Assistant Abao was utterly devoted to Chu Xingxing.
Abao didn’t pull the curtain open. Instead, she poked her little head out from the side of it, her face flushed bright red as she stammered, “M-Mr. Jiang, I am so, so sorry. That was just me talking to myself earlier.”
Chu Xingxing felt her vision go dark: Abao, honey, can you even convince yourself with that excuse?
Abao steeled herself and continued her explanation, her voice strained. “I usually love imitating Teacher Chu’s way of speaking, so what you heard wasn’t Teacher Chu at all. All that nonsense was just me rambling. Please, punish me if you must…”
“Abao…” Chu Xingxing reached out, grabbed the chubby Abao, and pulled her back in. She pinched the back of her neck and mouthed silently: ‘Fox spirits’ are the smartest. You can’t fool him.
Chu Xingxing pulled the curtain open and looked directly into Jiang Luoze’s stunning phoenix eyes—so beautiful they could almost enchant a person.
Both of them fell silent.
She had prepared her words, but they nearly got stuck in her throat.
Because Jiang Luoze’s eyes were just too beautiful. When he looked at you, it was utterly captivating.
It was Jiang Luoze who spoke first, his voice carrying a seductive charm: “As for us ‘fox spirits,’ we’re very reasonable demons. We’re willing to listen to you humans’ explanations.”
“I…” Abao hid behind Chu Xingxing and whispered, “I think what Designer Jiang said is true. He really might be a fox spirit.”
Chu Xingxing pushed Abao’s poking head back down. Jiang Luoze was deliberately giving them a way out.
“I’m sorry. I was just gossiping about you behind your back, Azé. That was rude of me.” Chu Xingxing apologized sincerely.
She believed that for some people, sincerity would always be a winning move.
Jiang Luoze, raised by Grandma Jiang Yao, was surely an understanding person.
Who knew, Jiang Luoze was not exactly the “understanding” type…
“I don’t mind, really.”
Jiang Luoze propped his slender fingers against his forehead, his lips and eyes curving into a smile that had a hint of foxy allure. “To be praised by two beautiful and adorable young ladies as a fox spirit, I only feel honored.”
Chu Xingxing was momentarily speechless.
Abao was shocked, JPG.
Yes, Jiang Luoze was not just your average “understanding” man…
He was super-duper understanding, the kind with emotional intelligence through the roof!!!
His response was flawless, and earned him major points.
“Come on, Xingxing, we don’t have much time. On my way here, I caught the scent of rain in the car and thought of a last-minute alteration for your gown.”
Jiang Luoze picked up his tool kit. Before getting into work mode, he walked up to her, bent down slightly, and said seriously, “I forgot to tell you earlier—thank you for choosing Saci. I look forward to Saci and Xingxing complementing each other and reaching the top together.”
Chu Xingxing was stunned for a moment, then replied graciously, “Thank you. I’m looking forward to it too.”
After that, Jiang Luoze switched into work mode.
When focused on his work, Jiang Luoze seemed like a completely different person from the “male fox spirit.” He became serious, professional, and rigorous.
He didn’t let his assistant help; he did everything himself.
Kneeling on the dark red carpet of the dressing room, his slender fingers holding a needle and thread, he worked diligently, making alterations to the hem of the white gown…
Chu Xingxing glanced down slightly and could see the shadow cast on his lower eyelids by the thick lashes under the light.
She could also see his high nose bridge, his slightly upturned nose tip, and his thin lips pressed together out of habit when he worked.
Chu Xingxing forced herself to look up and stop staring.
Sure, looking at beautiful women and handsome men makes people happy. And happiness triggers the brain to release dopamine and other “beneficial hormones,” slowing aging, boosting metabolism, improving sleep quality—potentially extending lifespan by up to forty percent!
But just like “excessive indulgence” is harmful to the body.
Everything needs moderation. Too much of a good thing can be counterproductive, and staring at too many beauties until your heart rhythm goes haywire is counterproductive.
In assistant Abao’s eyes, watching the fairy-like handsome Jiang Luoze kneel on the ground, earnestly and seriously modifying the gown for Xingxing…
And Xingxing, aside from occasionally glancing at Jiang Luoze kneeling at her feet, stood straight-backed and poised the entire time, like a noble and untouchable queen…
Abao let out an inaudible scream: Ahhh!!!
Wasn’t this the scene she most adored—the female Alpha and male Omega dynamic that she was always starved for?!
Just imagining it was already so thrilling!!!
Chu Xingxing felt that Assistant Abao’s gaze was a bit odd and knew she was off on another one of her wild “daydreams.”
“Ahem…” Chu Xingxing cleared her throat and said to Abao, “Abao, can you get my thermos for me?”
