As footsteps gradually approached, the previously closed grand doors swung open, accompanied by a polite female voice: "My apologies for keeping you esteemed guests waiting."
Outside the doors stood a woman, flanked by several men in white suits. Their upright postures spoke volumes, confirming they were her bodyguards.
The woman wore a white shirt and a black, floor-length skirt. Her white shirt featured a wide ruffled collar, meticulously embroidered with exquisite patterns in silver thread, almost invisible unless illuminated by light. Under the light, it seemed to faintly reveal the collar as a budding white peony, both luxurious and elegant.
Her simple black wide-leg pants were slit and fastened with pearl buttons, reaching up to her knees, exuding a sexiness that was also undeniably sophisticated.
Black and white, the most basic of combinations, were made striking by the unique design of these two garments.
Simply standing there, she commanded attention.
Though referred to as a woman, it would be more accurate to describe her as a matron.
Her face was etched with wrinkles, yet these lines could not dim the light in her eyes nor her innate elegance and noble bearing. Her hands, however, were unlike her face; they were delicate and soft, like those of a maiden, appearing as if meticulously cared for. She faced the downed black-suited security personnel within the room with remarkable composure, as if completely oblivious to them.
Upon entering, her gaze immediately fell upon Han Mo, filled with respect and reverence. However, her eyes quickly shifted to Bai Xi, her expression becoming gentle and kind: "This room is rather messy. I kindly request you esteemed guests to move to another room, where we can discuss matters at length."
Bai Xi regarded the woman before her, silent and unmoving.
Tong Yao, on the other hand, was utterly bewildered.
Who was this person?
It was Zheng Qian who spoke first.
Zheng Qian looked at the woman before her, her eyes wide with surprise: "Mas—Master, you, how did you…"
…come here.
Although Hua Man’s apprenticeship was demanding, she had accepted quite a few students.
And while Zheng Qian possessed some talent, she wasn't exceptional. Among Hua Man's disciples, she was merely average, which was one reason she could only operate a franchise store in a third-tier city like M City.
She certainly didn't possess the "charm" to draw her master here, meaning her master’s visit could only be for… Bai Xi.
Zheng Qian knew Bai Xi was from the Dark Department, but even a high-ranking commander of the Dark Department had to queue for custom clothing from her master; it was unheard of for her master to travel from distant lands specifically to serve someone.
Thinking this, she looked at Bai Xi, her astonishment and respect escalating.
Who exactly was this Miss Bai?
Hearing Zheng Qian’s voice, Hua Man’s wrinkled eyes briefly glanced at her, a cool detachment evident in her brows: "Qian'er, it was my oversight. I taught you the craft but failed to teach you how to conduct yourself or discern people."
Zheng Qian’s face showed shame: "Master, I apologize, it is my fault."
Hua Man’s gaze sharpened with a shrewd and capable edge: "Fortunately, today no offense was caused to our esteemed guests. Otherwise, even if I expelled you from my tutelage, it would be insufficient to mend the wrong you have committed."
At these words, Zheng Qian immediately knelt before Hua Man: "Master, I apologize, it was my failing, and I have disappointed you."
Hua Man smiled at Bai Xi, remaining silent.
Although no words were spoken, her intention was as clear as could be: she was entrusting Zheng Qian’s fate to Bai Xi.
Bai Xi looked at Zheng Qian and said calmly, "Youthful ignorance often leads to deception. I have already dealt with the person who deserved it."
With that, she glanced at Qin Mu, still lying on the floor.
Hua Man smiled, her smile gracious and elegant: "Miss Bai is indeed both kind and magnanimous."
After praising Bai Xi, Hua Man turned her gaze to Zheng Qian, who was still kneeling. Her eyes seemed to instantly install a cooling system, naturally dropping several degrees: "Since Miss Bai does not intend to pursue this, let today’s matter be considered settled. You will leave immediately and focus on your recovery. If your hands cannot be healed or your skills are diminished, you will no longer be permitted to act under the title of Hua Man’s direct disciple."
Zheng Qian quickly kowtowed: "Thank you, Master, for your leniency."
Hua Man stood still, impassive.
Zheng Qian remained kneeling, then turned and bowed slightly to Bai Xi: "Thank you, Miss Bai, for your magnanimity and for interceding for me before Master, and for teaching me many life lessons."
Though today had been embarrassing, it had truly allowed her to grow.
Bai Xi looked at her without a word.
Zheng Qian bowed again, then rose to leave.
Tong Yao stared at the woman before her in a daze, then mechanically asked after a moment: "Zheng Qian called you Master, does that mean you are…"
Hua Man turned back to Bai Xi and Tong Yao, offering a slight bow: "My apologies, I was so preoccupied with dealing with my errant disciple that I neglected to introduce myself. Mr. Han, Miss Bai, Miss Tong, hello. I am Hua Man, founder of Hua Man Bridal Couture Customization. It is my pleasure to serve Miss Bai today."
This statement finally snapped Tong Yao, who was still in shock, back to reality: "Ahhhh! Hua Man, you are Hua Man? I, I, I… I admire you so much, could you give me an autograph?"
Earlier, when Zheng Qian called Hua Man Master, she had vaguely suspected the woman before her might be Hua Man, but she hadn’t confirmed it.
Now that she had admitted it herself – she was Hua Man!
Her idol!
Tong Yao was overjoyed, her eyes shining brightly. As she spoke, she began to rummage through her handbag, searching for paper and a pen. Alas, she was no longer a student and naturally had no such items.
Feeling a pang of frustration, she suddenly remembered her phone. With a blush, she looked at Hua Man and shyly said, "I, I, I… could I take a picture with you?"
Saying this, she extended her index finger, her expression earnest and shy.
Hua Man smiled: "It is certainly possible, Miss Tong, if you are so inclined."
Upon hearing this, Tong Yao nearly jumped with joy. She quickly handed her phone to Bai Xi: "Xi'er, please take a picture of me with Master Hua Man."
The top fashion designer, a treasure in her own right, she hadn't expected to meet her, let alone take a photo together. She felt as if she might faint from happiness.
This was all thanks to her best friend.
Bai Xi casually took Tong Yao’s phone and snapped a few photos for her.
Tong Yao clutched the photos, her face blooming with happiness.
Just then, the security personnel summoned by Shen Mingxun finally arrived. They carried away the security guards who had attempted to act, some to receive treatment, others to be detained. Qin Mu, in particular, was specially escorted to the Dark Department for "special handling."
Hua Man then led Bai Xi and the other two to another reception room.
She raised her hand slightly, and her subordinates understood instinctively, stepping forward to push open the reception room doors. The moment the doors swung open, countless streams of light flooded out, momentarily blinding their eyes.
This was…