The moment I got home, I didn't linger for long in my room before entering the space. Working always calmed my nerves anytime I felt agitated.
As I held a maroon fabric, something flickered for a moment before a projection appeared, clearly not my own. My mother was standing beside an older woman, who was sewing a gown.
Both women looked so radiant, as their laughter echoed like pleasing bells.
"You know Yue, I believe that someday our lines will meet again. Think of it as creators and protectors bound by a thread." The older woman, Lu Jinghao's ancestor, said to my mother, her voice smooth and clear.
My mother smiled as she replied. "Of course. Let us just pray they are ready to continue what we couldn't finish."
Immediately after, the vision desolved, leaving nothing but lifeless fabric on my hand.
'I hope you now understand things host. Your mother and Lu Jinghao's ancestors shared a legacy they initiated.'
I sat down on the nearest stool, my heart racing a bit.
"To sum up things, my bond with Lu Jinghao is inherited."
'Correct. And whether it is a blessing or a curse is up to both of you to decide.'
For the first time in my life, I was scared of what creation could cost.
I didn't spend much time in the space and left barely an hour after I got in.
The next day, Lu Jinghao sent another invitation, this one wasn't a gala, but an invitation to his private design wing at Lu Group.
"Don't sweat. Just bring whatever you are working on. I want you to see something."
I re read that message severally, before giving him an affirmative reply.
With the help of Rumei, I was able to get a few things done before my appointment with Lu Jinghao. I ended up arriving late in the evening. The room was empty except for the sewing machines.
Lu Jinghao stood by the window, the city lights already painting his silhouette.
"Welcome. I found something interesting," he spoke the moment I entered the room.
"This is something my great grandmother designed but it was never finished..."
On the beautiful mahogany table lay an unfinished gown. The golden threads, identical to the ones in my space ran through the seams.
"Good Lord...it is the same material," I breathed, my heartbeat accelerating.
His gaze towards me suddenly turned sharp and inquisitive. "You recognize this gown..."
"I have seen the threads before."
"Where?"
I hesitated. Then replied quietly.
"In my mother's chest of things."
He stared for a long time, then exhaled in a steady manner.
"Then perhaps fate isn't complicated. Maybe it is just...craft awaiting its moment."
I met his gaze, knowing that if I averted my gaze then I would give him more power. "And what moment do you think this is?"
"The one where you and I join hands to finish what they started."
The air between us tightened, not in a romantic manner, but it felt like the air one feels when they stand close to a raging storm.
As I sat in my studio that night, I couldn't help but stare at my glowing fabrics. My hands trembled slightly as I reached out for the golden threads.
"Creation and protection... clearly two halves of a pattern."
'Aww. Host, you are thinking about your CEO lover again.'
"Shut up Nova."
'Noted. But you are still thinking of him.'
I smiled faintly as I closed my eyes, the studio lights dimming around me.
Outside, the moon hung unusually low, but across the city, Lu Jinghao stood on his balcony, the pull between us humming strongly, showing signs of being unbreakable.
Neither of us was aware of what was coming next, but we could both feel it. The threads of destiny were tightening again.
It didn't take long before I received another invite to the Lu estate. As usual, the Lu estate remained unmatched. This wasn't a place for the faint hearted, because every step felt like stepping into a painting whose brush stroke could easily crush you if you didn't fit the frame.
Tonight, I wasn't invited as a guest, but as Lu Jinghao's designer. Technically, that translates to his scandal, according to the rumours making rounds.
'With the way whispers are following you, the envy level is severe.'
"Great..." I murmured beneath my breath, clearly annoyed.
'Well, you can choose to be the background character but I won't let you. You are the main character, swallow your annoyance and act like it.'
"Gee thanks Nova."
The doors suddenly opened, revealing the Lu family gathered on the grand staircase. Lu Jinghao's parents waved at me warmly, his sister bouncing in excitement as she equally waved at me.
