MORIC - Chapter 42
Chapter 42: She's Seducing Me
This was so not normal.
Chi Yueshan told herself this for the twenty-eighth time.
After having her face touched several times by Xi Zhoumeng's sister, Chi Yueshan was surrounded by a crowd of people the moment she entered the dressing room. All sorts of measurements were taken, and various makeup styles were tested on her.
In all her life, Chi Yueshan had only ever seen such things on the StarNet.
Like famous celebrities trying out different looks before filming a TV series.
But that was a completely different world.
How could someone like me possibly be involved in something like this?
With another click, a male Omega designer in a crop top was calculating Chi Yueshan's measurements on the side, his assistant standing by.
"I don't think the planned Sioo look suits her. She's just too young-looking!"
"Jiang, don't you think your description is a bit much?"
"No, no, no, her figure is very great, almost too good compared to Sioo's. The look we prepared before is completely unsuitable for her."
"I suggest you get your eyes checked."
...
Three designers had actually started arguing.
Chi Yueshan sat in front of the vanity mirror, looking completely bewildered. The lights here were dazzling, but there wasn't a single window.
The sky outside had already turned completely dark, and it might have been raining. She was also a little hungry.
Today was just a rehearsal, but the bustling atmosphere here gave Chi Yueshan a full taste of the Upper World's prosperity.
It was a completely different kind of liveliness from the circuses of the Lower World.
Chi Yueshan was also a little scared.
If she had known, she wouldn't have agreed to Xi Zhoumeng's request. From the moment Xi Zhoumeng brought her in, Chi Yueshan hadn't had a moment's rest.
Although AI technology had made many aspects of fashion design more convenient, a garment's final effect could only be seen when worn.
Especially since they had a different model now.
She was so hungry she was seeing stars, and she had cursed Xi Zhoumeng countless times in her head.
To make matters worse, Ling Xun just had to place a voice call to her.
"Good evening, Yueshan. Are you still in the flower arrangement room?"
Ling Xun's voice was gentle and soft. Chi Yueshan took two sips of the hot milk tea beside her and said, her voice as faint as a thread, "No, I'm out."
"Out?"
Chi Yueshan hummed in affirmation. "Xi Zhoumeng brought me out."
The sound of arguing on Chi Yueshan's end was probably too conspicuous, as Ling Xun asked, "Where are you?"
For a moment, Chi Yueshan didn't know how to answer. "Uh... a fashion show? I don't know either. Xi Zhoumeng asked me to help with something."
The thought of Xi Zhoumeng only inspired a sense of awe in Ling Xun.
Even though many at the academy revered Xi Zhoumeng as their dream Omega, this title mostly implied that she was beautiful but unattainable.
Alphas had no confidence in becoming Xi Zhoumeng's partner. After all, this young lady's family background was top-tier, her pampered nature was top-tier, and her ability to spend money was also top-tier.
An average Alpha simply couldn't afford to support her.
Even with the rumors of her close relationship with Wen Xinghuo, most people had little faith that the two would have a happy ending.
Wen Xinghuo was simply too poor. Even if she became a top-ranking general, it would still be difficult to support a wife who spent money like water, right?
"Is it being held at Madris Castle?"
Ling Xun wasn't at the academy either. Many students chose to go home on weekends, but with final exams approaching, a portion of them stayed on campus to study.
Chi Yueshan had no idea. She opened her light-brain to check the location. "I think... so."
Ling Xun chuckled. "That should be the brand's fashion show tomorrow night. My mother also has an invitation. It's hosted by Senior Xi's older sister."
The rich are just so extravagant and wasteful.
Chi Yueshan, who had no connection to elegance whatsoever, chugged the rest of the milk tea like an ox chewing on a peony.
"Probably."
"Senior Xi asked you to help... with what?"
Before Ling Xun could finish her sentence, a familiar voice cut in.
Xi Zhoumeng brought over a piece of cake and asked nonchalantly, "Who are you on the phone with?"
Chi Yueshan: "It's..."
Before Chi Yueshan could finish, Xi Zhoumeng continued on her own, "Oh, Ling Xun. Tell her that internal information cannot be disclosed. She'll find out when she arrives tomorrow."
Chi Yueshan: ...
Am I her servant?!
Xi Zhoumeng watched with satisfaction as Chi Yueshan hung up the phone, then interrupted the designers' argument.
She was already tall, and even the Beta designer, who was considered tall, felt an imposing aura from this beautiful young lady.
"If you want to argue, argue outside. Otherwise, don't bother working."
Xi Zhoumeng sat down on a nearby sofa, and an AI robot dutifully pulled over a clothing rack.
"This piece, this set, this dress. Have her try them all on."
She looked like someone who was extremely adept at being imperious, yet she carried it with an air of it being perfectly natural. The moment her gaze swept over, the room instantly fell silent.
Chi Yueshan poked at a strawberry with her fork, thinking: What an imposing air.
