Chapter 22 I wanted to see you, thankfully there was…
The busy month of September didn't give Jiang Nuanyu much time to indulge in her feelings.
The Sunday after the party ended, she and several colleagues boarded a plane to Paris for a week-long runway show reporting assignment.
From the moment she landed, Jiang Nuanyu's schedule was packed every day. During the day, she had to shuttle between various fashion shows, and she also had to work overtime back at the hotel at night.
Although this wasn't her first time covering Fashion Week live, it was the first time she had to take on a major responsibility on her own, so the pressure was immense, and she took it very seriously.
Back at the hotel that day, Jiang Nuanyu took a shower and didn't even have time to dry her hair. Wrapped in a bathrobe, she used her laptop to browse the feedback after the previous day's report was published, while also taking care of her dinner that day—instant noodles with a baguette.
This bucket of pickled cabbage flavored instant noodles was a gift from Sun Ying. She didn't really like the taste, but she had no choice.
She had been eating sandwiches for three days and desperately needed something with a strong flavor to refresh her palate.
After finishing the instant noodles, I also replied to most of the feedback emails.
Because of the time difference, it's late at night here, while it's almost time for work in China. In order not to delay the content release, she has to prepare the latest materials for the day and send them back before her colleagues start work.
Once all the details were finalized, confirmed, and sent, the Parisian sky outside the window was already tinged with a pale blue dawn light.
"ah--"
Jiang Nuanyu clutched her head and let out a long, desperate sigh.
She's still awake!
She frowned for two seconds, then quickly checked her schedule for the next day.
The first show starts at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Excluding transportation and security check time, I have to leave the hotel at 8:30 a.m.
She glanced at the time; it was almost six o'clock.
Thankfully, I can still sleep for another two hours.
She snapped her laptop shut, set her alarm, and collapsed into bed, falling asleep instantly.
*
Besides attending the regular fashion shows, the most important part of this trip to Paris was an exclusive private event hosted by Marie for a select few core media outlets and top VIPs.
Jiang Nuanyu wasn't originally qualified to attend this level of event; the brand had only specially invited Ji Meng. However, Ji Meng had another anniversary show to attend that day, which conflicted with her schedule, so she decided at the last minute before leaving for Paris to have Jiang Nuanyu go in her place.
The event was held in a private art gallery in Paris. As soon as Jiang Nuanyu entered, she felt that the atmosphere here was completely different from that of a public fashion show.
The venue was decorated in an extremely minimalist style, with pure white walls and cool-toned black and gray lines. The only color was probably the warm yellow halo of light shining down from the transparent glass dome.
The attendees were mostly top buyers and brand representatives from around the world, with very few media representatives present, and those who were present were all seasoned veterans. The crowd moved among the exhibits in an orderly and remarkably quiet manner.
As the brand's most symbolic collection outside of haute couture, each piece in this showcase was displayed like a work of art. Following the limited release on the day of the event, these hidden pieces will not be officially released to the public until a month later.
Jiang Nuanyu followed the crowd to one side of the exhibition area, and with a casual glance, she spotted Eric on the other side.
He was probably there on behalf of Chaleur, and was listening attentively to the designer's explanation, so he didn't notice her.
The designer is introducing a black suit with a formal cut, featuring a flock of crows outlined in silver lines, creating a strong visual impact.
The designer said, "This series of works is full of strong symbolism. Each element carries a specific meaning."
A man who appeared to be a buyer asked, "What exactly does the raven motif on this suit symbolize?"
Jiang Nuanyu was also very curious about this.
“In Indian religious traditions, crows are considered messengers of the gods,” the designer said. “They guide the soul away from the body and are also messengers that deliver messages between the living and ancestors.”
After hearing the explanation, the man who asked the question didn't say anything more; and the other onlookers also maintained a restrained expression. They all knew that this design wasn't commercially appealing.
Before coming, Jiang Nuanyu did her research and learned that the Indian designer had experienced the loss of both parents in a short period of time while creating this season's collection. His designs during this period must have been greatly affected by this.
She listened to the other person's account of the crows, nodding thoughtfully.
"Madam, what are your thoughts?"
Jiang Nuanyu didn't realize at first that the other person was talking to her. It wasn't until she noticed that it suddenly became quiet around her that she looked up and realized that everyone was looking at her.
The designer smiled at her and asked, "Are you a buyer or a media professional?"
