A Friend I've Loved for a Long Time - Chapter 12

“Since you two know each other, how about you take Miss Yun Zhi on a tour of our company? I was just about to take her to your exhibition room anyway—why don’t you lead the way?”

Qu Lan raised her chin, signaling to Yu Mingxia.

“Would that be alright?” Yu Mingxia didn’t answer directly. Instead, she looked at Yun Zhi, seeking her opinion.

Yun Zhi nodded. “Of course.”

Because of Yu Mingxia’s appearance, the favorable impression of L&Y that had begun to fade earlier came rushing back. She mentally retracted her previous thought about the collaboration partners not being a good match. If the partnership included Yu Mingxia, she felt it would be a very good collaboration indeed.

Seeing this, Qu Lan let out a soft “tsk,” so faint that only Yu Mingxia, who was right beside her, caught it and shot her a quick glance.

“I’ll be off then. Mingxia, give Miss Yun Zhi a proper tour—try to salvage my image while you’re at it so she’ll agree to work with us.”

Even though Qu Lan had whispered in Yu Mingxia’s ear, Yun Zhi still caught it. After Qu Lan left, Yun Zhi asked cautiously, “Was I that obvious?”

Based on Qu Lan’s comment, she had clearly guessed Yun Zhi’s thoughts.

“She studied law. She’s learned a bit of micro-expression psychology.” Yu Mingxia led the two of them toward a nearby exhibition room as she spoke.

Yun Zhi nodded in realization, her expression conflicted. “Then I probably offended her.”

“What happened?” Yu Mingxia was curious; how could Yun Zhi have offended Qu Lan in such a short amount of time?

“The person who received me was the President’s secretary. We happened to run into Director Qu at the elevator, and she just took over the job. At the time, I felt her look was…”

Yun Zhi stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing that Qu Lan and Yu Mingxia were likely close. She had blurted out her internal thoughts and worried Yu Mingxia might overthink it. She bit her lip and swallowed the rest of her words.

Seeing her fall silent and look down, Yu Mingxia understood. She smiled and said warmly: “It’s okay. I’m on your side.”

On my side…?

A sentence that might have been said just to save her face made Yun Zhi feel incredibly happy. She believed Yu Mingxia meant it.

“I just thought it was a bit strange. When I collaborate, I look at the person. I was worried we wouldn’t click and the partnership wouldn’t be pleasant.”

To others, having a Director take over from a secretary might seem like a good thing. But in Yun Zhi’s eyes, the secretary hadn’t seemed willing to leave—she only did so after Qu Lan’s “reminder.” To her, it looked like a display of power.

From those few sentences, Yu Mingxia extracted several key pieces of information. She organized her thoughts and replied:

“I heard earlier that the company intended to collaborate with a well-known photographer. You don’t need to worry about that. If you decide to work with L&Y, I can apply to be your point of contact. We ‘click’ well enough, don’t we?”

Yun Zhi nodded. “Of course we do! My mood improved just seeing you. If you had told me sooner that you worked at L&Y, I wouldn’t have even needed this tour.”

Yun Zhi’s directness brought a wave of joy to Yu Mingxia; it was a sign of trust.

“But aren’t you a designer? Can you handle the business collaboration side?” Yun Zhi had only hoped Yu Mingxia would be involved; she hadn’t imagined a single person following through the entire process. In a company this large, many departments would be involved in a shoot.

“I hold a few titles in the company,” Yu Mingxia explained as she opened the door to the exhibition room and turned back to her. “If you’re willing, I can apply to follow the project from start to finish. That way, you can just tell me whatever you need, and I’ll arrange it.”

The offer was highly tempting to Yun Zhi. Not only did she get along with the partner, but it would also save her the trouble of having to adjust to new people. However, she was curious about these “titles” Yu Mingxia mentioned.

“What titles?” Yun Zhi asked directly.

