Chapter 88: Winning the Contract
Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales
“This is too perfect!” Austin sighed in excited admiration.
“Mr. Austin, if my guess is correct, this set of jewelry represents Huifre [1], no?” Yun Xiangxiang chuckled.
“Yes, Huifre,” Austin nodded, “Can you tell me what made you see Huifre, smart lady?”
“Huifre governs dreams. When I saw this set of jewelry, I could only think of how dreamlike it looked,” Yun Xiangxiang answered with a smile.
“You saw its element of dream?” An astonished voice arced into their conversation. A gaunt man who had greyish-white beard trotted toward Yun Xiangxiang, “Did you really see the dream? Did you really see Huifre?”
“My first feeling when I saw this set was that it felt magnificently dreamlike. Since this is an ‘Angel’ series, I guessed that it should be Huifre.”
Yun Xiangxiang didn’t know who he was. However, he must have been someone special to be able to come here and interrupt Austin’s conversation with her whenever he wanted.
“Yun, please allow me to formally introduce you to my best partner; chief designer Percy,” Austin made the introduction, “He’s retiring soon. ‘Angel’ is his final dream.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Percy,” Yun Xiangxiang smiled courteously.
Percy should already be sixty. It was really an age where someone should retire. It was little wonder why MonRoe would work tirelessly to create such an extravagant series. He must have contributed his whole life to the brand to be able to become chief designer.
“A pleasure, angel from the east,” Percy used a title that signified importance. This statement all but confirmed her right to be the spokesperson for ‘Angel.’”You can take a look at the other couple of sets to see who you see in them?”
Only three sets of jewelry were taken out this time. Yun Xiangxiang was already wearing one of them.
“It shall be my honor,” Yun Xiangxiang accepted the offer gladly.
Percy stretched his hand to invite Yun Xiangxiang to another side. The first of the other two sets was even more splendid. Aside from white diamonds, there were also black jades. They looked quietly elegant.
They were arranged closely. White diamonds swirled around the black jade. The enigmatic jade was bursting with light and energy. On top of that, this set of jewelry probably cost more than double that of Huifre.
Yun Xiangxiang’s fingertip traced the outline of the box that was housing the jewelry, “I see power in this set of jewelry. I think it’s Outyua.”
Percy absolutely didn’t know what to say. There was only astonishment in his azure eyes that was peering at Yun Xiangxiang.
Yun Xiangxiang only took a look at the last set before answering, “Aukmia.”
The necklace for this set had seven wings spread out and was absolutely symmetrical from its center.
Aukmia was the first angel from the left. It had seven wings, but alas it was a perfectionist. Aukmia was haunted by Its wings’ asymmetry to the point where it even asked God to add or take away one wing.
Aukmia was also the weakest among all the angels. That was why this set of jewelry had relatively simple outlines compared to the previous two. The precious stones embedded in it weren’t as luxurious either.
“Yun, did you learn jewelry design before?” Percy was already suspecting.
He already drew the whole set of jewelry and gave them to his students to look at. Everyone could guess the set that took Aukmia as inspiration. However, nobody else could answer anything else correctly.
Some even mistook Outyua as Huifre.
He thought he was the one who didn’t express it quite adequately after hearing his students’ reasons. However, Yun Xiangxiang whom he met today could actually understand what the jewelry was trying to say.
To a jewelry designer, every piece of work was a work of art that had its own soul. They weren’t something that were assembled haphazardly without any inspiration or design. That kind of work wouldn’t shine.
A designer would hope to come across those who could understand the meaning behind their work just with a look without needing them to explain. It would be the highest form of acknowledgement a designer could get.
“Oh no, I may be a lady, but I’m not fanatical about jewelry.” She didn’t really like jewelry, and basically only bought it when she needed them. She wouldn’t give them any thought if she didn’t use it.
“Oh, that is such a shame. You would have been a gifted jewelry designer!” Percy regretted it. He would take her as his student had Yun Xiangxiang been a jewelry designer.
“Thank you, but I prefer being an actress,” Yun Xiangxiang enjoyed the thrill of experiencing different characters and the free expression of emotions during filming, “Can I start the shoot now?”
“Yes, you can,” Austin immediately ordered the photographer and everyone else to be in position.
Percy took a step further and followed Yun Xiangxiang around. He dismissed the photographer’s assistant and helped Yun Xiangxiang straighten out the gown’s hemline. He exchanged questions about positions and angles with Yun Xiangxiang.
“Percy hasn’t been so happy for a long time,” Austin who was standing at one side lamented to He Wei. “Thank you, He. Percy gave all his passion to MonRoe. He was diagnosed with cancer. The doctor had already advised him to give up treatment. We don’t know how many days he has left in his life. Father decided to fulfill his final dream and gave his all to create ‘Angel’ which he has planned for ten years.”
“That is regrettable news.” He Wei consoled Austin.
“I think we can talk about our collaboration now.” Austin invited He Wei to the office at the side with a smile.
He Wei and Austin had already finished their negotiations about the terms on a pleasant note when Yun Xiangxiang finished her shoot. They couldn’t help but to feel shaken to the core when they saw the enlarged photo after they came out.
The pale gold silk shone like the rays of the sun, paired with the pure, snowy ivory. The slim figure hinted an enchanting smile. A maiden with wisps of mist in her eyes, the jewelry that radiated brilliant light…
“Austin my partner, look at this. Isn’t it perfect?” Percy didn’t want to avert his gaze when he laid eyes upon the photo.
“Yes, perfect.” Austin was already out of words for praise. He thought that this photo would make everyone go crazy if it were to be published.
“It’s not actually perfect. It would look even better if my hair was dyed blond,” Yun Xiangxiang found the only flaw after she peered at the photo.
“Yes, gold would be even more flawless.” Percy nodded in assent, “Yun, your hair will be transformed soon.”
“I’ll accept the best arrangements.” Yun Xiangxiang could already imagine how her hair would be tormented in the photoshoot for the sets of jewelry after this. She would probably don one hair color or multiple colors for one set.
Wearing a wig wouldn’t be natural. This was a needed sacrifice for the job. She wasn’t averse to it, but was only thinking about how to care for her hair when she got back home.
Austin warmly invited them to his house. He jovially made some steaks himself.
He Wei took Yun Xiangxiang and departed after they had settled the matter of tomorrow’s shooting of the promotional video. Austin and Percy each gave a gift to Yun Xiangxiang before they left.
“The negotiations for the global ambassador are done. The contract’s signing would be tomorrow. However, it’s not for the whole product line. The contract of their European ambassador for their wristwatch is still ongoing. Austin said that they’ll prioritize you after this.” He Wei was in a good mood.