Abao snapped out of the hentai manga she was picturing in her head, scurried over with the thermos and a straw, and swallowed hard.
—
Saci’s red carpet event was scheduled forty minutes later than Brunello’s.
Due to the unexpected torrential rain, Brunello’s red carpet was canceled outright, and all the celebrities went inside.
Only a few media outlets had interior invitations; most of the press got drenched and didn’t get any good shots, just managing to protect their equipment.
The rain had eased up a bit, but it still wouldn’t stop.
The media who had originally come to cover Brunello’s red carpet were waiting under Saci’s canopies for the rain to let up. They were charmed by a group of dozens of young girls claiming to be Chu Xingxing’s fans.
Since they were bored, quite a few marketing accounts, self-media outlets, and entertainment magazines eavesdropped on the chattering girls’ lively conversation—
“Ladies, have you all been keeping up with the square dancing routines the grandmas choreographed to ‘Sun Never Sets’ and ‘Raging Fire’?”
“I have, I have! I didn’t just do it myself; I dragged my mom along too. We danced for a week, and I lost six pounds, my mom lost four!”
“Haha, is that the same square dance that left Xingbao confused? I’m stiff like Xingxing, so I’ve been following her workout recordings doing HIIT every day. As a smaller person, I lost five pounds in ten days, especially around my belly, which has been stubborn for years—now it’s so flat!”
“I also bought the same portable foot bath and mugwort packs as Xingxing. They’re amazing. I used to have neurasthenia and struggled to fall asleep, but now I’m out like a light, and my cold hands and feet have improved a lot.”
“I do Grandma Ai Minli’s digestion exercises after every meal now. It’s so comfortable, I feel weird if I don’t do it.”
“The other day, my little sister was super full. I massaged her finger acupoints the way Grandma Sheng taught Xingxing, and she felt better in no time. No vomiting or diarrhea either.”
“Ladies, did you see Grandma Sheng’s thick hair? A staff member revealed on Weibo that Grandma Sheng taught Xingxing some hair care tips privately. I wonder if Xingxing would reply if I sent her a private message? Sob sob, I really don’t want to be a baldie anymore…”
“Xingxing’s been busy lately, but she’d probably reply when she’s free. She replied to my private messages before.”
“The other day, I saw a photo on her studio’s account where she was using a shoulder and neck massager—I’m so tempted! Should we do a group buy?”
“Sure! I’m totally sold on it too!”
Listening to the chatter among Chu Xingxing’s fans, many self-media outlets, entertainment magazines, and marketing accounts present became intrigued by the variety show Grannies in Style and its “guide,” Chu Xingxing.
Mainly because the young fans were just so adorable.
Here was a group of seemingly very young girls, all gathered together, chatting about… health and wellness for the middle-aged and elderly?
Anyone listening might have thought they’d stumbled into a senior chat group.
The marketing accounts all decided they had material for tonight.
Coincidentally, the Saci red carpet was about to start, and both the Grannies in Style crew and Chu Xingxing were scheduled to walk it. Word was that Best Actor Wen Han would also be there.
After all, Saci’s founder was Chinese, and this event marked their return to the homeland. From the information available, this gala could be understood as the founder’s “family banquet,” attended by relatives and friends. The red carpet was set up purely for family and friends to take commemorative photos.
Unlike the Western brand Brunello, which had treated fans and off-site media with disregard, seeming not to care whether they lived or died…
Saci, even for a “self-entertaining” red carpet show, showed care and consideration for everyone. In the eyes of the media, this immediately boosted their opinion of this previously unfamiliar brand.
Suddenly, Saci’s own photographers in the front row started setting up their equipment.
Most of the marketing accounts, self-media, and entertainment magazines taking shelter from the rain also tensed up, adopting a very professional air as they began to set up their gear.
Hearing the sounds of equipment being adjusted behind them, Saci’s photographers in the front row turned around in confusion…
Watching this motley crew of media that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, a Saci staff photographer slowly formed a question mark in his mind: When did the boss call for so many media people?
Various marketing accounts, entertainment self-media, and magazines: “Heeey~”
“Colleagues, colleagues! We’re all here to shoot the red carpet!”
“We’ll shoot from the back, won’t get in your way…”
—
“Here they come!” Chu Xingxing’s fans buzzed with excitement.
However, everyone was orderly, queuing up by the railings.
First out were the models collaborating with Saci, showcasing the brand’s new line designed specifically for the Asian market.
The models walked gracefully under transparent umbrellas.
For safety, Jiang Luoze had them all wear flats. Accompanied by relaxed, carefree music, Saci’s red carpet surprisingly gained a touch of romantic, rain-walk charm.
