RGL – Chapter 167

“A sleeveless mini dress? Who would dare to wear something like that?”

Sun Yan couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise after seeing the design draft.

Especially when she saw the strapless mini dress Su Min had designed—her face turned completely red.

At this time, hardly anyone dared to wear such clothes. Just wearing a sleeveless top on the street would earn a few extra stares. So, the moment Su Min’s two designs arrived at the shop, they stunned everyone.

Granny Zhang couldn’t accept it at all. “Do people really wear clothes like this?”

“Of course they do. It’s never about daring to wear—only about daring to imagine. As long as we make them, someone will wear them,” Su Min said with confidence. She had faith in these two pieces. If she were launching them in China, she wouldn’t have designed something so bold. But things were different in Europe and the US.

Over there, individuality and freedom were highly valued. She wasn’t worried at all that no one would dare wear these.

Especially after what Li Weisi had said earlier: Alice was someone with bold tastes—ordinary outfits wouldn’t catch her eye. Only two show-stopping pieces would do. That’s why Su Min had taken the risk to design these pieces.

Since Su Min was so insistent, no one else objected. After all, the boss had spoken—they just had to do their jobs.

Zhang Qingqing studied the designs carefully and smiled. “They’re actually quite pretty.”

“I’ve been thinking about finding a model,” she added. Her clothing leaned toward the classical style, so she wanted a model with that kind of classical beauty.

Classical beauty, classical beauty…

Suddenly, Su Min’s eyes lit up.

“You want me to model?” When Liao Zhaodi arrived at the shop that afternoon and heard Su Min’s suggestion, she was completely shocked.

Su Min nodded seriously. “You know we can’t afford any big celebrities right now. But you’ve got a great foundation. Your looks aren’t any worse than a celebrity’s—don’t you think so?”

Liao Zhaodi immediately crossed her arms over her chest. “No way. Absolutely not. I’m not wearing that kind of outfit—it’s way too revealing.” Her cheeks were burning red as she spoke.

Su Min quickly waved her hands. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t ask you to wear those designs. You wouldn’t be able to bring out their vibe anyway, right? I’ve already asked William to help contact some overseas models for those. I just want you to try on the more conservative pieces—would that be okay?”

The more she looked at Zhaodi, the more she felt she was perfect for it.

Zhaodi was tall and slim, with a beautiful face—rosy lips, white teeth, a little cherry mouth. And this was her natural look without any makeup. With just a bit of makeup, she’d easily outshine any star.

It would be a complete waste not to use such ready-made talent.

“Come on, Zhaodi, just give it a try—treat it like a game.”

Zhaodi was a bit shy. Just imagining her photos published in a magazine for so many people to see made her feel nervous and awkward. But seeing the pleading look on Su Min’s face, she couldn’t bring herself to say no.

Su Min had always helped her, and she had never really done much in return. Now that Su Min finally needed her help, she’d feel too guilty to refuse.

Thinking this through, Zhaodi couldn’t say no. “Okay then—but only the conservative ones. I won’t wear anything too revealing.”

“Yes, yes, of course not.” Su Min nodded vigorously.

Aside from the two new outfits still in production, all the other clothes that Zhaodi modeled were ready-made.

William had already arranged everything with the photography team. After securing a location, they immediately started shooting with Zhaodi.

And it had to be said—Liao Zhaodi’s looks and aura were perfect for these outfits. Even the photographer assumed they had hired a celebrity for the shoot.

“Wow, I didn’t expect Sister Zhaodi to look even better than a star when dressed up!”

When the photos came out and the staff at the store saw the final shots, their eyes went wide with surprise. None of them had expected such a stunning beauty to be right among them.

Zhaodi, meanwhile, turned beet red from embarrassment and refused to watch TV with everyone. She just hid in Zhang Qingqing’s office.

Su Min looked at the photos and grinned. “I really have good taste, don’t I? This time, we’re going to blind them all with how amazing this is.”

She had made up her mind—Xiuse was going to make a name for itself. Their fashion brand would step up to the next level.

While Su Min was busy preparing for the fashion magazine feature, Shu Jing also brought her some good news.

The project she and Xue Mian had worked on was finally listed. The mobile phone (dageda) had officially gone into production, and Xue Mian’s communication technology had received national support and was now being promoted across the country. In other words, Xue Mian’s company, Minrui Technologies, now controlled the country’s telecommunications industry. Shu Jing had made a fortune from this and treated a few close friends to a meal.

