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墨書 Inktalez
The autumn in New York is beautiful, and I am here focusing on brand preparation, away from the chaos back home.
"Sister, Zhou Shaojun and Chen Jiayi's engagement photos are all over the internet," Mu Mu messaged me.
"Marketing accounts are hyping it up as a 'perfect match of social status.'"
I put down my phone, not wanting to look any further; what’s in the past should remain there.
"Today we will discuss the integration of Eastern elements into our brand," the instructor announced in the design school lecture hall.
"Please welcome young designer Wang Jiayan to share his experiences."
A tall man stepped onto the stage.
His suit was perfectly tailored, and his demeanor was gentle and polite.
"I would like to share a case of failure," he began his speech.
"Five years ago, I returned home with a design proposal, hoping to collaborate with a traditional luxury brand. I was rejected. The reason given was, 'What taste can someone from a small county have?'"
I suddenly looked up, meeting his gaze.
"So I decided to create my own brand," Wang Jiayan smiled.
"To prove through my work that true taste does not depend on one's family background."
After class, I took the initiative to approach him.
"Hello, I am Xu Ke. I really resonate with your philosophy."
"It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I heard you’re working on your own brand?" Wang Jiayan extended his hand.
"Yes, it's called 'Timeless,'" I briefly introduced my brand concept.
"I hope to blend traditional Chinese elements with modern design."
"Interesting. Shall we add each other on WeChat? We can exchange ideas more often," he said, listening intently.
We began to clash our design philosophies, and I found that his ideas resonated deeply with mine; his understanding of Eastern aesthetics was profound.
One day, Mu Mu told me in a video call, "Zhou Shaojun is posting luxurious vacation photos with Chen Jiayi every day on social media."
"But everyone in the circle knows that the Zhou family urgently needs investment from the Chen family. Those photos are staged for the public eye."
I nodded, no longer concerned about it.
During my time studying in the United States, my collaboration with Wang Jiayan grew increasingly close.
He admired my business acumen, and I respected his design talent.
"You are completely different from Zhou Shaojun," I accidentally remarked after a work session.
"Who is he? How are you different?" Wang Jiayan asked curiously.
"My... ex... he only valued my family background and resources; he never appreciated me for who I am," I said softly.
Wang Jiayan looked at me quietly.
"Then he must be blind."
A strange number suddenly called, and I answered.
It was Zhou Shaojun again.
"Xu Ke, you must return to the country to fulfill your endorsement contract," his voice was cold and hard. "Otherwise, the Zhou family will sue the Xu Family for breach of contract."
I hung up and blocked the number.
---
"Is someone harassing you? Do you want to report it to the police?" Wang Jiayan frowned.
"No need," I shook my head and set my phone down.
Zhou Shaojun had been calling me for several days, questioning why I was staying in America for so long. He also blamed the Xu Family's withdrawal of funds for putting the Zhou family in a public relations crisis.
Shang Mu also called, his tone gentle.
"Ke Ke, Zhou Shaojun has been in a bad mood lately; don't take it to heart. The Chen Family matter is just a business collaboration, so don't worry."
"Aunt, I'm not taking it to heart. As for Zhou Shaojun's threats, I've recorded everything. I hope he doesn't ruin his own future," I replied politely but firmly.
There was a long silence on the other end of the line.
"Timeless has finally produced its first batch of finished products," I told Wang Jiayan.
"The New York Fashion Show will use this collection."
"The design is fantastic," Wang Jiayan commented seriously.
"Your business acumen and artistic sensibility are a unique gift."
It was the first time someone had praised me like this; Zhou Shaojun had never acknowledged my talents.
In his eyes, I was merely the daughter of the Xu Family.
At the small exhibition, several fashion bloggers were captivated by "Timeless."
"This fusion of Eastern aesthetics and modern design is so avant-garde!" one blogger exclaimed repeatedly.
After the exhibition ended, we opened a bottle of celebratory champagne.
"Xu Ke, I must say," Wang Jiayan raised his glass.
"Your talent is astonishing, and I feel fortunate to collaborate with you."
His gaze was sincere and warm, reminding me of Zhou Shaojun's ever-calculating eyes.
A world apart!
A month later, Mu Mu flew to New York to see me and brought the latest news.
"Recently, Zhou Shaojun and Chen Jiayi's relationship has become a bit delicate," she said mysteriously.
"The Chen Family has started to suspect the Zhou family's financial situation. I heard Zhou Shaojun has been quite irritable lately. If he reaches out to you, just ignore him."
"Let him be," I shrugged.
"I've blocked all his contact information."
"Sweetheart, your brand is going to be a hit!" Mu Mu flipped through the product catalog of "Timeless."
"I really want all those who look down on us to shut their mouths!"
I video-called my parents to report on the brand's progress.
"Dad, thank you for supporting me," I said sincerely.
"Sweetie, I'm proud of you," my father replied with a smile.
"Your talent shouldn't be wasted on a hypocritical marriage. By the way, I've prepared more startup funds for you."
"What about Zhou Shaojun?" I couldn't help but ask.
"He’s getting anxious," my father sneered.
"He's looking for investors everywhere, but the Chen Family is starting to hesitate."
I nodded, feeling calm inside.
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