Jiang Luoze didn’t treat the rain as an enemy but as a friend.
Since it was unavoidable, he chose to embrace it.
Before they went on stage, Jiang Luoze encouraged the models and outlined his requirements for this rain-soaked show—safety, comfort, and ease.
Walking the red carpet in flats, the models, combined with the dazzling lighting effects in the rain, created a fantastical scene on the red carpet.
They earned gasps of admiration and rounds of applause from the fans present.
Next came the ‘old babies’ walking under little mushroom-shaped transparent umbrellas.
The styles of the grandmothers’ dresses were distinctly Saci.
They featured many patchwork elements, and Jiang Luoze’s signature structuralist designs made the dresses look comfortably “draped” on them.
The colors weren’t the dull tones often seen on the elderly, nor were they overly flashy or eye-catching; everything was just right.
The grandmothers had thought that after the models finished their walk, their turn would just be a formality.
Little did they expect that as soon as the four of them stepped onto the red carpet, they’d hear a perfectly synchronized chant of support—
“Grannies in Style! Everyone’s smile!!!”
“Grannies in Style! Live a long while!!!”
“Grannies in Style! Joyous style!!!”
Cartoon light-up signs of the four grandmothers were lit up among the crowd.
The faces of the four ‘old babies’ were filled with surprise, their eyes lighting up.
Young girls kept holding up [Grannies in Style slogans] on support sticks and shouting:
“Old babies~ Do you need another good grandchild?”
“Grandmas! We want to be your Xingbao (Star Baby) too!”
“Ms. Wen Xuelan is the forever White Magnolia Best Actress in my heart. My mom was your fan back then, and now I am too! Yu Cheng Past Events is YYDS!”
“Grandma Ai, I’m your fan! I want to hear you sing a new song on your next trip! I sent my playlist to your Weibo DMs, please check it out!!!”
“Grandma Xiao Jiang, I binge-watched all three hundred-plus episodes of your Era Trilogy drama! Worthy of a TV Queen! My mom said if she could find a mother-in-law like you, she’d let me get married!”
“Grandma Sheng, do you need an extra biological granddaughter? If not… do you need a leg pendant?”
Except for Grandma Sheng Shuwen, the other three had retired from the industry for at least twenty years.
Facing such enthusiastic fans, it was hard for retired Triple Crown Best Actress Wen Xuelan, long-retired TV Queen Jiang Yao, and National Treasure-level singer Ai Minli, who hadn’t released an album in twenty years, not to be moved.
Many young fans were asking for autographs.
The three grandmas exchanged glances, a little nervous: It’s been so long, we haven’t lost our touch, have we?
But soon, all three of them fully adjusted to being enveloped in such a lively atmosphere.
Luckily, the muscle memory for signing autographs was still there.
Unlike typical idols or stars, the grandmothers signed their autographs with extra care.
They would thoughtfully ask each young fan their name and write a blessing for the younger generation.
Grandma Sheng Shuwen, on the other hand, was a different story.
The matriarch of the Sheng family waved her hand, and her assistants and staff produced a pile of prepared red envelopes, starting to hand them out to fans holding “Grannies in Style” and “Chu Xingxing” merchandise.
“Just a little welcome gift for the kids. Since they call me grandma, and I’m grateful they like us and Xingxing. I hope you all have smooth sailing in your studies, careers, and love lives.”
Grandma Sheng Shuwen said cheerfully to the live-stream camera, even flashing a peace sign.
Initially, fans didn’t think the red envelopes contained money.
They assumed it was candy or Shengshi Group coupons, especially since the envelopes seemed quite thick.
Until a fan opened a red envelope right in front of the live-stream camera…
This young fan of Chu Xingxing immediately let out a scream: “Ahhh! Grandma Sheng really put 666 RMB cash in the envelope! I’m crying!!!”
Tian Mengtong’s fans:?! Is it too late to switch favorites now?
Jiang Changan’s fans:?!! Everyone says Brother Changan’s family is wealthy, but even the Jiang family isn’t this extravagant?!
Media friends taking shelter from the rain: Damn! The Sheng family is truly ridiculously rich!!!
If you were a fan of Chu Xingxing, you’d be the happiest fan in the world!!!
Fans glued to the live stream wished they could rush to the Saci red carpet right now—
[Never seen anything like it! Grandma Sheng gave all of Xingxing’s fans a 666 RMB cash red envelope!]
[Wish I was there. Our girl Xingxing is truly cherished by the grandmas.]
[Sob sob, if it were anyone else, I’d be jealous, but for daughter Xingxing, I just can’t be!]
[Xingxing is so good to the grandmas, they deserve to love her this much.]
