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1025 Words
As the music gradually softened and the guests, along with the media representatives, took their seats, a renowned Hong Kong host, draped in an elegant evening gown, appeared on stage. With a gracious smile and a deep bow, she began her eloquent introduction.
"Fashion is a woman’s treasure, and when fashion intertwines with health, it becomes a love at first sight. M.Flower—an iconic attire women simply cannot resist. M.Flower—a Korean fashion brand that has women swooning. Crafted with eco-friendly, pollution-free natural fabrics and enhanced with cutting-edge 'nano-technology,' we strictly control every production step to ensure the products are green and safe. M.Flower's eco-fashion will undoubtedly become the centerpiece of every woman's wardrobe."
As her opening remarks concluded, the music swelled, and the stage lights swirled in rhythm.
To the beat of the music, models stepped onto the runway with a measured, elegant stride.
The audience was captivated, their eyes fixed on the designs—garments that were simple yet resplendent, luxurious but not ostentatious.
In contrast, Xia Yaqing sat in the audience with her mind elsewhere, her heart suspended in anxiety. Suddenly, her phone rang. She hastily pressed the answer button, and a familiar voice greeted her, "Sister…" It was Zixin. She immediately stood up and, smiling at Luo Yiwei, said, "Excuse me, I need to take this call." With that, she quickly left the guest area.
Luo Yiwei nodded and resumed his conversation with M’s President, Han Tae-hee.
"It's surprising to see you in Hong Kong," Luo Yiwei said in fluent Korean.
Han Tae-hee spread his hands helplessly. "I’m just here to check on my troublesome younger brother—he’s relentless. Normally, I wouldn’t attend a new product launch like this, but the elders insisted I come."
Meanwhile, in a corner of the dressing room, Xia Zixin clutched her phone nervously as her sister's worried voice came through, "Why hasn’t your phone been reachable?"
"My battery died," Zixin stammered.
"You really scared me. Are you on your way?"
"Something came up unexpectedly. I might be a bit late, is that okay?" Zixin took a deep breath and replied.
"What?"
"I won’t be too late—"
"Zixin—"
Before her sister could finish, Zixin hung up. She noticed Han Jung-hee approaching and quickly handed him the phone, saying, "Thank you."
"I should be the one thanking you," Han Jung-hee replied with a smile, adjusting her attire. He then pulled out an exquisite box from his pocket, revealing a pair of pristine white earrings, which he gently fastened onto her ears. "It’s time for you to go on stage," he said.
"Mm." The words made her suddenly nervous. She glanced down at her slender yet towering heels, feeling unsteady. Han Jung-hee held her hand firmly. "Believe in yourself—you can do this."
Zixin nodded, gathered her gown, and headed toward the backstage area.
"And now, we present to our distinguished guests the highlight of the evening—M.Flower's limited edition collection. These gowns, a harmonious blend of elegance, sophistication, and allure, epitomize the essence of femininity. They seamlessly merge the boldness of the West with the rich heritage of the East, creating a masterpiece of unique fashion. This collection is limited to only one hundred pieces worldwide."
The stage and audience area were suddenly plunged into darkness. Zixin, now at center stage, felt paralyzed by the pitch-black surroundings, hesitating to take a step.
Clang!
A spotlight burst to life, focusing solely on her.
The brightness was blinding, amplifying her anxiety and filling her with regret for agreeing to Han Jung-hee's request. How many nerve cells would this ordeal destroy?
Yet, amidst the darkness, the soft light enveloped her like a halo, making her the undeniable focal point. The audience fell into a hushed silence, their attention riveted on the stage.
From the corner of her eye to her chest, intricate body art emerged like a tear of blood trailing down her face, blossoming into a flower on her left cheek. The design continued to spread, intertwining across her neck and shoulders like delicate red threads. These threads seamlessly connected with the embroidery on her gown, which cascaded to the hem in a sea of blooming flowers.
Tentatively, she took a step forward. The floor beneath her lit up, startling her into halting her next step.
Backstage, the tension was palpable. They prayed she wouldn’t ruin the showcase.
In that critical moment, Han Jung-hee appeared on stage. His white tuxedo perfectly complemented his chiseled physique, making him look like a knight as he strode toward her. Taking her hand, he offered her a radiant smile—a smile that instantly calmed her nerves.
"Just follow my lead," he whispered, his smile reassuring.
She nodded, her sense of security soaring as his presence bolstered her courage.
Step by step, the stage beneath them illuminated, as if telling a story of a princess and her knight. Guided by the knight’s protection, the princess moved forward, undeterred by any challenges, knowing her protector stood steadfast beside her.
When they reached the end of the runway, it was time for the knight to withdraw.
Han Jung-hee quickly retreated backstage, and all the spotlights turned solely to Zixin. At that moment, she was breathtaking—a princess who had climbed to the pinnacle of elegance, sharing her beauty with everyone present. The dim audience offered her some solace, and she followed Han Jung-hee’s instructions step by step.
Is that…
Zixin!
Luo Yiwei and Xia Yaqing were stunned. Luo Yiwei couldn’t help but smile as he remarked to Yaqing, "Your sister cleans up quite well."
The unsightly birthmark had transformed into a magnificent floral motif. Xia Yaqing was taken aback, and as she heard Luo Yiwei’s compliment, a strange emotion welled up inside her.
"Tears blossoming into flowers always evoke endless imagination. This is M.Flower’s limited edition masterpiece—Tears of Bloom," the host narrated under the spotlight’s glow.
In that moment, with the host's words, Zixin seemed to rediscover a confidence she had never known.
When the lights came up, she froze. There they were—her sister and brother-in-law, their gazes fixed on her.
- Writer
