Chapter 200

Fifty-Sixth Page Work in Progress – AJ

[November 23rd, Saturday, 10:00]

[Balance Commercial District Pedestrian Street]

“Chairman, you look particularly haggard today.”

Perhaps my complexion was indeed not good, Xiao Lei asked with her hands behind her back, “Is this related to the dream amusement park from yesterday?”

“Can there be any other reason? Damn! I didn’t expect the feedback from the dream to be so real, even reproducing the heart’s lack of blood supply due to weightlessness. That sense of panic came over me, and my mind went blank… I was stunned at that moment.”

I felt like a cat that had mistakenly entered a tumble dryer.

Fashion stores and formal wear shops were usually on the upper floors, but we had a specific destination.

“Welcome… Ahya! Sister Lingmeng!”

Today, Sister Feiyue had her hair in two lively ponytails. Every time she came to Tony Yang’s shop, she would see this energetic little sprite… or perhaps fallen angel.

“Sister Feiyue, we’re here to look at clothes. We need a professional guide.”

The mall had just opened at ten o’clock. There weren’t many people in the store, let alone the entire floor.

“Oh! Leave it to me! What occasion are you preparing for? Is Sister Lingmeng going on a date?”

A date? I squinted and looked at Linhua and Xiao Lei.

Are we going on a date today? A three-person date?

I explained, “It’s not about me picking out clothes. You need to pick out something formal for Sister Lei.”

Sister Feiyue sized up Xiao Lei from head to toe and suggested, “For Sister Lei, how about trying some men’s clothing? It could be very suitable for someone as spirited and cool as her!”

“Huh?” I was somewhat surprised.

Looking around the store filled with various fashionable items, I didn’t see anything that could be called men’s clothing.

So I asked, “Do you have men’s clothing here?”

“What I mean is women’s clothing designed to look like men’s clothing, very suitable for someone as spirited and cool as Sister Lei!”

Ha, spirited and cool…

Xiao Lei fit this description quite well due to her tall stature and carefree personality. She had popularity among junior students because of her basketball skills, though she was essentially just clumsy.

But since she confirmed her true feelings, I hadn’t seen her in a spirited manner. Whenever she was around me, she was always fidgeting, like a melted candy stuck on a shirt, emitting a sticky sweetness, sometimes even sour.

However, Sister Feiyue’s words pleased Xiao Lei, who boasted, “Then I’ll leave it to you, Sister Feiyue. I’ve earned enough money from my part-time job to afford a set of clothes! Go ahead and recommend whatever you want!”

The unsuspecting fool had fallen into Sister Feiyue’s trap.

“Alright, let’s go somewhere else to talk. Some clothes aren’t displayed, they’re hidden items! Can you come with me to the back warehouse?”

What does “hidden items not displayed in the back warehouse” mean?

In short, Sister Feiyue meant clothes that don’t sell well and are stored away.

Watching Xiao Lei happily follow the mischievous little salesperson into the back area, Linhua and I exchanged glances.

She sighed, “Even Sister Feiyue can’t watch her take advantage of the fool. Let’s go check on them.”

“I thought the same… Oh ya?”

Just as Linhua was halfway through her sentence, a high-pitched greeting came from behind me.

“Oh, I thought you looked familiar. Isn’t this Little Lingmeng!”

Before I could turn around, someone slapped my back hard.

Turning around, I saw the grinning AJ.

Even in winter, this amateur model was dressed quite “lightly,” especially with those ripped tight jeans. They seemed to have no insulation effect, but fortunately, she had prepared plenty of hand warmers to avoid catching a cold like Linhua.

She must have been uncomfortable, but she was her own billboard. Only by fully showcasing her charm could she get more work. Winter was peak season for the clothing industry, and AJ wanted to earn more during this period.

By the way, after suffering, Linhua wore a thick down jacket today.

After greeting, AJ asked again, “So, what are you two doing here today? Don’t tell me you’re here to steal my work!”

What are you thinking?

Even if I wanted to be a model, Tony Yang wouldn’t take me!

I denied, “No, we’re here to help someone buy clothes… Speaking of which, did you get another job from Mr. Tony?”

“Yeah, he introduced me to the job. I’ve been able to eat thanks to him lately!”

“I recommended you not just to do a favor. Though you haven’t had professional training, you are the most talented and promising model I’ve ever seen. So don’t deny your talent. For us fashion designers, excellent models are rare. If you grow, it will be the best return for me.”

Just then, Tony Yang returned from outside the store and heard AJ’s previous words, launching into a long monologue. His hair was combed back and tied up, with a small beard on his chin.

“But why are you all here so early, making such a fuss? Opening a tea party?”

“Good morning, Mr. Tony.”

“Bonjour~ Is there anything I can help with?”

“We’re helping a friend buy clothes. She’s already been taken to the back warehouse by Sister Feiyue. She introduced some hidden items that aren’t displayed in the store.”

