Elle magazine invited me for a cover shoot.
The interview's theme was "From Traditional Constraints to Design Freedom."
"What is your view on the current atmosphere in the domestic luxury goods circle?" the reporter asked.
"True luxury is not about labels and prices," I replied.
"It is about unique design concepts and cultural heritage."
On the day the interview was published, Mu Mu sent me the latest news.
"The Zhou family is completely finished! Zhou Shaojun’s father has been arrested for financial fraud! Zhou Shaojun was surrounded by reporters and fled in embarrassment!"
Attached was a photo of Zhou Shaojun hurriedly walking past a group of reporters, head down.
His suit was wrinkled, completely devoid of his usual elegance.
On the same day, Chen Jiayi gave a media interview.
"I am the victim," she said, tears welling in her eyes.
"I agreed to the engagement because I thought Zhou Shaojun was genuinely sincere. Who knew the Zhou family was already in financial crisis?"
"Ha, turning against someone is faster than flipping a book," Mu Mu mocked.
In the evening, Wang Jiayan invited me to dinner at a quiet and elegant restaurant.
"Xu Ke, I must tell you something," he said seriously.
"Do you remember our first meeting? That day, I was immediately drawn to the pure passion for design in your eyes."
My heart raced.
"I like you," Wang Jiayan said, looking straight into my eyes.
"It’s not because of your success or family background, but because of who you are."
I recalled our collaboration over the past year—his respect, his admiration.
What he valued was always me as a person.
"I like you too. Thank you for seeing the real me," I said, unable to control the smile spreading across my face.
We confirmed our romantic relationship.
Afterward, we began designing a collection for Milan Fashion Week together.
"Timeless" caught the attention of an international investment group.
I was named one of Forbes' "30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs."
Mu Mu called to tell me, "Zhou Shaojun asked me to pass on a message. He wants to see you and says he has lost everything and only wishes to regain your trust."
I paused in silence for a moment.
"Tell him that some mistakes cannot be resolved with an apology."
On the same day, Dong Chao sent me a message, hoping to invest in "Timeless."
I declined outright.
A year later, I returned home to celebrate the Spring Festival.
The success of Milan Fashion Week has made "Timeless" a hot topic in the industry.
In the airport VIP lounge, I spotted a familiar figure, looking weary.
It was Zhou Shaojun.
"Xu Ke," he said, approaching me.
"I'll help you with your luggage."
I was taken aback. "Thank you, President Shang."
He silently took my suitcase and followed behind me.
"He came to pick you up," my mother whispered.
"He has already been waiting here for three hours."
"The Zhou family is nearly bankrupt," my father added.
"Zhou Shaojun's father was convicted of financial fraud, and Zhou Shaojun sold his mansion and sports car to pay off debts."
A mix of emotions surged within me.
On the way home, my phone buzzed incessantly with messages from the socialite circle.
"Xu Ke, congratulations on the brand's great success! Can we invite you to the next season's launch event?"
"Please make sure to reserve some new products for us! Price is not an issue!"
"Hah, who was it that said 'new money can never become nobility'?" Mu Mu scoffed.
At home, I shared the brand's achievements with my parents.
"I and Wang Jiayan's collaboration has created a sensation in the fashion world," I said proudly.
"Critics say we have successfully blended Eastern and Western aesthetics."
Zhou Shaojun stood in the corner, quietly listening, his expression complex.
"Congratulations on realizing your dream," he finally said.
I watched his desolate figure and recalled how he had looked down on me back then; now, everything had changed.
"Thank you," I replied coolly.
My father patted my shoulder.
Wang Jiayan's video call came through, and we discussed the designs for the next season, sharing inspiration with each other.
"I miss you, come back soon," he said gently.
Zhou Shaojun observed my interaction with Wang Jiayan, his gaze dimming as he silently turned to leave.
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