Chapter 45 Part 1

Arriving at the venue, Yun Chun threw herself entirely into her work.

Once Yun Chun had finished walking the runway and made her way backstage, Qin Xing gave her a quick rundown of the upcoming schedule. She informed Yun Chun that a representative from SNOW’s project team would come find her shortly, and she should direct any questions to them. As for Qin Xing, she had her own mission in Milan: to track down that model and sign her.

Yun Chun wished Qin Xing good luck.

Qin Xing flashed a smile, gave a wave, and departed.

Before leaving, however, Qin Xing had reminded Yun Chun to check Weibo. All around her were scurrying figures deep in the chaos of the event, so Yun Chun slipped into a quiet corner before pulling out her phone. She had just walked the runway in SNOW’s haute couture, and the brand’s official account would surely post promotional content on Weibo—there might even be some buzz about her.

Yun Chun figured there would be a bit of chatter. But when she opened the app, she froze.

Third on the trending list?

YunChunSNOWGlobalBrandAmbassador#

What the—?!

Yun Chun tapped into the topic, and the very first post that popped up was from SNOW’s official account, officially announcing her as their global brand ambassador.

Yun Chun: ?

When did this happen?

How had she not heard a thing?

Her hand went numb, and her phone nearly slipped from her grasp.

Next came a post from a marketing account featuring runway candids of her from Milan that day. In just an hour, it had racked up over ten thousand likes—unprecedented heat for her in the past two years.

Yun Chun blinked and scrolled further down.

By the time she finished, one realization hit her: she… seemed to be back in the public eye.

A quick skim of the netizens’ comments revealed several people saying that after her long disappearance, she had returned with a total bombshell.

Waves stirred in Yun Chun’s heart. So… there were still people who remembered her.

The topic’s click count kept climbing, as did her follower numbers. This meant she had heat again, a real shot at gracing more runways.

It was what she had always chased and strived for—she should be thrilled. Yet the sudden surge of attention crashed over her like a rain of cash from the sky, leaving her heart pounding so hard that even her joy lagged a beat behind.

A message notification popped up.

Qin Xing: [See it yet?]

Yun Chun: [Yeah.]

Yun Chun: [Why didn’t you tell me?]

Qin Xing: [Wanted to surprise you.]

Yun Chun: [Ah! So happy!]

Yun Chun: [But this ambassadorship—when did you snag it?]

Qin Xing: [Wasn’t me.]

Qin Xing: [Mo Yue.]

Seeing Mo Yue’s name made Yun Chun’s heart give an involuntary twitch. She and Mo Yue were strangers by blood, but instinct told her that even if Mo Yue had pulled the strings, the decision wasn’t made purely for her sake. No—it had to be for Lu Qingxue.

But why?

From Mo Yue’s perspective, she and Lu Qingxue were friends, bound by that ghost marriage pact. Was there more?

Or did Mo Yue see Lu Qingxue as someone special?

How special, exactly?

Would Mo Yue ever say to her, “Qingxue really likes you”?

And if Mo Yue did say it—with their close friendship—would Yun Chun still need to dissect whether that “like” meant admiration, platonic affection, hometown courtesy… or genuine liking?

Her finger hovered over the chat with Mo Yue. The numbness in her hand had faded along with her racing pulse, her slender fingertips tapping the keyboard. But after typing two words, she swiftly hit delete.

How was she supposed to even ask something like that?

As Yun Chun wavered, the SNOW project lead found her. Yun Chun set her phone aside for the moment and listened quietly as the lead outlined the next steps.

They needed to take Yun Chun to a few scenic spots for promotional photos to be used across various platforms.

Though it had been years since Yun Chun had handled gigs like this, that one relentless year of work had etched the processes into her bones.

She went along willingly with the lead to the first location: a rooftop terrace offering a sweeping view of the surroundings.

SNOW had shelled out top dollar for a renowned domestic photographer, Yu Qi, whose skills were top-notch and backed by numerous awards. Yun Chun had heard of her before, and upon meeting, the two exchanged pleasantries before shooting commenced.

One excelled at capturing the perfect frame, the other brimmed with an innate sense for the lens. Yu Qi marveled at having struck gold again—Yun Chun nailed every pose and expression effortlessly. Despite it being their first collaboration, they synced perfectly, and the session progressed smoothly.

During a break, Yun Chun and Yu Qi chatted idly. Yu Qi mentioned that aside from SNOW’s generous pay, the real draw was her girlfriend’s past stint as a designer there—it felt like fate, so she had agreed.

