Later, after we parted ways, I went back to sketching.
As usual, my pencil moved faster than my thoughts. With every line I did, my focus was unmatched.
And without realizing it, I had drawn him.
From his stance to the beautiful curve of his jaw, I had drawn him.
I stared at the sketch, constantly shaking my head.
"Ridiculous,this is completely ridiculous." I muttered, shocked by my own actions.
'System alert. My host has just logged in Denial, under the file name Lu Jinghao.'
I smiled at Nova's words but didn't say much. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction today.
You know when they say that even when you are alone someone is still in your business?
Yeah... that's how morning came with yet another headline.
This time, Wei Han or Jiang Ning were nowhere in the story, but Lu Jinghao and I.
"Phantom seen dining with Lu Group chairman, Lu Jinghao. Is it romance or collaboration?"
'Tsk! The fashion world sure is buzzing host.'
The clear attached photos showed us leaving the café, beside each other, with his hand on my back.
This was nothing scandalous, but just enough for gossip.
Zeming sent me the link with a single comment.
(So...Mr Ice block is your type? You sure move fast Xiao Rui.)
I replied back simply (He bought me dinner.)
'Host public curiosity is growing. I Recommend you say something.'
I took Nova's advice and posted something.
I posted the same picture with a simple caption.
"Collaboration requires good coffee and conversation."
I didn't deny. I didn't confirm. I just intrigued them and I knew they were going to feast on my words.
Meanwhile, Wei Han's sponsors were quietly withdrawing from his campaign.
In their words, remorse doesn't sell when your ex is shining and starring in her own success.
Two days later, with no sign of the rumours fading, I was at Jinghao's office. I found him scrolling through the same articles, seemingly interested and focused.
"You don't seem really bothered," I spoke the moment I walked in.
He looked up, a slight smile playing at his lips.
"Is it mandatory or should I?"
"Perhaps. But rumors are never kind."
"Just let them. They will get tired eventually," he said, paused for a moment then added, "Unless you want them to stop."
"Do you?"
He studied me for sometime.
"No, I don't. Stopping them means pretending there's nothing between us."
My pulse skipped.
'Poor host. Your heart rate critical. Should I perhaps deploy composure?'
'No?oh okay...'
I inhaled slowly,. maintaining that eye contact.
"...and you're assuming there is?"
"Correction, I'm hoping," he corrected me swiftly.
For a man known for his ruthlessness, his honesty was really disarming me.
I deliberately shifted the topic by setting the sketches on his desk.
"Here's you go. The final draft I have been working on for your wardrobe."
" Look at it, it comes with precision, power and aura, with a sprinkle of arrogance. Just like you..."
He chuckled in response. "You forgot to add charm."
"Not really, I just left that out for the accessories."
That evening, Wei Han tried one more thing. Posting an open letter before millions of people.
Did this guy really forget that he was engaged to my sister? How is the public not talking about it?
"To the woman who once loved and believed in me, I only wish you peace, and prosperity, not war."
It sounded so noble and loving but attached to it was a photo. One of my old designs but with his watermark. Bastard!
I smiled. Widely. He really couldn't help himself.
'Such a thief! Should I prepare a retaliation plan host?'
"No," I said. "I have something better for his ass."
The next morning, I Counterattacked.
I announced a charity auction with the same design but this time, it was re stitched, updated and had my watermark. All the proceeds will go to women's shelters.
The event sold out in minutes majorly because it was by me.
I knew my caption was going to heavily humiliate him but who cares.
"I dedicate this for anyone who has lived under the shadow of copycats. Here's to repossessing your story."
'Host this man won't let you go scott free...you are really humiliating him.'
True to my thoughts, Wei Han disappeared from the trending tags within 24 hours.
When the had dust finally settled, I was relaxing by myself in my studio. The city lights, alongside the lights from passing vehicles flickered like an applause.
I watched my reflection stare back at me. My poise was the same. My eyes were the same but they looked softer now...
Maybe this is because something warm is starting to bloom beneath the layers of silk.
At that moment, my phone buzzed twice.
One a message and the other an email.
