The final twelve models posed on the stage one by one, trying their best to showcase their respective gowns. As the models walked slowly, the spotlights followed them. At that moment, the melodious sound of a zither was played. The male host began to narrate with an emotional and vigorous tone.
“I still like you a lot, just like the sound of the zither echoing far away.”
“I still like you a lot, just like the flowing river in the mountains, unable to find a soulmate.”
“I still like you a lot, just like the strings of the zither, strong as they may be.”
“I still like you a lot, just like how chess pieces are dependent on each other wherever they move.”
“I still like you a lot, just like the battlefield covered in smoke.”
“I still like you a lot, just like black and white checkers where each piece has its own meaning.”
“I still like you a lot, just like the fragrance of a book that is close to my heart.”
“I still like you a lot, just like a book in one’s hand, filled with affection.”
“I still like you a lot, just like learning itself which never stops.”
“I still like you a lot, just like the fragrance of wine that emanates for a thousand miles.”
“I still like you a lot, just like aged wine that intoxicates me.”
“I still like you a lot, just like the beautiful tea that wakes my palate.”
As the host recited the piece filled with emotion, the fashion show became a feast for the senses, pushing the atmosphere towards a climax.
The host’s expressive recital felt like declarations of love.
The theme of the exhibition was presented to everyone in a really unique way, especially with the recital.
The theme of the event was marriage, which referred to the union between a man and a woman out of love.
Coincidentally, it shared the same idea as the poem the host had just recited.
The poem sparked the yearning of most female audiences to wear one of those beautiful gowns on their wedding day.
The exhibition was a huge success as the crowd applauded and cheered fervidly.
Just when everyone wanted to interview the organizers and planned to explore partnerships with them, the male host interjected, “And now, I’m pleased to introduce you to the founder of Cloud Corporation, Qin Yanyan.”
With the spotlight at her back, Qin Ya emerged and walked out slowly. She was wearing the same Cheongsam printed on the invitation card. She also had the same hairstyle and makeup on. The only difference was that she looked a lot more gorgeous in person.
Meanwhile, Su Zhan who was sitting at one corner felt as if he had met her before. But, she still looked like a total stranger to him. It was a rather strange and bizarre feeling.
Pursing his lips, he stared intently at the woman in the spotlight. He was trying his best to find a clue as to how he felt that he knew her from before.
However, it was a futile effort. He concluded that the first time he saw her was on the invitation card. Therefore, he couldn’t have known her.
On the stage, Qin Ya took over the mic from the host with a calm and unfazed expression. She bowed slightly before she said, “I want to thank all of you for coming and all the staff who has made this event a success. Thank you!”
Standing elegantly on stage, she held onto the mic and looked around at everyone. “I am not the founder of Cloud Corporation. The founder is not here for personal reasons. Therefore, if you have any questions, you can ask me and I will try my best to answer them.”
“May I know the origins of the name Cloud Corporation?” A reporter asked.
Qin Ya answered eloquently, “I believe there are many experienced members of the fashion industry present today, and most of you would have heard of Tea Silk?”
Someone gasped, “Is it the Tea Silk that was thought to have extinct for more than twenty years?”
Qin Ya smiled slightly. “That’s right.” She added, “The twelve Chinese-styled wedding gowns you see today are made from a combination of Tea Silk and hand embroidery. We have eleven master embroiderers who spent two months producing them. Although it is a very tedious process, I’m sure all of you have seen for yourself the results they achieved.”
“Will you be selling them at a high price?” Someone expressed their interest in buying. Both the style and design were full of symbolism.
“I’m sorry, they won’t be sold to the public regardless of the price. They are only available for exhibition. If there’s any interest in forming a partnership, I will introduce our staff who will be in charge of this aspect later.” Qin Ya smiled. “Now, we will allow you ten minutes to look at them up close. But please do not touch them. Thank you for your cooperation.”
As the gowns were embroidered, an accidental touch might break a thread which would be hard to repair.
As everyone approached, the three men sitting at the corner stayed where they were. Su Zhan and Shen Peichuan turned to look at Zong Jinghao.
