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"Are you really unconcerned and do not know anything about fashion at all?" Amy asked Xu Tingsheng for the second time in the car.
Xu Tingsheng said, "I really have no knowledge on that."
This being so, he simply did not understand what it meant for a designer to hold an event in their own capacity at the Paris Fashion Week, independent of brands. And so, there was no conceivable way he could know the importance of the design awards Amy spoke of.
"Let me put it this way then. This designer is thought of as the best amongst all the new designers to have appeared over the past two years. She's very good... so good that the various brands are offering her up to more than ten million, so good that her event is viewed as one of the top three in this fashion week. Magazines that are not first-rate may not even be granted entry, much less celebrities."
"Wow, and we're even in the first row! Big Sis You is so awesome, " Xiang Ning exclaimed in astonishment.
"Miss You is on very good terms with that designer. To be precise, they're very good friends in real life, " Amy hesitated for a bit, "Actually, it's precisely because of her help that Miss You was able to go from an ordinary person to an international supermodel in a short period of time."
"Ordinary person?" Facing what was likely related to his butterfly effect, Xu Tingsheng paid more attention to it.
"Miss You was only an ordinary overseas student at first, studying a Master's degree in biology in France. She only became a model by coincidence."
You Qinglan was actually taking a Master's degree in biology? Xu Tingsheng looked at Xiang Ning and hesitated, asking, "Who exactly is that designer then?"
"Isn't it printed on your programme schedule?"
"That's in Italian, right?"
"Yes, " Amy nodded matter-of-factly.
Having felt that he was close to reaching the answer, Xu Tingsheng fell into puzzlement again.
The car stopped in front of the red carpet. Still, Xu Tingsheng and Xiang Ning walked around it.
The two stood behind the crowd, watching people unceasingly walking the red carpet in various forms. There were many they did not recognise. Some were first-rate Hollywood stars, while others... were probably those Amy spoke of who would go around the back before directly returning to their hotels after having taken their photos.
So not only were there Chinese 'carpet artistes', there were even those from other countries as well... there were even some from India and Thailand.
At least, after entering the venue, Xu Tingsheng and Xiang Ning did not see some Chinese celebrities whom they had seen walking the red carpet.
It was already a bit late when they entered, walking in from behind. The further up front they walked, the more people were looking at them... when the two sat down at the first row before the runway, at the best seats, everyone was looking at them.
The foreigners clearly did not know who these two were and why they were seated at the front row and in such seats.
Probably feeling that 'these two people are definitely very remarkable, just that I happen not to know them. It wouldn't be bad to make their acquaintance', quite a few foreigners around them began to greet and say hi to Xu Tingsheng and Xiang Ning in a friendly manner.
After a round of handshakes, Xu Tingsheng found that there were at least two famous Hollywood actresses seated behind him.
"I feel like such a bigshot."
Having seen many movies and come to know many celebrities recently, Xiang Ning quietly pulled out her autograph book.
Xu Tingsheng hurriedly stopped her.
"Now is not the time!"
"Oh. Alright."
Fortunately, the emcee had already come on stage. At any fashion event, their main use was to tell those present that the show was about to begin.
The blond man first spoke in English.
Then, he suddenly began saying in terribly awful Chinese, "Fo Zis Ebento, Za Sim Iz, control, change, wash(kong huan xi)."
Empty, happiness, joy(kong huan xi)?
Xu Tingsheng did not know how these three words should be translated into English, because it seemed that no matter how one tried... it would be impossible to get the meaning and flavour across. Happy for nothing, maybe? Still, he knew why the emcee had to say it in Chinese, knowing also why this fashion show was named like this.
Li Wan'er was concealing herself no more.
Actually, Xu Tingsheng should have guessed it long ago.
Someone nearby was browsing a booklet of Li Wan'er's past works. Xu Tingsheng borrowed it for a look and discovered some design details that he had an impression of. He had previously described these things that were currently far ahead of their time to Li Wan'er while on the plane to Milan.
His descriptions had actually been all over the place that day. Still, the clever Li Wan'er had properly absorbed it. She had also improved on, wielded and applied it all to the point of perfection. She might even have changed the trends of the times to some extent here...
