As soon as Zhou Qiqi opened her eyes, she became the abused child bride of the Xu family in the 1980s.
Framed for adultery by her black-hearted childhood sweetheart and his mistress, she blac...
The little dress that Chen Duzhou is wearing today looks exceptionally exquisite.
It was handmade by Zhou Qiqi using the same fabric as the sweater dress. It was a light off-white color, and the skirt flared out like a small umbrella. Small, chubby star patterns were embroidered on it with different colored silk threads.
The collar and cuffs are trimmed with delicate lace, which is both warm and playful, making Zhouzhou look like a porcelain doll that stepped out of a shop window, exquisitely beautiful and lovable.
"Oh my God!"
Zhuo's mother's gaze was immediately drawn to Zhouzhou's little dress. She squatted down and couldn't help but gently touch the soft fabric and exquisite embroidery, her eyes filled with undisguised amazement and affection.
"Qiqi, Zhouzhou's dress... it's so beautiful! The material, the workmanship, the style... it's absolutely gorgeous! Where did you buy it? Tell me quickly, I want to get one for my daughter too, she'll be ecstatic!"
Zhou Qiqi's face flushed slightly from the compliment. She raised her hand to tuck the stray hairs that had been blown across her cheek behind her ear and replied with a smile.
“Aunt Zhuo, you flatter me. This dress… wasn’t bought; I made it for Zhouzhou myself.”
"You made this yourself?!"
Zhuo's mother's voice instantly rose a notch, filled with disbelief.
As if she had discovered something new, she leaned closer to examine Zhouzhou's skirt more closely, her gaze finally settling on a small "柒" character meticulously embroidered in the same color thread on the inside of the skirt.
"This...this is the 'Seven' logo?"
Zhuo's mother suddenly raised her head, and the look in her eyes as she looked at Zhou Qiqi completely changed. It was no longer a simple, warm greeting, but a sharp light mixed with shock, inquiry, and sudden realization.
"Qiqi... Could it be that you're the mysterious female designer who's been making headlines in Huacheng lately, the one who took over the production line at the First Garment Factory and designed that wildly popular sweater dress?! That 'Qi' Master?!"
Zhou Qiqi did not expect that her identity would be exposed in this situation.
Zhou Qiqi was surprised to be recognized here. She was stunned for a moment, and a look of surprise quickly flashed across her face.
He quickly composed himself, neither confirming nor denying, but simply smiled faintly, implying a degree of acquiescence.
"Mother Zhuo is really well-informed."
"Oh my God! It really is you!"
Zhuo's mother was so excited she almost jumped up and said.
“My older brother is in the foreign trade business in Huacheng. He just had someone bring me this sweater dress you're wearing a couple of days ago. But I'm a few years older than you and don't have your figure, so I can't pull off such a bright red. It's a navy blue one, and I love it to bits.”
When she first saw Zhou Qiqi, she thought that the dress Zhou Qiqi was wearing was also something her man had specially asked someone to bring to her as a token of his affection.
Unexpectedly, it was Zhou Qiqi who made it herself!
She gripped Zhou Qiqi's hand tightly, with astonishing strength.
"My older brother specifically said that the designer of this 'Seven' logo is incredibly talented! I've been thinking about how to contact you these past few days, and I never expected that you, who are so far away, would be right in front of me! What a wonderful coincidence!"
Zhou Qiqi was taken aback, blinking her eyes wide. "Contact me? Is there something you need?"
Zhuo's mother seemed to have grasped at a straw, and spoke rapidly.
"Qiqi, look... look, it's almost Guangming's birthday. I ordered two outfits in advance, but they're both too old-fashioned. Could you design a little dress for our Guangming too? Just for his birthday! It doesn't need to be too complicated, just something smart, presentable, and unique! Like the one Zhouzhou is wearing, it looks comfortable and elegant! Just name your price for labor and materials, and I won't be stingy!"
Before Zhou Qiqi could answer, she paused, her eyes becoming even more eager, and lowered her voice.
"Besides, Qiqi, to be honest, the reason I'm in such a hurry to find you isn't just because of something positive. We might have other opportunities to work together in the future! What do you think?"
Zhou Qiqi's mind raced.
Zhuo's mother's request came suddenly. She was indeed very busy. The orders from the First Garment Factory were piling up, and she had to design both the winter and spring/autumn styles all by herself.
After all, she had contracted the production line, so she couldn't just hand over all the work to Director Zhang.
People have important things to do in their spare time.
But... busy as I am.
She even understood the principle that you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket.
This Mrs. Zhuo has an extraordinary demeanor and speech. She can recognize the "Seven" logo at a glance, and her family has relatives in the trade business. Her background and connections are probably not simple.
If she can use this opportunity to establish a connection, it will definitely be beneficial for her brand and her future career.
In business, connections are far more important than small profits.
"Aunt Zhuo, you're too kind,"
Zhou Qiqi weighed the pros and cons, quickly made a decision, and her smile became more sincere.
"It's my honor to design clothes for Guangming. The pay is negotiable; the most important thing is that the child is happy wearing them. So, since you trust me, why don't we go to your house now to take Guangming's measurements? After all, there's not much time left until next Friday..."
"That's great! That's great!"
Mother Zhuo was overjoyed and thanked her repeatedly.
"Our home isn't far from Teacher Wu's place, just over there in that small villa area, it's only a short walk! Guangming, hurry, take Zhouzhou home with us!"
Upon hearing that he could take Zhouzhou home, Zhuo Guangming's face immediately lit up with a smile, and he nodded vigorously.
"Mmm! Zhouzhou, come on! Let's go to my house to play! I have lots and lots of delicious food!"
Just as Zhuo's mother had said, the Zhuo family's house was not far from Teacher Wu's house.
Passing through two quiet streets lined with green trees, you'll find a tranquil townhouse area with small gardens.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!