Chapter Sixteen: The Beautiful Young Lady

Julie realized she was nothing more than a third wheel. She thought about her close friend, who, surprisingly, had never been in a relationship but had already given birth to a child. It seemed rather unfair; since the man before her was handsome, she figured there was no harm in making conversation.
“All right, you two enjoy your chat. I’ll head to the back and play for a while. If you need anything, come find me.”
Like a mischievous little monkey, she quickly lifted her skirt and made her way to the back, yet managed to maintain an air of dignity.
Yuan Xiangdie felt helpless but could only smile. Back then, this cheeky girl had gone to great lengths to train with the top model, Felt, just to be worthy of her aunt’s designs.
It was practically hellish; when she returned, she was utterly exhausted, but her temperament had improved, and her aunt was thoroughly satisfied.
“Sir, now that we’re outside the hall, I wonder what you wish to say to me?”
Jin Yuan suddenly felt awkward. He had only focused on bringing this woman outside but hadn’t considered what to say.
“Just now…”
“Please, go on.”
“I…”
“Yes?”
…
“Don’t interrupt me when I’m speaking.”
Yuan Xiangdie quietly covered her mouth, though the mask concealed everything.
“My apologies, sir. I simply felt your pauses were rather long. Is there something you wish to discuss, or do you want my contact information?”
Jin Yuan was the type who seized opportunities. Since she brought it up, and he was aware of their designs, he spoke up.
“Sitou mentioned your designs are impressive.”
Yuan Xiangdie had been formulating ways to refuse this man, but upon hearing Sitou’s recommendation, she realized he might be worth talking to.
“Are you interested in our designs, sir?”
“My staff need attire for formal occasions, and I want a discerning provider.”
Yuan Xiangdie didn’t hesitate any longer and took out her phone from her pocket—an exceptionally compact model with a transparent case, clearly selected by Jin Yuan.
Her previous phone had been destroyed beneath rubble during the fire.
Jin Yuan had simply returned the favor: she saved his child, he saved her, and handed her a new phone.
His eyes betrayed satisfaction, his demeanor softened.
Yuan Xiangdie wondered why this gentleman in red had suddenly become so gentle. Perhaps it was because a major issue for their company had been resolved?
“This is my contact information. Please note it down, or I can contact you.”
Jin Yuan handed over his business card without hesitation—CEO of Xihe Fashion.
There was no name, only a string of numbers, company name, and title in black-gold on the card.
Yuan Xiangdie acknowledged, and after standing outside for a bit, decided to head in as the wind was chilly.

Jin Yuan was visibly dissatisfied. Why hadn’t she called his number?
He reached out again and stopped her.
“The phone.”
So cold… Yuan Xiangdie found him awkward, but stubbornly adorable.
She pulled out her phone and dialed each digit in front of him, finally pressing the call button. The ringtone was unchanged from the factory setting.
Jin Yuan took out his phone, pleased, only for her to hang up before the call completed. A red button appeared on the screen, along with a missed call notification.
“I’ll take my leave then. I look forward to our cooperation.”
He did not return to the runway; he couldn’t stand the deafening music.
He stayed in Sitou’s tea office, expressionless.
Sitou wondered if the boss had been too extreme in requesting contact information and suffered rejection.
The tea he’d just brewed had lost its flavor, and he had to be on guard lest the boss brought it up again, freezing him out entirely.
“Hehe, boss…”
Jin Yuan glanced at him, clearly uninterested—this fool.
The boss gave him a dirty look over a mere eye-roll, scorned him for ten whole minutes.
“How’s it going, boss? Did you manage to win over our lovely lady boss?”
Touching a nerve, the atmosphere plummeted. Sitou felt he might not live to see tomorrow.
“The phone.”
Jin Yuan sat down in defeat. He’d never experienced romantic drama, but surely his wit was enough to handle a young lady.
Sitou understood his boss; since he mentioned “the phone,” it likely meant he’d only obtained her number.
That was normal, though—anyone invited here had talent. Moreover, you could discern one’s character through their designs.
“Boss, you should be satisfied. I’ve seen that woman’s designs.”
He was about to elaborate when a cold glare cut him off.
“Yuan Xiangdie…”
“All right, all right, I’ve seen Yuan Xiangdie’s work.” Sitou looked helplessly at his boss, unable to say more. In his heart, he lit three candles for Yuan Xiangdie. Miss Yuan, take care.
“In Yuan Xiangdie’s designs, you can see her philosophy of life and her approach to the world. She’s not the type to accept things easily, and you mentioned she lost her child in prison.”
Jin Yuan seemed to recall something, but couldn’t grasp it. The noise from outside swept away the memory.
“Boss, you need to find ways to get close to her, to become familiar, and also with that petite woman beside her, Julie. Her mother is the renowned designer Wesley, and she herself is a famous model.”
From this perspective, it was obvious—Jin Yuan was a fighter among men, and he understood perfectly.