“The company founder is my sister. I hold some shares, so I’m essentially a Vice President, as well as the Creative and Design Director. So, no one can snatch away a job I want.”

Yun Zhi: “?”

So her previous hunch was correct: Yu Mingxia was indeed a formidable figure. Not only that, but her ability to read people was sharp—she had guessed the meaning behind Yun Zhi’s words, which was why she added that bit about no one being able to take the job.

“Then… I’ll be in your care?”

Yu Mingxia understood this meant she had agreed to the collaboration. She nodded. “It’s my honor.”

“These are some of my previous designs. Please, come in.” Yu Mingxia stepped aside to let them in.

Xiao Bai, walking at the back, gave Yu Mingxia a small smile and a nod. If Yu Mingxia hadn’t been standing by the door waiting for her, Xiao Bai would have felt invisible. In this meeting of three, she hadn’t been able to get a word in. Usually, when Yun Zhi took her to talk business, she would consult her, but today she hadn’t been asked once. The conversation felt like two friends chatting who just happened to mention work.

Xiao Bai figured she’d just let them talk. Based on past experience, Yun Zhi would discuss the decision with her on the way back. However, she hadn’t expected Yun Zhi to agree before they even left. Xiao Bai was still a bit dazed.

Reflecting on how Yun Zhi was equally decisive when working with Jiang Yan’an’s company, Xiao Bai finally snapped out of it. This proved that Yu Mingxia was a true friend. You don’t act that quickly unless you really trust someone.

The bright lights illuminated the room. Many frames hung on the walls containing sketches of high-end couture. Even for someone like Yun Zhi who didn’t follow fashion closely, she recognized many of them.

“So the ‘young and talented designer’ my mother talks about is you,” Yun Zhi said, walking over to a specific gown. “At a banquet last year, the dress my mom prepared for me was this one. She said she managed to snag it from Fashion Week.”

“And this one too, my mother gave it to me.” Yun Zhi was shocked to find that several of the pieces were currently sitting in her own wardrobe. Unless necessary, Yun Zhi rarely wore couture, usually only when her mother ordered her to for events. But she loved beauty, so even if she didn’t wear them, she kept them neatly stored as a collection.

“Out of all the clothes my mom gave me, these two are my favorites. To think they’re both your work… is this a kind of fate?”

Yu Mingxia had known Yun Zhi came from a wealthy background since junior high. A few pieces of couture were nothing to her. The reason they felt so “right” was perhaps because those clothes were designed with her in mind from the start. Because Yu Mingxia understood her, liked her, and knew it was for her, she had poured a great deal into the designs.

“Yes, it shows we have a lot of fate,” Yu Mingxia smiled.

Xiao Bai watched from the sidelines. The atmosphere was so harmonious she couldn’t find an opening to speak. Before she could even ask a question like “Sister Yun Zhi, your family is this rich?”, Yu Mingxia had already answered Yun Zhi’s next point. Any interjection would have felt out of place. She decided to remain a silent listener.

Yun Zhi scanned the room until her gaze was drawn to one spot. She noticed a faint outline on the wall, and upon closer inspection, she saw a keyhole. Based on experience, she knew there was a hidden door there.

Seeing Yun Zhi go quiet, Yu Mingxia followed her gaze. Even though Yun Zhi quickly looked away, Yu Mingxia caught the curiosity in her eyes.

“There’s a hidden door here. Inside is my favorite piece of work,” Yu Mingxia said softly.

To Yun Zhi, the works in this room were already masterpiece level. Even without labels, she knew many had been to Fashion Week and won awards. She was incredibly curious about what kind of design Yu Mingxia would keep in private.

“Do you want to see it?” Yu Mingxia offered, sensing Yun Zhi’s hesitation.

“Is that okay?”

“You’re my friend. You can see anything of mine.” As she spoke, Yu Mingxia leaned down to reach into a nearby cabinet and pulled out a key.

Yun Zhi was still processing the weight of the word “friend” to Yu Mingxia when the hidden door clicked open. She followed her inside.

