Xue Guangli was dressing her models to fit the theme she was going for. Her sisters took the day off from work to a.s.sist her, and she ordered them to help each model to get into their positions.

Each dress represented a piece of art, also representing the changing seasons.

The tension was high, and it made Xue Guangli anxious as to how bad the other designers were treating their a.s.sistants. Some were being yelled at for their small mistakes, while others were on-edge in case any of them be fired.

Xue Guangli tried to maintain focus when one of the other Fas.h.i.+on Designers came by to visit. "Pretty," said a woman with silver hair.

Xue Guangli didn"t like the fact that she was observing her collection, but she figured that since they would be presenting it soon, it would be too late to plagiarize any work. So she let her watch.

"How come I haven"t seen you before? Your work is not one of someone new to the industry," said Bi Caihong, observing the models in their dresses.

Xue Guangli was making some last-minute alterations when she responded, "I am not."

"Who are you?" asked Bi Caihong. Xue Guangli knew who she was because her mother was a compet.i.tor of Summer-Autumn.

She was to find out eventually, so she responded, "Xue Guangli."

Bi Caihong"s eyes widened, but she shut them quickly. She then bowed to her, respectfully, "Good luck out there," she said, walking away gracefully.

Indeed, Xue Hien gained a lot of respect in the industry, which was why her death was not only tragic; it was considered a scandal. Many people attempted to create rumours and theories about her sudden death, and since w.a.n.g Weimin did not receive his final sentence, the media still does not know why he murdered her, yet.

Xue Guangli always ignored the rumours because she knew that there was no underlying scandal, but to see the truth now; she felt some weight lifted from her shoulders. It still felt strange to register the fact that her ex-boyfriend was a psychopathic maniac, but she didn"t want to dwell. She was married now with Long Huojin, carrying their child.

In some ways, she always thought about timing. Both she and Long Huojin were two people that grew up together, in hatred, fear, and love. But it was something that they overcame together, and she was more grateful for it, more in love with him for it.

The first four days went smoothly. The models performed their walks well and complimented each dress elegantly. Long Huojin would drop by when it was her turn to present her collections, supporting her, and blending in with the crowd. Each day had a different seasonal theme: Spring, Autumn, Summer, and Winter. For the last three days, she would present Dawn, Day, and Dusk.

On the fifth day, Xue Guangli presented the sunrise look, but she lost points due to lack of originality. It was difficult to create dresses for that theme, considering that sunrise was the only thing she could come up with, but also the most common to gravitate towards.

She began to feel nervous as each day pa.s.sed, as she could also not tell what the panel of judges was thinking. Most mornings, she would experience morning sickness, but it would wash over, and then she would prepare herself for the day.

For the Day theme, she invited Zi Yingtai to model one of the dresses, which she happily accepted.

Since the trial, Xue Guangli tried to connect with Zi Yingtai as much as she could. She was grateful to her since she came through for her in the end of the trial.

Ever since their fallout, years ago, she knew that Zi Yingtai did not try to hurt her out of malicious intent, she was merely a girl who made mistakes, who wanted to fit in, and girls like that deserved a second chance when they show their redeeming qualities.

Zi Yingtai owned up to her mistakes, and when Xue Guangli said she had not only forgiven her but feels grateful for her, she remembered that Zi Yingtai had a huge smile on her face. She also appeared to be happy with relief. She then confessed that w.a.n.g Weimin blackmailed her, which was why they were engaged in the first place.

During the days at his house, both women were unsure of whether they should trust each other but wanted nothing more than to be rid of him.

On the Runway, Zi Yingtai wore a bright yellow gown; her golden hair cascaded past her shoulders, and she walked with confidence and grace. Xue Guangli watched her proudly, as they were both now free and relaxed from the troubles they had to endure.

After performing her walk, Xue Guangli met Zi Yingtai backstage and said, "You did so well!"

Zi Yingtai smiled, hugging her. She held her hands afterward, "Ah! That was so thrilling Guangli. I"m so happy!"

Xue Guangli tightened her grip around her hands, when a man approached them, holding flowers. He was a tall man, with light-brown hair, and amber eyes. Zi Yingtai turned around, shocked as the man shyly offered her flowers. He had a hint of a flush on his face as he gave them to her. Zi Yingtai took them, equally shy.

Xue Guangli walked away with a smile lingering on her lips, leaving them alone when she found Long Huojin leaning against a wall, waiting for her. She took his hand as he tugged her in against him carefully.

"Can we invite Zi Yingtai over for an evening?" she asked Long Huojin, on their way to the car.

"You don"t need to ask my permission for anything," he said.

It surprised her. Since they were only recently married, she was still discovering new things as a married couple: She doesn"t have to ask Long Huojin for permission to do things she wanted. Interesting, she thought.

"But what if I want to do something you don"t want to do?" she asked him.

Long Huojin shrugged. "I guess I will have to suck it up then," he said teasingly.

At that, Xue Guangli appeared smug, wanting to abuse her new power. "Let"s stop by the chocolate shop; I want to get some raspberry-filled white chocolate b.a.l.l.s," she said. Long Huojin felt astounded by her taking on what he told her before. He did indeed say he would spoil her.

Alas, they went to buy two dozens of chocolate, and afterward, she felt like going to the cinema, and once they reached home she requested him to bathe her, and although tired, he fulfilled all her wishes.

At 2 A.M., Xue Guangli was circling his bare chest when she said, "If we have a boy, I want to call him Long Jie."

"Why "Jie?"" Long Huojin asked.

"It"s similar to Jin," she began. "But also Jie means "heroic," and "outstanding." I believe he will be remarkable."

"What if its a girl?" he asked.

"Then something pretty...like Zhilan," she responded.

Long Huojin let out a small laugh, "We"ll see," he said.