CHAPTER 25: CHAPTER 25: CURTAIN CALL

In the following two days, Su Lingzhi did not see Fu Yinli’s presence.

The messages she sent to him were not promptly replied to.

But for two days straight, he had Housekeeper Zhao come over to pick her up after work.

Sitting in the back seat, Su Lingzhi gazed at the night view outside the car window and suddenly asked, "Uncle Zhao, until what time is Yinli busy every day when he returns home?"

From the driver’s seat, Housekeeper Zhao answered, "Usually between ten to twelve, lately there’s a rather tricky international acquisition case, and many matters require the gentleman’s involvement."

"How long has he been in England?"

"Many years now." Housekeeper Zhao calculated, "The gentleman hasn’t been back to Beijing for seven or eight years."

Su Lingzhi was surprised for a moment, then asked, "Are Yinli’s family also in England?"

"In Beijing."

"Is there some hidden reason why he hasn’t returned home in all these years?"

Housekeeper Zhao glanced at her through the rearview mirror, hesitated, and said, "You should ask the gentleman yourself."

...

The next day.

The Lyrae Spring/Summer Haute Couture Fashion Show was set to be held at the London College of Art, the entire studio was bustling backstage preparing for the three o’clock show, busy beyond belief.

Su Lingzhi was supervising backstage, adjusting the styling and makeup of the three models she was managing.

"Lingzhi."

Chu Qingxuan suddenly called out to her, "I’m a bit scared."

Because everyone here was foreign and couldn’t understand Chinese, perhaps it was because Su Lingzhi was present that she felt a sense of closeness, daring to voice her true feelings.

Su Lingzhi went over, hugged her, and softly said, "Models wearing Lyrae fashion for the first time always get nervous, now that we have chosen you, you must trust yourself, on stage, you are the most dazzling star among the crowd, the audience below will only gaze at you with appreciation."

Her gaze is solely appreciative...

Chu Qingxuan silently memorized this sentence, as this was her first time stepping onto the Lyrae stage, it was a great honor in her career, also a chance to break into the English fashion circle.

The girl in front, although gentle and dynamic in appearance, exuded a nobility and warmth unmatched by others, she was the most distinctive person she had ever met, also her benefactor.

She should seize this opportunity well, rather than let negative emotions influence her.

Having taken the water Su Lingzhi handed to her, she took a small sip, relieved with a smile, "Thank you, I feel much better now."

"Cheer up." Su Lingzhi encouraged.

Then she turned to instruct the makeup artist, "Her blush is too heavy, amend it."

The makeup artist promptly cooperated, took a powder puff and lessened the effect a bit.

When the time came, Su Lingzhi led her three models to the waiting stage and leaned against the wall to let out a breath of relief.

"Lindie."

Upon hearing her name being called, Su Lingzhi quickly responded, "I’m here."

Rika’s assistant found her, hurriedly took her towards a certain direction, "The lady wants you, she plans to take you for the curtain call later."

Su Lingzhi became dazed, eyes filled with disbelief, "Rika wants to take me for the curtain call?"

"Yes indeed."

As they navigated through the backstage crowd, they reached Rika.

"Madam."

Rika looked her over from head to toe, seemingly dissatisfied with her outfit, she frowned and instructed her assistant, "In fifteen minutes, I want to see a whole new her."

Upon hearing this, the assistant’s expression changed, she quickly called over the makeup and styling team for Su Lingzhi.

Then asked, "What shoe size do you wear?"

Su Lingzhi replied, "2.5."

Upon learning this, the assistant dashed off unseen.

The makeup artist kept applying and manipulating her face, though he worked fast, it was orderly.

After about seven or eight minutes, Rika’s assistant fetched a gown and high heels, without another word started to undress her.

Su Lingzhi was startled and clutched her chest defensively, "I’ll do it myself."

As she said this, she stood up, casually picked up the sleeveless silver-threaded light purple gown, headed to the fitting room, and quickly changed, then put on the high heels.

The assistant surveyed her from head to toe, personally fixed her makeup, finally, within the given time, she was brought to Rika.

Rika displayed a stunning expression of admiration, praised, "Lindie darling, you look absolutely beautiful."

The assistant also looked at her enviously, Rika had never taken anyone on stage for a curtain call before, this was the first time, which was enough to prove her fondness for Lindie.

Under the gaze of everyone upon her, Su Lingzhi remained oblivious for a time, seemingly Rika truly regarded her as a daughter.

"Madam, it’s time for your curtain call preparation." A staff member came to remind.

Rika took Su Lingzhi’s hand and led her to the waiting stage.

The entire show was set in the great hall, with art walls, lighting, and music artistically rendered the scene.

After the final model walked on stage, Su Lingzhi followed Rika onto the runway.

As they appeared under the lights, applause reverberated throughout the venue, media cameras simultaneously pointed at the two.

Rika held her hand, waving and greeting everyone,

Su Lingzhi’s smile gradually relaxed under the focused gazes from below, she waved back at them.

"Zhizhi! Zhizhi!"

A loud call came from the front row, though she couldn’t immediately see the person, Su Lingzhi recognized it as Zhuang Xiaoxi’s voice.

At the runway corner, Su Lingzhi spotted Zhuang Xiaoxi and her mother, bent down, and interacted with them.

Rika also shook hands with them and blew them a kiss.

The Lyrae Spring/Summer Haute Couture Show was invite-only, guests watching the show were mainly Lyrae’s top VIP clientele and renowned fashion media, particularly those seated in the front rows, nearly all possessed notable backgrounds and social statuses.

Being brought out to the curtain call like this, it was Su Lingzhi’s first experience.

Finally, returning backstage, Su Lingzhi hugged Rika, feeling moved, "Thank you."

Rika smiled indulgently, "You performed excellently today, I noticed their expressions just now, they seem to like the works you designed."

"It’s thanks to Lyrae, you Madam, and our whole team’s effort."

The assistant arrived just then, "Madam, it’s time to prepare for the interview."

Su Lingzhi released her, separated.

Afterwards, came various social interactions, Su Lingzhi returned to the venue.

"Xiaoxi, Auntie."

"Zhizhi." Upon meeting, Zhuang Xiaoxi hugged her and spun her around, "You’re amazing, it seems that you’re truly treasured at Lyrae, before I had too much to say about Lyrae."

"Before it was tough, yet this moment of outcome acceptance, it’s still joyful, also Rika treats me well."

Zhuang’s mother gently touched her head, praising softly, "Zhizhi, truly outstanding."

"The lines on those three dresses you designed are so tempting."

"Which one do you like?"

"The silver-black painted gown in the middle."

"I’ll give it to you."

The haute couture displayed today were not production pieces, but after the fashion show ended, these garments would be limitedly sold, acquiring a buying slot was very challenging, extremely precious for fashion enthusiasts.

Zhuang Xiaoxi didn’t expect to be invited to the show, and even to receive such precious and rare a gift, instantly radiated joy, "Really?"

Su Lingzhi nodded.

Zhuang Xiaoxi excitedly jumped up, "Thank you, Zhizhi."

Zhuang’s mother stood by watching the two, looking quite doting.