The lead designer gestured for fabric samples to be brought over. "Her skin tone has a cool undertone. Deep jewel tones will bring out its richness, but lighter shades will enhance her refinement."
One of the younger designers hesitated before speaking, glancing at the others as if seeking permission. "She has a modern yet timeless quality. If we incorporate traditional elements into contemporary designs, I think they’ll feel effortless rather than forced."
Madame Vivienne, who had just entered the room, clapped her hands together with a pleased expression. "Now that is the kind of thinking I like to hear. We are not here to simply dress her. We are here to create something that will belong to her alone."
Lixue remained composed throughout the whole process, allowing them to work as they adjusted and refined their understanding of her image.
Shi Haoyue crossed his arms as he watched the designers circle around her, their excitement building up. "I assume we are past the stage of doubting whether she can pull this off?"
The lead designer chuckled. "Doubt? There is no doubt. Only anticipation."
Xu Qian checked the time and gave a polite reminder. "We have other engagements after this. How much longer will the process take?"
Madame Vivienne waved a hand dismissively. "We will be quick, but perfection cannot be rushed. When working with an ideal canvas, one must do it justice."
Lixue met her gaze, a small smile forming. "Then let us do it justice."
The fitting ended with murmurs of satisfaction and the occasional murmur of admiration as the designers watched Lixue step down from the platform. The lead designer, a sharp-eyed woman with a discerning gaze, clapped her hands together.
"Perfect," she declared. "You wear the clothes, not the other way around. That’s what we need."
The assistants moved quickly, helping Lixue change back into her own attire. As she adjusted the cuffs of her blouse, she caught sight of Madame Vivienne watching her, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
"I expect great things from you Miss Y.L," the woman said simply.
Lixue met her gaze with quiet confidence. "You won’t be disappointed madam."
Shi Haoyue was already checking his watch when she stepped out of the fitting room. "All done?"
She nodded, and they made their way out of the studio. The setting sun bathed the streets in a warm glow, the city alive with the hum of traffic and distant chatter.
As they neared the waiting car, Lixue’s phone buzzed in her hand.
She glanced at the screen. It was Mo Ran.
Shi Haoyue opened the car door for her, but she gestured for him to wait a moment before answering.
"Where are you?" Mo Ran’s voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable familiarity in the way he asked—like he already knew but wanted to hear it from her.
"Just finished a fitting."
There was a brief pause before he said, "You should come home and tell your husband about your day because he’s waiting for you." His tone was light, but the words held the kind of certainty that left no room for argument. "Dinner is at seven. Be back before then."
A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "You’re giving me a curfew now?"
"I’m making sure my wife eats dinner with me."
Lixue hummed, a rare warmth settling in her chest. "I’ll be home soon then."
As she ended the call, she caught Shi Haoyue watching her with mild curiosity.
"Who was that?" he asked casually.
Lixue slipped her phone back into her bag, her expression unreadable behind her sunglasses. "Just someone reminding me not to be late for dinner."
Shi Haoyue didn’t press, but she could tell he was filing it away in that sharp mind of his.
She slid into the car, the door closing with a soft click. As the city blurred past the tinted windows, a small smile played on her lips.
The thought of Mo Ran waiting for her at home, was oddly grounding and she couldn’t help but find herself looking forward to it.
The drive home was quiet, the hum of the engine blending with the faint sounds of the city beyond the tinted glass. Lixue rested her elbow against the car door, fingers lightly tapping against her cheek as she watched the passing lights.
When they finally pulled up to the house, she stepped out, adjusting the strap of her handbag. The moment she lifted her gaze, she saw him.
Mo Ran stood at the entrance, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a glass of water. His hair was slightly damp, as if he had just taken a shower, and he was dressed simply—black slacks, a crisp white shirt with the sleeves lazily rolled up to his forearms.
She hadn’t even realized her lips had curved upward until the cool evening air brushed against her face.
"You’re busier than me these days," he remarked, watching her with unreadable eyes.
Lixue arched a brow as she approached, her steps unhurried. "That almost sounds like a complaint."
Mo Ran took a slow sip of water before replying, "Hmm...no, just an observation."
She stopped a step away from him, tilting her head slightly. "I didn’t realize you kept track of my schedule so closely."
"I don’t.." he said easily. "But I know you weren’t home for breakfast. And now it’s nearly dinner."
Lixue let out a soft laugh. "That’s called working."
He studied her for a moment, then extended his free hand toward her. "Give me your bag."
She blinked but handed it over without question. Mo Ran took it from her, then turned smoothly, stepping aside to let her enter first.
The warmth of the house greeted her the moment she crossed the threshold. She glanced back at him as he followed, her handbag now hanging casually from his wrist as if it weighed nothing.
Lixue shook her head in amusement. "You act like I’ve been gone for days."
Mo Ran set her bag down on the entryway table, his voice calm as he said, "You wouldn’t do that."
Something about the certainty in his tone made her pause.
He knew she wouldn’t disappear. That no matter how busy she got, no matter how much the industry tried to pull her in different directions, she would always come back.
For reasons she wasn’t ready to think about, that thought settled in her chest, it was warm and steady.
She turned away, heading toward the dining room. "Since I made it before seven, does that mean I get a reward?"