With the answer clear in his mind, Xu Tingsheng glanced at Xiang Ning who had a look of anticipation on her face. He was gripped by two conflicting urges.
One, take Xiang Ning and leave at once.
Two, trust in his understanding of Li Wan'er and trust that she would not scheme to hurt Xiang Ning. Meanwhile, he too should not hurt her.
In the end, Xu Tingsheng chose to believe in Li Wan'er's kindness.
It was just that his attention was already totally no longer on the runway... he wished to know what would be happening in a while, yet also wished for nothing to happen.
He might not dare to admit it, but deep inside, he actually wished to see that woman again, that woman whose name was Li Wan'er... aside from Xiang Ning, she was the most beautiful woman he had seen in both his lifetimes.
At one point, she had been willing to give birth to a child for him. Afterwards, one had left, while the other had not gone to search for her.
She had once been weak and stupid. Was she doing well now? Was she still being bullied? Did she have anyone helping her?
People around them were deep in discussion.
"What is control, change, wash?" Xiang Ning asked Xu Tingsheng.
"Maybe... empty, happiness, joy. Happy for nothing, " Xu Tingsheng rubbed her head and said.
"Why is it called that then?"
"... I don't know."
"Alright. The Mandarin was meant specifically for us, right?"
"Probably."
"Right. I can't wait for Big Sis You to come out..."
Xu Tingsheng felt a bit like he did not know how to face it.
On the runway.
The clothes in the first segment were a little more dark and gloomy. While Xu Tingsheng did not understand any design specifics, he was more or less able to read what it expressed. That was Li Wan'er's state when she had first met him.
In the second segment, the colours on the models began to change gradually. They went from gradually frolicking and moving agilely to the first flower blooming and sprouting to a splendour filled with hope...
This might be Li Wan'er's happiest times.
In that third segment, the splendour faded... still, it did not return to being dark and gloomy as it became composed, tranquil, peaceful.
Xu Tingsheng felt like he had grasped a little of what Li Wan'er wished to convey to him. Maybe she was saying: Don't worry, I'm doing fine... everything is calm and peaceful.
This might be the state that she liked the most. Moreover, the current her should probably be considered as having achieved her dreams, right? Doing what she loved to do most, doing it very well too, definitely not needing to worry about life again.
At this point, Xu Tingsheng felt somewhat at peace. He turned to look at Xiang Ning...
Where was Xiang Ning?
While this was usually when the designer and models would end the event together, the blond foreigner was still standing there, jabbering on...
Xu Tingsheng understood it. He was saying that the work that would next be put on exhibit was something that this designer was doing for the first and last time... this piece would not be put on sale and would not be replicated. It would be given to a friend whom she most wished to bless.
In other words, this work was a gift, and it would be one-of-a-kind.
Gentle music resounded.
Xu Tingsheng watched Xiang Ning slowly walking over from inside, two rows of top-tier models walking behind her in coordinated outfits...
Xiang Ning was wearing a wedding gown, its long train held by a bunch of international supermodels.
She was a bit nervous as the intricately designed veil blocked her features from view... yet, she was still very beautiful.
The audience did not know who she was and were unable to distinguish it clearly too. Still, they were able to judge from her height and figure that she was not a professional model... this did not stop applause from resounding for her, whether it was because of that sublime wedding gown she was wearing, because of the designer or just because of her.
Xu Tingsheng recalled that he had seen the design for this wedding gown for the first time on the plane to Milan, in Li Wan'er's sketchbook.
She might have designed it for herself originally. Still, Xiang Ning was the one wearing it now.
Ever since meeting You Qinglan for the first time at Xingchen's annual gathering as she had taken Xiang Ning's measurements then to meeting in Shenghai again with custom-made clothing... in having prepared for so long, it turned out that Li Wan'er was intending on establishing this moment.
At this moment, Xu Tingsheng understood. He seemed able to hear Li Wan'er asking him:
"What I'm returning to you... is it enough?"
"These blessings-do you like them?"
"This time, we're finally even. I no longer owe you."
| ← Ch. 629 | Ch. 631 → |