[Will Sheng Luzhi, the eldest grandson of the Sheng family, walk the red carpet? Doesn’t look like it. I heard Best Actor Wen Han has a “Little Four-Person Gang” of childhood friends, including Jiang Luoze and Sheng Luzhi. The other is supposedly from Grandma Ai’s family. Wonder who it is, so curious!]
[So Xingxing is the finale? After the grandmas finish the red carpet, I saw Wen Han walk through very quickly.]
[Waiting for Xingxing!]
—
Backstage at the Saci red carpet.
Chu Xingxing, wearing high heels, tentatively stepped onto the wet red carpet.
It wasn’t very stable, but manageable.
She had a strong core and good balance, so she could probably handle it.
This Saci show was a serious job for Chu Xingxing.
And since it was a job, it deserved the most professional attitude.
Today, she was Jiang Luoze’s model, and a model’s purpose is to best showcase the clothes. So Chu Xingxing insisted on wearing high heels.
Among ordinary people, Chu Xingxing was considered tall.
But among female models, whose average height is 1.8 meters, Chu Xingxing at 1.7 meters was practically a hobbit.
As the finale guest, Chu Xingxing would walk the red carpet with designer Jiang Luoze.
Seeing Chu Xingxing “goose-stepping” on the wet carpet, Jiang Luoze laughed and walked over, bending slightly. “Xingxing, this dress was born for you. Don’t treat it as a shackle and force yourself to wear heels. Your proportions are excellent. I don’t think losing the heels would detract anything.”
Chu Xingxing looked puzzled. “But this gown was designed to be worn with heels. If I don’t wear them, wouldn’t it seem… unprofessional?”
Jiang Luoze shook his head earnestly. “You misunderstand. This dress was designed solely for you. Once it’s on you, it becomes a part of you and has nothing more to do with the designer.
When I designed it, the image in my mind was of you with your hair loose, barefoot, running and jumping through a fairy-tale forest, completely unbound—as free as Peppa Pig wanting to jump into muddy puddles.”
“Peppa Pig? Pfft…” Chu Xingxing couldn’t help but laugh.
Jiang Luoze chuckled too. Only after he finished laughing did he say, “I’m willing to be George and join you in jumping in the puddles.”
At that moment, Chu Xingxing’s hair was styled by Ken into a neat updo perfect for the off-shoulder gown, showing off her beautiful shoulder and neck line.
Jiang Luoze’s words felt like a wake-up call to Chu Xingxing.
To follow one’s own will completely, to be free and unbound…
That was exactly what she had been pursuing since getting her second chance at life.
Ken came over to touch up her makeup. “Xingxing, ten minutes until you go on. Let me add a bit more blush.”
“Teacher Ken…”
Chu Xingxing hesitated. “Could I… let my hair down? Like the first time you did my hair, letting it fall naturally behind me.”
“Of course. When I put your hair up, I left a small braid tucked behind your ear. Even if we take it down, the flyaways won’t fall forward.”
Ken stepped back, tilted his head to appraise her overall look, and gestured with his hand. “Actually, I was hesitating earlier too, whether to put your hair up or leave it down. Now that Azé told me how the dress will change, it seems loose hair suits this romantic and unique gown better.”
With that, Ken proceeded to take down her updo right there, letting her long, slightly wavy black hair fall naturally behind her.
The tight tension on her head instantly relaxed, and Chu Xingxing shook her hair out with satisfaction.
Ken looked at the now-relaxed Chu Xingxing and said gently, “Xingxing, next time, if you have any ideas about the styling, feel free to speak up. Don’t think I’m a difficult old fogey who won’t listen to suggestions.”
“Okay.” Chu Xingxing nodded.
She felt very lucky to have met so many lovely friends.
—
Backstage at the Saci red carpet.
After Ken left and headed into the venue, Chu Xingxing kicked off the high heels that had been tormenting her feet.
Jiang Luoze walked over and looked at the newly styled Chu Xingxing, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Before meeting her, Jiang Luoze had only considered Chu Xingxing his muse.
When inspiration was lacking, he had spent countless nights studying her clear, determined eyes.
Her perfect features and that unique cool-girl vibe had always sparked a flood of creative ideas.
But now, having truly met her, talked with her, seen her smile, and “overheard” her assessment of him…
Jiang Luoze found that besides her excellent fashion presence, she was also a genuinely lovely girl.
Really adorable, so much so that he felt like taking a playful bite.
Saying that made him sound like a real ‘fox spirit.’
After all, a fox’s favorite pastime is to bite when happy—so it’s not entirely inaccurate.
She remained his muse, and Jiang Luoze wanted to bring her into his world.
Not far away, Chu Xingxing stood barefoot on the damp carpet, feeling a sense of grounding she’d never experienced before.