Jiang Nuanyu nodded slightly and politely introduced herself: "I am an editor of Florian magazine."
The designer nodded and then asked, "What do you think of this piece?"
Jiang Nuanyu's gaze returned to the suit, and after a moment of contemplation, she said, "I think that in this imagery, the crow symbolizes a spiritual bond that connects the world we live in with other worlds, and connects people who are no longer in the same time and space but still care about each other and yearn to be connected."
The air was silent for two seconds.
“That’s right, that’s exactly what I wanted to express.” The designer looked at her deeply, his voice becoming more emotional. “The life of someone we love, even if it’s gone, can still be redefined by us, with love and the courage that comes from love.”
A low murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. The designer's positive interpretation of death and separation clearly moved everyone, who nodded in agreement.
The designer looked at Jiang Nuanyu: "You just said you're a media professional?"
Jiang Nuanyu said, "Yes. I'm from Florian."
The designer said, "If you're interested, we can talk privately later."
Jiang Nuanyu was flattered: "I'm very willing."
*
After the private meeting, Jiang Nuanyu and the designer sat down and talked alone for more than ten minutes.
The designer further explained the complete concept of this season's collection to her, and also talked about the ideas behind many previous works, and even mentioned a few ideas and inspirations that he is currently developing.
Jiang Nuanyu gained a great deal from her conversation with such a top designer. This content is definitely worth writing an in-depth article on as a separate topic after returning to China.
She headed off to the next show, completely satisfied.
Before leaving the art museum, I unexpectedly ran into Eric again at the exit of the lobby.
He was chatting with two or three colleagues when he saw Jiang Nuanyu. He walked over and gave her a rather dramatic hug: "We meet again, Nora."
Jiang Nuanyu smiled, but deep down she was a little worried that Eric would give her a French cheek kiss.
As she was thinking, Eric said, "It seems you're really interested in my ears."
"..." Jiang Nuanyu was taken aback. "Huh?"
Eric pointed to his ear: "You've been staring at it the whole time. You did the same when we first met."
Jiang Nuanyu was completely unaware that her gaze was so obvious, so she simply took another serious look at her.
Unlike the sparkly earrings he wore last time, this time Eric wore a row of irregularly shaped geometric studs arranged in alternating brass and lead-colored patterns.
“They’re really…beautiful,” she said. “They’d suit you perfectly.”
Eric smiled brightly: "You really know how to say nice things."
Before Jiang Nuanyu could explain that she was genuinely praising him, Eric interrupted her, "I know what you're trying to say, I know. How about we cancel each other out? Because next, I'm going to say something that sounds like 'nice words' too."
Jiang Nuanyu smiled and nodded: "I'm ready."
“I want to say,” Eric said, his joking expression turning serious, “that your interpretation of that suit was truly outstanding. You have a keen eye for the industry and a great capacity for empathy. You are very professional, both in terms of form and emotion.”
Jiang Nuanyu could tell that these words were not just polite formalities, and her heart was filled with emotion. She said with slight excitement, "Thank you, Eric."
Eric shrugged and smiled.
At that moment, a refined gentleman approached the two. Eric turned around and introduced him, "Nora, my colleague, editor of Florian, from China."
The man looked at Jiang Nuanyu and gave her a kind and charming smile.
Eric added, "This is my boyfriend, Mathis. He is also the curatorial director of this art museum. He personally designed the setup for today's event based on the brand and the overall tone of the event."
Jiang Nuanyu quickly processed and accepted the relationship between the two men in front of her in her mind, and said with a smile, "Hello, Mathis. The decorations here today are perfect."
“Oh, right, I forgot to mention,” Eric suddenly turned to Mathis and added seriously, “not only is she from China, but she’s also very good at sweet talk.”
Jiang Nuanyu was speechless for a moment, then the three of them laughed.
After a brief chat, before parting, Eric said, "I almost forgot to mention, Nora, welcome to Paris."
Jiang Nuanyu opened her mouth, but swallowed back the compliments about Paris that were about to come out, and simply smiled and said, "Thank you."
Eric said, "As a Parisian, I welcome you. Paris is a place of fashion, and for that reason, Paris welcomes you too."
He smiled, his gaze sincere.
*
…………
Late October, Beijing.
On Monday afternoon, after replying to a work email, Jiang Nuanyu casually opened her social media.