“I never expected it to be this successful. That kid Xue Mian is so young and actually managed to develop something like this. Hahahaha!”

Shu Jing couldn’t stop laughing as she spoke.

Ke Wan smiled. “Now that you and Zhang Ning have both made money, you’d better treat Su Min and me to a proper feast.” She turned to Su Min. “Right, Su Min? Let’s not hold back today.”

Su Min nodded with a smile, but in her heart, she thought of Xue Mian.

It had been over a month since she last saw him. Their last meeting was during the incident where Li Fang tried to frame her, and after that, he just vanished.

She hadn’t intended for anything to happen between her and Xue Mian. Though she was reluctant to let go of a good friend, she didn’t want to do anything that might give him the wrong idea. So she hadn’t gone looking for him.

Now, it seemed Xue Mian had been incredibly busy. But he had finally succeeded—and that was the best reward for him. Once a man has a career, he usually doesn’t get too hung up on feelings. Maybe she and Xue Mian wouldn’t lose their friendship over emotions after all.

No matter what, she still held a bit of hope in her heart—hoping that her friendship with Xue Mian could continue.

The women had all taken the day off from their household duties—no kids to look after, no dinners to prepare—so they ate and drank without a care.

After a while, they were all a little tipsy. Especially Shu Jing, who drank the most.

Zhang Ning was more composed. She had only drunk a little, and once her cheeks turned a bit red, she stopped. By the end of the meal, Shu Jing and Ke Wan were both rather drunk, while Zhang Ning and Su Min remained clear-headed.

“These two… both mothers, and still no sense of restraint.” Zhang Ning shook her head with a helpless smile and got up to call their families to come pick them up.

“Come back with me later, okay? It’s so late already, don’t go alone.”

Su Min glanced at her watch and saw it was already past ten. Knowing it wasn’t appropriate to head back by herself, she nodded without hesitation.

After a while, a few men came over.

“Drinking like this—clearly you didn’t take my words seriously,” Zheng Kai scolded as he picked up Shu Jing in a bridal carry.

Wu Zhe, looking helpless, scooped up Ke Wan. Seeing Su Min still standing, he said, “Come back with us. I’ll drop you off first.” Technically, she was still his sister-in-law. If he just left her, his wife would definitely make a fuss later.

Zhang Ning smiled and said, “Ke Wan’s completely drunk. You all better head back quickly. Jian Guo and I will take Su Min home.”

Su Min nodded. “That’s right, brother-in-law. You should hurry and take Sister Wan back. Rui Rui is still waiting at home.”

Mentioning his son made Wu Zhe uneasy again. Although there was a nanny at home, it was never as reassuring as keeping an eye on things himself. He nodded, carrying his wife as he walked out.

After everyone left, Su Min followed behind Zhang Ning and headed out as well. She noticed that both Zhang Ning and Song Jianguo weren’t talkative people. They were quiet, but even a casual observer could sense the warmth between them.

Thinking back to what Xue Mian had said about Zhang Ning’s background, Su Min felt a sudden warmth in her heart and was inexplicably moved. People who had suffered so much in the past deserved happiness like this.

The three of them reached the outside and were about to get into the car when Zhang Ning suddenly smiled. “Looks like I don’t need to drive you home today.”

As she said this, she looked toward the street ahead.

Su Min followed her gaze and saw an SUV parked on the roadside—and standing next to it was Xue Mian.

Zhang Ning smiled at them, then got into the car with Song Jianguo and left.

She’d already heard from Shu Jing that Xue Mian liked Su Min. Plus, after working with him recently, she had a pretty good impression of the young man. She did have the thought of helping them along.

As the car drove off, Song Jianguo glanced back helplessly. “Now you’re playing matchmaker?”

“I’m just trying not to break up a potential couple,” Zhang Ning replied confidently. She was someone who had taken the initiative in her own relationship, so she admired people who dared to be proactive in love. Thinking back to how she had pursued Song Jianguo back then, she puffed up her cheeks and looked at the man driving beside her. “Look at that young man—he’s so on point. Unlike you back then, you had no clue. I had to make the first move.”

Song Jianguo blushed at the memory of their wedding night. “That’s all in the past. As long as I treat you well now, that’s what matters.”

“Who knows,” Zhang Ning said with a sly smile.

