Chapter <b>132 </b>
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Xylia and Josie were having steak in a fancy restaurant.
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Upon hearing Xylia’s remark, Josie immediately threw down her knife and fork, her gaze toward Xylia filled with usation. “There’s only a month left before our country’s designerpetition starts, and your studio has just gotten off the ground. I’m here to help you, you know?”
Xylia smiled and said, “I know you want to help me, but there’s no need to risk your future for it. If youe work in my small ce, you’ll really lose out.”
Josie gently shook her head. “I trust my own judgment.”
Xylia genuinely smiled. “Then I would like to extend an early wee to you, Ms. Dunn, the famous designer.”
The two smiled and discussed that, since it was still early, Xylia could take her for <i>a </i>walk around Norhill.
After excusing herself for a bit, Xylia stood up and went to the restroom.
As she was about to leave the restroom, Xylia suddenly heard a sound from outside. “Yasmeen,
with my
knack for attracting negative attention, you want me to join a dating reality show and hype up a rtionship with an award–winning actor like Leon Sadler? Don’t you know this will <i>get </i>me in huge trouble?”
Upon hearing Leon’s name, Xylia immediately stopped as she was about to leave and listened attentively to the sounds outside.
The woman continued, “No matter what, I’m not joining this dating reality show.”
The person on the other end of the line said something, and the woman outside the door began to act coquettishly, saying in a high–pitched voice, “Oh, Yasmeen, I can’t risk my career, you know<i>. </i>Do you not want to look after me anymore? Is that why you’re so eager to get rid of
me?
“What? Leon Sadler actually agreed to such an absurd request?
“600 thousand? Holy crap! I’m heading back right now, getting myself ready as fast as I can, and going straight to the dating show set right away!”
The sounds outside the door grew increasingly distant.
Xylia did not go out until she was certain the person had truly gone far away.
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She wondered, ‘Leon is going to participate in a dating reality show? And he’s going to stir up romantic rumors with a celebrity? That’s interesting.‘
Xylia chased after the woman outside, but saw no trace of her.
But just as she was feeling frustrated, a cold female voice came from behind her. “I must say, you really are quite a stalking fan–have you actually followed me all the way here?”
The abrupt sound startled Xylia. She turned around and immediately faced a strikingly beautiful, coldly elegant face.
The woman had striking, high–contrast features, with a prominent brow bone and a pair of captivating eyes that now reflect a cial indifference. Her slightly wavy, long hair was gathered behind her, and her entire demeanor carried a hint of aggressiveness.
She raised an eyebrow and mocked, “You are quite attractive, so why are you so hung up on this that you came here to corner me?
Xylia looked at the woman in confusion, unsure when she had ever cornered her.
The woman walked up to Xylia, lowering her gaze to look at her with an expression that seemed to look down on all living beings. “Have you been squatting in the restroom for a long time? What did you record?”
Xylia looked puzzled. “I did not record anything.”
The woman did not listen to Xylia’s exnation at all.
She extended her hand toward Xylia and threatened, “Hand over your phone.”
Xylia was a bit irritated. “Why?”
“Just because you followed me all the way here! You stalking fans are truly a disgrace to the industry. If I sue you, I will definitely win!” As she spoke, and without regard for Xylia’s objections, the woman casually snatched the phone from her hand.
Xylia eximed in shock and was about to snatch, but was silenced by a single nce from the woman, who demanded, “Your password?”
Xylia waspletely annoyed. “How could I possibly tell you the pass…”
Before Xylia could finish speaking, the woman raised her phone in front of her,
Xylia didn’t have time to react; her phone had already been unlocked by facial recognition,
The woman spent’a long time fiddling with her mobile phone; no suspicious audio was found in the recordings, and there were no photographs in the album.
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She looked up at Xylia with suspicion. “You… did not take photographs or make audio recordings?<b>” </b>
Xylia snatched the phone and red at her. “Why would I record your voice for no reason?”
The woman, as if startled, raised her voice and said, “What are you sneaking around in there
for?”
Xylia was pissed. “I’m not being sneaky at all–I just heard that you and Leon Sadler are going to record a romance reality show, and I’m just a bit surprised, that’s all.”
Upon hearing Xylia’s words, the woman widened her eyes.
She seized Xylia’s hand, her demeanor shifting abruptly from domineering to pitiable as she looked at her. “Listen, girl, you absolutely must not tell anyone about the dating show, or I’ll hunt you down to the ends of the earth!”
Xylia was genuinely at a loss for words.
The woman was wearing a pitiful expression, yet resorting to maniptive social tactics to intimidate Xylia.
Xylia had now developed some interest in the female celebrity who was about to participate in publicity stunts with Leon.
She promised, “I won’t tell anyone.”
The woman reluctantly nodded. “Well, I’ll trust you this once.”
She did not continue bickering. She took sunsses from her pocket, put them on, and walked straight out of the restaurant.
Xylia shrugged her shoulders and went back to Josie.
After Josie joined the studio, Xylia felt much more rxed.
The studio renovation would take half a month. During this time, Xylia and Josie had already started developing their business.
They began nurturing their ounts by producing short videos, intending to take on private custom orders or groupmissions to establish their reputation.
Josie was fairly well–known within the designmunity. She had enlisted several well-
acquainted friends to help promote herself.
Very soon, the first business order arrived.
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<b>The </b>order was from a fifth–tier minor celebrity who was going to attend a charity g and required a morous outfit.
When Xylia received the order, it was the celebrity’s assistant who made the call.
The assistant made several requests over the phone. Xylia inquired whether a meeting would be convenient, as seeing the individual in person would enable her to design clothing that better reflects their temperament.
After consulting the celebrity, the assistant told Xylia to meet her at the beach bonfire party. She was currently recording a variety show and could not leave.
Xylia didn’t mind and hurried to the seaside by taxi.
This fifth–tier celebrity, named Gina rk, was introduced by a friend of Josie.
Gina had been in the entertainment industry for many years, working diligently on acting, but her roles had always been minor.
Recently, she gained public recognition through her role as the third female lead in a hit drama. Only now had she begun to receive opportunities, with prospects emerging in both variety shows and acting roles.
The charity g she was going to attend this time was arge gathering of the capital circle.
Upon learning that several distinguished producers and directors would be in attendance, she went to great lengths to secure an invitation to the charity g.
During a break in the variety show, Gina approached Xylia and conveyed her request. “My requirements are not extensive: the attire must be appropriate for a charity g, must highlight my beauty and elegance, and the fabric should be of high quality. Cost is not a
concern.”
Xylia nodded slightly and looked over Gina.
She had previously searched for Gina online. Based solely on the photos and videos, Gina was just a girl with a sweet appearance.
To Xylia’s surprise<b>, </b>when she met Gina in private, the stubbornness revealed in her eyes contrasted with her sweet appearance, giving her a distinctive style.
Xylia said, “Understood. I will provide you with a preliminary design sketch within the next two days. We can discuss it further at that time, and once you are satisfied, we will proceed to create the sample garment.”
Gina furrowed her brows slightly and, a little embarrassed, asked, “The charity g will be held in one week. Can the preparations bepleted within that time?”
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A one–week timeframe was indeed highly constrained.
However, as this is the studio’s first order, Xylia could not give up.
She nodded. “Yes.”
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Gina exhaled deeply in relief. “I will finish recording in another half an hour. If you are avableter, please wait for me. There is an excellent restaurant nearby, and I would like to treat you to a meal.”
Xylia was about to say it wasn’t necessary, but then thought that spending more time with Gina might spark some inspiration.
She then nodded and agreed.