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墨書 Inktalez
The celebration banquet was held at a top-tier venue by the Seine River. The atmosphere was filled with elegance and excitement, as fashion elites, media representatives, and buyers gathered in one place. As one of the stars of the evening, I naturally became the center of attention.
Dressed in a simple black gown and wearing delicate makeup, I held a champagne glass while weaving through the crowd, receiving various congratulations and compliments.
“Miss Xia, your designs are stunning!”
“Congratulations, Xia Wan! This show is the biggest surprise of this season's fashion week!”
“Our magazine would love to schedule an exclusive interview with you, if possible?”
“I’m a buyer from XX Department Store, and I’m very interested in your collection. I hope we can collaborate…”
I smiled and responded to each one, but inside, I felt a bit dazed. Success had come too quickly and unexpectedly, leaving me with an unreal sensation—as if I were caught in a grand and glamorous dream.
My gaze instinctively searched the crowd. Where was he? Ran. He had promised he would come.
After scanning the room, I finally spotted him in a corner by the window. He was surrounded by a group of people, including some flamboyantly dressed socialites and celebrities. He handled their attention with an appropriately charming smile, yet his eyes remained distant.
As if sensing my gaze, he glanced my way and raised his champagne glass in acknowledgment before being pulled back into conversation by those around him. I withdrew my gaze, feeling a pang of discomfort.
Of course. He was now a top-tier celebrity, adored in the fashion world, surrounded by admirers. What was I? Just an emerging designer? A former girlfriend who perhaps didn’t even qualify as that anymore?
I chuckled self-deprecatingly and took a sip of champagne.
Forget it, Xia Wan. Don’t overthink it. You’ve already achieved so much today. Enjoy your moment of glory.
Taking a deep breath to steady my emotions, I re-engaged with the social scene. I chatted with several important media editors, exchanged business cards with potential buyers, and even posed for photos with some well-known bloggers…
After navigating through the crowd, I felt as if my face might freeze from all the smiling.
I found an excuse and slipped out to the terrace for some fresh air.
The Seine River at night was even more enchanting than during the day. The evening breeze brushed against me, carrying a hint of cool moisture. I leaned against the railing, watching the lights reflected on the river's surface, and gradually, the restlessness and fatigue in my heart began to settle.
Footsteps approached from behind.
I didn’t turn around; I already knew who it was. Who else would find their way here?
"Are you hiding here alone?" Ran's voice came from behind, laced with a hint of teasing.
I turned to face him. He held a glass of champagne, two buttons of his shirt undone, giving him a more relaxed and casual look compared to the cool demeanor he had on the runway.
"It’s too stuffy inside," I replied.
"Congratulations," he raised his glass in my direction.
"Thank you," I lifted my glass as well, gently clinking it against his. The crisp sound echoed clearly in the quiet terrace.
We silently sipped our drinks, neither of us speaking. The atmosphere felt… a bit delicate. It was no longer tense like before, but it wasn’t exactly relaxed either. It was as if there was a thin veil between us—hazy and ambiguous, making it hard to grasp.
"The show was very successful," he broke the silence first.
"Yeah," I responded, "your performance… was impressive too." Especially that glance you shot me on the runway—it nearly stole my breath away. Of course, I kept that thought to myself.
"I really liked that white suit," he said, swirling the liquid in his glass while gazing at the distant Eiffel Tower.
He brought up the outfit again. I knew he meant more than just the clothing itself.
"…Thank you," I said, "thank you for helping me fix it." And thank you for… revealing the truth to me.
He turned to look at me, his gaze deep and penetrating.
"No need to thank me."
"Speaking of which," he paused, shifting the topic, "it seems like… you still owe me something."
I froze for a moment. "Owe you what?"
A faint smile curved at the corners of his mouth.
"Three years ago, at the Graduation Show celebration."
"You seemed to have promised me a favor."
My mind raced as I recalled the events.
Three years ago… the Graduation Show… the celebration banquet…
It seemed like there was indeed something significant. To celebrate my winning the Graduation Design Gold Award and his upcoming move to Milan, a few close classmates and I had gathered for a meal.
During dinner, we played Truth or Dare, and I lost. The punishment was to grant the winner a request. The winner at that time was Ran.
I remembered asking him what his request was. He said he would tell me after the Graduation Show. But in the end, he didn’t show up for the Graduation Show, and that request faded into nothingness.
I never expected he would still remember it.
“...You remember?” He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.
I felt a bit embarrassed and nodded.
“Then… do you still want to fulfill it?” I asked cautiously.
He looked at me, silent, but slowly took a step closer.
The distance between us shrank instantly. I could clearly smell the pleasant woody fragrance mixed with a faint hint of alcohol emanating from him. My heart raced uncontrollably.
He slightly lowered his head, leaning closer to my ear, his voice deep and magnetic.
“My request is very simple…”
His breath brushed against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
I nervously held my breath, waiting for him to continue.
He deliberately paused before slowly uttering the rest of his words.
“Give me… one more chance.”
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