Both of them knew the connection between Tea Silk and Cheng Yuxiu who had died. It might have nothing to do with Zong Jinghao before but now it did.
“Could it be Xinyan?” Shen Peichuan asked. Who else is capable of doing something like that?
All Zong Jinghao could do was quietly stare at the beautiful and exquisite gowns on stage. Despite not showing much emotion, it was obvious that he was suppressing the turmoil within him.
After Lin Xinyan left him, she hid somewhere and tried to redeem herself over Cheng Yuxiu’s death. However, he had never considered her feeling over the death of a loved one.
Zong Jinghao clenched his teeth so tightly that it made a hole in his cheeks. It was obvious it took a lot to restrain himself in order to maintain the calm facade.
On stage, the twelve models were standing there showcasing the wedding gowns to the guests.
As no one was able to find any flaws in the workmanship, someone exclaimed, “This exhibition is the most impressive one that I have ever attended. The luxurious and unique designs by the founder have left me breathless.”
Hearing such compliments, Qin Ya beamed. She was glad that their two months of hard work were not wasted. She was proud that from now on, Tea Silk would be introduced to the public eventually and Lin Xinyan’s goal was achieved. Most importantly, the brand, Cloud Corporation, had finally got a break.
After ten minutes, the models left despite everyone not having seen enough.
“Thank you everyone for your time. Anyone who is interested to work with us can speak to Mr. Shao here.”
Shao Yun was in a suit with leather shoes and not in some flamboyant clothing. He walked towards the front of the stage. “Anyone who is interested in a business venture can leave your contact here.”
There was no way a proper discussion could be held given the number of crowds. It would have to be done some other day.
After Shao Yun took over, Qin Ya went backstage and instructed the staff, “You must be careful once the models take off their clothes. Don’t just leave them anywhere. Instead, put them back on the special rack they were stored in earlier.”
As the clothes were only brought here for the exhibition, they were still required to be sent back. Hence, to prevent them from being damaged, a special rack was made so they could be transported.
Meanwhile, Mrs. William approached and Qin Ya greeted her, “Mrs. William.”
She was beaming. Prior to the event, Lin Xinyan had kept everything under wraps. Now that she had seen those wedding gowns, she smiled in relief. “She didn’t disappoint me at all. In fact, she even exceeded my expectations. It’s such a regret that she isn’t here to share the limelight with everyone. When I first saw her, I knew that she would definitely be able to succeed with her design.”
Qin Ya smiled in response. “I thank you on behalf of Ms. Lin.”
“No thanks are needed. Just help me pass her a message. Tell her that I’m very happy. Although she is no longer with LEO and has established her own brand, my confidence in her has not changed. I hope that she will grow from strength to strength.” As Mrs. William was old and her only son had no interest in fashion, the fate of LEO was still undecided in the event of her death.
If it were not for the fact that she valued talent, she wouldn’t have given an inexperienced Lin Xinyan who was fresh out of school an opportunity then.
She had planned to hand LEO over to Lin Xinyan after her death. But now that Lin Xinyan had launched her own brand, all she could do was to give her blessings.
She understood that everyone had their own path to walk. LEO was the creation of both she and the people she loved. Hence, it was natural for it to die together with her. When she thought about it that way, she no longer had any regrets.
After speaking a while longer, Qin Ya escorted Mrs. William to her car personally. After watching the car leave, she returned backstage and found a chair to sit by the corridor. She wanted to give Lin Xinyan a call and update her on the latest situation. Just when she was about to press the green call button, a deep voice suddenly rang out from behind her.
“Where is she?”
Lin Xinyan turned around and saw a lonely figure at the end of the corridor. When he turned his head, Qin Ya saw his face clearly. She quickly turned off the screen. Then, she stood up by supporting herself off the wall to maintain her calm composure.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.”
As he unbuttoned his collar and let the cold air in, it was hardly enough to cool his raging heartbeat. Breathing heavily, his lungs felt like a broken ventilator that was about to explode anytime. “The reason I’m asking you is because I know who you are. Don’t forget that I was the one who arranged for you to be treated overseas.”
