The Jiang City Fashion Alliance Spring Brand Gala.
An annual gathering of media, designers, and investors—this event wasn't just glamorous, it was a key moment for brand exposure and networking.
The red carpet was crowded with flashing cameras and microphones.
And when Xu Zhiyi appeared, the room stirred in collective awe.
She wore a bold, backless scarlet gown—elegantly tailored, with fluid lines that hugged her figure perfectly. The curve at her neckline, the cinch at her waist—it was seductive, yet classy, exuding high fashion.
With her chin slightly lifted, she walked gracefully arm in arm with Lin Xuzhi. Their steps were in sync, their demeanor calm and effortless—like they were made for each other.
Reporters rushed forward in an instant.
"President Xu, this is your first joint appearance with President Lin. Are you officially announcing a partnership—or perhaps something more?"
"President Lin, how would you describe Miss Xu?"
Lin Xuzhi gave a gentle smile.
"She's the most visionary designer I've ever met—bar none."
Xu Zhiyi's lips curved up slightly.
"And I'm fortunate to have a partner who respects me and understands me."
It was a simple comment.
But the media instantly picked up on the underlying tension.This… didn't seem like just a business partnership.
Across the room—
Lu Yancheng, clad in a black suit, stood silently behind the crowd. A glass of untouched champagne in hand, his gaze locked onto the stage.
The moment he saw her…His heart slammed like it had been struck by a hammer.
She was smiling so naturally—her eyes soft, her posture relaxed.
It was a version of her he had never seen before.
Back when she stood by his side, she was always cautious. Even her smiles carried hesitation.
But now?She smiled with such freedom, as if she'd finally broken free of something that used to hold her down.
His fingers tightened around the glass. The knuckles turned white.
Lin Xuzhi.
Who was this man—this man who could make Xu Zhiyi let down her guard and smile like that?
"President Lu, what a coincidence."
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
It was Shen Zhirou, dressed in a sleek golden evening gown, standing elegantly by his side.
"You're not usually one for events like this," she said with a knowing smile, glancing toward the red carpet."So you came… for her."
Lu Yancheng said nothing.
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Shen Zhirou's eyes—was it bitterness? Jealousy? Mockery?
"She's changed fast, hasn't she?" she added with a light laugh."Already holding someone else's arm. Don't tell me you're… jealous?"
Lu Yancheng's voice was low and cold.
"This has nothing to do with you."
Shen Zhirou stiffened slightly. Her smile faltered.
"Lu Yancheng, you've changed."
He didn't respond.
His eyes remained fixed on the woman in red, now surrounded by flashing cameras and media attention—looking every bit like she belonged in the spotlight.
After the interview session, Xu Zhiyi and Lin Xuzhi entered the gala hall.
They chatted quietly about partnership details as they made their way to the buffet area.
Xu Zhiyi suddenly felt it—that piercing, almost burning stare at her back.
She turned.
Of course—it was Lu Yancheng, standing not far behind.
She looked away without expression, as if she hadn't seen him at all.
"Want to leave?" Lin Xuzhi asked gently, clearly aware of Lu Yancheng's presence from the beginning.
She shook her head.
"No need. This stage—we worked hard to earn it. I won't run."
Lin Xuzhi nodded, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
Lu Yancheng stood motionless, staring at the two of them walking side by side.
And what rose within him wasn't anger.It was jealousy.
A deep, soul-cutting jealousy that chilled him to his bones.
He finally realized—He didn't want to see her shine like this.
Especially not…With someone else.