Jiang Luoze held up a transparent umbrella and walked toward her. “Time to go on, Peppa. Ready to jump in the puddles?”
“Let’s do this!” Chu Xingxing smiled, also holding up an umbrella.
Together, they walked out from backstage.
—
“Are they here?”
“Here they come!”
“Ah!!! Xingxing!!!”
“Xingbao, Xingbao! Mama loves you!!!”
“Damn, is that Saci designer Jiang Luoze next to her? Oh my god, ‘handsome’ doesn’t even cover it—how can a man be this beautiful?!”
“Standing next to the striking-featured Xingxing and still looking this good, Jiang Luoze’s features are truly outstanding.”
“Sob sob sob, has Xingxing lost weight? Even though she’s beautiful, she must have been so tired lately.”
“Ahhh, Xingxing is just too beautiful!”
Chu Xingxing’s fans, with warm patches on their bodies, well-fed and not rained on, were full of energy, shouting cheers that could lift the roof off:
“Love Xingbao forever and always!!!”
After shouting a few times, Chu Xingxing’s fans suddenly realized they were hearing shouts from behind them too.
Turning around: Wow!
They saw Tian Mengtong’s main fan, now holding Chu Xingxing merchandise and chanting the slogans along with them.
“Hey…” The curly-haired, round-faced girl in glasses asked in confusion, “Aren’t you a fan of the ‘opposition’?”
“Not anymore. I just checked Weibo. Tian Mengtong was having a great time eating, drinking, and enjoying herself at the Brunello event. Her studio didn’t care about us fans at all. And…” The main fan bit her lip, looking a bit dejected and uncomfortable. “It’s not the first or second time. It’s always like this.”
The main reason the fan was switching wasn’t just that.
The truth was, after seeing Chu Xingxing in person, she was completely captivated by her looks.
Her visuals were simply phenomenal!!!
Following idols is all about the visuals!!
The fan had previously thought Tian Mengtong’s visuals were strong enough—sure, she had her “iron” bangs, but her features were undeniably good.
But just now, when Tian Mengtong’s “iron” bangs got wet, from certain angles, she just wasn’t as stunning anymore.
Chu Xingxing, however, had no bangs, no stray hairs, just a clean, breathtakingly beautiful face, paired with a slender, tall, and not skinny frame—absolutely stunning!
The fan didn’t intend to become a full-fledged fan of Chu Xingxing, just a casual visual fan.
She helped with the cheers partly to thank Chu Xingxing’s fans for the warm patches and bread.
After all, you take the goods, you should at least lend a helping hand, right?
“Ahhhh! Xingxing is so beautiful!!!” The main fan screamed wildly, holding her support sign high.
Chu Xingxing walked barefoot on the red carpet, as if stepping on damp moss.
Raindrops fell on her transparent umbrella, making a pleasant “drip-drop” sound.
At first, Chu Xingxing walked with poise, smiling, waving to her fans, approaching the adorable girls to rub cheeks and take photos.
Jiang Luoze stayed a few steps behind her the whole time, quietly accompanying her, letting her have the spotlight.
After interacting with the fans, as Chu Xingxing walked back along the red carpet, a small puddle actually appeared.
What to do? I kind of want to jump in it?
Chu Xingxing had almost no childhood. Whenever she encountered these childish little games, she always felt a strong urge to give them a try.
“Care to join me?” Jiang Luoze looked back at her and stepped into the puddle.
Rainwater splashed onto the hem of Chu Xingxing’s white dress. Perhaps the back of it was already wet anyway. Without a second thought, she stepped in too.
Like a child, she joyfully stomped twice in the puddle.
She didn’t notice anything unusual herself, but the fans on-site and the audience watching the live stream had their eyes wide open, letting out a simultaneous gasp of amazement—
[Whoa! What kind of magical dress is this?!]
[I knew design genius Jiang Luoze wouldn’t be boring enough to just have Chu Xingxing debut in an ordinary off-the-shoulder white dress!]
[Ahhh! Is this magic? It’s incredible! It looks like art blending with the rain.]
[I can’t say anything except ‘amazing’—Xingxing’s performance is 10/10, and Jiang Luoze is just brilliantly talented!]
[A color-changing gown in the rain! Holy crap! I have goosebumps!]
[Best red carpet look of the year goes to Saci. So stunning! I thought it was just a regular show, but it turned out so spectacular, ahhh! Definitely worth watching the live stream!]
[Thank you, old babies, and thank you, Xingxing! I never would have watched Saci’s red carpet live without them. Who gets it?! I’m crying, I love it so much!!!]
The self-media, marketing accounts, and entertainment magazines present were slapping their thighs in excitement!
