The discussion shifted back to the negotiation table, where the atmosphere grew heavier. The initial pleasantries had passed—now, it was all business.
Mr. Laurent laid out a revised contract draft, placing it neatly before Lixue. "We’ve refined the terms based on our discussion earlier. The exclusivity clause remains, but we’ve adjusted the collaboration flexibility based on your concerns."
Lixue picked up the docunt, scanning it with careful eyes. The room was silent except for the occasional flipping of pages.
Shi Haoyue, sitting beside her, tapped a finger lightly on the table. "The revised clause states that she can collaborate with non-fashion luxury brands, but still requires approval for crossover endorsents. That’s fair, but the approval process needs clarification. Who exactly gets the final say?"
Mr. Laurent folded his hands. "The executive board, alongside our marketing departnt."
Lixue’s lips curved slightly. "That’s quite a broad decision-making body."
Mada Vivienne interjected, her voice smooth. "We don’t intend to restrict you unnecessarily, Miss Y.L., but a brand’s image must remain cohesive. If you were to endorse sothing that clashes with our aesthetics, it would affect both parties."
Shi Haoyue leaned back. "And what guarantees that the approval process won’t be used as an excuse to turn down opportunities that don’t serve Valmont’s interests but are perfectly suitable for Lixue?"
A flicker of sothing unreadable passed through Mr. Laurent’s eyes before he gave a light chuckle. "You’re shrewd, Mr. Shi. I can see why she trusts you."
Shi Haoyue smirked. "It’s my job to be."
Lixue placed the contract back on the table. "We’ll need a clause stating that any rejection must co with a clear, docunted reason. That way, there’s transparency."
Mada Vivienne exchanged glances with Mr. Laurent. It was clear they weren’t used to dealing with soone who negotiated so calmly yet firmly.
"A reasonable request," Mr. Laurent conceded. "We can add that."
Xu Qian, who had been quietly taking notes, finally spoke. "The financial terms remain unchanged, correct?"
"Yes," Mr. Laurent confird. "The compensation package, custom wardrobe, and future personal fashion line are all intact."
Lixue tapped a manicured nail against the table. "And if I decide to terminate the contract early?"
A younger executive scoffed lightly. "Most wouldn’t ask about termination before even signing."
Lixue t his gaze evenly. "Only fools walk into a deal without knowing their way out."
The man stiffened slightly, and Shi Haoyue let out a low chuckle. "You really don’t know who you’re dealing with, do you?"
Mada Vivienne smiled in amusent. "I like her. Fine. The early termination clause states that if either party chooses to withdraw before the contract ends, a negotiated buyout will be required. If Valmont terminates without cause, a severance sum will be paid."
Shi Haoyue nodded. "Good. Then we’re almost there."
Mr. Laurent slid the updated contract across the table. "If there’s nothing else, we can finalize this today."
Lixue accepted the pen he offered but didn’t move imdiately. Instead, she let the silence stretch just long enough for them to feel it.
Then, with a smooth stroke, she signed her na.
The executives clapped politely, and Mr. Laurent extended his hand again. "Welco to Valmont, Miss Y.L."
Lixue shook his hand, her grip steady. "A pleasure working together."
Mada Vivienne smirked. "Now that business is settled, I look forward to seeing how you wear our designs. Let’s see if you can carry them with the presence they deserve."
Lixue t her gaze with quiet confidence. "I suppose we’ll see."
Shi Haoyue stood, adjusting his watch. "That concludes our business for today, then?"
Mr. Laurent smiled. "For now. Expect the first campaign schedule soon."
With that, the eting ended, and as they walked out, Xu Qian exhaled softly. "That went well."
Shi Haoyue grinned. "You say that like there was ever a chance it wouldn’t."
Lixue simply walked ahead, unbothered.
The industry had taken notice of her. Now, it was ti to prove she belonged.
The contract was signed, the deal was sealed, and now the real work would begin. Shi Haoyue walked beside her, glancing down at his watch before looking ahead.
"Next stop, the fitting," he said. "They need to finalize your asurents and discuss designs for your first campaign."
Xu Qian, walking a step behind, held a neatly organized schedule in her hands. "The lead designers will be present. They want to tailor everything specifically to your proportions and overall image."
Lixue nodded, unfazed. This was standard for high-end fashion houses. Unlike comrcial brands that worked with pre-made collections, luxury couture demanded precision.
When they entered the fitting studio, the hum of conversation quieted for a brief mont before picking up again, this ti with a different energy. Several designers, stylists, and tailors stood ready, their eyes imdiately assessing her the way an artist would study a blank canvas.
"Her proportions are excellent," one of the designers remarked, stepping forward with a tape asure in hand. "Tall, well-balanced fra—this makes everything easier."
Another stylist tilted their head as they observed her face. "Her bone structure is refined. High cheekbones, a defined jawline—she carries elegance effortlessly."
A tailor beside them gestured toward Lixue’s hands. "Her fingers are long and slender. Jewelry will sit beautifully on them. Gloves as well, if the campaign requires it."
A woman adjusting fabric swatches on a nearby mannequin turned with interest. "She has a natural grace in the way she holds herself. So people wear clothes, but others allow the clothes to co alive on them."
Shi Haoyue smirked slightly as he leaned toward Lixue. "They’re treating you like a masterpiece waiting to be frad."
Lixue remained composed as one of the assistants guided her onto the fitting platform. The lead designer, a man with silver-rimd glasses and an air of authority, stepped forward, taking a careful look at her before speaking.
"We will take your full asurents, but I can already see that most standard proportions will need adjustnts," he said. "Luxury is not just about fabric and craftsmanship. It is about understanding the individual who wears it."
A tailor stepped forward, gently adjusting the way Lixue stood before beginning to asure her shoulders. "Her posture is excellent. Even the way she stands is refined. There is no stiffness, only control. Very charming."
Another assistant made quick notes as they continued taking asurents. "Her waist-to-hip ratio is ideal for structured tailoring. Dresses will drape beautifully."
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