Chapter 192 The Eternal Second Place
Wen Qingrang knocked on the door of Jiang Ranxing's studio. Jiang Ranxing answered from inside, and then Wen Qingrang pushed the door open and went in.
As soon as Wen Qingrang stepped inside, he almost tripped over the fabric samples scattered all over the floor.
Jiang Ranxing said somewhat embarrassedly, "I was so busy that I didn't have time to tidy up properly, please don't mind."
At this moment, Jiang Ranxing was standing in front of the workbench, carefully comparing several types of sand-woven fabric. After looking at them, he sighed helplessly and put them down.
Wen Qingrang casually put the sweet soup he had brought aside and helped her tidy up the various scattered fabrics.
Jiang Ranxing was a little tired, so he pulled Wen Qingrang to sit on the sofa to the side.
Seeing how tired she looked, Wen Qingrang felt a pang of sympathy.
Jiang Ranxing himself didn't seem to mind, and said, "I haven't been able to find a satisfactory fabric. The design drawings are already done, but the most important step of choosing the fabric is a bit difficult to move forward."
After learning about some design-related issues, Wen Qingrang said, "I know that a very important part of your design process is choosing the fabric, which determines whether the design can be perfectly presented, right?"
Jiang Ranxing nodded: "That's right. Being a designer isn't just about being able to draw good designs. You also need to have a certain level of skill in choosing fabrics. It's a test of your aesthetic sense. Even I can't immediately find the most suitable combination among thousands of fabrics. I need to spend time doing it."
Wen Qingrang had indeed seen all of Jiang Ranxing's efforts.
During most of her working hours, Jiang Ranxing hardly thinks about anything else. Even for Ember, designing alone requires a lot of effort and time to do well.
However, Jiang Ranxing's dedication and seriousness towards design is also what he sees as her shining quality.
People who are no longer trapped by romantic love and instead shine brightly in their own fields are dazzling no matter what.
Wen Qingrang witnessed firsthand how much work Jiang Ranxing had done for this wedding dress design these past few days. First, she conducted extensive research on local wedding customs and dress habits. Then, she went to the fabric factory and selected suitable fabrics one by one from thousands of rolls of fabric. Finally, she consulted relevant materials for a long time. She put a lot of effort into everything she did.
Jiang Ranxing didn't find it tiring. Sometimes when inspiration struck, she would put down what she was doing and immediately get into a professional state, as if she were a completely different person.
Jiang Ranxing didn't feel tired or irritable; she devoted almost all her energy to her work.
Wen Qingrang felt a pang of sympathy, but knowing that Jiang Ranxing was truly passionate, she couldn't very well tell her not to do anything. If you really support someone, you should support what they do and encourage them; that's true love.
Wen Qingrang simply looked at her and said, "Ranxing, no matter how busy you are, you must take a break. I remember you said there's still enough time, so don't overwork yourself."
Jiang Ranxing nodded upon hearing this, understanding Wen Qingrang's meaning: "I know, I will take good care of myself, don't worry."
With her words, Wen Qingrang had nothing to worry about.
Before they knew it, the day to submit their work was fast approaching. Sylvie contacted Jiang Ranxing and asked how it was going.
Jiang Ranxing replied over the phone, "Have someone come and pick it up. I've finished making it here."
Sylvie had always had great confidence in her, and immediately ordered someone to go to Jiang Ranxing's house to carefully pack up the wedding dress and pick it up.
Sylvie also told Jiang Ranxing, "The day after tomorrow is the show where you choose your wedding dress. Should I pick you up in the morning, or will you go by yourself?"
Jiang Ranxing thought for a moment and said, "I'll go by myself to avoid trouble."
Sylvie: "Okay, see you the day after tomorrow."
Jiang Ranxing hung up the phone, looked at the wedding dress that had already been designed, and smiled at her own work.
On the day of the exhibition, Wen Qingrang drove Jiang Ranxing out. Jiang Ranxing initially declined, saying she could go by herself, but Wen Qingrang insisted on going, so the two of them went out together.
Upon arriving at the venue, Jiang Ranxing realized that it was an international convention center that combined classical European charm with modern technology and trendy style.
