CHAPTER 575: CHAPTER 347: STUNNING / SCHEMING

The next day’s dress rehearsal went smoothly without any issues from Qiao Xiaowan. In the afternoon when it ended, Lin Tuanzhang brought over three gowns, and Su Sha approached him, "Didn’t we agree that the hosts would wear military uniforms?"

Lin Tuanzhang smiled and said, "The higher-ups suggest that hosts wear gowns at the beginning and switch to military uniforms for the middle and final part of the show. It’s a metaphor for joy among the military and civilians. Luckily, Sang Pingle came along to join the fun and brought the gowns too, otherwise it would have been troublesome for me."

"I want the big red one," Qiao Xiaowan claimed immediately.

"The big red one is meant for you," Lin Tuanzhang said with a smile as he handed the big red dress to her, the sky blue one to Bai Yan, and the pink silver one to Luo Ye: "I chose the colors based on your temperaments, and the sizes should also fit. Just to be safe, try them on. If there’s any issue, we still have time to make adjustments."

Luo Ye unfolded the dress in her hand to take a look. It was a conservative sleeveless long dress with overly flashy decorations on the chest which she didn’t quite like. Hesitant for a moment, she still entered the dressing room—a dressing room consisting of three small cubicles separated by curtains.

Su Sha, a bit worried, said, "It’s chilly, wearing dresses can be challenging."

"I’ve checked with the meteorological agency, the weather the day after tomorrow is excellent, with only a mild breeze. We’ve also set up tents around the stage, so there should be no problems."

"That’s relieving," Su Sha sighed with relief.

"Worried about your daughter-in-law?" Lin Tuanzhang joked.

"Just stop teasing me," Su Sha managed a forced smile and quickly changed the topic.

Five minutes later, Qiao Xiaowan came out first, in her floor-length big red gown adorned with a large peony flower on the right shoulder, transforming her typically frail and slender appearance into one radiating with exuberant allure.

"Sister Lin, your eye for fashion is really something," Su Sha sincerely complimented. Lin Tuanzhang also seemed very satisfied, nodding with a smile, "Not bad, not bad."

Bai Yan also came out, her sky-blue gown’s large hem resembled a peacock’s tail, which charmingly matched with a few rhinestones at the front, conveying a fresh and gentle aura.

Just as Su Sha and Lin Tuanzhang were about to praise her, Luo Ye also emerged. The attention quickly shifted to her. Wearing a pink silver gown with a large bow on the chest surrounded by shimmering pearls, she looked sweet and eye-catching.

"Very nice," Lin Tuanzhang nodded repeatedly: "Each of you has a unique charm, it’s quite a feast for the eyes. Since everything fits, let’s keep it this way. During tomorrow’s final dress rehearsal, everyone will wear these gowns and we’ll go through the entire routine as if it’s the real performance."

Qiao Xiaowan twirled around joyfully, "Lin Tuanzhang, every piece from Designer Sang really has its own unique flair, especially flattering."

"You must really like this gown from Designer Sang," Lin Tuanzhang chuckled and shook his head: "Alright, change back now and go rest."

Luo Ye hesitated, "Lin Tuanzhang, can I alter this gown myself?"

"What’s wrong, anything you’re unsatisfied with?" Lin Tuanzhang asked with puzzlement.

Luo Ye pointed at the chest of the dress: "It’s too flashy, doesn’t quite fit our performance."

Lin Tuanzhang gave it some thought and nodded, "Now that you mention it, I also feel it’s not quite suitable. How about this, I’ll take you to pick another one shortly."

"Okay," Luo Ye nodded and went back into the dressing room.

Hearing the conversation between Luo Ye and Lin Tuanzhang, Qiao Buwan sneered dismissively, thinking to herself, "Such a country bumpkin, that design was the most distinctive part of the dress. Go ahead, change it—the plainer, the better..."

...

Early the next morning, Luo Ye, Qiao Xiaowan, and Bai Yan were reviewing their lines when Lin Tuanzhang came in with three shoe boxes, "Here are your shoes, Luo Ye and Xiao Wan are size 37, Bai Yan is size 39, the style and color are the same, check the sizes yourselves."

"Thank you, Lin Tuanzhang," the three of them said in unison.

Su Sha glanced at the time, "Alright, change your clothes, it’s about time."

"Yes!" the trio responded and each took their clothes and shoes to the dressing room. Qiao Xiaowan craned her neck to peek at what Luo Ye had in her hands, Luo Ye gave her a glance, "Wait a bit, you can look after I’m done changing."

"Hmph, like I care!" Qiao Xiaowan quickly turned her head away.

Lin Tuanzhang whispered in Su Sha’s ear, "Su Sha, not that I’m being nosy, but you should make your stance clear soon, or you’ll end up in an awkward position later."

"I..." Su Sha pulled her towards the door, checking that no one was around, she whispered, "I understand, but I just can’t grow close to her, Xiao Xuan has even stopped dealing with me over this, alas!"

"I’m just being honest, Luo Ye is definitely better than Qiao Xiaowan. Of course, I’m only speaking of character, appearance, and talent. Xiaowan is also not bad, but compared to Luo Ye, she’s a bit narrow-minded."