บท 37: The Belle of NU C (1)

NU C was known for its exclusivity. Aside from the patrons of the brand who were lucky enough to bag an invite, the other people who form part of the so-called Privilege 30 were either influential or got loads of cash.

The attendees were required to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Of course, they can violate the agreement, but no one knew the punishment and they don't want to know, thus they kept it within themselves.

Li Nuxie halted her steps and glanced at the man who was currently eyeing her. "Mr. Xu Wei, you can find your date now. I need to run some errands first," she said, pulling out her mobile phone from her purse.

Xu Wei nodded. He knew that she would be busy tonight. "Good luck on your show," he told her before turning his back from her.

Li Nuxie's mind froze on that note. Did he just wish her good luck? She brought her palm near her chest, feeling the fast rhythm of her heart. She shook her head. There's no way Xu Wei would know that she was the owner. Of course, she was nescient of the fact that she cannot hide anything from Xu Wei, especially that he fancies her.

Li Nuxie dialed Li Chanying's number. Her call went through after just one ring. "I want to know who the date of Xu Wei is," she ordered her cousin.

At the other side of the line, Li Chanying almost rolled her eyes when she realized what her cousin has told her. "Who is this Xu Wei? A new conquest now?" Li Chanying asked while rummaging through her things, looking for the official list of the guests.

Li Nuxie pressed her lips while she paced back and forth in front of the entrance. "The Spanish conquistadors are not my ancestors."

Li Chanying giggled as she looked through the names and found Xu Wei's name opposite to Chang Lianna's. "Found it. It's Chang Lianna."

Li Nuxie's brows drew together. The woman's name sounded familiar. "Chang Lianna? Do I know her?"

"Yeah. You met her at the hospital, right? The sister of Black Emperor," Li Chanying reminded her cousin. "This Xu Wei is Chang Lianna's date? Oh, wow. How is he related to the Xu Family? Wait, what is he to you?"

The dial tone answered Li Chanying's successive questions. "Damn," she glanced at the phone, shaking her head. Her cousin must be pissed off now.

Li Nuxie gripped her phone tightly, stomping her feet. It was a good thing her stilettos were sturdy or else, she won't be having a comfortable time walking around.

Black Emperor was Chang Lianna's brother while Xu Wei was Chang Lianna's date. So, where does that place her? Was she some spare tire? No, definitely not. She closed her eyes, lowering her head. She needed her rationality for the rest of the night. She cannot just be jealous without acquiring the rights.

Inside, Chang Lianna was sitting in her wheelchair. Her back was straight as her eyes roamed around the area. She was wearing a navy-blue halter chiffon dress that complemented her fair skin. Her brown hair was styled in a messy bun, framing her delicate face.

Although there were only few people, the atmosphere inside the venue seemed to suffocate her. She kept wringing her hands in her lap.

"I don't understand why you are so nervous," a voice behind her pointed out.

Chang Lianna's mouth curved into a smile. "You are late," she said, raising her chin and staring at the face of one of the most eligible bachelors in City S.

Xu Wei raised his shoulders in half-shrug. "Well, I said hi to your future sister-in-law."

"Future sister-in-law?" Chang Lianna's eyes widened upon realizing what her elder brother told her. She reached out for her brother's hand. "You're getting married?"

"Yes," Xu Wei said, rubbing his sister's hand gently.

An usherette approached the brother-sister duo. Smiling at them, she extended her arm towards the walkway. "Esteemed guests, may I lead the two of you to your seats now? The launching will start anytime from now."

"Lead the way," Xu Wei went behind Chang Lianna's wheelchair and pushed it.

At the backstage, the eight models were already in their bikini outfits. The NU C launching was themed as 'Stones and Prints.' Hence, it followed that the bikinis were made of bold prints and embedded with Swarovski stones. Li Nuxie hand painted the bikinis personally.

Inside the room designated for the main model, RuRu kept pacing back and forth while biting her red fingernails. She wore a black silk robe over the bikini she would model tonight.

"Stop doing that," Hong Chi chided her, pulling her hand away from her mouth. "You're damaging the nail polish."

RuRu took a deep breath. "This is my first time to be out after the s—scandal," she said, stuttering. The media had been vicious towards her. All she did was love a man with all her heart. Who would have thought the he would secretly film their lovemaking? She raised her head as her eyes welled up.

"Don't think too much about it. This is your chance to prove that you are still RuRu, THE one and only RuRu," Hong Chi pat her shoulder. "Do your best. I know you can. And even the owner believes in you."

RuRu nodded. She hasn't met the owner yet but who knows, she might be lucky enough to meet the person behind NU C tonight.