And there at the center, stood Lu Jinghao. His midnight tuxedo made him appear sharper than usual, looking like he had been carved from command.
His beautiful eyes found me but he didn't smile, at least not immediately. Instead , there was a flicker of respect and recognition, alongside something heavy and unspoken. That alone was enough to make my heartbeat speed up.
'Aww host. Your vitals are elevated, clearly a sign of attraction.'
"Erase that data."
'Unfortunately no sweetheart. Record permanently archived.'
I barely managed to maintain my composure when Mrs Lu reached me. " Rui dear! You look breathtaking!"
She didn't even wait for my answer before leaning in for a kiss on my cheek. I swear every time I meet her I don't know how to act because her warmth disarms me.
Mr Lu followed her with a warm nod and a handshake, before gesturing to the two elders seated nearby.
"Jiang Rui. Our parents insist on meeting you. They have heard quite a lot about you."
Lu Jinghao's grandparents.
The matriarch, Lady Lu, was gracefully carved. Her silver hair was elegantly swept back, her eyes sharp enough to cut through the thickest glass. Beside her stood her husband, Old Lord Lu, radiating unmistakable strength, the kind that doesn't even need to speak to command one's attention.
"You are Jiang Rui. The famous phantom." Lady Lu spoke, her voice smooth, but layered.
I respectfully inclined my head. "It's an honor to meet the legendary Lady Lu."
"The honor, it seems,is ours dear." She replied, her gaze softening.
'Grandma is really friendly host.'
"Not now Nova." I muttered under my breath.
Lu Jinghao's eyes flickered with amusement but he didn't say much.
The meal started off with fine champagne and the usual old money talk. I spoke very little, but Lady Lu was closely observing me. That's all she did. Observe me. And it seemed she was content doing so.
Lu Jinghao who sat across me, was entirely impossible to ignore. From every single move, his leaning forward, the way he subtly gave me attention...it was all distracting me.
I should have known not to expect peace in such an event.
"Jinghao." A voice too syrupy and too sweet to be genuine rang out.
"You really didn't tell me your personal designer was this stunning."
Nice Huilin had arrived. She was tall, shimmering in silk, as she carried the kind of entitlement only some spoiled heiress had.
Her family was clearly a fashion empire, though nowhere near to the Lu group, but they still had a say. The Nie family was also one of the families linked to the House of Nexus.
She had grown up alongside Lu Jinghao, more like a family friend. You know the one that never wants to just stay a friend? Yeah, that one.
"Miss Nie," Lu Jinghao greeted evenly. "It has been a while."
Nie Huilin didn't focus so much on Lu Jinghao, but turned to me, extending her hand. "Jiang Rui, I have seen your work. Truly remarkable...though..."
She deliberately paused, dragging out the last words..."I really couldn't help but notice how some of your designs have some uncanny resemblance to the Nie concepts from a few years ago. Truly a coincidence...I presume..."
'Oh host. Some rival challenge detected. Should I activate retaliation?'
I smiled faintly, setting down my fork. "Coincidence is nothing but a lazy excuse for either lack of imagination, or limited imagination."
Lady Lu's eyes gleamed, as Lu Jinghao hid a smirk behind his glass.
Nie Huilin's smile tightened but she forced herself to answer back. "Of course, but still, talent ought to have humility. You have to understand that Lu Jinghao and I have known each other like forever. It is only natural I care about who he associates with."
The implication was clear, and the provocation was blatant. She made it sound as if I wasn't a designer but some mistress.
I was about to answer but Lady Lu beat me at it. Her tone was calm but razor sharp at the same time.
"My dear Huilin, if memory serves me, your family fashion house has been making losses for the past three consecutive years. I advise you to focus on your own matters."
The air cracked as Nie Huilin flashed, muttering something about getting another drink before slipping off, her unbalanced heels stabbing the ground.
'That was a tough blow host. Look at how your opponent is retreating.'