Jiang Ranxing knew that the event would be quite grand, but she didn't expect it to be this big. And this was just for the stage of choosing a wedding dress. They were already willing to spend so much money. They were indeed nobles; their status and manners were different.
Wen Qingrang understood what Jiang Ranxing was thinking, so she asked, "Do you feel any pressure?"
Jiang Ranxing nodded: "Of course there will be."
To help her relax, Wen Qingrang teased her, saying, "You know, even Ember, the internationally renowned designer, gets nervous about this, right? This must be commonplace for Ember, right?"
Jiang Ranxing also realized that he was joking with him.
“Ember is human too, and everyone gets nervous. Besides, before Ember, I was Jiang Ranxing. Moreover, to avoid trouble, Sylvie plans to participate under my own name first. If I am selected later, Ember's identity will be revealed. So right now, I am just an ordinary designer. It's been a long time since a junior designer has produced any work, so it's understandable that I'm a little nervous.”
Wen Qingrang smiled and didn't say anything more, only saying, "Okay, I believe this young designer can also win the crown."
Jiang Ranxing laughed along, but a cool breeze blew by, and Jiang Ranxing shivered a little from the wind.
Seeing this, Wen Qingrang opened the back seat of the car and took out a bag that had been prepared beforehand. Jiang Ranxing was initially a little confused by his actions, until he took out a shawl from the bag and gently draped it over her body. The warm feeling instantly enveloped her, and she realized just how thoughtful this man was.
Jiang Ranxing smiled at Wen Qingrang; the two understood each other's thoughts at that moment.
Jiang Ranxing was always amazed by Wen Qingrang's ability to arrange everything perfectly when you weren't even paying attention.
It seems like you never have to worry about anything when you're with him, because you instinctively know that he will definitely take good care of you, he will definitely take good care of you.
People naturally crave gentle and beautiful things; no one can afford to be vulgar.
As the two stood by the car enjoying this warm and beautiful moment, another luxury car pulled into the parking lot.
Through the car window, Tan Shen first saw two people not far away. He wanted to park the car in a place where he couldn't see them, but he found that Lin Xuesha in the back seat had already seen Jiang Ranxing first.
Lin Xuesha naturally noticed Wen Qingrang and saw him drape a shawl over her shoulders. Lin Xuesha gave a cruel smile and then looked at Fu Shenyuan innocently.
"Shen Yuan, look over there, aren't Ranxing and Qingrang there? Have they arrived too?" Lin Xuesha asked, pointing in the direction of Jiang Ranxing.
Fu Shenyuan looked in that direction and saw the heartwarming scene. His expression immediately darkened.
Lin Xuesha could tell that Fu Shenyuan was heartbroken, so she added fuel to the fire, saying, "Are they already together? I saw that they were acting very intimately. I knew they were interested in each other a long time ago. It seems to be true, Shenyuan. I really wish them both well."
Fu Shenyuan didn't really take in much of Lin Xuesha's sarcastic remarks.
He just looked at Jiang Ranxing. She seemed to be really cold. Wen Qingrang, who was standing next to him, took care of her and put a coat on her. Everything seemed fine, but what Fu Shenyuan really couldn't stand was that the person who dispelled her cold and brought her warmth was not him.
Wen Qingrang's words from that day were deeply etched in his mind.
Jiang Ranxing was in poor health and had a brush with death before finally waking up. Although he seemed like a completely different person, he was still awake, which was much better than lying in a hospital bed with his life hanging in the balance.
Seeing Fu Shenyuan's absent-minded look, Lin Xuesha felt a bad premonition rise in her heart again. He must have thought of Jiang Ranxing again.
"Shen Yuan, you've been neglecting your health lately, and it worries me a lot, you know? Just think of it as doing this for me, and cheer up, okay? I just want to make you happy, that's why I asked you to come with me to this event. Don't think about those unhappy things, and you'll get better slowly, okay?"
Lin Xuesha used words to coax and persuade Fu Shenyuan. She really hoped that Fu Shenyuan could ignore Jiang Ranxing and refocus his attention on her.