Tony Yang didn’t say anything, but one of his eyebrows raised, indicating he knew what was happening.

“Let’s go take a look first, Miss AJ. Today, I’m introducing you to a big brand designer. They might be quite demanding. Get ready mentally.”

“Always ready!” AJ stood straight.

“You don’t need to be so nervous. Just be natural, according to your understanding of fashion.”

Sister Feiyue had already brought out a pile of so-called “women’s clothing designed as men’s.” She was letting Xiao Lei try each piece. The back warehouse had no changing room, and no one else was around. The fool simply took off her clothes, and when she was left in just her underwear, we walked into the back warehouse. Her face suddenly turned red.

Tony Yang commented, “Flat chest, not suitable for modeling. But with her height, she might be able to model for AJ.”

Xiao Lei crossed her arms but said nothing. Instead, Sister Feiyue exploded first.

This little tailor spread her arms to shield Xiao Lei and scolded, “Brother, don’t casually comment on others’ figures. Sister Lei isn’t your model! Close your eyes and turn around!”

Tony Yang rubbed his neck and left.

I also pursed my lips and followed him back into the store.

While Xiao Lei was dressing, I asked, “How has Sister A been recently? No signs of distraction, right?”

“No, she’s very focused at work, and other designers praise her highly. They find it hard to believe she’s a beginner model… But she seems a bit tired lately. Has something happened in her life?”

Every night, she accompanied Sister Yiji to live stream until late night, and then got up so early the next day to work. This has seriously affected her schedule.

I sighed, “I think she might be overworked.”

“So something did happen?”

“Yeah, she has someone to take care of now.”

“Does she need to take care of a child? She’s an excellent model, despite her many flaws. Those minor imperfections can’t hide her brilliance as a gem. And she’s learning to improve… Let me show you something.”

Tony Yang retrieved two color-printed promotional booklets from behind the counter.

“This one is from my store, the other is from another brand.”

Opening the first one.

Tony Yang’s designs were still mainstream high-end fashion. I had seen AJ wear the store’s clothes before, but in carefully selected camera angles, they highlighted AJ and the clothing better.

Most importantly, when she restrains her frivolous nature, she exudes a sense of peace and nobility. Despite her impoverished lifestyle, her elegant appearance really gives off a lady-like aura.

Although she was born to be a lady.

The design of the other brand was completely different. They went for a hip-hop style streetwear, with rebellious subculture vibes and various meaningless decorations, looking like something a rapper would like.

When wearing this kind of clothing, AJ showcased her most eccentric side, even dyeing her hair in an uncommon purple and heavily accentuating her eyes with heavy makeup, filled with disdain and arrogance. She seemed to revert to the unruly delinquent girl she once was.

She never was a delinquent girl.

“What do you think?”

“Great.”

I gave a straightforward compliment. Tony Yang also smiled, “Isn’t that right! She can find the corresponding feeling regardless of what she wears. Unlike Miss Lingmeng, you remain yourself no matter what you wear.”

“You can praise Sister A, but please don’t drag me into it. I only worked here once, and you were the one who approached me. Yet every time we meet, you criticize me. Is that interesting? You’re too petty!”

“No, that’s not what I meant. You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen, but your beauty overshadows the clothes themselves. That’s why I say this… In short, my clothes don’t match your beauty.”

“Even if you say that, I won’t be happy.”

Returning the booklet to Tony Yang, he continued, “This streetwear store is on the second floor. Both men’s and women’s clothing. If you’re interested, you can visit later. Mention that I recommended it.”

On the second floor?

Looks like it’s a relatively affordable brand.

“Yeah, we’ll check it out. Right now, we should confirm how Xiao Lei’s clothes are coming along.”

I peeked in first to make sure Xiao Lei had changed into new clothes, then followed Tony Yang back to the back warehouse.

“Really, Chairman, why did you come out too? I don’t mind you seeing me!”

The fool complained, then spun around on one foot.

“How do you like this outfit?”

The fool was wearing a brand-new, sharp-edged silver-tipped tuxedo with a white scarf at the collar. Because Xiao Lei had a slender waist and long legs, this tailored suit suited her well. Although it was men’s clothing, it was designed for women, so the cuffs were slightly cute, flared sleeves that fluttered like flowers when she waved her arms.

“It’s perfect! There will be air conditioning at the event, so you can just wear an extra coat!”

“I told you Chairman would like it.”

Linhua explained, “Lei said this outfit lacks feminine appeal, so she wants to change into a formal dress. But her body type… doesn’t suit formal dresses either?”

Xiao Lei: “Neither do you!”

“Me?”

Linhua flicked her shoulder-length hair and proudly answered, “I have poise, you don’t.”

AJ also leaned on her chin and chimed in.

“If we’re talking about who’s most suitable for a formal dress, it’s still Little Lingmeng, right?”

— “Alright, then tonight we’ll wear a formal dress!”

… Huh?