“Since no one in that family likes her, you’ll have to approach from another angle. She was visited during her imprisonment without opposition.” Sitou knew not to elaborate further. Jin Yuan was a shrewd businessman, able to distinguish what was advantageous and what wasn’t. Knowing how to weigh the pros and cons made it easy to figure out how to lure Lie Wu into his cage.

That matter was settled. Meanwhile, Yuan Yaor sat obediently beside Zhu Miracle.
Truth be told, Zhu Miracle was reluctant to sit next to this woman. There were no cameras or media present, but her scent was overwhelming.
“Mr. Zhu Miracle, may I have your contact information?”
Yuan Yaor’s delicate face seemed irresistible. She thought she had the upper hand, but had experienced rejection before.
“I’m sorry, beautiful lady, my family is very strict. My wife does not permit me to have other women’s contact information; she’s not easy to provoke. For your own safety, it’s best not to approach me.”
Lily really wasn’t so… casual. Milady calling him “dear” was just a joke. The little one had a proper name, but it was far too convoluted.
So they used whatever came to mind, as long as it was understood.
Yuan Yaor looked regretful, pitiful even, worlds apart from the tigress at home. This approach had won many men’s hearts, though.
“I see. That’s unfortunate. I’m very grateful to you, Mr. Zhu Miracle, for helping me out today.”
Unexpectedly, she’d benefited from disaster, climbing a mountain.
“I sincerely wish to thank you for your assistance today. If there’s no way, then so be it.”
She looked about to cry. Zhu Miracle admitted that, if he hadn’t had his beloved Lily, he might have let this woman thank him properly—or even played a little.
But now, he could never betray Lily.
His lovely almond-shaped eyes revealed confusion.
If this is a contest of acting, Miss Green Tea, don’t let me down.
“Beautiful lady, I sympathize deeply. But it’s not just for that reason that I won’t give you my contact information. For our mutual safety, my wife doesn’t mind resolving matters with force.”
Lily was no saint; before she cleaned up her act, she almost took over her father’s business.
Hearing this, Yuan Yaor felt much better—she still had some charm, after all.
“Focus on the show.”
Zhu Miracle did not look back, eager to cleanse his eyes with the beautiful models on stage.
The lady beside him was indeed beautiful, but her heart was black as coal. If he got involved with someone like her, even the heavens wouldn’t forgive him after death, and he’d never be able to soar with Lily, fulfill their promise for the next life.
Time flew by, and the show ended amid Sitou’s cheering. The society ladies were unaccustomed to such raucous, high-energy shouts, so rare in their circles.
But it was a refreshing experience. Zhang Bin, angered by the woman’s behavior, left without another word, drove off, leaving Yuan Yaor shivering alone in the night.
She dialed a familiar number, shedding all her coyness and tenderness from the venue.
“Hello, hurry up and pick me up. Zhou Wanmiao gives you a few minutes.”