Morning sunlight streamed into the Zhao mansion, gilding the marble floors with a deceptive warmth. Inside, tension still lingered from the Chen Corporation incident.
But Zhao Yuexin had no time to bask in her success. One small victory was not enough. To build her empire, she needed proof...public proof that she could stand on her own, without the Zhao family's backing.
And Han Shixian's designs would be her first weapon.
The collaboration came sooner than expected.
Within days, Yuexin arranged for Han Shixian's sketches to be transformed into a collection of sample pieces. The process was grueling meetings with tailors, negotiations with suppliers, and endless revisions but Yuexin tackled it with calm precision.
Han Shixian, at first skeptical, found himself swept into her momentum.
"You work like someone who's done this for years," he remarked one evening as they reviewed the prototypes.
Yuexin smiled faintly. "I've lived this path before. I won't make the same mistakes again."
He didn't understand the weight of her words, but he felt the conviction behind them.
The collection was ready just in time for the Spring Design Showcase, a prestigious event where up-and-coming designers presented their work to industry elites. It was small compared to grand galas, but it was the perfect stage for a "nobody" like Han Shixian and for Yuexin to prove herself.
On the day of the showcase, the venue buzzed with anticipation. Rows of seats filled with investors, socialites, and media reporters. Spotlights gleamed against the polished runway.
Zhao Rourou was already there, dressed in a pastel gown that shimmered under the lights. She had secured a prime seat near the front, basking in the attention of her circle of friends.
"This year's showcase will be dull," she said smugly, sipping her champagne. "None of the designers have real backing. Father says it's just a playground for amateurs."
Her friends laughed in agreement...until whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Isn't that Zhao Yuexin?"
"She's here too? What's she doing at a showcase like this?"
Heads turned.
Zhao Yuexin entered in a sleek black dress, her posture elegant, her expression calm. She didn't bother with flashy jewelry or heavy makeup; her presence alone drew eyes.
Rourou's smile froze. "She dares to show her face here?"
But Yuexin walked past her without so much as a glance, settling in the section reserved for participants.
The showcase began. One by one, designers sent their models down the runway. Some pieces drew polite applause, others lukewarm murmurs.
Then it was Han Shixian's turn.
The lights dimmed, then flared again. The first model stepped out.
Gasps filled the room.
His designs were unlike the others—sharp yet graceful, modern yet timeless. Fabrics flowed like water, colors blending in bold contrasts that still felt elegant. Each step the models took was a statement, a defiance against mediocrity.
Whispers erupted among the audience.
"Who designed this?"
"I've never seen his name before...Han Shixian?"
"Impossible… how could an unknown produce something like this?"
At the edge of the runway, Yuexin watched with quiet satisfaction. Every applause, every widened eye...it was her proof.
And when she glanced sideways, she saw Rourou's face pale.
After the final walk, the judges conferred briefly before announcing the results.
"The standout of this year's showcase," the host declared, "is Han Shixian's collection, supported by Zhao Yuexin. A refreshing display of originality and elegance!"
The room erupted in applause. Cameras flashed, capturing Yuexin's serene smile as she accepted congratulations on behalf of her designer.
Reporters swarmed.
"Miss Zhao, what inspired you to support a newcomer like Han Shixian?"
"Do you plan to expand into the fashion industry?"
"Will this be the start of your independent brand?"
Yuexin answered calmly, her words precise yet humble: "True talent should never be buried. I only gave him the stage—he created the brilliance."
Her poise only fueled the media's fascination. Overnight, headlines would scream her name.
From her seat, Rourou trembled with rage.
She had planned to use this event as her playground, a chance to mock Yuexin if she failed. Instead, she had been blindsided. Now, all anyone could talk about was Zhao Yuexin's vision, Zhao Yuexin's elegance, Zhao Yuexin's rising star.
Her nails dug into her palm until they drew blood.
This bitch… she's stealing everything that should be mine.
Later that evening, Yuexin and Han Shixian stepped out into the cool night air.
He looked at her, awe written all over his face. "You really did it. You gave me back my future."
Yuexin shook her head. "No. You earned it. I only gave you the chance you deserved."
His voice caught with emotion. "Then… I'll follow you from now on. Wherever you go."
Yuexin's lips curved faintly. One ally....loyal and true. It was a start.
Far from the showcase, in the private lounge of an exclusive club, Lu Shen sat with a glass of red wine. His assistant handed him the latest headlines.
"Miss Zhao made quite the impression tonight," the assistant said. "She's being praised as a visionary for discovering new talent."
Lu Shen's eyes scanned the photos—Yuexin poised on stage, reporters crowding around her, her calm gaze unshaken.
A low chuckle escaped him.
"She's climbing faster than I expected."
He swirled the wine in his glass, his eyes dark and unreadable.
"Good. Let her climb. The higher she goes, the more interesting it will be… to see if she can stand against the storm."
That night, as Yuexin returned to her room, she stood by the window, looking out at the glittering city lights.
Her heart burned...not with vengeance alone, but with fierce determination.
This was only the first victory.
And it tasted sweet.
TO BE CONTINUED