There is always a kind of silence that comes before the storm, one that isn't filled with wind or thunder, but instead filled with some type of hum, silently waiting for you.
That is what the morning of the global summit felt like. There were cameras flashing outside like lightning, as journalists lined the red carpet. Inside, my pulse was in its own world, the storm in it being quick and bright, and completely impossible to calm down.
I stared at my reflection in the full length mirror for the last time. I tried calming my nerves with a few declarations but nothing was effective.
My red gown fit me like liquid fire, causing my confidence to soar high. The deep red beautifully molded into my frame, as it cascaded on soft folds that shimmered anytime I moved. The neckline was beautifully and elegantly curved, leaving my shoulders bare, with the golden embroidery spiraling down.
My jet black hair was swept to one side, just a minimalist twist pinned with a single golden clip. It was simple and controlled, with every inch of me designed to say, Hello. I am here and I earned it.
'Aww. What a beautiful host. While your confidence level is at 99%, caffeine level remains to be in the pits of hell.'
"Nova," I whispered, fastening my earrings. "I hope you realize you are really not helping."
'Bold of you to think you are the only anxious one. Over here I am emotionally invested, and that is how I cope.'
I laughed softly, shaking my head at his theatrics. "I think you need therapy."
'Girl, that is what you are for. That is your work.'
It was truly ridiculous how comforting that moment of banter had become. Nova was truly the only one able to say out of pocket, shameless things and get away with it.
"Miss Jiang?" A knock interrupted my thoughts, making me straighten up on reflex. "Mr Lu is waiting for you downstairs."
Lu Jinghao was here.
Just the thought of it sent a ripple down my spine, not exactly nervousness, but something close to it.
When I stepped into the lobby, Jinghao was already there, standing near the entrance with that calmness that made everyone and everything else fade into insignificant background noise.
He was dressed in a tailored black suit, looking classic yet quietly daring. The subtle gold threading along his cuffs perfectly matched my gown's embroidery. Whether it was intentional or not, it really looked like planned coordination.
To top it off, he has the audacity to look that good under the morning light. Damn you Lu Jinghao!
"Ready?" he asked me, as he offered his arm.
"And what is ready in your terms? Define it."
"In my world, ready means preparing to conquer." His words were simple but firm.
"In that case, I am ready."
I smiled faintly as I took his arm.
The cameras outside exploded the moment we got out of the car together. The Lu Group car was sleek, the kind that whispered money, power and legacy. Truly a spectacle!
The reporters rushed forward, calling our names as they extended their microphones, akin to spears in a battlefield.
"Miss Jiang! Mr Lu! Are you officially working..."
"The rumours say that you are both more than a client and a designer, is it true?"
"Miss Jiang! You have yet to give your response on the sabotage scandal. Miss Jiang!"
Lu Jinghao opened the door for me, ignoring all the polite and impolite questions. His tone was mixed with politeness and coldness as he addressed them.
"There will be no comments until after the summit."
Once inside, the tinted glass windows turned the chaos into muted light.
"Do you ever get used to that?"
He glanced at me before answering. "No one ever does. But you know, you just learn how to keep breathing through it."
'He is using his intelligence to seduce you, host. Perhaps you should...'
"Nova..."
'Jeez. Fine. I am kidding...not.'
I bit back a smile, as I settled my thoughts.
The car ride to the venue was short but heavy with unspoken words. From the ambition, to the rhythm of the city, to the faint tension neither of us seemed willing to name. It was strange, really.
The moment we arrived, the summit hall gleamed like a cathedral for fashion gods. There were crystal chandeliers dripping, refracting light across the marble floors. Every major designer, critic and even investor was there.
I inhaled deeply, an appreciative look on my face."It is beautiful."
Lu Jinghao nodded slightly. "Beautiful but merciless."
He quietly guided me through the crowd, every eye turning as we passed. Even the most busy one turned and naturally, the whispers were immediate.
"Oh my God! Is that her?"
"Jiang Rui, Thee Phantom."
"Look at her! She is so stunning in person. The photos on social media didn't do her justice!"
"I won't even be mad when she starts dating Lu Jinghao! Such beauty is only fit for a man as handsome and capable as Lu Jinghao."
"Is she really working under Lu Group now?"
I didn't need Nova to tell me the statistics of gossip because I could feel it in the air.
'I am going to tell you anyway. There is ninety percent admiration for you, and ten percent hate and envy. Tsk!'
We stopped near the stage, exactly where my designs will be unveiled later on. Lu Jinghao's presence beside me was steady and grounding. How he was able to remain unshakable made it seem like he belonged here more than anyone else.
