big dogs, Su Nian?" Yanmei's voice cut through the noise, her words dripping with sarcasm.
Su Nian held her ground. "I don't need your approval, Yanmei. I'm doing this for myself."
But Yanmei didn't let up. "You think just because you're married to Lu Cheng, you're above all this? You're a joke. You don't belong here."
The words stung more than Su Nian was willing to admit, but she refused to let them derail her. She had come this far, and she wasn't about to let someone like Yanmei tear her down.
"Let me prove it to you," she said with a smile, turning to face the stage.
he show ended, and the judges took their time deliberating. As Su Nian stood by her designs, she felt the weight of every moment—the exhaustion, the hope, and the fear of failure. It was all on the line now.
Finally, the host took the microphone, her voice crisp and excited. "And now, for the winner of the Golden Needle Fashion Competition…"
Su Nian's heart pounded in her chest as she braced herself.
"The winner is... Su Nian!"
The roar of applause rang through the room as Su Nian stood frozen for a moment, the reality of the moment settling in. She had done it. She had won.
Lu Cheng was at her side in an instant, his arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace. "You did it, NianNian. I'm so proud of you."
Tears welled up in her eyes, her exhaustion and relief crashing over her in waves. "I couldn't have done it without you, Cheng."
With the crowd cheering in the background, Lu Cheng kissed her forehead gently, his voice soft but full of emotion. "You've always had it in you. I'm just here to watch you soar."