Chapter 15 — My Best Friend's Older Brother Took Responsibility for Me

I looked her in the eye. "Every single one of my proposals has original timestamps, edit history, and reference material. How long did it take you to alter my files? An hour or two?" She fell silent. "Qiu Nian, if you think I rose through connections, what do you call altering my files? Skill?" Xiao He had already sent login history screenshots to the GM. The GM read it with a darkened face and summoned Qiu Nian to his office. Half an hour later, Qiu Nian stepped out with red eyes—given a disciplinary warning, half a month's bonus deducted, and the major client reassigned to me. Passing my desk, she muttered softly, "Wen Ruyue prompted me to do it—said she'd introduce wealthier clients to me." I looked at her. "How much were those clients worth? Was it worth trading away three years of your professional reputation?" Qiu Nian didn't answer, returning to her seat dazed for a long time.

The design proposal issue was settled smoothly, but Wen Ruyue wasn't directly implicated. Qiu Nian claimed she was prompted, but lacked written evidence; Wen Ruyue simply denied knowing, and the company couldn't do anything to her. She was smart—never acting directly, manipulating others to do dirty work while watching comfortably from a corner. People like her weren't rare in society; I wasn't in a hurry. The day would come when she caught herself in her own net.

During this period, I poured all my energy into work—handling concept design and implementation for three partner brands. I wasn't relying on Li Hangzhi's backing; the clients had reviewed my portfolio, liked my style, and reached out directly. Five years of building my portfolio and reputation had given me a solid personal style. I had earned it step by step. No one had done it for me, and no one could steal it away.

Half a month later, the company landed a massive project: Coordinating all backstage styling for Hecheng's Annual Fashion Gala—the city's largest fashion event, bringing together brands, celebrities, high society, and major media outlets nationwide. The company nominated me as lead stylist; the GM called me up personally. "Lin Wan, this event is huge for our company. Are you ready to take on the responsibility?" "I'm ready." "The pressure won't be light. If you need any support, the company will go all out." "Thank you, boss."

Back at my desk, I began detailed planning. Xiao He compiled styling data from the past three galas, and I carefully studied every file and photo. At home that evening, Li Hangzhi waited for me in the living room. "Took on the Gala project?" "Yes." "Need any help from me?" "No need—I can handle it myself." He looked at me, nodding slightly. "Your skill deserves to shine on every stage." He said it without a smile or emphasis, as if stating an obvious fact. I couldn't help laughing. "Do you think your wife is a superhero?" "Yes. Very much a superhero." Flattering his wife without even changing his expression!

The Gala night officially arrived. Backstage was a frenzy from 3 PM. My team and I handled styling for 12 groups of artists and guests—changing outfits, touching up makeup, fixing sudden errors, adding last-minute attendees... every minute precisely timed. Xiao He ran back and forth delivering items until her voice turned hoarse. At 7 PM sharp, stage lights illuminated the hall as guests entered. Looking out from backstage, the hall was packed—brand representatives in the front rows, round tables draped in white, warm yellow lighting, glasses clinking constantly. Li Hangzhi sat at the main table in the front row, wearing a navy suit; the silver square cufflinks on his wrists were the pair I gave him last week. He never used accessories usually, yet wore these today. Turning back, I resumed backstage work.

At 8:30 PM, the Gala entered intermission. I stepped out from backstage for some fresh air, and when I turned a corner in the hallway, I bumped into Wen Ruyue. She was dressed extravagantly in a wine-red evening gown, with an elegant updo and an expensive necklace. Standing beside her was a man—Chu Yan. I stopped. Seeing me, Wen Ruyue smiled faintly. "Miss Lin, what a coincidence." Ignoring Chu Yan completely, I asked, "Miss Wen, do you have an invitation to tonight's event?" "A friend transferred it," she said, tilting her head. "Ah, right. Let me introduce—this is—"