Shockingly,I opened Lu Jinghao's message first.
(Are you up for dinner? Or are you busy conquering a scandal first?)
I smiled, fingers already typing a reply.
(I do multitask.)
'Host you might be developing feelings...'
"Relax Nova," I said out loud. "It's just dinner."
I proceed to open the email and lo and behold, an interview ,more like a talk show invitation. Hmm...
"What do you think Nova? Should I accept it?"
'I think you should, because not many people have had a chance to hear from you like Lu Jinghao and Huang Zeming have. This might be the right opportunity to share with your fans. People are curious.'
"I'll accept it then."
And just like that, I had an event ready.
My mind quickly switched back to the dinner with Lu Jinghao and my flustered expression had Nova teasing me real bad.
Maybe for once, the battle field could wait until dessert.
The day of yhe scheduled interview came faster than I expected.
The mirror lights in the studio dressing room were too bright to my liking but hey. That was the point of it all. They would want you to appear polished on their screens.
I adjusted my white silk gown, the color giving it an innocent angelic aura, despite all the shimmering around it.
'You look amazing host. I love it.'
"Thank you Nova."
When I stepped on set, Madam Li, the host for the show, welcomed me warmly. She was practically clapped her hands in excitement.
"Miss Jiang Rui! Finally! We have all been dying to see you in person. You look really radiant!"
"Thank you! Pro tip, radiance comes free with survival," I replied smoothly.
The audience laughed. I knew they thought I was joking. If only they knew...
The experience so far was amazing. We talked through a few things.
My career, new collection, my collaboration with Lu Jinghao and Huang Zeming... The kind of talk that was meant for curious ones.
All was going well until Madam Li's voice turned honey sweet.
'Uhh host...brace yourself.'
"What?"
I didn't get time to continue conversing with Nova because she interrupted.
"And speaking of your past Miss Rui, we have a little surprise for you."
Oh no. They set up with some nonsense for sure.
Two silhouettes suddenly appeared at the side door. I didn't need to keenly look at them to know who they were.
I could sketch those bastards with my eyes closed!
Wei Han, the ex with a doctorate in manipulation, appeared side by side with Jiang Ning, the counterfeit sister in designer heels.
The crowd gasped, clearly shocked. Well damn, so was I!
The Cameras immediately swiveled.
'Host, should I deploy an air freshener? Two emotional pollutants have been detected.'
"Don't you dare Nova," I whispered.
Wei Han smiled as if he had just strolled into a wedding rehearsal instead of MY interview.
"RuiRui" he purred disgustingly. "It has been too long."
"Apparently not long enough," I replied, crossing my legs slowly that my gown's silk caught the light.
"You seem to be going through it. You have downgraded since we last met. Truly a pain in my eye. This show will have to refund me. I didn't ask to see such atrocity on a fine day."
His jaw ticked. His eyebrows furrowed. Jiang Ning stiffened.The audience ooh'd. Madam Li nearly dropped her cue cards. The cameras moved faster than ever.
Jiang Ning thought for a moment before she stepped forward, her fakeness plastered all over.
"Sister, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am. You are really an inspiration to me!"
'Oh host! I'm detecting high levels of hypocrisy. You should fire back. I suggest something like: Inspired you to what? Crime and ugliness?'
I bit back a smile, they would faint if they ever heard Nova's description of them.
"Hmm...then I am glad my pain fueled your creativity."
I saw their smiles falter as they both clenched their hands. Hmph! Typical pretenders.
By now, the air was stale, scaring even the host.
Madam Li tried to steer the conversation back.
"Oh Miss Jiang. Such mature words! Truly, forgiveness is..."
I glared at her.
And then, the lights flickered... terribly flickered.
The giant LED screen behind us glitched, as technicians shouted off camera.
'Ooops! Unauthorised interference detected... Oh wait...that's me. Hehe...Enjoy the show.'
The static suddenly cleared and the screen turned normal.
On the main screen appeared a cascade of emails.
From: Jiang Ning To: Wei Han.
Subject: "Taking over her designs before the deadline"
Uh oh...