Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five: Evening Gown
Yun Nan nodded. “What a creative thought process! If we can find out who came up with the idea, we should invite him into our studio as a screenwriter.”
Fang Xi pursed her lips. “I don’t deal with trash. Why would I invite someone with only this level of rumor-mongering?”
Yun Nan twirled her pen and asked, “Have you thought of a gift for Mr. Mo?” Without waiting for Fang Xi to reply, Yun Nan said, “How about that painting I made before?”
“Yes, of course! Mr. Mo will be delighted! I’ll have someone get it framed now!” Fang Xi left like a gust of wind.
Mr. Mo was a very influential figure in the entertainment industry. When he was young, no one could surpass the works that he directed. Later, he moved behind the scenes. He had a large network in the industry and was very experienced. He also came from a prominent background and was very wealthy. Everyone in the entertainment industry wanted to curry favor with him.
He had a private garden in the suburbs modeled after the ancient gardens. It was understatedly luxurious and covered an area of more than one hundred acres. He would hold a garden party every year during this season.
Because he had a wide circle of acquaintances—friends from all walks of life, and all of them preeminent figures—the annual garden party would facilitate several high-profile collaborations.
Therefore, Mr. Mo’s garden party received a lot of attention. Being able to get an invitation was a testament to one’s identity and status; anyone who had connections would clamor for it.
Yun Nan and Fang Xi had met Mr. Mo a few years ago. It could be considered a coincidence.
Fang Xi had prepared a fitted one-shoulder red dress for Yun Nan. It was knee-length at the front while the back reached the floor. It was a stunning gown. Coupled with Yun Nan’s enchanting baby face, it is—in Fang Xi’s words—”absolutely perfect!”
Fang Xi was wearing a white shirt paired with a gold-threaded horse-face skirt. Together with her wavy long hair, she looked competent and elegant.
“Why do I feel like I’m a mascot and you’re the beast tamer?” Yun Nan groused.
Fang Xi gave a pursed-lips smile and remarked, “You always did have good instincts.”
After they were ready, they arrived at the garden party on time and handed in their invitations at the entrance. The doorman smiled at them and told them, “Mr. Mo is receiving guests in the study in the backyard. You can go over directly.”
Fang Xi smiled back and stated, “We won’t disturb Mr. Mo and his guests. We’re here to participate in the garden party, so we’ll head to the garden.”
The doorman smiled and invited them in.
In the garden, Yun Liu—under the shade of flowers—was chatting with a few young ladies whom she usually got along with.
“Yun Liu, I just saw Shi Nian. Why didn’t you go with him and meet Mr. Mo?” A young lady asked her with a smile.
Yun Liu blushed and said softly, “Men always have their own topics to discuss. It’s boring for us to listen to them. Why don’t we take a look at the scenery together? In this season, we can only see this many wisteria flowers here. The view outside is not nearly as beautiful.”
“Yun Liu, if you were born in ancient times, I reckon you’ll have men flocking to your doors to propose marriage. You’re so gentle and sensible you’re killing us. Every time my mother sees you, she will remind me: ‘
Look at how disciplined Yun Liu is. You could learn a thing or two from her!
‘” A young lady complained to everyone.
Yun Liu’s smile became even more bashful as she reached out to swat at her mock-angrily.
“*
Sigh
* Be straight with us: you and Shi Nian are tying the knot soon, aren’t you? Why haven’t I seen any news about the two of you recently? Did you guys decide to keep your relationship a secret?” someone asked playfully.
Yun Liu pursed her lips and smiled without answering. She had as good as admitted it with that attitude.
Everyone was both envious of her and proud to be her friend.
Yun Liu suddenly saw Yun Nan, and she could no longer maintain the smile on her face. Following her gaze, everyone looked over. “Oh? That gown is from
Moun
‘s new collection this season. Didn’t they say that it’s not available yet? How could someone show up here with that dress? Could it be an imitation? My my, how bold!”
“That horse-face skirt is lovely!” Someone praised sincerely.
“Oh? Yun Liu, the one in the
Moun
gown looks like your sister.” Someone in the group very familiar with the Yun family piped up.
Yun Liu had an awkward expression as she turned to the person beside her and ‘explained’, “My sister grew up in the countryside and doesn’t know much about these brands. She probably saw the pictures online and got someone to make the dress. She—doesn’t know these things. Please don’t make fun of her.”
When she said this, everyone smiled disdainfully.
”
Pheasants can never become phoenixes!
That peasant girl has brought such shame to your Yun family!”
“Yun Liu, you really should do something about your sister. Look at her—oh dear, is she trying to make us laugh to death? Even you are also embarrassed along with her.”
Yun Liu was so anxious that her eyes reddened. “Don’t say that. My sister wants to see the world. It wasn’t easy for me to beg Shi Nian to help me get an invitation card-”
She bit her tongue. However, she’d said enough. Everyone understood that Yun Nan had begged Shi Nian—through Yun Liu—to get the invitation. They all looked at Yun Nan with scorn.