Thank God we came! Saci’s red carpet was definitely trending tonight!!!
As Chu Xingxing jumped in the rain, the large white skirt of her dress became almost entirely soaked.
And slowly, the white skirt began to change color.
Dark green, emerald green, faint brown, purple, warm yellow…
Different colors bloomed across different sections of the white skirt. From a distance, it looked like Chu Xingxing was standing in a serene, enchanted garden.
[So beautiful, so beautiful! Xingxing looks like a princess who’s fallen into a fairyland!]
[Like the elf daughter of the Forest King. Truly breathtaking.]
[So gowns can be designed this way! Saci really opened my eyes.]
[Can we buy this dress? Sob sob, I’d love to get it as a wedding dress!]
[The clothes the models showed earlier were already tempting, but Xingxing’s dress is truly the gown of my dreams! I’ll remember Saci as a brand!]
[So pretty! The big white princess gown itself is already gorgeous—the length and waist fit are perfect. But now, changing into a magical garden gown in the rain? That’s simply explosive!]
This was Jiang Luoze’s on-the-spot creative response to the rainy day.
He had removed the large bow overlay that was originally on the dress, leaving only the pure white lining, and sewed special dyes into the inside of the skirt.
The skirt wouldn’t change color immediately upon contact with water. Instead, as the wearer moved and the water slowly seeped into the fabric, the lining dyes would gradually melt, coloring the skirt.
It was only then that Chu Xingxing noticed, from the corner of her eye, that her skirt was slowly changing color.
She stood frozen for a moment, watching in amazement as her white dress transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful ‘fairyland gown.’
Her eyes sparkling, Chu Xingxing looked at Jiang Luoze in pleasant surprise: “It’s so beautiful! The dress is like a secret garden. You’re a genius!”
Jiang Luoze smiled faintly, turning his head to appreciate the work that no longer belonged to him.
The moment that had amazed the public was now in the past.
Now, Jiang Luoze felt a new wave of inspiration.
By the time the Saci red carpet ended, the downpour had turned into a light drizzle.
Taking advantage of the lighter rain, the media and other fans prepared to leave.
At this point, Saci staff members came out, accompanied by security, to guide everyone away in an orderly fashion. This was to prevent slippery conditions after the rain, which could lead to falls and injuries, even a stampede, if too many people moved at once.
The Saci staff, following Jiang Luoze’s instructions, not only reminded everyone to watch their step as they escorted them out but also kept thanking them for their support of Chu Xingxing.
This responsible act earned them a great deal of goodwill.
Many media outlets and marketing accounts had never experienced such a responsible red carpet organizer, especially since they weren’t even invited by Saci. The organizer still treated them with great care.
They immediately decided to stay up late that night to create videos and articles, directly “contrasting” Brunello and Saci in their treatment of fans and media, and to “bash” Tian Mengtong and Jiang Changan for ignoring their fans.
Before these marketing and self-media accounts could even act, the “organic” buzz alone had already pushed Chu Xingxing and Saci’s red carpet show to the top of the trending charts.
#Chu Xingxing Saci Debut#
#Chu Xingxing Stuns in Saci Rain-Changing Gown#
#Saci Enchanted Garden Gown#
#Saci Designer Jiang Luoze#
Fans who remained outside were reluctant to leave, hoping to catch a lucky glimpse of Xingxing and the old babies after the interior gala ended.
Saci event staff also prepared plastic chairs, electric heaters, hot tea, and drinks for the few dozen fans who stayed behind.
The event coordinator kept the transparent canopy but added windproof plastic covers on the sides and even shared some of the gala’s hors d’oeuvres with the fans of Xingxing and the grandmas.
The young female fans present were almost moved to tears.
Whether they had followed celebrities before or not, hardly any fans had ever been treated so well.
The fans immediately shared the thoughtful care they received from Xingxing and the Saci brand across various social media platforms.
Tian Mengtong’s main fan, who ran her own self-media entertainment account with good traffic, wasted no time in reposting the Weibo posts from Chu Xingxing’s fans.
Many of Tian Mengtong’s loyal fans knew this account and couldn’t believe their eyes.
Was she switching sides?
Why was she reposting “opposition” Weibo posts???
Many of Tian Mengtong’s fans sent private messages to the main fan.
The fan honestly described the situation at the Brunello red carpet and stated her position: she no longer wished to be a fan and would hand over her duties.
She even used a promotion coupon on Tian Mengtong’s fan Weibo accounts. She was completely disillusioned with Tian Mengtong and felt “done” with being a dedicated fan.
At most, she might be a casual fan of Chu Xingxing’s visuals, but she would never be so invested again.
