Chapter 55
She approached the woman immediately. “Miss Gina, do you have time for a quick chat?”
“Designer Jian?” Gina did not know much about Jian Dan apart from the fact that the latter was a famous fashion designer. The sales of her designs were high despite being sold at unusually exorbitant prices.
She refused the invitation upon remembering the appointment with Li Shengxia today. “I’m sorry but I have something else–”
The other woman interrupted before she could finish her sentence. “Well, Miss Gina, I’d like to invite you as my model for an upcoming fashion showcase.”
Gina removed her sunglasses to look at the designer with surprise.
She heard about the competition between Jian Dan and Li Shengxia. Both of them wanted her to be their model?
It would undoubtedly be a progress in her career if she could model Jian Dan’s design.
She politely declined the offer in spite of that. “But I’ve already promised Li Shengxia that I’ll be her model.”
Jian Dan was evidently surprised to learn that!
She wondered if Li Shengxia made the decision because of good taste or if she was simply trying to gain benefits from the relationship between Gina and the crown prince.
It seemed like she had to convince Gina to be on her side today!
“Miss Gina, have you seen Li Shengxia’s design?”
The other woman shook her head. “She said she’ll show me the finished product. That’s why I’m meeting her later today.”
Bingo! Delight washed over Jian Dan’s face as she suggested straightforwardly, “Well, then, why don’t you have a look at my design first before making your decision?”
She reckoned Li Shengxia had been extremely cautious when designing the dress, not including anyone else in the process. She would not have any way to explain herself at the showcase!
Gina hesitated for a brief moment as she was slightly swayed. After all, Jian Dan was an internationally-famed designer.
Seizing the opportunity, the other woman continued with the persuasion. “Miss Gina, there’s a new coffee shop just around the corner. Do I have the honor to treat you to a cup of coffee?”
“Designer Jian, you’re too modest. What a coincidence, I was just on my way to that coffee shop too.”
*
At the coffee shop.
Jian Dan showed her sketch to Gina.
The latter was instantly astonished when she laid her eyes on the design. Even though she was accustomed to seeing numerous high-end designs, she was deeply attracted by the dress on the paper.
She complimented. “How marvelous! You deserve to be crowned as a top-grade designer. This is absolutely stunning!”
Jian Dan’s expression seemed to have frozen for a split second before replaced with a smile. “Miss Gina, you’re too kind. I’d be honored if you would cooperate with me.”
“Designer Jian, what do you mean? I should be the one to say that.”
“You’re too modest, Miss Gina. Just a couple of weeks ago, the crown prince had mobilized the staff of the entire company to search for a pair of heels for you. That must mean you’ll soon become the crown princess.” A smile flashed across Jian Dan’s face as she threw a quick glance at the woman’s heels.
Gina’s face turned as pale as a sheet! No wonder that woman was able to find the limited edition heels in such a short amount of time! As it turned out she had assistance from the crown prince.
How much more fortunate could she be!
Gina’s heart was immediately filled with jealousy.
Simultaneously, her phone started ringing.
A quick glance at the phone screen revealed Li Shengxia’s name.
The woman’s eyes were filled with a strange emotion. The memory of that stormy day was still fresh in her mind. She remembered how the crown prince bellowed at the crowd at the film set while carrying the woman in his arms. The envious feeling in her heart grew more intense…
The woman’s name was still flashing on the phone screen. Gina quickly hung up the call as if looking at that name triggered the fury in her!
Jian Dan continued on without taking notice of the emotions that chased across Gina’s features. “I heard that the crown prince and you had had a past together but it seems like he still can’t forget about you. Although he had been in and out of numerous relationships in recent years, I never knew he could dote on one particular person. Miss Gina, you’re blessed.”
Blessed?
Indeed, Li Shengxia was a blessed woman! There was a hint of coldness in Gina’s eyes.
She thought initially that Li Shengxia had put in a lot of effort in making this collaboration happen. She was even slightly touched for a brief moment. However, it now made her laugh just thinking about it!
Li Shengxia did not achieve anything by her own effort. All she did was ask favors from the crown prince!
Why should she become her model?!
Look at how breath-taking Jian Dan’s design was! Not to mention that the former was a world-renowned designer. Building a good relationship with her was unquestionably the better choice!
Gina was not stupid. Why should she help that woman to achieve her dreams?!
Li Shengxia, hah! They could never go from being enemies to friends! Why should she lower herself to become the woman’s model?
Her cell phone rang once more as that thought crept into her mind. It was Li Shengxia again. She declined the call without hesitation.
Jian Dan, who was sitting opposite the woman, was cautious with her choice of words. “Miss Gina, please consider my offer seriously. If you agree to be my model, then we can discuss more on the price…”
Gina put her phone back on the table. She had already made her mind up.
“It’ll surely be a shame if I miss out on wearing Designer Jian’s stunning dress,” she replied with a smile.
A dazzling beam appeared on the designer’s face at the sound of that. “It’s a pleasure to work with you,” she said and extended her hand toward the other woman.
Gina shook firmly. “The pleasure is mine!”
*
The time of their appointment was approaching. Li Shengxia had called Gina several times but the latter did not pick up.
A surge of anxiety rocked through her. Had she been stood up?
She tidied up the desk before sending Gina a text message. “I’ll wait for you in the nearby coffee shop.”
Gina was having such a great conversation with Jian Dan that she did not bother looking at her phone.
Li Shengxia arrived at the nearby coffee shop. She initially thought of getting a seat while waiting but coincidentally noticed the other two women chatting together.
Simultaneously, the two women also noticed Li Shengxia walking in.
Gina twitched her brows into a frown at the woman’s arrival. She was always around the corner!
Li Shengxia relaxed slightly upon seeing Gina here. She approached them quickly but soon realized Jian Dan was looking at her in contempt.
“Senior, what a coincidence to find you here. I have some things to discuss with Miss Gina. Can I please have her for a few minutes?”
The corners of Jian Dan’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Of course, if Miss Gina pleases.”
Right then, Gina parted her lips to speak…