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CHAPTER 441
As Lian Rui left the vicinity, her footsteps quickened with determination. She couldn't waste a single moment and immediately headed towards where Andromeda stood, accompanied by her assistants.
The day had been a whirlwind of events, but now Lian Rui had stumbled upon Victoria and Serena in the midst of her own business.
Watching Andromeda's serene smile as she greeted the contestants who came to congratulate her, Lian Rui felt a wave of relief wash over her.
It was as if Andromeda had risen above the chaos, refusing to let it consume her.
A sense of calm settled over Lian Rui, causing her to question whether revealing the truth about Victoria and Serena was necessary.
Should she burden Andromeda with the knowledge of their deceitful actions? Lost in contemplation, her thoughts were interrupted by Andromeda's beckoning voice, calling out her name with a wave of her hand.
"Lian Rui!" Andromeda's voice carried warmth and genuine affection, dispelling any lingering animosity or resentment.
Lian Rui smiled, her heart lightening as she approached. Andromeda's greeting was genuine and heartfelt, a reassurance that she was okay.
"Andromeda! How are you?" Lian Rui's voice was filled with cheer as she extended her arms wide open, welcoming Andromeda into a warm embrace.
"I am good now," Andromeda replied, her voice filled with happiness, reciprocating the gesture by enveloping Lian Rui's hands in her own.
A gentle squeeze passed between them as Lian Rui spoke softly, "That's great. I'm happy for you too."
The moment of tranquillity was interrupted by Jian Xiaofei's indignant voice, breaking the peaceful atmosphere.
Her arms folded in front of her bosom, she voiced her anger and determination, "But I am angry. I still want the evildoers caught. The boys involved must be caught."
Lian Rui's brows furrowed in confusion as she pulled away from the hug, seeking clarification, "Boys?"
"Yes," Jian Xiaofei affirmed, her tone resolute.
"Aren't they girls?" Lian Rui's question hung in the air, causing all three women to turn their heads simultaneously, their eyes filled with curiosity and suspicion.
"How did you know they were girls and not guys?" Peng Xiaoli inquired.
Lian Rui stumbled for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I mean, we are in a fashion event. Who would have easier access than girls?"
"Any gender can," Jian Xiaofei countered.
"And if that's the case... I think you can't refute our words without knowing something yourself, right?" Peng Xiaoli stated as a matter of factly.
Lian Rui paused, gathering her argument. "True but consider this, the precision of the cuts, the attention to detail. Except a male designer is now so petty... I'd say a female might be the one who did it," Lian Rui explained.
"You're suggesting that the culprit is someone skilled with scissors, someone who understands the art of fashion and not just someone who wants to destroy or was hired?" Andromeda asked for clarification.
When Lian Rui nodded, Andromeda added with conviction, "It seems more likely that a woman, rather than a boy, would have done this out of spite."
"Exactly! It points to someone with expertise, not just someone seeking destruction," Lian Rui's enthusiasm swelled as she found agreement before turning towards Peng Xiaoli with a smile on her face.
"Anyways, what do you plan on doing next?" She watched as Andromeda began packing up her belongings, curiosity burning in her eyes.
"We would find those..." Jian Xiaofei began, but Andromeda swiftly raised a hand to halt her, a gesture to silence her before she divulged too much.
Lian Rui couldn't help but notice the subtle action, realizing that Andromeda was concealing something.
A flicker of intrigue danced in her eyes, as she resolved to help Andromeda uncover the truth. But she understood that Andromeda and her assistants had their reasons for keeping secrets.
"We would do nothing. I do not want to be vengeful. Let it go, Xiaofei," Andromeda declared firmly, her words causing Jian Xiaofei to cross her arms and avert her gaze. Though reluctant, she respected Andromeda's wishes.
"Pfft," Peng Xiaoli couldn't contain her laughter at Jian Xiaofei's childlike pouting. "Ignore her. As Ms. Kia said, we need to focus on preventing such incidents in the future instead of dwelling on the past."
Lian Rui nodded in agreement, absorbing their conversation. "I see."
"Yeah, let's finish up and leave, girls," Andromeda declared.
"All done, Ms. Kai," Peng Xiaoli informed her.
"Okay." Andromeda turned to face Lian Rui, her lovely smile beaming. "I need to leave. This whole incident has given me quite the headache."
"Sure. You need your rest. It's a good thing the finals are in two days. See you then." Lian Rui's gaze shifted towards Peng Xiaoli. "Please take good care of them. They need you."
"I wouldn't be told that twice. Thanks, Ms. Lian, and congratulations," Peng Xiaoli replied.
"Sure. Thank you. Bye, everyone." Lian Rui waved her hand as she watched them make their exit.
"I guess we should get back too then since we have some work left for today," Qing Mei, her assistant, said softly while approaching Lian Rui.
Lian Rui nodded silently without looking at Qing Mei. Her mind was still filled with thoughts about the earlier conversation she had with the three ladies.
ραΠdαsΝοvel.cοm The depth of the situation was far more intricate than Andromeda's ruined designs.
While she held what she knew to herself, she could not hold it against Andromeda and her assistants if they choose to keep things from her.
Letting out a deep sigh, she turned to face Qing Mei, a weak smile appearing on her face, etched with lines of stress.
"But... I think work can wait until tomorrow morning. I'll inform the Master about it. For now, you need to rest, Young Miss," Qing Mei stated and shook her head.
"Sure, but before that, I need to go digging," Lian Rui declared, determination shining in her eyes as she took the first step away from the place.
"Digging?" Qing Mei's eyes widened, her face contorted with confusion as she stared at Lian Rui.
"Yes, digging into someone's dirt."
A mischievous glint flickered in Lian Rui's eyes as she took the first step forward and away from the place.
'If Andromeda plans to let this go, then I can only help her myself since I know the truth,' Lian Rui thought to herself.
Observing Lian Rui's resolve, Qing Mei couldn't help but shudder, a sense of foreboding settling over her. She knew her Young Miss all too well, aware of the depths her curiosity and vindictiveness could reach.
"I pity the culprits at this point," Qing Mei muttered under her breath. "Hey, Ms. Lian, wait up!"
Lian Rui did not stop until she reached home where she immediately went straight for her room after greeting Mrs Liang who was waiting outside their door with her father.
She had been working non-stop ever since coming back so much so that even though she was tired out, sleep would elude her no matter what effort she put forth.
She felt her conscience prick her but most importantly, the nerve of Victoria and Serena to suggest she cheated because her work wasn't good enough made her want to outdo their expectations even more.
After taking off all her clothes except what covered her body, she sat down on top of her bed while staring blankly ahead.
Her mind wandered aimlessly through memories of past events which were mostly unpleasant ones like those involving Serena and Victoria.
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