I exhaled slowly, before turning to Lu Jinghao. "Please remind me not to underestimate your grandmother."
His lips curved up attractively. " No one dares to twice."
The calm moment didn't last long before an orchestra started playing. As the couples took to the dance floor, I excused myself but before I could get away, Nie Huilin appeared, smiling too brightly.
"Jiang Rui. Why don't you join me for a toast? Let us put the past behind us." She spoke, her voice dropping with fake sweetness.
Every instinct in me screamed not to, but under all those eyes, my refusal would seem petty. I lifted my glass for a toast.
"To creativity."
"To knowing one's place," she replied smoothly, a soft smirk gracing her lips.
Then, her planned accident came into place. She suddenly bumped into me, as the cold glass of champagne splashed across my shoulder and neck, shimmering down and soaking through my gown.
Gasps rippled through the hall, as the most anticipated drama finally happened.
"Oh my," she exclaimed, but the delight in her voice couldn't be hidden. "I am so sorry! I am really clumsy!"
She wasn't sorry. Never will be, but she was about to regret her actions today.
The moment the champagne touched my gown, the fabric reacted. It pulsed, responding to my touch.
'I am activating an emotional sequence host.'
The champagne spill was absorbed instantly, automatically transforming into a silver pattern that spread down the gown. The ruined dress suddenly becoming something transcendent.
The entire hall fell silent, as Lady Lu rose from her seat.
"Oh my! Such an extraordinary design. A living design! My my my... Jiang Rui you have really outdone everyone in this room."
Lu Jinghao stood too, a proud smile on his face.
Nie Huilin's face drained of color, and immediately afterwards, applause began, scattered at first, then all over the hall.
Nie Huilin fled, humiliated and looking all pitiful. I almost felt sorry for her but...she didn't deserve it.
As the music started again, Lady Lu gestured for me to sit beside her.
"I thought you would lash out or even cry."
"For such people, silence is often the best medicine."
Her heavy gaze lingered on me, obviously assessing me.
"I am someone who appreciates not only talent, but also brilliance. And you happen to have both."
Her husband nodded approvingly, his gaze towards me carrying the softness of a grandfather. "And Jinghao seems so much calmer and attentive when you are around. That communicates something heavy."
My pulse spiked, but I forced myself to stay calm, only letting out a small laugh. "He is much more attentive anytime he examines my stitches."
"Of course he is." Lady Lu replied, he gaze carrying a knowing look.
'Host their approval towards you is soaring higher. They are already thinking of matchmaking you two.'
Lu Jinghao returned at that exact time, stopping right beside me. "You okay? Everything all right?"
Lady Lu immediately pulled him to her side, interlocking his arm with hers. "You are right on time darling. We were just talking about how amazing Jiang Rui is. You should bring her around more often."
Naturally, his grandmother's words carried more than the weight of an imperial decree. Lu Jinghao's gaze softened upon hearing her words, a delightful chuckle escaping his throat.
"Noted Grandmother."
As the night went on, the tension the event started with switched to warmth. Different guests approached me, all complimenting me, as others tried to probe whether I was just his designer or there was a hidden title beneath everything.
When the gala finally ended, I stepped out for some air and found myself in the Lu garden, the roses there glimmering under the lights, the cool air refreshing my skin.
Lu Jinghao eventually caught up with me later on.
"You really pulled the whole night, that is unlike you."
"I wanted to, it's so warm...your family is truly remarkable."
" My family likes you."
"I feel like your grandmother just recruited me."
"Trust me, that lady doesn't recruit. She only approves."
Soft silence settled between us as his hand lifted to brush a stray strand of hair away. Whether intentional or not, he made my heart skip beats.
'Hmm... pending romance detected.'
" Pending? "
'Yes host. And you shouldn't rush it. I am really invested in your love story.'
"Shut up."
'Whatever.'
As I finally sat in the car on my way home, it really hit me that this fate was truly unpredictable.