Chapter 5
794 Words
When I stepped into the exhibition hall, my dad was in the storage room checking the temperature and humidity levels for the collections, while my mom sat at her desk going through the inventory records.
I showed them the group chat screenshots, the voice messages, and the call recordings.
My mom went through everything from beginning to end, and her face turned pale.
"300 dollars to rent a Chanel gown? Why doesn't she just rent a private jet to Paris for 300 dollars too?"
My dad usually had a good temper, but even his face darkened this time.
"There's no way we're letting them mess around. If something happens to a high-value collection piece, insurance might not even cover the damage."
My mom grabbed her phone. "I'm calling the college right now."
I reached out and stopped her.
"Don't. If you call them now, they'll just try to smooth things over. Let them come tomorrow."
My mom frowned.
"You're really going to let them try them on?"
"Yes."
I looked toward the row of gowns inside the glass display cases.
"However, they'll try them on according to the proper procedures."
My dad looked up at me.
I continued, "Before anyone puts on a single piece, they have to sign an agreement. The document will clearly state the item's manufacturing date, name, insurance value, and compensation terms for any damage. Every accessory will be listed separately too. Whoever wants to try something on will put their name down. Whoever signs takes responsibility."
My mom finally understood what I was doing. The anger burning in her eyes slowly faded.
"What if they refuse?"
"Then, we'll contact their parents and inform the college. We'll bring in everyone who can actually deal with them. We won't call the police. That would be letting them off too easily."
My mom nodded. "Fine."
My dad added from the side, "The gowns are absolutely not allowed to leave the exhibition hall. During fittings, someone must supervise the entire process. No one touches a hanger until the agreement is signed."
William was the manager of our exhibition hall. After hearing my arrangements, he immediately went to print the documents.
He was always extremely careful with his work.
Every document had the title printed clearly at the top, with the following text: Chanel Haute Couture Evening Gown, 1935. Insurance valuation is 600,000 dollars. If any damage occurs during fitting, the signer agrees to cover all repair costs or compensation fees based on the full appraised value. I have read and confirmed the above valuation and responsibility for compensation.
Below that were spaces for signatures, phone numbers, the last four digits of their IDs, and the matching collection number.
My mom also instructed the staff to turn on all the exhibition hall's cameras and audio recording equipment.
"Read the agreement slowly. Read it twice."
William nodded. "Don't worry."
I stared at the stack of documents.
The frustration I had held in all day finally had somewhere to go.
Serene had enjoyed playing the role of class president so much, hadn't she?
Then, I would let her finish putting on this little show.
At 10 a.m. the next morning, the moment the exhibition hall doors opened, Serene led a huge crowd inside.
More than 40 people packed the entrance, completely blocking the normal flow of visitors.
She had clearly put extra effort into her makeup and carried a huge canvas tote bag. The moment she entered, she raised her phone and started recording.
"Girls, we're here to try on Chanel's collector's pieces today. The exclusive friends-and-family price is honestly amazing."
The classmates behind her immediately started cheering.
"That's our class president!"
"Lindsay, where are you? Come out and welcome us!"
William walked out from behind the counter with a professional smile.
"Everyone, please line up first if you would like to view or try on the pieces. The Chanel 1935 haute couture gown has an insurance value of 600,000 dollars."
Serene's expression immediately twisted. "Why are you telling us the insurance value? Lindsay and I already agreed. It's 300 dollars for one night."
William remained polite. "We have not received any authorization for a 300-dollar rental. All collections in this exhibition hall follow the standard rental procedures."
Serene rolled her eyes. "You're just the manager. What do you know? Lindsay is the curator's stepdaughter. If she agrees, that's enough."
Someone beside her immediately backed her up. "Exactly. Stop wasting time. We still have dance practice this afternoon."
William placed the stack of agreements in front of them. "You can start by signing these. Before anyone tries on a piece, they must first confirm the collection's valuation and damage compensation terms in writing."
Serene looked impatient.
"Fine, fine. Just get it over with. Everyone, sign it."
- Writer
