39. The Moon Hides the Egret
◎The charm of the older, fatherly type. ◎
Before we knew it, it was already the end of August.
Shanghai has been experiencing continuous rain for a week, with even the air filled with damp dew.
Ruan Songyi drove the car into the arts and administrative district, and sighed to Shang Xinuan, who was playing on her phone in the passenger seat, "I should avoid going to the Lupu Financial District in the future."
"Why?" The young lady looked at her. "Is it so unfair that you had to make me come all this way?"
Li Xiran had been on business trips to London for several days and his plane arrived in Shanghai early this morning.
There was a non-negotiable multinational conference at 5 a.m., followed by a shareholders' meeting at 9 a.m. This time, he simply couldn't spare the time to see Shang Xinuan, so the young lady got up early and went to the Li family's business.
"I can't stand the smell of iced Americano in the financial district, but I prefer the perfumes in the arts and administration district."
"I know artists need a lot of emotion, but it's forbidden to praise one artist while criticizing another."
After graduating, Ruan Songyi opened her own art gallery and lived a Zen-like life every day. "Don't you think it's tragic to pay for your own Chinese medicine to stay awake and then let your boss earn money to buy a villa?"
“That makes sense.” In her short life of just over twenty years, the young lady had never had a real working experience. Even her one-month agreement with Li Xiran as his assistant was interrupted by the attack, so she only felt that Ruan Songyi’s words made sense.
"Just by looking into the young lady's innocent eyes, you can tell she's a recent college graduate."
"Judging from Fairy Ruan's panicked eyes, you can tell she's lost in the parking lot."
Ruan Songyi looked around and asked, "Where's Qiao Xixi? Wasn't she supposed to be waiting for us in the parking lot?"
Today is Qiao Xi's first talent competition since joining the well-known fashion design company. It adopts a last-place elimination system, requiring each new designer to design a set of casual wear and a set of formal wear within two months.
Then, a showcase will be held, and the positions and team leader assignments of the new hires will be determined by a vote from the guests and industry professionals.
“Baby, over here!” As soon as Ruan Songyi finished speaking, she saw Qiao Xi, who was holding a phone, waving at them.
"No wonder I couldn't get through on the phone."
The three of them finally reunited in the underground parking lot.
Shang Xinuan and Ruan Songyi each put on a face mask as they got out of the car.
"Qiao Xixi, if you had arrived five minutes later, our face masks would have dried out."
"Wow, you two are amazing." Qiao Xi hung up the phone. "Is this how you got out of my uncle's place?"
Ruan Songyi sighed, "I used to have some complaints about Chairman Li, but now I have to say that the older father figure is indeed very doting."
"I can't even imagine what it would be like to have an important meeting in half an hour. But that doesn't stop me from having breakfast with our young lady first and then personally escorting her to her car."
If she hadn't wanted to avoid the detour to the Lupu Financial District to drive after the fashion show, Li Xiran would have arranged for Chen Ti to drive the two of them over.
The young lady involved said that Ruan Songyi was making a fuss over nothing, and that this was just Li Xiran's usual practice.
"You can't even imagine that?" Qiao Xi recalled, "My uncle is the kind of person who can fly all night, deliver a gift to the Shang family at eight in the morning, and then go to work."
"Anyway, it's not easy for a thousand-year-old peacock to spread its tail feathers, so we'll get used to it."
Ruan Songyi clicked her tongue in amazement, "Is this the charm of a father figure?"
"Otherwise, why do you think I can always get a slot when I hold an art exhibition at the Lian Hotel?" Qiao Xi nudged Shang Xi's shoulder. "And my green Lamborghini is all thanks to you, Miss."
The young lady's heart was bursting with joy, her vanity of being favored was greatly satisfied.
“However, there have been rumors lately that Li Xiran will personally represent the Li family to expand into overseas markets.” Ruan Songyi took Shang Xinuan’s arm and asked, “If you two confirm your relationship now, won’t you be having a long-distance relationship?”
“Nuan Nuan was going to study in London anyway. Even if my uncle gives this job to someone else, they will still be in a long-distance relationship.”