Xiao Bai stood at the threshold, unsure if she should enter. Yu Mingxia’s words emphasized Yun Zhi’s importance—but was it also a reminder to her? Yun Zhi could go in because she was a friend, but what about her? No one seemed to remember her.

Better not go in, she thought. That phrasing felt a bit exclusive. Xiao Bai sighed and leaned against the wall to wait.

“Xiao Bai, wait for me here a moment,” Yun Zhi said, popping her head out after realizing she’d left her assistant behind. Xiao Bai felt relieved; her boss remembered her after all. But before she could reply, the door closed.

Xiao Bai: “…”

The hidden room was small, only about ten square meters, but the decor was romantic. Blue was the dominant color, designed to perfectly complement the wedding dress standing in the center. The entire room existed solely for this dress.

Yun Zhi’s breath hitched. At first glance, she thought of her favorite “Broken Ice Blue” roses. The fabric was adorned with a faint starlight. She could see the immense love Yu Mingxia had poured into this piece. It was clear the dress held extraordinary significance.

Yun Zhi turned to look at Yu Mingxia, only to find her already watching her.

Yu Mingxia slowly looked away and said quietly, “This was my university graduation project.”

“University?” Yun Zhi bit her lip. She wanted to touch it but hesitated.

“Yes, university,” Yu Mingxia saw her intent and added warmly, “Touch it if you want. It’s okay.” I wanted it to be yours anyway.

Seeing the look of admiration in Yun Zhi’s eyes, Yu Mingxia asked with a small smile, “Do you like it?”

With permission, Yun Zhi reached out to gently touch the fabric. It shimmered even under the artificial lights; in the sun, it would surely be breathtaking.

“Was this just a random design or…?”

“It wasn’t random. It was meant for someone I like,” Yu Mingxia replied softly, her eyes on the dress.

Yun Zhi’s eyes widened in shock. “Did you give it to them?”

It was a redundant question—if she had, the dress wouldn’t be here. It would be a photograph on the wall like the others.

“I haven’t had the chance yet.” Yu Mingxia’s voice was casual, and she even managed a light laugh.

Yun Zhi looked at her, seeing no outward sign of distress, but she decided to change the subject rather than pry. “What’s it called? Your graduation project must have a name.”

Yu Mingxia pursed her lips and waited a long time before answering: “I think it was… ‘Person in a Dream’? It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten.”

“No way, your graduation project and you forgot the name?” Yun Zhi didn’t believe her. She suspected the name was something special—perhaps the person’s name or a meaning too private to share. Even as a friend, one shouldn’t expect to know everything. Being allowed into this room was already a high honor.

“Well, it’s a romantic and beautiful dress. She will definitely like it,” Yun Zhi said.

“Will she?” Yu Mingxia asked, snapping out of her thoughts about how to avoid the “name” topic.

“Of course.” Yun Zhi guessed that a project finished years ago that still hadn’t been given away must have a reason, but she viewed it as only a matter of time. Someone as excellent as Yu Mingxia would surely get what she wanted. “I actually quite envy the person you like.”

To have a partner design something so heartfelt… how romantic.

Yun Zhi smiled and met Yu Mingxia’s eyes. Perhaps because of the topic, Yu Mingxia’s gaze seemed complex. Realizing she might have overstepped, Yun Zhi quickly tried to lighten the mood.

“Then I’ll wish that you can finally give this dress away this year, how about that?”

Yu Mingxia’s expression grew even more complicated. “I’ll do my best.”

“My blessings are usually very effective! Believe me, this year it will happen.”

Yun Zhi didn’t know the specifics, but she assumed Yu Mingxia just hadn’t found the right moment. Marriage wasn’t something you just jumped into.

Yu Mingxia let out a soft laugh. Looking at Yun Zhi’s serious face, her gaze softened even further.

“Then I’ll take your word for it. This year, it will happen.”