Fu Shenyuan hummed in agreement but didn't say anything.
Tan Shen reminded them from the front, "It's almost time, let's get off the bus."
Fu Shenyuan nodded. After Tan Shen opened the car door, he got out of the car. When he looked back at the spot where Jiang Ranxing and Wen Qingrang had been standing, the two figures had already disappeared.
"Let's go." Fu Shenyuan sighed almost imperceptibly, then stepped into the venue with Lin Xuesha.
After Jiang Ranxing entered the venue, he contacted Sylvie, and the two groups quickly met up.
“Wen, why don’t you sit in our designated rest area for a while? Ember and I need to go backstage to prepare. We’ll come back when we’re all ready,” Sylvie said to Wen Qingrang.
"Okay, you can go ahead and get busy." Wen Qingrang had no objections and, guided by the staff, walked to his designated seat in the designer waiting area.
Sylvie and Jiang Ranxing walked through the staff entrance to the backstage area.
The backstage area was bustling with people. Some were carrying gowns and moving back and forth in the corridor, some were claiming their own models, and some were anxiously looking for someone with makeup brushes. All sorts of people were there, creating a lively and bustling scene, just like the busy backstage area of a fashion show.
Jiang Ranxing hadn't participated in such a large-scale fashion show for a long time since her injury. Looking at everything familiar in front of her, she took a deep breath.
Sylvie thought she was feeling unwell and asked her with concern, "We have a private lounge. I'll take you there so you can rest for a bit."
Sylvie knew that her health wasn't that good, so she didn't dare to put too much work pressure on her.
Jiang Ranxing nodded with a smile, and the two prepared to walk towards SR's exclusive lounge.
But by sheer coincidence, Jiang Ranxing ran into two people he didn't want to see at the corner.
The door to the cubicle opened, and Lin Xuesha and Fu Shenyuan appeared in front of Jiang Ranxing.
When Sylvie saw her former boss, she naturally greeted him: "Mr. Fu, it's been a long time."
Fu Shenyuan nodded, then turned his gaze to Jiang Ranxing.
After learning everything, and that Jiang Ranxing had long forgotten him, it would be a lie to say he didn't feel a pang of sadness when he stood before her again.
The bitterness in Fu Shenyuan's heart was almost overwhelming.
A thousand words are in my heart, but they cannot compare to the fact that the person I miss the most has long forgotten this relationship and their past.
Fu Shenyuan simply looked at Jiang Ranxing, and this time he did not make any extreme moves. He tried his best to control his surging emotions so as not to hurt Jiang Ranxing.
"Are you alright?" Fu Shenyuan asked as calmly as possible, so as not to disturb Jiang Ranxing.
Jiang Ranxing raised an eyebrow and looked Fu Shenyuan up and down, somewhat surprised by the strangeness in his manner of speaking.
"It's alright," Jiang Ranxing said casually. "I'm fine as long as you don't bother me."
Fu Shenyuan felt as if those words had stabbed him in the heart. Every breath he took was accompanied by a bone-chilling pain, as if each breath he took scraped against a dagger. His heart trembled with pain.
Fu Shenyuan lowered his eyes and smiled, swallowing all the bitterness.
"As long as you're doing well, that's all that matters."
Fu Shenyuan still hasn't found a perfect solution to this problem, and can only keep going around in circles in pain.
Lin Xuesha noticed his reaction from the side, and her heart was filled with hatred for Jiang Ranxing. How could Jiang Ranxing so easily steal all the affection that belonged to her!
Lin Xuesha immediately put on a smiling face and took Fu Shenyuan's arm, but Fu Shenyuan easily broke free with a very light movement.
Lin Xuesha wasn't annoyed. She stood a little closer to Fu Shenyuan before looking at Jiang Ranxing.
Lin Xuesha asked, "Ranxing, are you also here to participate in this selection? I only realized you were back in the design circle when I saw you. And for such an important event, I was really surprised that SR sent you."
The sarcasm in her words was obvious, and both Jiang Ranxing and Sylvie could hear it.