After sending a message to the college professor, Shang Xinuan put her phone back in her handbag before leisurely replying, "Is it possible... that the Li family is preparing to enter the London market?"
“No wonder I’ve been hearing you complaining lately that he went to London on a business trip again. So that’s why.” Ruan Songyi put her arm around her waist. “I have a feeling that Li Xiran’s market expansion is just an excuse, and his real intention is to accompany her to school.”
"I used to think that Li Xiran was a typical mature businessman who put profit first in everything. I never expected that after his love brain was developed, he would be so adorably unexpected."
Qiao Xi immediately chimed in, "My mom said that my uncle is in the same situation as my maternal grandfather back then. He gave up all his inheritance rights to marry my maternal grandmother and then devoted himself to being her assistant."
The story of a tycoon's son who willingly gave up his inheritance to become a singer's bodyguard is a legendary tale from a bygone era.
"I can't afford to hire your uncle as an assistant."
"Yes, yes, yes! That's why my uncle has started making money overseas to support his young mistress!"
The Li family is currently embroiled in internal strife, with old and new shareholders fighting fiercely every day.
Looking at the Li family's stock price, it remains as stable as a rock.
"Am I that difficult to raise?"
"Right? Your exquisite and noble demeanor, down to the last hair, is not something you can obtain by absorbing the essence of heaven and earth."
The Shang family already spoiled her rotten, and after meeting Li Xi, it only got worse.
"But I still have to admire the young lady's eye for talent; she can pick the best of everything. She chooses men who are business geniuses that come along only once in a century. Teach me, please."
"It's very simple! When choosing a man, treat it like an investment. If he's good, buy him; if not, sell him quickly."
"Pass it down, and Li Xiran was in a very bad state for a while."
Hahahahahahahaha.
The three of them chatted and laughed as they arrived at the backstage dressing room, where the stylists and makeup artists were already preparing.
The design theme for this project was casual wear and formal wear, with Qiao Xi choosing a professional office lady style and wedding dresses as the main themes.
Ruan Songyi was the first to agree to Qiao Xi's request, and she chose the office lady style first.
Shang Xinuan has accompanied Shang Zun to various business parties since she was a child, so she is quite adept at showcasing the beauty of formal wear.
"The young lady looks like a bride-to-be in her wedding dress." Ruan Songyi looked at Shang Xinuan sitting behind her through the makeup mirror. "Sure enough, people surrounded by love have a very peculiar aura."
"We haven't officially started dating yet, it's not as mysterious as you make it sound." Shang Xinuan cooperated while getting her hair done for the wedding dress.
"But I have to say, this bridal makeup and the office-style makeup do give people different feelings." Qiao Xi closed the picture book in her hand and looked at the two of them. "But Nuan Nuan's recent state is indeed full of the sweet atmosphere of love."
Not only did she have a rosy complexion and look energetic, but her eyes were also full of light.
The smile that radiates from the corners of the eyes and brows is a quality that is difficult to replicate even with makeup.
"Really, no talks?"
"No, there really isn't!"
“You two are getting along quite naturally and sweetly right now. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were already dating.” Ruan Songyi said, resting her chin on her hand. “Especially today, even though the meeting was about to start, he insisted on taking you to the car.”
"That's because Nuannuan was almost attacked before. Whenever my uncle is not working, he always takes her home directly." Qiao Xi has been staying at the Shang family's house recently because she is preparing for her engagement. She often sees Li Xiran driving the car with license plate number Hu A L520S to pick up the young lady.
"I am once again amazed by the greatness of the older father figure."
"Then should I ask him to keep an eye out for a few for you?"
"No need for that, I prefer my younger brother."
“...”
The makeup for both of them was basically finished, and the stylist began to match jewelry according to the characteristics of their outfits.
Ruan Songyi's office lady style mainly focuses on elegance and competence, but when pairing necklaces with Shang Xinuan, even after she tried on the last one, it still did not meet the stylist's expectations.
"Wait a moment, I'll have my assistant bring a few more necklaces and accessories."
At this moment, everyone's attention was drawn back to Shang Xinuan.
The satin wedding dress, with its low-cut strapless design, perfectly accentuated Shang Xinu's curves.
