As the spokesperson for K&S, Xia Qingtian stepped out in a new design personally tailored by Madame Camille, closing the show.
She had visited this venue numerous times before and had meticulously planned her movements during previous rehearsals.
Now, as she actually stepped onto the stage, Xia Qingtian discovered that it was entirely different from rehearsals.
Blind zones created by light flanked her vision. Her gaze was fixed straight ahead, her smile bright and sunny, with the upward curve of her lips meticulously calculated.
Her chin slightly raised, core tightened, her steps matched the rhythm of the music. Her fixed poses and steady stage presence made her appear nothing like a first-time runway model.
“Wow… Third Brother, Sister Qingtian is so beautiful…” Lei Xirui whispered to the young Master Lei San seated beside her.
Young Master Lei San finally shifted his gaze, glancing at Lei Xirui without replying.
He had received the invitation at the last minute.
He was in Finland for official business this time, not to waste time watching an exhibition.
It was only because Lei Xirui had finally finished her competition and seemed eager to attend that he had postponed his evening meeting and reluctantly agreed to accompany her.
He hadn't expected to see Xia Qingtian at this exhibition…
Wasn't this a bit like a lingering shadow?
Earlier, he had also heard from Lei Xirui that Xia Qingyu was also participating in the competition.
He had wondered if Xia Qingtian would use this opportunity to approach Lei Xirui, attempting to extract the Lei family's secrets.
Seeing Lei Xirui's excited demeanor now, her eyes sparkling as if Xia Qingtian were the most wonderful person…
He had underestimated Xia Qingtian's subtlety.
However, even if Xia Qingtian managed to approach Lei Xirui as she wished, she would ultimately discover nothing.
After all, he was the only one in the entire Lei family who knew that secret now; Lei Xirui hadn't even heard of it.
Seeing that Young Master Lei San was ignoring her, Lei Xirui didn't mind. She continued to blink, gazing enviously at Xia Qingtian.
Thanks to Xia Qingyu and the all-powerful internet, she knew a great deal about Xia Qingtian.
She heard that Xia Qingtian had broken ties with the Xia Corporation to pursue her dreams, eventually gaining the family's recognition through her own efforts and becoming the pride of the Xia Corporation.
How wonderful…
When would she have such courage and such opportunities to gain the family's approval, and even become the pride of the Lei family?
Lei Xirui greatly admired Xia Qingtian and Xia Qingyu. In her eyes, these two sisters were the best people in the world and the role models she most aspired to be.
If only such a day could come.
On the other side, Xia Qingyu was also gazing at Xia Qingtian on stage with a similar look of adoration.
This was her sister, the best sister in the world.
She appeared perfectly under the dazzling lights, receiving everyone's praise. She was the most beautiful presence on that stage, the most elegant goddess.
And the god in her heart.
Xia Qingyu felt her heart beating faster than the music's rhythm, while the world around her seemed to slow down. The entire world dimmed, leaving only the beam of light on the stage and the person beneath it.
To Xia Qingyu’s left, Gu Yaoyang wore the same expression, gazing at the person on stage with a long, lingering smile.
Look, this was the person he had chosen.
She was bathed in light, as if she was born to be there.
In the row behind them, Aunt Liu and Xia Honglang also watched Xia Qingtian on stage with beaming smiles and undisguised admiration in their eyes.
When Xia Qingtian walked towards the backstage to make way for the next model's fixed pose, Aunt Liu and Xia Honglang exchanged a look, revealing a smile of relief and pride.
Look at their daughter, how amazing she was!
Shi Xingwu was mesmerized. It was his first time attending such a show.
Li Xiaozhong was also attending for the first time, but he was clearly much calmer than Shi Xingwu, even a little sleepy. Only when Xia Qingtian appeared did he perk up respectfully, sit up straighter, and take a couple of photos to send to Li Xiaoxiao.
What followed was his phone vibrating wildly with Li Xiaoxiao's excited barrage of compliments – Li Xiaozhong didn't even bother to look.
Let her indulge herself.
Hours passed quickly in such a dreamlike state.
Finally, Madame Camille, dressed in magnificent attire, walked out hand-in-hand with Xia Qingtian amidst cheers, receiving everyone's applause and acclaim, marking the complete success of the K&S fashion show.
Returning backstage, someone brought out the prepared champagne for the creative team to celebrate the success of the fashion show.
Following this, an all-night party awaited these fashion darlings.
Xia Qingtian politely declined Madame Camille's invitation to the party, only sending over gifts and bouquets.
Gu Yaoyang had spoken to Madame Camille earlier. Madame Camille took it as a sweet romantic gesture from the young couple, teased them a little, and then let Xia Qingtian leave.
Outside the venue, everyone was waiting for her. Xia Qingtian, now changed into casual clothes, still had her makeup on and carried a rich fragrance.
As soon as she reunited with her family, she was met with their applause and cheers. Xia Qingyu gave her a big hug, her face full of pride and admiration.
“Goddess Sister, you were absolutely stunning! I was completely mesmerized!” Shi Xingwu exclaimed excitedly. “My goodness, this is the best show I’ve ever seen in my life!”
“Have you seen any others?” Li Xiaozhong interjected unceremoniously.
“No,” Shi Xingwu admitted honestly. “So this is my first time, and it’s exceptionally precious and unforgettable for a lifetime!”
“I will relay your compliments to Madame Camille,” Xia Qingtian said with a smile. “Thank you for liking it.”
“Let’s head back first,” Xia Honglang said, his eyes filled with a smile as he looked at Xia Qingtian. “We still have a private small celebration to hold.”
“Oh? There’s a celebration too?” This was something Xia Qingtian hadn't expected.
“It’s a surprise~” Aunt Liu said with a smile. “Your father and Yaoyang took the initiative to organize it; we just helped a little.”
“Thank you.” Xia Qingtian looked at Gu Yaoyang, her eyes shining brightly with tenderness.
Gu Yaoyang didn't say anything, only smiled faintly. Their eyes met, full of love.
The group cheerfully set off on their return journey. Not far away, in a silver private car, the rear window was lowered. Lei Xirui leaned out of the window, looking enviously at Xia Qingtian's family.
“How much longer do you want to watch?” Young Master Lei San asked his sister, his tone tinged with helplessness.
He couldn't understand what was so great about Xia Qingtian that she had so captivated his sister.
From the moment Xia Qingtian appeared at the show, Lei Xirui had been chattering incessantly about how beautiful Xia Qingtian was and how wonderful the Xia sisters were.
In Young Master Lei San’s eyes, no matter how beautiful Xia Qingtian was, she was merely a beautiful façade.