Love Me Harder, Mr. Fu - Chapter 70

The authorities are here, the directors, the shareholders, and her father as well. Mo Zheng Yuan says hello to the other authority while scanning the room for his daughter. He looks around but Shi Lian is nowhere to be seen. Ruxi who is standing to the left, slightly behind the curtains walks up to him to greet him. She greets him warmly with a big smile on her smile.

“Where’s Shi Lian?” he asks her, still looking out for her. Ruxi informs him that Shi Lin is busy with the team behind the stages and she will be present when the show starts. She nods and Ruxi went back to where she was.

Mo Zheng Yi sits beside his brother with a cigarette between his index and middle fingers. “Hello, there brother. It’s been a while since we met. How’s your health?”

The tone sounded like he is mocking him for his poor health, but Zheng Yuan ignores him and says in his clipped tone, “I’m fine. You seem to be good as well.”

Zheng Yi smiles and blows out the smoke as he takes another drag of the weed. “I am eager to look forward to what my little nephew has to present” he snickers as if he knows she will fail. Zheng Yuan says nothing and watches forward, waiting for the show to be started.

Ruxi disappears behind the curtains to see check the work of the staff. She gasps when she sees Shi Lian wearing the dress they designed. She is looking stunning and the dress fits perfectly, it’s like it was made for her. “This was your idea? To be the model?” she smiles, stepping forward to her. Ruxi had no idea Shi Lian will think of an idea like this and she does not know if Shi Lian has ever done modeling.

“I couldn’t think of anything else. Don’t worry, I have done modeling before” she assures, smiling at her. the makeup artist does the last touch-ups on her face, applying the lip gloss the makeup is complete.

“It’s time. Are you ready?” Ruxi asks with concern. Shi Lian nods and she can see that Shi Lain is not nervous nor afraid of anything.

The lights turn off, the room becomes pitch black, and then suddenly big white halo lights glow up that are attached to the stages. The chandeliers shine brightly on the top accompanying by small lights beside it. A woman, one of the staff starts the show by the introduction and after she finishes, the curtains lift.

Sucking in her breath, Shi Lian heads forwards. She has done modeling so she is confident enough to walk without tripping. Luckily, the model’s body is similar to others and the dress fits her without any customization. Her heels tap on the shining stage as she starts her walk. Her eyes looking in the front, her chin up, and her shoulders back. Her body moves smoothly as every curve of her is defined. She can hear the whispers of the audience but she does not care. Giving a pose upfront she turns around and walks back with the same confidence and smoothness.

The show lasted for twenty minutes after Shi Lian walked on the ramp for the seventh time with her seven designs. The collection constituted of seven different designs, each of them having different meanings but also having one thing in common. All they represent Spring and the essence of it.

Shi Lian comes on the stage again after she changed into her work clothes. Taking the mic from Lulu, she stands facing the authorities who are sitting, their eyes on her.

Before she can start saying anything, claps and cheers cover the room. Everyone got up from their seat and clap for her, a smile on their faces. Speechless, Shi Lian bows down accepting their praises. Her heart is pounding hard, her hands are shaking and she can feel her eyes wetting. Did she pass?

“I am so impressed, my daughter!” Zheng Yuan exclaims, looking proud at his daughter. Few other directors praise her as well and she thank them warmly.

“First of all, I would like the design team and Ruxi to come on stage. They are the real warriors, only because of them, we have made this successful. We all have worked hard in the past week, invested all our time so that we could present the collection to you” she pronounces. The design team and Ruxi walk up to the stage and bow down to thank everyone. Shi Lian continues, “I don’t know if our work managed to impress you or not nor do I know if it’s capable to save the company but all I know is that we worked hard and no matter what circumstances are, we will fight” she grips the microphone in her palm tightly. “Now, please, gladly raise your opinions.”

She waits for the authorities to raise their questions. “Where do you get the idea of Nova? What Nova represents and how is it related to our spring collection?” one of the shareholders asks, raising his hand.

“Nova represents feminity, youth, serenity, boldness, and joy. The five elements form Nova and these five elements are also a part of Spring. I came with this thought of showcasing the essence of the season and fashion and tried to combine it. It fitted well and it truly defines the title and what we want to deliver through our collection.”

The one who asked the question gives her a satisfied nod. “I never have seen such impactful design before. The creativity, the complexity…it’s something else. You all did a great job” he compliments and she moves on to another question.

She answers all the questions confidently and they all seem satisfied with the answers. After the questionnaire s done, it is time to decide whether the collection can proceed to be launched or not. She breathes in and out because she can feel her hands shaking and her heart pounding like a hammer on her chest. Gripping the ic with her fist, she waits for them to answer.

After discussing amongst them, they are now ready to give their answer. “We have decided that…..” Fan Tao pauses, darting his eyes at her. the more he waits the more Shi Lain gets anxious. Sweat prickle at the back of her neck making its way down her spine. “It passed!” he announces and Shi Lian literally feels herself squealing from inside. She did it! she made it! Cheers and woots from the staff echoes. Shi Lian closes her eyes and a drop of waterfalls from the corner of her eyes. her lips tremble as she tries to hold back her tears. ‘I made it….I finally did it..’

Ruxi hugs her, taking her in surprise. “Congratulation! Shi Lian, we did it!” she laughs and hugs her tightly without caring the authorities are still here. She hugs her back congratulation her. Her eyes find her father sitting in the middle and looking proudly at her. her heart swells and more tears begin to fall. All the hopes her father put on her, are worth, she showed her worth. and she cannot be happier.

**

After the show was over, Shi Lian went back to her office to carry on with the further procedures. She is now working on the documents and checking the financial papers provided by JJ. Now that she has everyone’s approval, she doesn’t need to wait to launch it. she is thinking of launching it ahead of time because the company’s life cannot be delayed. Shi Lian gave the design team the daybreak because they deserve it. they might rebel against her for making them work this hard and who knows what problems will happen then and anyway, there isn’t much work for them either.

The surprising element for Shi lain was, her Uncle didn’t utter anything nor commented. Maybe because he doesn’t want everyone to know how vile and cruel he is. He did not even object when the others announced. Given his personality, he must poke but he didn’t. What is he thinking?

Her phone rings. Zichen’s name flashes on her screen and she presses the green icon. It’s been days since she last talked to him. She misses him. “Hello?” she croaks.

“Hey, are you free this evening?” he asks, his deep voice making her heart flutter.

“Yes, I think I am” she replies, checking the schedule again on the tablet. Yes, she is free after 4.

“I’ll let Rong pick you up on 5,” he says.

“For what?”

“I miss you and I want to show you something” he replies sounding impatient. Feeling the tone of his voice, Shi lain did not press any further.

“Fine. ill be there” she rolls her eyes but tries not to sound annoyed.

“Alright,” he says and hangs the phone before she can reciprocate anything.

“What’s his problem?” she groans with irritation and tosses the phone on the desk. ‘it better be something good or else, I’ll kill him’ she deems, grinding her teeth.