Then came a polite but calculated ambush.
"Lu Jinghao." A voice drew behind us, making us pause.
"You never told me your designer would look like a celestial descending from above."
I turned, only to come face to face with Adrian, Lu Group's European partner. He screamed arrogance and wealth, paired with a smile that was too sharp to be genuine.
"Adrian.You are early." Lu Jinghao replied flatly.
"You know I don't like surprises." Adrian replied, his gaze flicking towards me. "Miss Jiang, pleasure to meet you. I have heard...interesting things about you."
"Good things, I hope."
"You know, the best rumours always come wrapped in beauty." He chuckled as he replied.
Lu Jinghao's expression didn't change, but I could feel the air tightening around him.
'Ohh... someone's energy is changing to protect his territory. I can feel someone about to be politely eviscerated.'
Finally he stepped in. "Miss Jiang's work doesn't rely on rumors. It speaks entirely for itself."
Adrian raised brow in response. "Oh, I am sure it does."
He then drifted off with a smirk, leaving behind a stench of ego and heavy cologne.
"He sounds charming." I exhaled as I spoke to Lu Jinghao.
"That is just one word for it." He muttered, clearly distracted.
'Another world starts with a snake host.'
I bit back a laugh as I steadied myself.
Hours later, the lights in the hall dimmed as the main show began.
There were models walking the runway, draped in brilliance from across all the continents. The visions of art and the madness of talent stimulated the whole hall. It was like stepping into a new atmosphere, and not being sure on how to handle it.
After all the designers showcased their talent, it was finally my turn.
The moment my collection appeared, the world seemed to hold its breath in amazement.
Every single gown flowed like liquid memory, the gold, sliver and crimson shadows catching the lights like whispers. My masterpiece, Crimson Reverie, was the final piece, and it took the stage last.
Everyone watched as the fabric shimmered delicately, catching every beam of light as if it was alive. It mirrored emotion, the heartbeat of The hall itself.
The crowd was completely silent, as the cameras clicked. Even the orchestra's final note hung suspended, as their mouths remained open in shock and surrender.
And then, applause. It started small until it got louder, louder and finally rolled through the hall like thunder.
I stood frozen backstage, until Lu Jinghao found me. His expression carried that rare, soft pride that often caught me off guard.
"You did it Rui."
"At least I didn't burn the place down. That is an achievement."
" Darling you don't need fire. You were the fire."
"Did you just..." I blinked in surprise.
"I did." He smiled faintly in response, as he turned towards the crowd before I could say more. " Come on Rui. You are needed for the curtain call."
I exhaled deeply before we stepped onto the stage together. The sound of applause was overwhelming me but the flashes? They were blinding me.
The energy pulsing through the room, from the applause to the cheers was clearly everything I had ever worked for.
At that moment, in the corner of my eye, I spotted Nie Huilin. Of course.
She was bound to appear sooner or later. She stood among the crowd, her expression tight, as her dress looked stunning but overshadowed. Beside her stood Jiang Ning. She looked pale, as if she hadn't expected the tides to turn completely.
I could see a few people covering their noses anytime Nie Huilin spoke. It seems like Nova's spell or whatever he calls it worked.
'Of course Host. When have I ever lied to you? I told you she was going to face it rough for the next two weeks.'
"Don't look at those losers," Lu Jinghao murmured, the moment he noticed my eyes drifting. "They are not deserving of your attention."
I forced a small smile as I withdrew my gaze. "I just hope they are taking notes on how to be an amazing designer."
Later that evening, as the hall emptied and congratulations turned into sealed deals, a commotion occurred near the exit, attracting my attention.
I could hear the security guards and also other raised voices.
Nie Huilin. Again. She was caught trying to sneak some altered fabric into one of the sample crates backstage.
Everything went quiet as Lu Jinghao approached her, his expression calm but cold and calculated.
" Nie Huilin. Is this the real you?"
"Lu Jinghao! You have to believe me! I was framed."
Her eyes shimmered with false innocence, causing Lu Jinghao to tilt his head slightly. "Who would even think of framing you? The same assistant who vandalized Jiang Rui's designs?"
Nie Huilin's face drained all color, and the press caught it instantly. The cameras started flashing wildly, as the scandal unfolded in real time.
Of course, by morning, her name would go hand in hand with humiliation. Me on the other end?
My name would stand on the cover of fashion vogue with a very fashionable, attractive and powerful headline.