Whether it was due to big data’s precise algorithms that night, soon, more keywords related to Chu Xingxing trended.
#Chu Xingxing Spoils Fans#
#Becoming a Fan of Xingxing Means Being the Happiest Fan#
#Another Day of Being Loved by Xingxing and the Old Babies#
[Wow! Chu Xingxing spoils her fans this much?!]
[Ahhh, crying with envy! Being a fan of Xingxing and the grandmas is so blissful?]
[First of all, let me say it’s not because I want Xingxing’s milk tea or her European gifts, nor Grandma Sheng’s red envelope (okay, maybe a little bit). But an artist who treats their fans this well is really rare. So envious!]
[Oh my god, Xingxing and the old babies are wonderful. They completely respect their fans, treating them like good girlfriends and friends. So touched, sob sob sob sob sob]
[I regret not going today. Ladies, wait for me! Let’s go cheer for Xingxing together next time!]
[Me too, me too! Let me join Xingxing’s fan group. I’ll be there on time for the next support event!]
—
Inside the Saci gala.
Chu Xingxing was still unaware that she and Saci had topped the trending charts.
For Jiang Luoze, this gala was more like a “friends and family” gathering. Besides business associates like partners, brand representatives, and PR personnel, the rest of the invitees were relatives and friends he hadn’t seen in a while.
This of course included a few childhood friends he’d grown up with.
But in any case, this was still a formal gala.
A female star usually needs an escort; she wouldn’t be alone.
But Chu Xingxing wasn’t just accompanied by one escort; she had the old babies by her side too. She didn’t feel lonely or bored at all.
She just felt that besides the grandmas, the male companions around her changed like a revolving door.
First, Jiang Luoze led her to meet some veteran fashion designers.
Then, somehow, Wen Han took her to meet some bigwigs in the film and television industry.
Before she could even chat much with them, Sheng Luzhi, who arrived last, “borrowed” her, saying his little cousins, nephews, and nieces were all big fans and were waiting in the side hall for photos and autographs…
Faced with an investor of Sheng Luzhi’s caliber, the industry bigwigs were more eager to please him than anything. Except for Wen Han, who gave his friend a meaningful look, Sheng Luzhi had no trouble whisking Chu Xingxing away to the side hall.
Jiang Changsheng had told Chu Xingxing beforehand that female stars need to get used to these gala events. For Chu Xingxing, who was straightforward and not a “social butterfly,” this was somewhat challenging.
At that moment, Xingxing was grateful to Sheng Luzhi.
After all, spending time with little humans in the side hall was much better than making awkward small talk with industry bigwigs.
And when it came to “good food,” sitting at the kids’ table was always the best advantage.
Sheng Luzhi didn’t push open the side hall door directly. Instead, he took Chu Xingxing to a small lounge next to it.
Taking her to meet her little human fans was just an excuse.
Sheng Hotel was a five-star property under the Shengshi Group. Whenever Grandma Sheng’s close friends or family held events, this was the preferred venue. When Sheng Luzhi was very young, Grandma Sheng would bring him along to her business events.
Since Sheng Shuwen had only one son, a free spirit photographing wildlife in Africa, Sheng Luzhi had been raised by his grandmother from the time he could remember, groomed to be the heir.
Chu Xingxing’s poise and social skills at the gala were flawless, but Sheng Luzhi noticed signs of fatigue in her subtle gestures.
Combined with the assistant’s report on the recent packed schedules of the entire Grannies in Style cast—Chu Xingxing had been working from morning till night every day since the trip ended, with no rest—Sheng Luzhi instinctively decided to temporarily remove her from the main event.
“Take a break. You look a bit tired.”
Sheng Luzhi gently tugged at the half-Windsor knot of his shirt collar, feeling a bit weary himself from the long day.
He handed Chu Xingxing a tablet. “See what you’d like to eat. Ring this bell and someone will bring it up.”
“Aren’t we going to the kids’ table? Are the little ones being looked after?”
Chu Xingxing sat on the sofa, easing her high-heel-tortured feet under the wide skirt.
Back inside, she had to put the heels back on, and Teacher Ken had redone her updo.
Now, Chu Xingxing was no longer the barefoot, loose-haired elven girl from the red carpet—she was the glamorous movie star once again.
“Do you want to go?”
Sheng Luzhi smiled, looking at her with interest. “Even if there are adults present, it’s still pretty loud and chaotic.”
Chu Xingxing shrugged with a resigned look. “Well, little humans are like that—troublesome and precious. But everyone grows up from being a kid, and everyone gets old. So at certain ages, there are certain behaviors. Sure, they’re noisy, but occasionally it’s tolerable.”
