In April, the most important event on Zoe's schedule was walking in the VX fashion show.
The venue for the show was set in a modern art museum, an extravagant choice that itself became a talking point in the industry. What shocked everyone even more was that VX not only invited Zoe as a guest model but also brought Song on board for the event.
Zoe had already known that Song would be attending. With connections like Zheng, the creative director of VX, and Chen, the editor-in-chief of Victor, Song's involvement was almost a given. This show marked VX's first major debut in mainland China—a momentous occasion—and it was no surprise that Song would lend his star power to support it.
Still, Zoe couldn't help but feel the inevitable weight of their rumored relationship. She warned Zheng, "Make sure our gossip doesn't steal your thunder. Have your team keep our hashtags down."
Zheng, though swamped with preparations, reassured her: "Don't worry, Chen already spoke to the Weibo team in advance."
Zoe raised an eyebrow. Chen could even coordinate with Weibo? He was truly a man of mystery, seemingly connected to every influential circle.
Backstage, the atmosphere was chaotic as Zoe got ready. She slipped into her outfit while the hair and makeup teams worked at a frantic pace. Alongside her, the show featured Wen, a top domestic supermodel and the undisputed queen of the runway. Wen was opening the show—a rare occurrence considering she rarely walked shows anymore unless they were significant events like this.
The presence of fashion editors from all major magazines elevated the show's prestige. With so much star power and creative talent in one place, the stakes for VX's debut were undeniably high.
Zoe, as a guest model, was scheduled to appear second to last. Standing in front of the mirror, she adjusted her outfit and nodded in satisfaction at her reflection.
Applause echoed from the main hall as the host took the stage. Around her, the backstage was buzzing with activity, a whirlwind of tall models in extravagant outfits dealing with last-minute wardrobe and shoe issues.
"It's more chaotic than I imagined," Zoe murmured to herself, taking a deep breath.
She heard the thunderous applause as Wen took the stage. It was a warm, celebratory response for the fashion icon, setting a high bar for the rest of the show.
Zoe turned to her assistant Lan. "I'm suddenly feeling nervous," she admitted.
"Relax," Lan said breezily. "If you trip, it's fine. No one expects perfection from you since you're not a professional model."
"Gee, thanks. That's comforting," Zoe said, rolling her eyes.
At that moment, Xiao, another assistant, held up Zoe's phone and said, "Zoe, Song sent you a message!"
Zoe glanced at her phone. Song had written: "Good luck. Don't trip."
She smirked and typed back: "Stop jinxing me."
Song replied almost immediately: "If you trip, I'll make sure to snap a photo and post it online."
"Go away," she shot back before handing the phone back to Xiao.
It was finally her turn. A stagehand counted her in, "Three, two, one—go!"
Zoe stepped out onto the runway, her heels clicking rhythmically against the polished surface. A long, gleaming T-shaped platform stretched ahead, illuminated by soft, ethereal lighting.
For a fleeting moment, she worried about spotting Song in the audience and breaking into an inappropriate laugh. But once she stepped into the spotlight, all distractions melted away.
Her expression became one of regal detachment as she channeled the energy of a queen. Draped in a gold-accented white gown, she exuded an aura of elegance and authority. The audience's applause and faint cheers barely registered as she made her way to the center, paused, and offered a subtle, cool smile.
Her gaze held a distant kindness—more like a gift from a higher power than a welcoming warmth.
With a sharp turn, she strode back down the runway, ignoring the faint sound of someone shouting her name from the crowd.
Once backstage, Zoe finally let out a sigh of relief. Zheng was there to greet her, pulling her into an enthusiastic hug. "You were perfect! My ideal ambassador!"
Lan, meanwhile, was snapping photos of the moment on her phone.
Though her part was technically over, Zoe chose to join the final lineup for the closing walk. Something about the runway experience had exhilarated her.
When the show ended to raucous applause, Zheng took the stage, visibly emotional. Her voice wavered as she thanked everyone who had made the event possible.
Zoe stood behind her, beaming with pride for her friend.
Afterward, VX hosted an elegant tea party on the museum's lawn. The open-air setup was a prime networking opportunity, and Zoe made sure to mingle with fashion editors and industry elites, collecting compliments on her unexpectedly poised performance.
However, amidst the social whirlwind, one notable absence nagged at her. She hadn't seen Song since the show ended.
When she finally caught up with Zheng, she learned that Song had left early due to other commitments.
Zoe didn't know why, but a tiny pang of disappointment settled in her chest. She took a sip of champagne and tried to shake it off, only to feel her phone buzz in her hand.
It was a message from Song: "Can't believe you didn't trip. What a waste of an opportunity. Don't let me down next time."
Zoe laughed out loud, her earlier disappointment vanishing instantly. She replied with a succinct, "Go away."
Sometimes, Song's teasing was annoyingly effective at making her feel lighter.