As soon as they stepped into Valmont Haute Couture, the air of luxury was unmistakable. The marble floors glead under the soft lighting, and the faint scent of high-end perfu lingered in the air. Mannequins dressed in exquisite gowns lined the showroom, each piece a silent testant to the brand’s exclusivity.
Lixue walked in with Shi Haoyue and Xu Qian, her expression calm, her every movent exuding quiet confidence.
A poised assistant stepped forward, giving a respectful nod. "Miss Y.L., welco. The executives and lead designers are expecting you."
They were led through the expansive hall, passing by busy designers and tailors, their hushed conversations blending with the faint rustling of fabric.
Shi Haoyue leaned slightly toward her, lowering his voice. "Valmont isn’t like other brands. They don’t just look at popularity—they want soone who fits their image completely. If they’re inviting you for negotiations, they’re taking you seriously."
Lixue gave a noncommittal hum.
In the private lounge, a group of well-dressed executives and designers were already seated, their expressions unreadable. Among them, a man with neatly combed silver hair, Mr. Glen, stood and extended a hand with the ease of soone used to dealing with the elite.
"Miss Y.L., a pleasure to finally et you in person," he said smoothly. "We’ve been keeping an eye on your rise."
Lixue accepted the handshake with a polite smile. "The pleasure is mine. Valmont’s craftsmanship speaks for itself."
A few of the executives exchanged looks, as if reassessing her. It wasn’t the flattery they were used to—she hadn’t co in trying to impress them, yet she wasn’t dismissive either. She was simply... composed.
The creative director, Mada Vivienne, who carried an air of sharp elegance, folded her hands. "We’re interested in working with you, Miss Y.L. You have the right look, the right presence. But more importantly, you carry a certain air of mystery—one that intrigues people."
Shi Haoyue stepped in before Lixue had to respond. "A long-term collaboration is a significant step. We’d like to understand the details of the contract first."
Mr. Laurent nodded and opened a folder. "We’re offering a three-year contract where Miss Y.L. will serve as our ambassador. She will be the face of exclusive collections, attend major fashion weeks, and receive custom pieces tailored specifically for her."
Lixue crossed her legs and rested her fingers lightly on her knee. "And in return?"
"The endorsent deal cos with an eight-figure sum, priority access to our ateliers, and, if all goes well, a personal fashion line under your na by the second year."
Xu Qian’s fingers twitched slightly against his clipboard. A personal fashion line? That wasn’t sothing they handed out casually.
Lixue, however, remained unfazed. "What about exclusivity?"
Mada Vivienne gave an approving smile, as if pleased she had asked. "Naturally, we expect you to refrain from endorsing competing luxury fashion houses during the contract. However, we’re open to certain specialty collaborations if they don’t conflict with our branding."
Shi Haoyue leaned back. "It’s a strong offer."
Lixue glanced at the executives, her expression thoughtful. "It is. But I don’t sign things in a rush. I’ll need to go through the contract carefully."
The room fell silent for a brief second before one of the executives, a middle-aged man who had been quiet the entire ti, let out a soft scoff.
"With all due respect, Miss Y.L.," he said, adjusting his glasses, "you’re still new to the industry. Most would consider an offer like this a rare opportunity. Taking too long to decide might make it seem like you don’t value it."
Xu Qian’s grip on her pen tightened slightly, but Lixue remained completely calm.
She turned her gaze toward the man, her lips curving into sothing that wasn’t quite a smile. "The first step of a long journey determines everything. Would you sign a contract without being sure it aligns with your path?"
The executive stiffened slightly but didn’t speak.
Mada Vivienne let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, you remind of soone I knew in my younger days. Soone who never made decisions in a hurry but never made the wrong ones either."
Shi Haoyue checked his watch. "While we’re here, shouldn’t we get her fitted? If she’s going to represent your brand, you’ll need to take her asurents."
Mada Vivienne nodded toward the door. "Of course. Our design team is ready."
Lixue stood gracefully, adjusting her blazer as she followed the assistant into the atelier.
The room was bustling with activity—fabric hung on racks, sketches were scattered across worktables, and tailors moved swiftly between mannequins and sewing machines.
An older man, Master Guérin, adjusted his glasses as he took one look at Lixue. "Good proportions. A designer’s dream."
A younger designer, Clara, stepped forward with a asuring tape. "Miss Y.L., if you could stand here, we’ll begin."
Lixue removed her blazer and stepped onto the raised platform. The tailors moved efficiently around her, taking precise asurents of her shoulders, waist, hips, and even the angle of her jawline.
Master Guérin murmured, "Her bone structure is refined—high cheekbones, elegant neckline. She’ll suit structured designs."
Mada Vivienne observed with a pleased expression. "She needs pieces that exude quiet strength. Nothing too flashy, but impossible to ignore."
Clara flipped through fabric swatches, holding up a piece of deep erald silk. "This would highlight your skin tone beautifully. But for contrast, I’d suggest sharp monochros or jewel tones."
Lixue ran her fingers over the silk before giving a slight nod. "Erald works."
Mada Vivienne smirked. "You know what suits you. That’s rare in soone new."
Lixue simply smiled. "I’ve never been one to follow trends blindly."
Master Guérin chuckled. "A wise mindset. The wind follows those who know their path, not those who chase it."
As the final asurents were taken, Clara scribbled notes. "We’ll prepare the first set of fittings soon. Would you like to be involved in the design process?"
Lixue raised a brow slightly. "Would I be allowed?"
Mada Vivienne leaned forward, a glint of amusent in her eyes. "If you have ideas, we’d love to hear them. But be warned, we don’t take kindly to people who think they can dictate fashion without understanding it."
Lixue t her gaze head-on. "Then I suppose we’ll see if my understanding is enough."
Shi Haoyue smirked from the side. "Well, this should be interesting."
Mr. Glen stepped in, his tone returning to business. "Shall we continue the discussion about the contract details?"
Lixue stepped down from the platform, smoothing the sleeves of her blouse. "Let’s."
One step at a ti, she was slowly carving her own place in the industry and soon she would dominate it.
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