On the other hand, she also felt that this person was quite impressive.
"Miss Xi, I am a designer specially invited by Miss Xi Yang. You must respect the fruits of my labor."
"Exactly. I, for one, came from another star system. Is this how you people..."
Xi Zhoumeng rested a hand on her forehead, leaning against the sofa's armrest, and calmly looked at the designers.
Her whole family knew that her third sister loved to dabble in these things, but she gave these people too many privileges. A single show didn't need so many designers.
Now, they were basically assigned according to the model.
Chi Yueshan's figure wasn't quite like the original model's, though their heights were similar, so alterations were still possible in time.
But this group of people just had to argue about something, making a terrible racket.
If it weren't for the fact that Xi Yang and Xi Li were as noisy as a pair of ducks come to life, Xi Zhoumeng wouldn't have wanted to get involved at all. She would have much rather spent more time teaching Chi Yueshan flower arrangement.
【System: I think you just want to take advantage of her. You're already consumed by lust at this point!】
That statement was a bit disgusting. Xi Zhoumeng snorted.
It grew even quieter.
Only Chi Yueshan was single-mindedly eating her cake.
This is so damn delicious. This cream, ooh... it's so, so expensive to buy at school.
Theoretically, it was worth it to come here to work.
Xi Zhoumeng said, "Do as I say. You all have your representative works here. This young lady is my person, and she and I have things to do later."
Compared to Chi Yueshan, Xi Zhoumeng looked more like a model, especially with her gaze.
It was just that she had no interest in this line of work, only a fondness for pretty clothes and the way beautiful girls walked on the runway.
The designers said no more. They had all more or less heard of the reputation of the Xi family's youngest child.
It seemed the older siblings all listened to the youngest.
Furthermore, it was rumored that the signature ready-to-wear collection that established Xi Yang's brand was designed by Xi Zhoumeng herself.
The word "Muse" was widely used, but that collection used it deservedly. It was a work that many people would make a special trip to the display case to see when they came to the capital planet.
Besides, if they really offended Xi Zhoumeng, they would very likely be fired, which would truly not be worth the loss.
Xi Zhoumeng slowly raised her eyes. "Have you made up your minds? If you have, then get ready."
Chi Yueshan's half-eaten cake was taken away, and she was pulled away to change clothes and have her measurements altered. Before she was led away, she glanced at Xi Zhoumeng.
Xi Zhoumeng had just finished eating a strawberry. Her lips were still dotted with cream, and she unhurriedly wiped it away with a napkin. "If they have a bad attitude, just tell me."
She always spoke with such arrogance, as if everyone should cater to her. But at this moment, Chi Yueshan was brought under her protection, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of "she's so protective of me."
A few seconds later, Chi Yueshan came to her senses.
Isn't this what Xi Zhoumeng should be doing? She was the one who brought me here in the first place.
What a waste of emotion.
After the measurements were taken and the designers went off to make alterations, Xi Zhoumeng led a furious-looking Chi Yueshan to the castle's dining hall.
It was still raining outside, but the manor was covered by an artificial canopy. The raindrops fell on the periphery, making it seem as if one were living at the bottom of a pond, only able to see the ripples of the rain.
The entire castle was bustling with activity—interviewing reporters, industry professionals helping out, Xi Yang's friends, models, makeup artists, designers, photographers, and so on.
Xi Zhoumeng led Chi Yueshan through a corridor.
Chi Yueshan's own clothes had disappeared somewhere during the constant fittings, and she ended up in a dress. The pearl collar gave her an undeniable elegance, but she herself was very uncomfortable, feeling it was too tight and constantly tugging at it.
Xi Zhoumeng didn't say much. Walking beside her, Chi Yueshan felt that this person had several faces.
When facing Wen Xinghuo, her charm was on full display, almost excessively flamboyant.
Most of the time they spent together, she was malicious, yet that malice was tinged with an inexplicable protectiveness that scratched at Chi Yueshan, making her unbearably itchy, yet she didn't know how to react.
But Xi Zhoumeng always gave Chi Yueshan a cold feeling, just like now. Outside, under the canopy, the artificial flowers bloomed so profusely it didn't feel like winter. The vines on the corridor were lifted by the wind, which also lifted the wide hem of Xi Zhoumeng's skirt. She seemed to be lost in thought, not saying a word, her features looking unapproachably cold from every angle.
Was this her true face?
The arrogance and coldness of the nobility, like a finely carved plaster statue. Even her skin had a creamy white texture, yet nothing could stir the sea of her heart.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Fallen in love with me?"
Xi Zhoumeng said suddenly, turning her head. The red mole on her cheekbone was as striking as a painting under the dim sunset-colored lights. Chi Yueshan didn't have time to look away and felt like she was about to go blind.
"Who—who would fall in love with you?"
Chi Yueshan's dress was new; the tag had just been cut off not long ago.
