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CHAPTER 430
The announcement for the annual fashion show came off with a bang as several of the fashion designers were already present at their respective workstations by seven o'clock sharp.
That was the time set aside for everyone to arrive at the venue where they'd meet up before heading over together towards the event hall located at one end of the city park.
A large crowd had gathered outside the entrance waiting eagerly for the doors to open so they could get inside early enough to secure good seats near the front row.
The excitement from those who had been invited had spread like wildfire throughout the entire building causing many people to rush around frantically trying to make sure everything was perfected ahead of schedule.
As soon as she arrived, Andromeda made her way straight backstage where several other designers were to meet before the commencing of the event.
She found herself standing beside an older woman whose face looked familiar but whom she couldn't quite place till finally it dawned on her: It was none other than Mrs. Liang!
"Mrs. Liang!" Andromeda exclaimed happily upon seeing her again after such a long while since last meeting each other during the wedding ceremony between two outstanding fashion designers.
"Andromeda," Mrs. Liang replied warmly smiling widely in return. "It's nice to see you." She paused briefly then added softly, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend your mother's funeral then. However, my husband and I send our deepest condolences and prayers for peace and comfort to all of you."
Andromeda smiled sadly and nodded. "Even I missed it because of school."
"Oh my. I am so sorry. True, I see you making waves now in the fashion industry. I am proud."
"Thank you very much for sending us these flowers and gifts that we received yesterday. They really helped lift some spirits among all of us here at work today."
Mrs. Liang gave a small nod acknowledging what Andromeda said.
"It's the least I could do to acknowledge my young intern back then," she stated with a smile.
"I am glad you are competing this year. I wondered if you had dropped fashion completely after years of not hearing anything from such a talent as you. Turns out Mr. Wu, that snake was busy hiding you and stealing, let's not forget."
Andromeda giggled softly and shrugged. There wasn't much either of them could do to make up for those wasted years.
Suddenly Mrs. Liang turned serious once more when she spoke next. "So how are things going? How has life been treating you?"
Andromeda shrugged lightly with a smile. "Life is good."
"And your dad? How is he? I know he loved your mother so well."
Andromeda swallowed hard. Loved? Yes.
He did love her until he cheated and brought in that snuzzle of a human being.
Sensing the sadness in Andromeda's eyes, Mrs. Lian's brows creased as she stepped closer to her. "What is wrong dear? You can talk to me. Your mother and I were close friends. I apologize though for not keeping in touch."
Andromeda nodded at her. "Sure. Ever since my mom passed away... well... my dad and I haven't been that close. I left the house and I am living well on my own."
"Sweetie, you can't do away with family, you know."
Andromeda hesitated before continuing on quietly as tears threatened to spill over her eyes again.
"I know but I have been blessed by having wonderful friends who've supported me through thick and thin ever since childhood till now." She paused before adding on sincerely, "Thanks again for everything but I am okay, now. I only wish mother was here to see this day."
Mrs. Liang nodded and reached her hand to touch Andromeda's cheek gently. Her voice was soft when she spoke next.
"No matter how you grow, remember, your mother is always watching you. And I know she would have been proud of you, just like I am. Look at you, my young Andromeda is competing with Aunt Su."
"Hahhaa, yes."
"Also, family isn't something we should give up easily or quickly. It takes time to build a strong relationship between two people especially if they don't get along all too often like yours. Your father and you used to be like back then in your teen years but you two worked it out. So, give him a chance again."
She smiled warmly at Andromeda while giving a small chuckle. "And I know, Liu Xueyi would be proud. I hope he comes and doesn't miss this," Mrs. Liang said softly as she looked into the distance in search of something.
"I hope so too."
"Good day everyone," the voice of one of the organizers rang out, breaking everyone from their little gathering.
"Welcome to the 40th Annual Fashion Event! We are glad that so many designers are able to join us today!" The crowd cheered loudly upon hearing his words.
The event hall had already filled up completely by now; there were no more seats left for anyone else who wanted to come inside early enough for good spots near the front row where most guests sat during such events.
As soon as Andromeda stepped outside after greeting some other fashion designer friends who were also present for the show, she spotted Lian Rui, her high school classmate.
"Wow."
Lian's eyes widened when she saw her standing beside her auntie whom she hadn't seen since her wedding ceremony last year.
Lian Rui was wearing an elegant black dress with matching heels which made her look stunning even though she was still quite young compared to others around them—most of those being older than herself.
She was surprised because she didn't expect Andromeda to attend this kind of event considering how busy she seemed lately and has always missed out.
"Lian!"
"Andromeda Kai. What a surprise," Lian Rui exclaimed as she rushed over and hugged her. "It's been what... Ages?" she asked curiously, looking at her friend closely before smiling brightly at her once again. "You're doing well? How have you been?"
Andromeda smiled warmly at her before answering: "I'm fine thanks. I'm good, started working at Starlight Apparel this year. You?"
"I am okay. Well, I have been here for a while now."
"And that's something," Andromeda pointed out. "Considering you had no interest in fashion back then. What changed?"
Lian Rui shrugged. "Nothing much. I had a muse and I chose to go into fashion design. Joined his company three years ago."
"Isn't that great. I'm happy for you. I spent 5 years in Divine Pearl before jumping ship. Anyways, are you ready?"
"Hahhaa, I have seen your designs... I know I have competition now," Lian laughed and turned to the side. "Forgive my manners, aunty. How have you been?"
"Finally, the youngsters noticed me."
"Wait, Mrs. Liang is your aunt?" Andromeda asked, shock spilling into her eyes.
"Yeah, from my mother's side."
"What a small world."
"It is." Mrs. Liang nodded politely but did not reply immediately instead giving the two girls some space so they could talk privately without interruptions from the crowd surrounding them.
The moment both ladies were alone together, Andromeda spoke up first. "So tell me about yourself these days dear."
Lian gave her an amused smile as she replied happily, "Well, let see..." She paused briefly as she thought of what she wanted to say next. "...I've met someone special."
"Your muse huh?"
"Stop teasing but yes. And you?"
"Well, I think everyone knows my story now, Liu Xueyi and all."
Both ladies laughed, and filled each other in before dispersing to tend to things. After all, this was a competition.
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