Nan Zhi and An Ran exchanged contact information with Cheng Yi, and then they parted ways. Everyone had to go back and prepare their designs in advance, hoping to get higher scores.

Ten days is not a short time for a professional fashion designer. Of the three competitions, the first one is the easiest to score points in; the subsequent ones are not so easy.

Nan Zhi also went home to prepare. During this time, she even sought Master Qian Mu's opinion. This time, it was related to whether she could go to the world competition, so Nan Zhi couldn't help but become cautious and serious.

Master Qianmu felt that his disciple was already very capable, and advancing to the final stage would not be a problem.

However, I still gave her some advice and told her to keep up the good work.

A week later, Nanzhi received a call from her cousin Xu Chaoci, who said he was in Beijing. Nanzhi was somewhat surprised.

Because Nanzhi has been quite busy lately, she hasn't had much time to spend with Xu Chaoci. Since it was after get off work, Nanzhi asked Shen Xingmian to pick up Xu Chaoci from the airport.

When Shen Xingmian received Nan Zhi's call, he had already been driving home for quite a while. Upon hearing that Xu Chaoci had arrived, he frowned and had no choice but to turn back and head to the airport.

Nan Zhi had informed Xu Chao Ci of the situation beforehand, and as the older brother, Xu Chao Ci naturally did not object and waited at the airport.

When Shen Xingmian arrived, she immediately spotted Xu Chaoci. The tall man stood there, his eyes fixed straight ahead, with a suitcase beside him. He exuded an extraordinary air, making him instantly recognizable.

Girls passing by couldn't help but turn their heads to look.

Shen Xingmian's car stopped in front of Xu Chaoci. He rolled down the window and Xu Chaoci's gaze fell on Shen Xingmian in the car, his brows furrowing slightly.

Seeing Shen Xingmian reminded him of how this man had actually taken his cousin home, and he couldn't feel happy about it.

My father has said more than once, "How come the person we just recognized is already married?" The more I think about it, the more frustrated I feel.

Xu Chaoci put his luggage in the trunk, then got into the passenger seat and silently fastened his seatbelt.

Unfortunately, both men were cold and taciturn, and Xu Chaoci, in addition to his dissatisfaction with his brother-in-law Shen Xingmian, remained silent.

Even after they arrived home, the two of them didn't exchange a single word.

Nanzhi had already prepared a room for Xu Chaoci. Since her cousin was coming, she couldn't let him stay in a hotel. After they finished eating, she would let him stay at home.

Nan Zhi waited at the door early and went to greet Shen Xingmian when she saw his car return.

Seeing Xu Chaoci come down, Nanzhi smiled brightly, "Cousin, why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Xu Chaoci looked at his adorable cousin, and his expression softened considerably. He smiled and patted Nanzhi's head, "I wanted to give you a surprise."

Nan Zhi chuckled. In short, the three members of the Xu family truly cherished her, a feeling completely different from that of the Xu family in Yuecheng.

"I'm so surprised, cousin, let's go inside and talk."

Xu Chaoci was pulled by Nan Zhi and went straight into the villa. Shen Xingmian got out of the driver's seat with a sullen face, had someone put the luggage in the trunk back, and then followed.

Nan Zhi was very excited because she hadn't seen Xu Chaoci for a long time. She smiled and talked to Xu Chaoci about many things about the Xu family now. Xu Chaoci answered her questions very patiently.

Xu Qingzhou was supposed to come too, but he had to go to school, so he didn't come.

"How is my uncle?"

Xu Chaoci smiled: "Everyone at home is doing well. But what about you? How are things after you got married? Has anyone bullied you?"

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Shen Xingmian, who was standing to the side.

Shen Xingmian: "......"

Nan Zhi glanced at Shen Xingmian, radiating joy, "No, cousin, are you planning to move the company back here?"

Xu Chaoci nodded, "It will be transferred little by little, and a record will be kept on the other side."

They chatted for a while longer. After the nanny prepared the meal, they ate first. On the way, Xu Chaoci brought up another matter, saying that he had arrived early this time and hoped to visit Nanzhi's family. If he had time, he also wanted to go to Yuecheng to thank the Xu family.

Upon hearing this, Nan Zhi knew that Xu Chaoci meant to go to the Nan family. That was something she could do anytime. The key was Yuecheng, which she couldn't go to for the time being. She would have to wait until after her competition. Moreover, Nan Zhi felt it was necessary to go and find out more about her mother's situation.

After hearing what Nan Zhi said, Xu Chaoci expressed his understanding.

"Just focus on preparing for the competition. I also need to do some preliminary work for the company during this time."

"Okay, then you can stay here for now, cousin. There are extra cars in the garage, feel free to use them. If you need anyone, you can ask Shen Xingmian."

Shen Xingmian, who was eating silently: "..." So his only purpose is to serve Xu Chaoci?

Xu Chaoci glanced at Shen Xingmian, who was staring at him with unfriendly eyes. Xu Chaoci raised an eyebrow and said:

"That's fine too."

As if he hadn't seen Shen Xingmian's gaze, Xu Chaoci even smiled at Nan Zhi, "I wonder if my brother-in-law will be unhappy with me."

Nan Zhi turned to look at Shen Xingmian, causing Shen Xingmian to withdraw her displeased gaze and continue eating with her head down.

"He won't, cousin, you can stay here without worry."

Xu Chaoci settled in without feeling pressured, since causing Shen Xingmian distress made him feel happy.

......

"Weiwei, how are your preparations going?"

Lian Chuchu invited Li Weiwei to join her in discussing fashion design.

Upon hearing this, Li Weiwei sighed, looking quite troubled:

"Sister Chuchu, I was able to get in this time thanks to your guidance. Do you think I can really do it? It's been so many days, and I haven't had any inspiration at all."

Lian Chuchu smiled and said, "Weiwei, I believe in you. Have you forgotten your goal?"

Li Weiwei certainly hadn't forgotten. She decided to pursue Gu Ying after winning the award, and with Lian Chuchu's encouragement, she decided to try again.

"Weiwei, you need to prepare well. I already have an idea."

Li Weiwei was very excited, but while she was happy for Lian Chuchu, she was also a little sad. "But what am I going to do, Sister Chuchu? The first round was too bad, there's no point in continuing."

Lian Chuchu held her hand, her eyes gentle, as if to give Li Weiwei confidence and encouragement. "Weiwei, you can definitely do it. If you really can't think of anything, I have some drafts that I didn't want before. They were never published and nobody knows about them. You can use them. If they can help you, even if you only get first place, I, Chuchu, will be happy for you."

Her words deeply moved Li Weiwei. Only Sister Chuchu would be so genuinely kind to her. "But isn't that cheating?"

"Weiwei, this isn't cheating. These works of mine are useless to me. Besides, I won't hold you accountable. Go ahead and choose some that you think are good to use. We're good friends."