Zhixiufang

Ling Xiuqing caressed the indigo blue dress with a wash of orchids, her heart more resolute than ever before. She knew this piece couldn't be shown lightly; it needed a stage that would draw the attention of the public, a groundbreaking debut.

And she will build this stage for herself.

The next day, she made a decision that surprised even Jin Meiling.

She took the initiative to find Jin Meiling, returned the key to the small building in the backyard, and formally "resigned" to her.

"Resign?" Jin Meiling, who was trying on a new diamond hairpin in the mirror, paused and looked at her in disbelief. "A Xiu, are you crazy? Do you know how many people are desperate to work for you? I've provided you with the best accommodation and materials, and I've protected you from all harassment, and now you're leaving?"

In Jin Meiling's view, Ah Xiu's success is entirely dependent on her fame and protection. Leaving her would be tantamount to seeking death.

"Mrs. Jin, I'm very grateful for your kindness during this time." Ling Xiuqing's attitude was sincere but firm. "But mending for others is ultimately a minor career path. What I want to do is to create a fashion brand that truly belongs to me."

"Brand?" Jin Meiling scoffed, put down her hairpin, turned around, and looked at her with the eyes of a naive child. "Little girl, do you think building a brand is just playing house? Do you know how much money it costs to open a store? Do you know how troublesome it is to deal with those corrupt officials and hooligans? Without me to protect you, you will be eaten to the bone in less than three days!"

Ling Xiuqing did not argue with her, but took out a neatly arranged stack of banknotes from her cloth bag and placed it on the table.

"This is all the commission I've earned during this time, thanks to the care of all the ladies. It's three thousand two hundred dollars," she said calmly. "I want to use this money to buy a shop of my own on Joffre Street."

Three thousand two hundred yuan!

Jin Meiling's pupils shrank suddenly. She knew Ah Xiu's fees were high, but she had never imagined that in less than a month, she had accumulated such an astonishing amount of wealth!

Although this amount of money is not enough to buy a large shop in Xiafei Road, where every inch of land is valuable, it is more than enough to rent a small storefront as a studio and exhibition hall.

Only then did Jin Meiling realize that the girl before her was no longer the orphan from the slums who needed her protection. She possessed astonishing craftsmanship, a calm and clear mind, and an astonishing ability to accumulate wealth that she herself had not yet realized.

She is a fledgling eagle with fully grown wings, about to break free from the cage and fly into the sky that belongs to her.

After a long silence, Jin Meiling sighed deeply and looked at her with complicated eyes: "Have you really thought it through?"

"I've thought it through."

"Okay." Jin Meiling stood up and walked over to her, looking at her as an equal for the first time. "Since I can't stop you, I'll give you a ride. That shop at 72 Xiafei Road is mine, and it's been vacant. If you want it, I'll rent it to you at market price. Also, I'll be there in person to support you on the opening day."

She knew very well that rather than antagonize a talented person with unlimited potential over such a small matter, it would be better to go along with it and do him a favor. As long as Ah Xiu was still in Shanghai, she, Jin Meiling, would always be the first "mentor" to discover and promote her. This favor and status could not be taken away by anyone.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jin, for your help." Ling Xiuqing bowed deeply.

Things went even better than she had imagined.

A week later, at No. 72 Xiafei Road, a previously unremarkable shop was renovated. There was no extravagant decoration, only a black-and-gold plaque inscribed by a famous calligrapher hung on the door. On it were three elegant and powerful characters:

Zhi Embroidery Workshop.

The name, a homophonic sound of "Ling Xiu Qing Zhi Xiu," also implies a refined and noble taste like that of Zhilan. This is the name she chose for her future business empire.

The scene on the opening day of the studio was not big, but it was big enough to cause a sensation.

As expected, Jin Meiling was present in person, followed by a large group of Shanghai's top socialites and aristocrats. Murong Bai also came with reporters from Shenbao to congratulate them, and the spotlight flashed non-stop.

The interior of "Zhixiufang" is also very unique. There are no dazzling array of clothes hanging on the wall. The whole shop is spacious and elegant. Only in the center, there is an independent model stand to display a piece of work.

It was that indigo blue ink orchid evening dress.

When this dress was officially unveiled for the first time, it instantly attracted everyone's attention.

The ladies present were accustomed to French dresses and Suzhou brocade, but had never seen such a design! The unique beauty that perfectly blended the modernity of Western tailoring with the ethereal beauty of Eastern ink painting brought an unprecedented visual impact.

"Oh my god, this... is this Master Axiu's new work?"

"It's so beautiful... It's not like a dress, it's like a poem!"

Jin Meiling's eyes flashed with surprise and regret. She then realized that Ah Xiu's ambition and talent were far greater than she had imagined.

Murong Bai walked over to Ling Xiuqing, looked at the dress, and whispered in admiration, "Congratulations. From today on, the fashion world in Shanghai will change."

Ling Xiuqing just smiled slightly.

However, just when the opening ceremony was halfway through, a discordant noise came from the store door.

Several people wearing the uniforms of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, led by a man with shifty eyes, walked in aggressively.

"Who owns this place?" the head of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau shouted sternly, "We've received a report that this place is operating without a license and evading taxes! Seal it down according to law!"