YJDNY - 64

Zhou Xingyan’s only understanding of the fashion and modeling world came from a brief search he did when he learned that Xiang Ge was working as a model. It was his first time attending such a fashion show, so he genuinely didn’t know that runway models often went braless.

After the show ended, Xiang Ge had been ignoring her bladder’s urgent signals for nearly half an hour, all while enduring high-pressure outfit changes countless times. She didn’t have time to explain this to him now, so she playfully leaned over to give him a quick peck on the lips. “Wait for me a bit.”

Without waiting for Zhou Xingyan’s response, she shoved her bag into his hands and hurried into the restroom.

When she emerged, Zhou Xingyan was still leaning against the wall by the restroom door.

Xiang Ge reached out to take her bag, but just as Zhou Xingyan handed it to her, she suddenly pulled back, raising an eyebrow mischievously. “You’re giving it to me just like that? Shouldn’t you say something like, ‘No, it’s fine, I’ll hold onto it for you’?”

Zhou Xingyan straightened up, his tone cool. “Sometimes women carry bags not to store things but to match their outfits. Offering to carry it for them at the wrong moment might lead to a breakup. That’s what my mom told me.”

Xiang Ge feigned surprise, clapping exaggeratedly. “Dr. Zhou is impressive.”

Zhou Xingyan tilted his head slightly. “Are you done for the day?”

Xiang Ge hummed in acknowledgment but couldn’t resist asking, “How did I do today?”

Her expression appeared nonchalant, but beneath it lay a mix of slight unease, anticipation, and nervousness. In a softer voice, she added, “The models were all booked by the designers early on, and the clothes were tailored specifically to their bodies. I was worried about things like the fit being off or something slipping during the walk—those kinds of mishaps happen on the runway quite often.” She gestured downward with her hands near her chest. “Like when a model’s dress falls off mid-walk. Did you see the opening model earlier? Her dress looked so precarious—I felt like one big move would leave her exposed.”

Zhou Xingyan quietly shook his head. “I only watched you.”

Xiang Ge nodded. “So you only noticed I wasn’t wearing a bra.”

Zhou Xingyan’s expression remained unchanged. “You don’t usually wear one at home either. I just didn’t know that models weren’t allowed to wear bras.”

His clear, dark eyes held a detached calm, as if devoid of emotion. Xiang Ge clicked her tongue softly, rolling her eyes at him with a hint of exasperation.

The show had ended, and most of the crowd under the T-stage had dispersed. Su Yinan, familiar with fashion weeks, had already disappeared somewhere.

There were still people standing around the front and back entrances. As the only Asian model on stage that day, Xiang Ge had caught some attention and occasionally received lingering glances.

It was past 8 PM, and after the show, there was a celebratory cocktail party. Editors from various fashion magazines, celebrities, and top models mingled freely. Chinese stars attending fashion weeks in groups had become routine, so when Jiang Xu appeared at the entrance in a sleek black suit, Xiang Ge wasn’t particularly surprised.

The man was talking to someone beside him, his expression tinged with helplessness. His gaze swept across the room and landed on Xiang Ge standing in the corner. After a pause, he walked over.

Zhou Xingyan had gone to find Su Yinan, leaving Xiang Ge and Jiang Xu to exchange greetings before leaning side by side against the wall. They watched the lively scene of clinking glasses and dazzling outfits unfold before them in silence.

More silence.

“…”

Your Majesty, what exactly are you here for?

Xiang Ge drained her champagne flute, and Jiang Xu, ever perceptive, immediately noticed. He casually grabbed another glass from a nearby tray and handed it to her.

Xiang Ge: “…Teacher Jiang, just say what you need to say.”

Jiang Xu paused, rubbing his nose awkwardly. “Si Yu isn’t talking to me.”

“…”

Oh, she’s ignoring you again, huh?

Xiang Ge’s expression remained calm and unbothered.

She had been close friends with Jiang Xu’s girlfriend, Wen Siyu, during college. While Jiang Xu had won multiple Best Actor awards and earned high praise in the industry, his emotional intelligence was notoriously lacking.

It was common for him to upset his girlfriend, though he once achieved the remarkable feat of sending ten large gift boxes filled with snacks to cheer her up—and even prided himself on it.

Xiang Ge listened patiently as he briefly explained the situation, nodding along. Her pale fingers elegantly cradled the champagne flute. “Relying on others won’t solve your problems, Teacher Jiang. Why don’t you propose? Maybe that’ll save your relationship.”

Jiang Xu let out a soft “Ah,” his expression innocently pleased. “Would that really work?”

Upon closer inspection, he even looked a little excited.

Xiang Ge raised an eyebrow, setting her glass down on a nearby table and counting off on her fingers. “Teacher Jiang, the three most effective lines to win a girl’s heart: ‘Marry me,’ ‘Be my bride,’ and ‘Will you let me marry you?’ Go try them out. If they don’t work, I’ll offer my head in apology.”

Jiang Xu’s deep brown eyes sparkled. After a moment of thought, he looked sincerely at Xiang Ge. “If you agree to be the bridesmaid, Siyu will be thrilled.”

Xiang Ge nodded, offering him lukewarm encouragement. “Good luck, Teacher Jiang.”

After seeing Jiang Xu off, Zhou Xingyan had somehow returned without her noticing. He overheard part of their conversation and leaned against the window, frowning slightly. “He wants you to be the bridesmaid?”

Xiang Ge hadn’t realized when he’d come back. Turning to face him, she smiled, the corners of her eyes curving upward. “Being the bridesmaid for an Academy Award-winning actor’s bride sounds pretty impressive, doesn’t it?”

Zhou Xingyan lowered his gaze and extended his hand toward her.

Xiang Ge instinctively lifted hers, placing it into his open palm. He closed his fingers around hers, pulling her closer. Bowing his head, his warm, soft lips brushed gently against the back of her hand. “You can’t go.”

Xiang Ge let out a surprised “Ah?” Taken aback, she assumed Zhou Xingyan disliked Jiang Xu.

Zhou Xingyan raised his eyes to meet hers, patiently explaining further. “Once you’re married, you can’t be someone else’s bridesmaid.”

Xiang Ge froze momentarily, her breath catching for half a second as her heartbeat began to race.

Before her mind could fully process his words, her body and senses had already reacted. Each powerful thump of her heart seemed to echo loudly, threatening to burst through her chest.

Xiang Ge had always thought that being with Zhou Xingyan felt like the most natural thing in the world.

They had known each other for so many years, understood each other deeply, and grown accustomed to one another. Rarely did she feel her heart race when facing him. They had never even said the word “like” to each other with any seriousness.

Every couple experiences love differently, and Xiang Ge had always believed that this was how it should be between her and Zhou Xingyan. Even without fiery passion, simply having him by her side gave her an overwhelming sense of relaxation and security.

But now, at this very moment, she suddenly realized that her heart could still leap with excitement and anticipation over what he might say next.

Her lips parted slightly as she met his gaze. After a few seconds, she looked away, lowering her voice. “I’m not ready to marry you yet.”

Zhou Xingyan lowered his eyes, his voice soft but deliberate. Gazing intently at her, he said, “Then when will you marry me? I’m in a hurry. I might not be able to wait much longer.”