After returning to China, Marie wrote a long article about her conversation with the designer following the private event. The article meticulously analyzed the creative connotations and symbolic meanings of the series of works, focusing on the brand's tone.
Last week, the article was published on the magazine's official account under her name, just in time for Marie to officially announce the hidden series, and the article generated quite a stir in the industry.
Not only did Marie's official account share the article, but the brand's head of public relations in China also shared and recommended the supplementary post that Jiang Nuanyu shared on her personal account.
Suddenly, a flood of positive feedback poured in. Jiang Nuanyu's personal account saw a surge in followers, including not only editors and designers within the industry but also many creative individuals from the fringes of fashion.
Faced with the sudden surge of attention, Jiang Nuanyu initially felt a subtle unease.
She's used to communicating with the outside world through content, but now, her personal influence seems to be amplified. She's unsure if she can meet the expectations that come with the attention.
But she gradually came to terms with it: since she had walked her own path step by step, what was there to be afraid of?
However, despite this, she still has mixed feelings every time she opens social media.
She was looking at the latest message on the screen when her phone on the table vibrated.
Xiao An: "Editor Jiang, the editor-in-chief wants you to come to the office."
Jiang Nuanyu was somewhat surprised.
In all her years working at Florian, she had entered Ji Meng's office no more than three times.
She quickly closed the webpage and got up to go to the editor-in-chief's office.
As Jiang Nuanyu passed Xiao An's desk, she gave her a questioning look; Xiao An shook her head, indicating that she didn't know the situation either.
Jiang Nuanyu had no choice but to go directly to the door and knock.
"Come in."
Jiang Nuanyu pushed open the door and entered: "Editor-in-chief, you wanted to see me?"
"Sit down." Ji Meng said without looking up, pointing to the chair opposite her.
Jiang Nuanyu sat down, facing Ji Meng, and she couldn't help but feel a little reserved.
After flipping through the documents in her hand, Ji Meng looked up at her and said, "Marie sent me an email with high praise for your article. The designer herself even asked the brand to convey her gratitude for your interpretation. You did a great job at this Paris Fashion Week."
Jiang Nuanyu smiled and said, "Thank you, editor-in-chief."
“But I didn’t call you here to praise you,” Ji Meng’s tone changed. “I have a task for you.”
Jiang Nuanyu immediately became serious: "Please speak."
Ji Meng: "Next month on the first, which is this Friday, Tianqi Group will have a signing ceremony for a cross-border cooperation. The venue will be the same convention center where we previously held a joint exhibition."
Upon hearing the name "Tianqi," Jiang Nuanyu's heart skipped a beat.
Ji Meng said, "I heard that although the cooperation is nominally Tianqi's, it is actually Yunjing Group that is driving its implementation. Yunjing is our long-term sponsor, and we are also a media organization. Sending someone over to make an appearance and do positive reporting is also a way of giving back to our partner."
As Jiang Nuanyu listened, she subconsciously nodded slightly, but she couldn't help but start thinking about Liang Qi.
“I thought you’d be a little resistant to this kind of business-oriented work,” Ji Meng looked at her and suddenly smiled, “but judging from your expression, you seem quite happy?”
Jiang Nuanyu was taken aback: "No, editor-in-chief, the work is all the same..." She licked her lips guiltily.
These words might hold true in other situations, but in this matter, she herself is the first to disbelieve them.
How can Liang Qi's job be the same as a regular job?
“You were in charge of Mr. Liang’s interview before, so compared to others, you are at least somewhat familiar with YunJing’s business model. You are the most suitable person for this task.”
Ji Meng said half-jokingly, "Besides, you've been making quite a splash in the industry lately. If you go, you'll add some value to our magazine."
Jiang Nuanyu lowered her eyes and said shyly, "You flatter me, it's what I should do." She added, "Thank you for your trust."
Ji Meng smiled faintly and didn't say anything more: "That's all. Xiao An will send you the detailed arrangements."
"Okay, I understand." Jiang Nuanyu nodded in agreement and got up to leave.
Back at her workstation, she sat down, but her heart was growing increasingly restless, and she couldn't suppress the upward curve of her lips.
At the last cocktail party, due to the occasion and her status, as well as her own issues, her rare meeting with Liang Qi ended up being awkward.
She'd been so busy lately that over a month had passed in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, she realized she really wanted to see him.
Even if it's under the guise of work.
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