“An interesting perspective.” Sheng Luzhi’s gaze softened as he looked at the visibly relaxed Chu Xingxing.
Holding the tablet and casually flipping through the menu, Chu Xingxing’s stomach was actually growling. She asked weakly, “Is the hotel kitchen fast?”
Sheng Luzhi’s lips curved into a smile as he shook his head gently, then stood up. “Come on, I’ll take you to the side hall. The food at the kids’ table should be served by now. They’re probably all on their tablets and phones, so no one will fight you for the food.”
“Okay.” Chu Xingxing nodded and followed him to the side hall door. Suddenly curious, she asked, “If there are adults around, do the kids still play on their phones and tablets?”
“That depends on what kind of adults are there. But what I said earlier might be ambiguous—it’s not exactly ‘playing’ in the traditional sense.” Sheng Luzhi’s tone was mysterious.
As they spoke, they’d reached the side hall door. Chu Xingxing stood behind Sheng Luzhi, noticing he didn’t seem to be pushing it open.
Just then, a hotel staff member appeared conveniently and pushed the door open…
Chu Xingxing:?!
Around the large round table in the side hall sat a group of human cubs of various ages.
Every single cub held a tablet or phone, their faces showing a mix of seriousness and excitement as they tapped and swiped.
The older kids even had… draft paper next to their seats, filled with calculations???
Chu Xingxing’s attention was on the cubs, so she didn’t notice a handsome yet aloof-looking man sitting in the corner of the room, his well-defined fingers holding a glass of additive-free juice meant for the kids’ table.
Facing this group of seemingly well-behaved, quiet little humans, Chu Xingxing first glanced at Sheng Luzhi, as if to say “See, the cubs aren’t that noisy,” then smiled and waved at them, saying “Hi.”
Sheng Luzhi just shook his head with a smile, saying nothing. She’d see soon enough.
Hearing the door open, the first to look up was Sheng Luzhi’s twelve-year-old cousin, Sheng Youshan.
Youshan, one of the older kids, dropped her tablet and let out a shriek of delight:
“Ah! Brother Azhi kept his word and really brought Xingxing!”
Wen Han’s six-year-old nephew, Taotao, widened his eyes and turned to ask, “Is this the pretty sister who’s on the variety show with the grandmas? Lots of kids in my kindergarten like her!”
Jiang Luoze’s sister’s four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, the chubby little girl Ruirui, blinked her big eyes, clapped her tiny hands, and said innocently, “Sister is so pretty! Like a princess! I want sister to be Uncle Azé’s wife, so she can be my aunt!”
Ruirui’s words immediately sparked discontent among all the cubs in the room.
Never underestimate a human cub’s “competitive spirit.”
How could such a pretty sister be Ruirui’s own exclusive aunt?
Nobody was happy about that!
Taotao was the first to object, puffing out his cheeks discontentedly: “No! Pretty sister should marry Little Warm Uncle and be my aunt!”
Seven-year-old Xin’er, from the Ai family’s younger generation, stood right up on her chair and put her hands on her hips, declaring defiantly: “I want Sister Xingxing to marry Little Uncle Axin and be my auntie!”
Chu Xingxing found the cubs absolutely adorable and didn’t take their words seriously.
Hearing “Little Uncle Axin,” Chu Xingxing finally noticed the only other adult in the corner. Xin’er’s “target,” Ai Puxin, had just taken a sip of his juice and set the glass down.
Dr. Ai, with his elegant jawline and lean face, wore a slightly helpless smile.
Dr. Ai, who had just returned from a medical aid mission in Tibet, was once again seated at the kids’ table because he didn’t drink, and also because he was the only “alpha” who could keep these little troublemakers in check.
“Hello, Xingxing. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Ai Puxin raised his eyebrows slightly. He had heard Chu Xingxing’s name from countless people. “Please don’t mind Xin’er’s childish words.”
Xin’er pouted, flung herself onto Ai Puxin, and squirmed like a fish out of water. “Little Uncle! I was serious!”
Chu Xingxing was already laughing so hard she could barely keep a straight face. She waved her hands frantically, mouthing to Dr. Ai across the room, “It’s fine, it’s fine…”
Just then, Sheng Youshan’s clear voice rang through the room: “You can all stop dreaming. Xingxing belongs to the Sheng family! Didn’t you see Brother Azhi brought her here? Of course, she’s going to marry Brother Azhi and be my sister-in-law.”
Sheng Luzhi looked down and smiled carelessly.
Sheng Youshan blinked, clasped her hands in front of her chest, and said ingratiatingly to Sheng Luzhi:
“Brother Azhi, since you’re smiling so happily, for my upcoming birthday… can you please not give me another Huanggang 100 Sprint Test Papers this year?”