Sylvie certainly didn't want to see Jiang Ranxing being mocked like that. She was about to retaliate when Jiang Ranxing grabbed her hand and stopped her. Jiang Ranxing shook her head, implying that she didn't need to bother with such a person.
Jiang Ranxing took a step forward, getting much closer to Lin Xuesha, and then scanned Lin Xuesha up and down with his eyes.
Jiang Ranxing's scrutinizing gaze was impolite to outsiders, and Lin Xuesha naturally sensed her unspoken contempt. Although somewhat uncomfortable, Lin Xuesha steadied herself and returned the look with her eyes: "What's wrong? Do you think I said something wrong?"
Jiang Ranxing chuckled at Lin Xuesha's stubbornness and said casually, "If you can come, then I can certainly come too. Have you forgotten that you were no match for me back in school? I think I was always number one. What was your ranking again? I haven't paid much attention. I've never really paid much attention to the works of people ranked after me."
Jiang Ranxing spoke casually, as if describing something ordinary and not worth worrying about.
Lin Xuesha was naturally embarrassed by her words: "What are you talking about? Stop talking nonsense!"
Jiang Ranxing smiled: "Am I talking nonsense? Oh right, it seems I misspoke. You once beat me to first place, right? But I remember that your work that time was probably a design draft that I left on the table."
Jiang Ranxing said with a regretful expression, "To be honest, I just doodled that draft. After you stole it, I wasn't in the mood to draw a new one, so I just used another piece to fill in the assignment. I didn't expect you to be so talented. You took my work, made some minor modifications, and finally got first place."
Lin Xuesha immediately lost her composure after hearing Jiang Ranxing emphasize the word "finally".
Jiang Ranxing was telling the truth, but how did she know? Lin Xuesha felt that she had done nothing wrong, and she had added many of her own creative techniques to her work at the time. Even the professor couldn't see it, so how could Jiang Ranxing have noticed?
"Stop making baseless accusations. I've never copied from you. Do you think the professors are all idiots? If I did copy, wouldn't they know?"
Lin Xuesha forced herself to fight back, not wanting to be at a disadvantage at a time like this.
Jiang Ranxing felt a bit nauseous at her appearance, so he decided not to be polite.
"Miss Lin is truly admirable. Did you think the professor didn't notice just because he didn't say anything?"
Jiang Ranxing scoffed coldly: "They didn't say anything because I spoke to the professor. There were also design students from other schools participating in the competition that time. I'm the one who embarrassed the professor and our college by being exposed for plagiarism. Your own face doesn't matter. Do you think the college's reputation is as worthless as yours?"
After Jiang Ranxing finished speaking, Lin Xuesha recalled that after winning first place that time, the professor had approached her and intentionally or unintentionally reminded her to insist on originality and not to copy others' work or plagiarize.
However, Lin Xuesha was so pleased with her victory over Jiang Ranxing that she didn't care about the professor's lecturing words. She didn't take them to heart, but little did she know that it was Jiang Ranxing who was behind it all, which caused her to suffer such humiliation.
Lin Xuesha retorted, "Don't talk nonsense. I won't admit to something I didn't do."
Jiang Ranxing just chuckled coldly at her expression: "Fine, you can fool others, but don't fool yourself too."
Jiang Ranxing gestured for Sylvie to return to the lounge. As they passed by, she first glanced at Fu Shenyuan, then looked away expressionlessly before turning to Lin Xuesha. She lingered in Lin Xuesha's ear for a moment and said in a very indifferent and disdainful tone, "Forever second place."
These words were tantamount to igniting the fuse of shame in Lin Xuesha's heart, a feeling that she had always felt inferior to Jiang Ranxing.
"you!"
Lin Xuesha turned around and saw that Jiang Ranxing had already turned around and walked away gracefully, without giving her another glance.
Lin Xuesha was so angry she wanted to grind her teeth to powder. When she saw the deep affection in Fu Shenyuan's eyes as he looked at Jiang Ranxing, she became even angrier.
But the thought of Jiang Ranxing making a fool of himself on such a large scale made Lin Xuesha feel much better.
Today is not like when we were in school; she will definitely beat Jiang Ranxing.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com