Chapter 260: Chapter 0260: Women Should Be So Cool and Free Chapter 260: Chapter 0260: Women Should Be So Cool and Free Mu Lan sensitively caught Liu Ai's guilt and curved the corners of her mouth upward.
“Have you and Xiaozhao made up?”
Liu Ai faltered for a moment, then hastily clarified.
“It has nothing to do with him; that was ages ago. I'm not one to revisit old flames. Once we break up, that's it.”
Mu Lan looked at Liu Ai with envy. She had always been bold, never hesitant or muddy. This person was incredibly decisive and brave, unlike herself, tangled and unclear, likely to retract into her shell to avoid sight and mind if things got unbearable.
“That's good, that way. You're really free-spirited.”
Liu Ai raised an eyebrow, smiling at Mu Lan.
“Are you troubled by something? I'm free today, you can talk to me.”
Mu Lan noticed the dark circles under Liu Ai's eyes; she obviously hadn't rested well recently.
“You've walked so many shows, you must be tired. Why not go home and rest? There will be plenty of opportunities later.”
Liu Ai pouted.
“It's like once bitten, twice shy for me, I'm afraid you'd disappear without any news again.
Tracy, Mu Lan, Mrs. Huo, just how many identities do you hold?”
Mu Lan was amused by her.
“Alright, alright, Supermodel Liu, I know I was wrong. Can you forgive me this time? I swear I won't disappear suddenly again.”
Liu Ai leaned on the sofa, casually flipping through a magazine. It was V magazine's September issue, featuring her on the cover.
“What are you planning to do about your situation with Editor Zhang? After all, Editor Zhang is a big figure in the circle; offending her is more trouble than it's worth.
Although she's a bit opportunistic, her judgment is indeed sharp. From a friend's perspective, I think you shouldn't make things too difficult.”
Mu Lan knew that Liu Ai meant well, but she simply couldn't escape the narrative Zhang Yu had set for her.
“Do you know why I turned down her interview?”
Liu Ai shook her head.
“I don't know, did she propose something outrageous?”
“Not exactly outrageous.”
Mu Lan paused, then continued:
“She insisted that I take a backless promotional photo, and wanted me to talk about my relationship with Tingxiao to boost traffic.”
Liu Ai was silent for a moment, as this indeed sounded like something Zhang Yu would do.
“Typical of Editor Zhang, not surprising. My own romance was hyped up in the past.”
Mu Lan was stunned; had those been deliberate publicity stunts? But how could Liu Ai agree to such a thing?
“You actually agreed to…”
Liu Ai looked at Mu Lan's incredulous gaze and sighed.
“In this industry, who can be entirely cautious? The adult world is about fighting, plundering, and using every means available.
I still manage to hold onto my limits; at least I don't attend those dinner parties. Some, for resources, would go as far as dining and even more.
Of course, I don't think you're petty. Everyone has their own boundaries and things they want to protect.
But back then, I hyped the news not for myself, but for him, ah well, that's all years ago.
I hope you won't have a bad impression of me now; otherwise, I'd regret telling you the truth.”
Mu Lan admired Liu Ai's openness, just as she said, in the adult world, where does such beauty come from?
“I don't want to leverage Tingxiao's influence mainly because our relationship is a bit… sensitive and delicate right now.
On the other hand, I also want to see what I am really capable of, but now that I think about it, it seems I was indeed being too sensitive.
Your integrity in stepping forward says it all, in the end, I am still…”
Liu Ai knew what Mu Lan was about to say and quickly interrupted her.
“This is what we call mutual benefit. Nowadays, everyone's flocking to wear top luxury foreign brands, while the Chinese luxury trend is just starting. Me wearing them first proves I have a good eye.
When you become famous, it benefits me too. It's not just about friendly sponsorship; don't think I'm too selfless.
Consider it an investment in my vision. All in all, I believe in you.”
Mu Lan nodded. She totally agreed with this reasoning.
“Then it seems I'd really be doing your kindness a disservice if I don't choose you as my brand's spokesperson.
Oh, you just took on a Chanel endorsement. You probably think my little temple isn't worthy.”
Liu Ai pretended to think deeply.
“Hmm, indeed, so you'd better hurry up and make a name for yourself, big enough to accommodate this big Buddha.”
“Liu the supermodel, if your fans knew how immodest you are in private, they'd probably be heartbroken.”
“What fans? The entertainment industry is full of handsome men and beautiful women; it's not my turn. Hmm, I'm a bit tired, I'm going back to catch up on some sleep, let's grab afternoon tea when you're free.”
“No problem.”
Mu Lan saw Liu Ai out, noticing that everyone in the studio was stretching their necks like meerkats, staring straight at Liu Ai.
Tang Xin came over, her eyes practically glued to Liu Ai.
Mu Lan crossed her arms and looked at each of them, all eager, knowing well what they were up to. She decided to treat it as a staff privilege.
“Could you take a photo with my staff?”
Liu Ai looked at Mu Lan and made an OK gesture.
Upon hearing this, Tang Xin immediately called over her friends, and Liu Ai was instantly swarmed, turning into a photo prop. About ten minutes later, she finally left the entrance of Mu Lan's studio.
No sooner had Liu Ai left than Mu Lan became the target of bombardment.
“Manager Mu, you're incredible, to be friends with Liu Ai! I just saw her airport fashion shoot trending online, and now she's here at our studio.”
“Yeah, oh my god, her figure is unbeatable, those legs, I'm so jealous.”
“Manager Mu, Manager Mu, are we going to collaborate with Liu Ai?”
“Or is Liu Ai going to order custom dresses from our studio?”
Faced with all these questions, Mu Lan couldn't help but shake her head.
“If you directed this curiosity towards your work, I, as your boss, would be very pleased.
Keep the photos to yourselves for private viewing, and don't post them on social platforms, okay?”
Tang Xin, just about to post the photo on Moments, reluctantly withdrew her hand, lamenting the missed opportunity to boast about her photo with a big celebrity.
Mu Lan didn't answer a single question, and like birds scattering, everyone went back to their tasks.
Back at the office, after some thought, Mu Lan called Luo Ning.
“Hello?”
“Miss Luo, it's me. I was wondering how you're feeling about the dress situation?”
Luo Ning on the other end spouted a slew of pleasantries, but the gist was she still felt the dress wasn't perfect enough.
Mu Lan had had enough of being nitpicked and simply made a decision.
“If Miss Luo doesn't like the dress enough, then let's look forward to a future collaboration.”
The person on the other end paused for a moment, seemingly surprised that Mu Lan would say such a thing.
“You mean…”
“As Miss Luo wishes, you can ask your management team to find a more suitable brand.
I've got some business to attend to here. Miss Luo, I won't disturb you any further, goodbye.”
Having said that, Mu Lan hung up.
Luo Ning furrowed her brows, her expression sour.
Chapter end
Report
|
Donate
Oh o, this user has not set a donation button.
|