After the chaos finally settled, I went to the nearest balcony, watching as the city glittered beneath. The air truly smelled of victory and exhaustion, that I couldn't even say another word.
'Host you have unlocked another achievement. You have managed to redeem your name publicly.'
I laughed softly as I took his words. "You are something else you little bengal."
'Hey! I am not little! Also, I live to serve laughter and good vibes.'
A quiet footstep sounder behind me and I automatically knew that was Lu Jinghao.
"I think we should both prepare ourselves. After tonight, I know people will be flocking to our studios."
"They ought to. No one is ready to let go of such greatness."
We just stood there in silence for a while, not the kind that was awkward, but the content kind of silence.
In a soft voice, he finally spoke. " My grandparents are planning to host a dinner to celebrate tonight. Will you come?"
I hesitated. "Are you sure that is appropriate? The press already says..."
"They can say whatever they want." He met my gaze, looking all steady and unreadable. "You have earned your position and favor. Let them talk."
My heartbeat sped up, just enough for Nova to notice.
Lu Jinghao's expression softened up the more he looked at me.
"Are you okay?"
"Hmm."
"Then, is it a yes?"
"Affirmative."
" Before that, can I take you somewhere?"
I looked at him, trying to decipher what he was up to. Despite that, I found my legs quietly following him to a specific room outside the grand hall.
The moment, we got to the door, he opened the door for me in a gentle manner.
"Just take a seat anywhere. I will be back in just a minute."
He didn't even give me an opportunity to ask questions before slipping off.
Perhaps I was overthinking it, but the room was slightly decorated, it made me feel like an event just occurred or was about to happen.
'Uhmm...small alert host. Your CEO lover is coming and he looks armed... with something?'
"…Armed?" I muttered, obviously shocked.
'Yes. Armed with a box and flowers.'
Before I could say much, the door was opened.
I nearly choked the moment I turned to look at him.
Lu Jinghao stood there holding a small elegant cake box sealed with a golden ribbon, a bouquet of dahlias and a soft smile.
"So." I pointed at the items in his hands with my chin. "What is all this?
"This, Rui, is a pre birthday surprise. I know your actual birthday is in three days. I know you love quiet nights especially after events so I arranged this."
A strange heaviness tugged at my chest. So this room was purposely decorated for...me.
No one has ever bothered to plan anything for her. Not without guilt, strings or even expectations.
But here he was, just thinking about me.
"What about the flowers?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.
"They remind me of you." He held out the bouquet for me as he said this.
"Why dahlias?"
"Because it is a strong, controlled and elegant flower. It thrives even in harsh conditions. Just like you..."
Nova whistled at his words.
'Host, this man truly has RIZ.'
I didn't expect someone to bring me flowers from a genuine angle. I didn't expect the strange ache in my ribs. I felt my eyes sting but I held it in.
Lu Jinghao didn't say much, but watched me quietly, as if giving me space to gather myself.
He then placed the bouquet gently on the nearest table, set down the cake, and stepped closer, slow enough to make it easy for me to walk away.
But I didn't. He lifted a small velvet box from his coat, making my breath hitch.
"It's not a ring," he spoke the moment he saw my reaction. "You seem to have a thing for panicking every time I pull out a box."
"I don't panic," I said.
'Girl please! You short circuit every time he gives you something.'
He opened the box and inside was a delicate wrist ribbon, made in silk, with a soft gradient of midnight blue to gold. It looked like it was custom made from an artisan shop.
"I had asked the designer to incorporate metal clasps shaped like delicate roses. You are always surrounded by thorns. You deserve something softer."
Something sparked in my ribs and I felt it. The sudden pull in my chest. An emotion I wanted so bad to avoid.
"Lu Jinghao..."
"Yes?"
I looked at him, then at the box, then at the flowers, and back to him.
He wasn't asking me for anything, wasn't even pushing, nor demanding entry into my life.
He was just staying and showing up...just being himself.
Before I even realized what I was doing, my body moved on its own. I stepped forward and wrapped my arm around him. He froze for a second, clearly startled.
I felt his arms come around me, slow but certain. One hand was at my back, the other on my waist, as his heartbeat brushed mine.
He exhaled against my hair in satisfaction.
"Rui..."
I didn't want to let go. For the first time in months...or maybe years, I felt something settle inside me. Something like belonging and safety.
Finally, I stepped back, only to meet his soft eyes looking at me. They were lit with something I couldn't quite name.
I ignored him and picked up the cake box, intending to open it. "Come on. We should eat this before it melts."
He warmly smiled, the kind of smile that was enough to make my stomach twist.