Chapter Seventeen: A Dazzling Display

The annual Summer Fashion Week was once again held at the renowned Versailles Exhibition Hall in France. The master hailed as a genius, David, brought his creations to sweep through the entire French fashion world. It was five years ago that David’s masterpiece, “Autumn’s Chill and Frost,” established his unshakable authority in the industry and, moreover, created France’s top supermodel, Aaron. If one might say that clothes adorn a model, with Aaron, what was seen was an unrivaled aura; any garment merely highlighted his presence. On the runway, he was the king, the embodiment of fashion, the very symbol of luxury.

The crowds gathered at the entrance of the exhibition hall still vividly remembered the sensational show that had rocked the fashion world five years prior, leaving everyone in awe. Though it was rumored that Aaron would not be attending this year’s exhibition—regrettable, perhaps—the excitement remained high. Master David always had a way of surprising them.

Inside, the hall was packed. The runway was ablaze with lights, and emerald decorations infused the space with vitality. The sight of rolling water droplets projected on the screens brought a refreshing coolness to the fervent summer, while warm lights caressed the languid bodies below, creating an atmosphere that was fresh, gentle, and full of life.

Soft, low notes of a stringed instrument, accompanied by the weighty voice of a cello, played a slow melody, like time quietly slipping by, tinged with a soothing rhythm. The runway lights blended into a gentle orange, converging at the far end of the stage, where a figure shimmered in metallic silver and gray glimmers. Tall and graceful, the silhouette flickered with the shifting lights—an undulating shadow that stirred curiosity.

The melody quickened, and the slender figure began to move, each step light as the wind. The orange mini-dress was like a flickering flame, igniting the onset of summer. Wide sleeves swayed with her fair waist, as if the summer breeze itself flowed about her, exuberant and joyful. Red, cut-out high heels sparkled like starlight—brilliant and dazzling.

Next came a teal-blue evening gown, hugging her sculpted form, injecting a breath of coolness into the scorching summer. The emerald necklace at her throat resembled the very essence of the forest, encircling her delicate neck, while a few tassels swayed with each movement. A sheer, transparent back revealed itself—ethereal and alluring.

The music built to a crescendo: the passionate heat of summer collided with the coolness of a mountain stream, fiery reds clashed with subdued blues, creating the fundamental elements of summer—overheated fervor and refreshing coolness—presented in a dazzling, vibrant spectacle.

A wave of summer swept across the entire runway; it seemed only such attire could be the true emblem of fashion, as if bestowed by the gods themselves.

Backstage, David’s brow was tightly knit. The grand display just now had not satisfied him. As expected, he still could not break the limitations of clothing, and geniuses like Aaron were truly one of a kind.

He turned again to give instructions to the girl still rehearsing. The garment fit her perfectly, but whether she could fully express the essence of “fiery summer” in this final appearance remained to be seen.

“Emotion—don’t be too confined by the formality of your walk. Feel it with your heart. Right now, you are the sovereign of fashion; your style sets the world’s direction,” David said, gazing deeply into her eyes. He pressed her waist gently. “Alright, go.”

Rong Qing had never stood on a runway before. She knew that every master in the industry was watching this final moment. She wore a striking crimson evening gown, plunging into a deep V, revealing the graceful curve of her pale chest, the dress hugging her back along the contour of her figure. The flared hem swayed enchantingly about her calves. Her hair was styled in a vintage updo, her makeup understated—only her vibrant red lips stood out, like the kiss of a fervent summer, irresistible and alluring. Her necklace and shoes were both in cool blue-green tones, as if the blazing summer was wrapped in a refreshing embrace.

As the spotlights converged on her, the world seemed to freeze. She took the first step with difficulty, her mind a blank haze. She had no confidence, feeling like a puppet manipulated by this high fashion, devoid of soul or thought, unable to resist.

“Is she not enough either?” David murmured, his eyes filled with despondent light.

Rong Qing moved like an automaton, her confidence utterly lost. With her skills, how could she ever reach the top? How could she justify the deal she had made for herself? But in a fleeting instant, all nerves and pressure dissipated. In her line of sight, Huo Lingtian stood directly opposite the runway, their eyes meeting. He wore that same calm, impassive expression, but in his deep, dark eyes, she saw the brightest light reflected in her heart…

How could she let him look down on her? She had promised—she would become the queen of the entertainment world, and for that, she would pay any price.

A brilliant smile blossomed on Rong Qing’s face, radiant as spring flowers, like a peony blooming in the height of summer. In that instant, the classic beauty of the East was infused with the breath of life—bewitching and captivating. She moved with measured grace, stepping straight into the hearts of all present. Her confidence and pride were like those of a great empress of the East; her every gesture emanated elegant dominance. The summer red of her attire was now mere ornament—her noble soul had broken through all limits, embodying the ultimate meaning of fashion.

A gentle breeze seemed to brush by as she turned with a coy glance over her shoulder, etching an unforgettable classic in memory. She seamlessly blended the elegance of an oriental beauty with the cool blue elements of high fashion—a masterpiece worthy of a grand master.

In just one circle on the runway, Rong Qing won a standing ovation from the entire audience. The applause was thunderous and unending—a celebration of a feast unlike any other.

David could not stop smiling as he took her hand for the final bow. Together, they returned to the stage, accepting the congratulations of all.

“Here and now, let’s give our applause to the most beautiful girl from the East—Rong Qing! She is the true hero tonight!” Under the dazzling lights, the tide of applause broke through the hall. At that moment, as she basked in the adulation of thousands, an unprecedented sense of triumph filled her heart.

“Thank you, everyone!”

Unable to hold back, Rong Qing threw her arms around Huo Lingtian as he came to congratulate her, her passionate tears soaking his neck. In that instant, Huo Lingtian’s heart trembled—perhaps he could give her anything, follow her through fire and water, without regrets.

——End of chapter——

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