Her long, curly hair was piled high on her head, revealing her slender swan neck.
The young lady's entire demeanor was fully revealed, exuding both elegance and nobility.
"Are none of them suitable?" Qiao Xi asked, leaning closer.
"The necklaces I brought were all too ornate, and they overshadowed both the dress and the model," the stylist explained.
Looking at the necklaces with large gemstones neatly arranged on the dressing table, Shang Xinuan realized that they did indeed clash somewhat with the more understated yet luxurious dress designed by Qiao Xi.
“But it’s starting to rain heavily in Shanghai now. Will we be too late?” Qiao Xi glanced at her watch. There was only half an hour left before the official runway show.
“I have a relatively simple one here, maybe I can give it a try?” Shang Xinuan suddenly remembered the magnolia necklace that Li Xiran had given her, which she had left in her bag and forgotten to take out.
The perfect chain length accentuates the collarbone, and even the size of the main stone set on the magnolia flower is just right.
"Is this another one of Chairman Li's doing?" Ruan Songyi, who had already finished posing, stood up and stared intently at the necklace, saying, "This kind of specially customized floral design, adorned with rare gemstones, is just typical of capitalists."
The young lady had thought the necklace was beautiful, but there was something else she couldn't quite put her finger on.
I only realized today that it's too flamboyant and would be more suitable for pairing with a formal dress.
"So expensive." Qiao Xi leaned against the dressing table. "Whether it's the necklace or the young lady."
"Of course, there's also my dress."
-
"XiXi, the front stage is ready. You can bring your model and wait in line." It was a staff member on site informing them of the progress.
"Come on, Miss, let me help you." Shang Xinuan, unusually, wore high heels to better help Qiao Xi show off her dress. Qiao Xi and Ruan Songyi then each supported one of her sides.
Just as they arrived backstage to wait, the host announced the official start of the competition.
Qiao Xi's placement in the middle position allows Shang Xinuan and Ruan Songyi some time to prepare.
"Xixi, in ten seconds."
The models lined up in the pre-arranged queue. Finally, it was the two of them's turn. The stage manager helped Ruan Songyi onto the stage first, saying, "OK, let's go!"
Qiao Xi and the staff simultaneously helped Shang Xinuan smooth out her skirt. "OK! Let's go!"
As the music played, Shang Xinuan stepped into the spotlight.
Like an elegant and proud swan princess, she turns every inch of light into shattered diamonds, making them her embellishments.
The appearance of Shang Xinu caused a stir among the audience.
"Which company does this model belong to? Her aura of 'don't even try to reach me' is absolutely stunning!"
"That wedding dress model is so beautiful, let's check if she has an agency."
"Stop investigating, this is the Shang family's daughter, here to support her best friend." Someone suddenly reminded them, making the talent scouts at the scene feel like they had missed out on a gold mine.
There are too many legends about young ladies in Shanghai; just mentioning their surname is enough to trigger a series of associations.
As a result, almost all the cameras on site were pointed at her, and a minute later, major portal websites were filled with her name.
Shang Xinuan had no idea what was happening offstage, but as she walked to the middle, she gradually saw a row of judges sitting there.
She didn't forget that she was there to showcase the dress for Qiao Xi, so with a faint smile on her face, her steady catwalk transformed the fashion show runway into a wedding scene.
As she got closer, she finally saw the person sitting in the middle of the judges' panel.
At the boundary between darkness and light, Li Xiran sat with his legs crossed, exuding both nobility and majesty.
When he saw Shang Xinuan slowly walking over, he pushed away the man next to him who was trying to introduce him to him, straightened his posture, and leaned forward.
He was wearing a white suit today, which is unusual for him. I don't know if it was intentional or unintentional.
Under the dim light, the dark-patterned jacquard magnolia design is faintly visible.
Even from a short distance, it was clear that his eyes were slightly red.
His eyes couldn't hide his amazement, including the deep admiration that flickered within them.
A note from the author:
Li Xiran, don't love him too much!
Who can catch a flight in the early morning, sleep for two or three hours, get up for a meeting until noon, and still make it to watch their wife walk the runway?
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