Hearing that Yu Qi had a girlfriend, Yun Chun offered her warm congratulations with a smile.

As Yun Chun touched up her makeup, Yu Qi reviewed the shots taken so far and casually asked, “What about you? Got someone special?”

The afternoon sun bathed everything in a lazy glow, a gentle breeze whispering by.

Yun Chun’s bangs drifted across her forehead, veiling her vision.

Someone special…

Yun Chun’s lips pressed into a line, unsure how to reply for a moment.

Was her relationship with Lu Qingxue like that?

It had to be… After all, just yesterday she had admitted to being Lu Qingxue’s wife.

She brushed the stray hairs aside, the expansive blue sky reflecting in her dark eyes. Nodding at Yu Qi, she said, “Yes.”

Yu Qi grinned. “A woman?”

Yun Chun blinked in surprise. “How did you know?”

Yu Qi aimed her lens at Yun Chun, planning to snap some candid shots of her doing makeup, and explained while shooting, “It was obvious. When you thought of her just now, your eyes softened. From that look, I could tell she’s a gentle soul too.”

Yun Chun murmured her agreement, and thinking of Lu Qingxue brought an unconscious smile to her lips. “She really is gentle.”

Yu Qi clicked the shutter. “Perfect, hold that expression. Wow, that’s gold.”

Yun Chun came back to herself. What expression?

Yu Qi lowered her camera and scrolled through the fresh photos. “You two must be close. I can see ‘happiness’ written all over your micro-expressions.”

…Could she?

Yun Chun quietly absorbed Yu Qi’s words. Once shooting wrapped, she asked if Yu Qi could send her the photos from earlier. Yu Qi agreed readily, and they added each other on WeChat. But with so many shots, editing and layout would take time, so Yun Chun should wait a few days. Yun Chun said that was fine.

Three gowns across three locations. When it was all done, the project lead asked if Yun Chun wanted to join any other events. Beyond the main shows, Fashion Week featured over a dozen smaller gatherings.

Yun Chun shook her head. “I’m a bit tired.”

But when the lead offered to drive her home, Yun Chun asked instead, “Do you know where General Manager Mo is?”

“General Manager Mo should be at the hotel.”