The one thing Xi Yang's place didn't lack was clothes, but a young lady like Xi Zhoumeng didn't exclusively patronize her sister's brand.
She spread her favor evenly among the major brands, and even her earrings had to be unique.
Only then did Chi Yueshan realize that the string of flowers on the side of her dress was the same style as Xi Zhoumeng's earrings.
Xi Zhoumeng chuckled. "Then why are you looking at me? Because I'm pretty?"
She walked at an unhurried pace, her steps as if measured. When acquaintances passed by and greeted her, Xi Zhoumeng would nod and smile.
She was completely impeccable, making Chi Yueshan, who stood beside her, look like a clown who had wandered in by mistake.
"Why are you so narcissistic?"
Every time she was with Xi Zhoumeng, Chi Yueshan was unable to talk back.
Xi Zhoumeng suddenly reached out and pulled her. Before Chi Yueshan could land another mental blow, her face crashed into Xi Zhoumeng's chest.
"There's a cart."
A cart loaded with flowers rumbled past. Xi Zhoumeng hissed, "You're going to crush my chest..."
"Did your silicone break?"
Chi Yueshan rubbed her nose and retorted maliciously.
Xi Zhoumeng: "They're the real deal. Why don't you feel them and see?"
How can someone be so shameless in public!!!
Chi Yueshan turned her head away. "I have everything you have. Who wants to touch yours? I'm not a pervert."
Xi Zhoumeng thought: That's not necessarily true.
"We'll leave after dinner and come back tomorrow afternoon."
The automatic sensor doors of the dining hall opened. Chi Yueshan asked, "Where are we going?"
Xi Zhoumeng turned her head. "Didn't I say I'd teach you flower arrangement? Let's go to my family's conservatory."
She seemed to despise the school's flower arrangement room. "I don't like practicing crowded together with others."
Chi Yueshan: "But I have to go back to school."
Xi Zhoumeng: "I'll have you sent back."
The dining hall was incredibly luxurious and filled with people. Today was a buffet. Chi Yueshan followed Xi Zhoumeng to get food, her cautious demeanor resembling that of a little chipmunk.
Xi Zhoumeng's tongs clamped down on Chi Yueshan's, interrupting her attempt to get the same food. "Don't copy me. Get whatever you like to eat."
Chi Yueshan bit her lip. "What's it to you?"
Xi Zhoumeng: "Then you can eat mine."
Chi Yueshan huffed. Her face was red, and she was also a little scared, as it was her first time in a place like this.
The Lower World had given her the freedom to be unruly. Guyun Academy, after all, advocated for student equality, so even special treatment wasn't overly exaggerated.
But this place was different, like another world.
The people coming and going were all glamorous and well-dressed. Some were from other planets, speaking the international language with accents that Chi Yueshan couldn't quite understand.
It felt as if Xi Zhoumeng was the only one she could rely on.
Xi Zhoumeng: "What are you afraid of? You're the model I personally brought here. You can enjoy everything here."
After all, this was the Xi family's turf; there was nothing to worry about.
Having transmigrated for many years, Xi Zhoumeng was long accustomed to such scenes. Even without transmigrating, she was someone who had enjoyed the highest standard of treatment from birth.
Unfortunately, she was the product of incest, a complete and utter scandal.
Xi Zhoumeng released her tongs and lifted her chin. "Go on."
Chi Yueshan didn't want to thank her at all, yet she knew she should. But for some reason, the usual "thank you" was so difficult to say to Xi Zhoumeng that her expression became twisted, almost ferocious.
Xi Zhoumeng chuckled. "Still angry?"
Chi Yueshan forced the word "thanks" through her teeth. Xi Zhoumeng waved her hand. "Forget it. This is a normal transaction."
She happily picked up several desserts, her voice filled with delight. "After all, our school has a ball at the end of the term. I hope you won't bring shame to our Omega division."
At this moment, she suddenly put on the airs of the council president.
But Chi Yueshan's thoughts drifted elsewhere. "Then are you going to dance the duet with Senior Wen?"
Xi Zhoumeng's tongs snapped shut on empty air a couple of times, making a crisp sound.
When she met Chi Yueshan's gaze, she leaned in slightly, her eyes seeming to hold a natural bewitchment. "Do you want me to dance with her?"
Of course, Chi Yueshan didn't.
In that instant, she actually felt the question had a double meaning.
Unfortunately, the person teasing her had already walked away. Xi Zhoumeng's voice drifted back from a distance, "Duan Daizhen is the main planner this year. There should be new arrangements. It might be random."
After all, she had to help Wen Xinghuo out.
Once her childhood friend's relationship went smoothly, what danger could there be?
As for Chi Yueshan, this cannon fodder supporting character, she was so cute, she didn't have to die, right?
Chi Yueshan: Random?
Even if it's random, isn't it still up to Xi Zhoumeng's scheming heart?
So annoying. Why is my face so hot? Is the heating turned up this high in here?
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