When their car stopped outside the event venue, Gu Susu realized it was a grand fashion awards ceremony she had never seen before.
Many renowned fashion figures and big stars were present. Every person who alighted from a car was met with continuous cheers from the crowd.
As their car door was pulled open, Gu Susu hesitated to get out. She disliked being under the spotlight and the focus of so many people.
Yang Sijie stepped out first and walked to her side, extending his hand to help her down.
Gu Susu remained seated, lowering her head. "Sijie, I don't want to participate anymore. Can you take me back now?"
"Don't be afraid, it's alright. I'm with you," Yang Sijie said, not retracting his hand.
"But I..."
Yang Sijie interrupted her. "You promised me. Retreating at the last minute isn't your style. If we don't get out soon, we'll block all the cars behind us."
Gu Susu gritted her teeth and finally placed her hand in his palm.
He led Gu Susu out of the car and onto the dazzling red carpet. Reporters stationed there immediately followed them.
"Mr. Yang, why did you choose to invest in Lancheng after returning to the country?"
Yang Sijie had Gu Susu link her arm through his. He turned back slightly and said, "Lancheng is a place with great development prospects. I'm optimistic about it."
"Thank you for your praise of our Lancheng," the reporter continued with a barrage of questions. "It's rumored that you've quickly acquired two medium-sized companies and have reached a long-term strategic cooperation plan with Ai Shi Group for online ventures. Why did you choose to cooperate with Ai Shi Group, and what are their advantages?"
Hearing the reporter mention Ai Shi Group, Gu Susu was greatly surprised. Yang Sijie was cooperating with Ai Shi?
Yang Sijie merely shielded the reporter's microphone with his hand, not answering the question.
Unwilling to give up, the reporter pressed on. "Mr. Yang, who is the lady beside you? Is she your girlfriend..."
"Apologies, we need to go sign in ahead. We can arrange a separate interview later," Yang Sijie said, no longer looking at the reporter. He led Gu Susu towards the venue ahead.
The reporter tried to follow them but was stopped by Mark, who was accompanying Yang Sijie, and several staff members.
One staff member politely said, "Could you please go over there? There's a dedicated rest area set up for reporters."
Unable to proceed, the reporters had no choice but to give up and head to the area designated for the media.
"Did you manage to get any news? That Mr. Yang is an international magnate, but he's always been mysterious and low-key. Even foreign reporters haven't secured an exclusive interview with him," another reporter in the rest area remarked.
"Alas, I didn't get anything valuable."
At that moment, another wave of screams erupted from the red carpet. "Look quickly, it's Li Bo, Li Bo! The hottest star right now!"
The reporters, armed with recording and camera equipment, rushed forward.
The reporter who had been trying to interview Yang Sijie said with resignation, "I'd better go interview the big star. Those reclusive wealthy individuals are really hard to deal with."
Entering the fashion gala venue, staff members escorted Yang Sijie and Gu Susu to the VIP seats at the front.
Gu Susu sat there, watching as various people came to greet Yang Sijie. As his companion, her face felt almost frozen from smiling.
Everyone who came to greet Yang Sijie would cast an intentional or unintentional glance at Gu Susu, appearing very curious about her.
Gu Susu maintained a calm and smiling demeanor outwardly, but inwardly she felt awkward and uneasy, only wishing for the event to end sooner.
Yang Sijie sensed her discomfort. When no one else approached him, he gently held her hand and said, "Don't be nervous. You need to understand that you're not just here to accompany me tonight; you're also attending as a fashion designer. You'll be receiving an award shortly."
Gu Susu looked at him with even greater surprise. "I'll receive an award? Do I have to go onto the stage at the front?"
Yang Sijie nodded. "Of course. Award recipients will go on stage and deliver an acceptance speech. If you're feeling bored now, you can think about your acceptance speech."
Gu Susu wished she could get up and leave immediately. She hadn't expected such a grand occasion and wondered how she could possibly handle it.
Yang Sijie squeezed her hand. "You can do it. I've seen your fashion designs; they are excellent, and you deserve this award."
"But I'm scared. I've never stood on such a big stage before," Gu Susu said, her hands trembling slightly with nervousness.
Yang Sijie gently patted her hand. "Once you're on stage, just look this way. Don't be afraid; I'll be right here."
Gu Susu managed to relax, nodding, and felt a sense of reassurance.
The awards ceremony soon began, and no one moved around in their seats.
The opening featured a series of dazzling song and dance performances. Gu Susu had previously watched live broadcasts or replays on television but had never seen a live performance.
Tonight, sitting in a seat closest to the stage, she found the performances breathtaking, completely different from watching on television.
She sighed inwardly, realizing how impactful a live performance could be.
Then, the formal awards presentation commenced, interspersed with entertainment segments that kept the atmosphere lively and relaxed.
Midway through the ceremony, the presenter suddenly called out her name, and she didn't react immediately.
As the spotlight hit her, the host announced loudly again, "Ms. Gu Susu, the most promising fashion designer of the year!"
Yang Sijie looked at her and said with a smile, "It's your turn to go on stage."
Gu Susu quickly stood up from her seat, making sure the host could see her.
The host smiled on stage and said, "Ms. Gu Susu, please come up to receive your award!"
Yang Sijie rose gracefully, clearing a path for her.
Gu Susu composed herself and walked onto the stage. The host handed her the microphone and asked, "Miss Gu, is there anything you'd like to say to everyone?"
"I'm incredibly surprised to receive this award tonight. However, since everyone has such high expectations of me, I will not let you down and will continue to work hard!" she said, bowing deeply to the audience.
The host then asked, "Miss Gu, is there anyone you'd like to thank?"
"I'd like to thank my friends. Without their help and support, I wouldn't have been able to design such good work. Thank you, thank you, and thank you to everyone who presented this award to me." As she spoke, her gaze was fixed on where Yang Sijie was seated.
The host, sensing her nervousness and knowing she was a budding designer with little experience, did not ask further questions. He simply said, "Thank you. Thank you for designing so many trendsetting fashion pieces."
After returning to her seat from the stage, Gu Susu's heart was still pounding. She wondered if what she had said on stage was appropriate.
"You spoke very well. You didn't seem nervous at all on stage, but you're nervous now that you're back in your seat," Yang Sijie observed her tension.
Gu Susu whispered, "Did I say anything wrong on stage?"
"No, you spoke very well."