“Then, the hotel it is.”

~~~

Yun Chun showing up was no surprise to Mo Yue at all.

With news this big and no WeChat message or call from Yun Chun, Mo Yue had figured she’d come in person for answers. That’s why she’d been waiting at the hotel.

Mo Yue took a sip of coffee and lifted her gaze to the woman entering the room.

Yun Chun smiled and called out, “Big Boss.”

“You look stunning today,” Mo Yue said, picking up her phone. “Mind if I take a photo?”

Yun Chun wasn’t sure why Mo Yue wanted one, but she nodded. “…Sure.”

At Yun Chun’s consent, Mo Yue’s lips curved into a smile. She snapped the shot, opened WeChat, and tapped the top-pinned chat.

The contact was labeled: Xue.

The instant she sent the photo, Mo Yue asked knowingly, “Something you need?”

She was still typing: [Your little one looks gorgeous today. Thought you’d like to see.]

The photo thread held several prior messages, including one: [I’ve let your little one move into your place. Whether she’ll sip a steaming cup of coffee come morning? That’s beyond my help.]

Yun Chun paid no mind to whatever Mo Yue was busy with. She had come for one thing. “So… Sister Xing said the SNOW global ambassadorship was yours—”

“Not mine,” Mo Yue cut in, her eyes shifting from her phone to Yun Chun. With a faint smile, she said, “It was Qingxue.”

Yun Chun’s gaze faltered. It matched what she’d suspected, yet hearing it from Mo Yue lent it an air of unreality.

That sense stemmed from one thought—Lu Qingxue had been gone nearly three years. How could today’s events tie back to her?

Mo Yue’s explanation provided the answer: this path had been paved by Lu Qingxue three years prior.

“Three years ago, Qingxue came up with the idea,” Mo Yue said. “But we couldn’t sign you then because you were with the Yi Family’s company. I don’t need to spell out that they’re our rivals. So the plan waited until your contract with them ended. Actually, back when you got shelved—Qingxue—”

Mo Yue’s smile turned wry, laced with bitterness. She paused, crossing her legs back down.

She left the rest unsaid and told Yun Chun instead, “Don’t think we’re signing you because of your connection to her. She values your talent. So, Yun Chun, I hope you won’t disappoint Qingxue, or me, or SNOW going forward.”

Mo Yue slid the contract across the table. “Come sign it.”

She watched Yun Chun freeze in place for a few seconds before stepping forward.

Just as expected—she hadn’t imagined Yun Chun would refuse such a massive opportunity. With Yun Chun agreeing, Mo Yue didn’t attribute it to any feelings for Lu Qingxue; in her eyes, Yun Chun held no such attachment.

“Know why we announced before you signed?” Mo Yue asked.

Yun Chun looked at her, confusion in her eyes.

“Because back then, you were wearing the clothes she designed and stepped back onto the stage you loved.”

“And this is…”

Mo Yue concealed the loneliness in her eyes and smiled faintly. “Her wish.”

There were no romantic feelings between them, but Mo Yue was determined to make Yun Chun understand Lu Qingxue’s emotions toward her.

Otherwise, why should she?

With that, Mo Yue picked up her phone once more and sent a message to the pinned contact: [She’s wearing your clothes now, and she’s become your brand ambassador. Happy?]

While Yun Chun was signing the contract, Mo Yue’s phone rang.

After hanging up, Mo Yue turned to Yun Chun. “Something’s come up at the company—I have to go. There’s a banquet here tonight. Join if you want; if not, have the driver take you home.”

As she stood, Mo Yue looked down at Yun Chun. “But I think you should go. Plenty of high-ranking officials and dignitaries will be there. Networking with them could really help your career.”

Yun Chun nodded. “I’ll attend.”

Mo Yue hummed in acknowledgment. “Good.”

Once Yun Chun had finished signing, Mo Yue picked up the contract to review it. “Oh, and no more shifts at the KTV from now on. Starting today, you represent not just yourself, but SNOW as well.”

Yun Chun had already been thinking the same thing.

Now that she was back to modeling, she had to take it seriously.

After Mo Yue left, Yun Chun was alone in the room.

Ever since learning that Lu Qingxue had planned this ambassadorship for her three years ago, Yun Chun had fallen into an unusual silence.

She couldn’t utter a single word.

There was nothing to say.

Any thanks were owed to Lu Qingxue—but the mere thought of her plunged Yun Chun’s mind into chaos once again.

She wanted to express her gratitude, yet she couldn’t help wondering why Lu Qingxue had chosen her.

The answer was staring her in the face.

Still, she buried that answer along with her head in the sand.

~~~

After lingering in the hotel suite for a while, the staff delivered an evening gown for the banquet and informed Yun Chun that it was about to begin.

Yun Chun messaged Qin Xing to check on her progress.

Qin Xing replied that everything was settled and she was heading back.

Yun Chun sent a string of emojis: [Thumbs up] [Rose] [Smiley face] [You rock!]

Qin Xing: […]

They didn’t chat further.

Yun Chun changed into the gown and headed to the venue.

She hadn’t expected to run into Zhu You there.

Spotting her, Zhu You approached with a wineglass in hand. “Any chance I could interview you? SNOW’s global ambassador.”

Zhu You smiled on the surface, but her eyes were calm. Yun Chun couldn’t tell if it was sarcasm or genuine goodwill.

Given their encounter the day before, they were technically rivals in love.

So, she’d assume sarcasm for now.

Yun Chun smiled back. “Sure.”

Zhu You took a sip of her wine. “I was planning to track you down anyway, but since we’ve crossed paths tonight, I’ll just say it.”

Yun Chun hummed, all ears.

“I’m not Lu Qingxue’s girlfriend.”

Yun Chun blinked. “?”

She laughed. “I know.”

Zhu You studied her. “So are you still her wife?”

Yun Chun didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”

Zhu You narrowed her eyes. “From what I know, you two had no contact before Qingxue passed away. How did you become her wife?”

“Would you know if we were dating?”

“Of course.”

Zhu You threw Yun Chun’s words back at her, then continued, “I interviewed Qingxue right before she died, and she was single at the time.”

Yun Chun faltered.

Zhu You watched her closely before asking slowly, “So, are you still Qingxue’s wife now?”

Yun Chun recognized the look in Zhu You’s eyes—it was the same faint disgust and disdain she’d shown the visitors yesterday. Clearly, Zhu You lumped her in with those tarnishing Lu Qingxue’s reputation.

Yun Chun cleared her throat. “Of course.”

The situation was too unique to explain, but as long as she held firm, it was true.