One hand on the steering wheel, Song Jianguo reached over with the other and held her hand. “As long as I know, that’s enough.”

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Xue Mian and Su Min were both frozen in place, staring at each other.

Su Min was nervous. At a moment like this, she truly didn’t know how to face Xue Mian. She didn’t know whether he had finally thought things through after all this time and just wanted to be friends, or if he still intended to pursue her like before.

They stared at each other for a while until Xue Mian finally gave in and walked over, lips pressed together. “I heard from Shu Jing this afternoon that you guys were eating here today, so I came to pick you up.”

Su Min smiled faintly. “Congratulations, I heard your career has been doing well lately.”

“It’s alright.”

Though he spoke humbly, Su Min still caught the confidence and pride in his expression.

That was the pride and ease of someone who had achieved success at a young age. Su Min felt an inexplicable twinge of envy. That kind of mindset was something she would never experience. Even though her career was going well too, it couldn’t change the fact that her heart had been through too much.

When she didn’t respond, Xue Mian hesitated briefly, then suddenly reached out and held her hand.

“What are you doing? Let go!” Su Min immediately tried to pull away.

“I just want you to get in the car. Once you’re in, I’ll let go,” Xue Mian said with a strained smile, nervous and tense. Only when Su Min stopped resisting did he feel the slightest relief.

After they got in the car, he did let go and started the engine.

He drove slowly and steadily. In the quiet of the car, neither of them spoke. When they got onto the main road, Xue Mian finally opened his mouth.

“Su Min, I’ve thought it through. You were right—feelings can’t be forced. So I’ve decided, I won’t pressure you with my feelings anymore.”

Su Min was surprised and turned to look at him.

Xue Mian kept his eyes on the road, slowing the car. “Please believe me. I really mean it this time. But Su Min, can you let me stay by your side, in my own way, until you find someone you like? Just for now. I’ve already grown used to living with you in my world, even if you’re not by my side—just being able to think about you, imagine a future with you.”

Now that he was certain there was no future where they’d be together, he just wanted to spend whatever time he had left with her.

Su Min lowered her head, eyes stinging with emotion.

“I’m sorry, Xue Mian.”

“You don’t need to apologize. It’s my fault,” he said, taking a deep breath. “Don’t worry. I just want to be your best friend. We can still eat together, hang out. I won’t touch you or say anything to make you uncomfortable again.”

Hearing that, Su Min felt an inexplicable pang in her heart. She knew that even if she agreed to remain friends, the nature of their relationship had already changed.

Before she realized it, the car had arrived at her residential complex. They sat silently for a while before Su Min finally said, “I’m sorry, Xue Mian.”

She couldn’t accept his proposal. If there was no intention to be together, she couldn’t let him continue to misunderstand.

After speaking, she opened the door and got out.

Xue Mian remained in the car, stunned. It wasn’t until he felt warmth on his cheeks that he realized he was crying. Looking at the now empty car, he suddenly felt like all the strength had drained from his body.

After that conversation, Xue Mian really didn’t show up the next day.

Several more days passed, and he still didn’t appear.

Su Min felt relieved—but also heartbroken. Those past days… would never return.

Soon, it was time for the end-of-term exams. The clothes she had designed were also finished.

After taking her exams, Su Min asked William to arrange a photoshoot with models.

“Amazing!”

Seeing the models wear her designs, William couldn’t help but exclaim in awe.

“Su, this whole collection will absolutely blow them away,” he said with certainty. Looking seriously at Su Min, he added, “I have a feeling this time, the results will be beyond expectation.”

Though Su Min didn’t feel completely confident, hearing William say that still made her hopeful.

If this showcase really succeeded, then Xiuse’s custom line could reach a whole new level. The store could expand beyond a simple boutique.

After a week of shooting, the photos were finally complete. Su Min sent them, along with the documentation, to Alice overseas.

Once everything was sent, she finally felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders.

No matter the outcome, she had done her best—and that was enough.

Summer vacation was long, and Su Min planned to take some time to go back home and spend time with her parents.

But before she could, Su Changrong and Sun Qiufang called. This summer, there would be no need for Su Min to travel—they had decided to come visit her in B City.

As soon as the train carrying Su Changrong and Sun Qiufang pulled into the station, Su Min couldn’t help but feel excited.

She hadn’t seen her parents in nearly half a year, and she missed them terribly.

“Mom! Dad!”