Shanghai in the Republican Era

Chapter 92 Exquisite Attire: A Legend of the Republic of China - Goods Robbed, Letters Threatened

Splendid Costumes: The Republican Era Legend of Lin Fangfei and Gu Zixuan

A poor but academically gifted girl and a wealthy young man's struggles, love, and dreams in Republican-era Shanghai.

As I watched the elderly man on the stage straighten up and walk forward, a warm feeling welled up inside me. Each step he took was steady and powerful, as if he were supporting me with his actions. I looked at him gratefully; his eyes were full of trust and support, which gave me the courage to continue.

The elderly man walked onto the stage and stood beside me. His voice was loud and powerful: "Madam, it is unfair of you to criticize others like this. Ms. Lin's design does indeed incorporate many Chinese cultural elements and demonstrates originality. We should respect the efforts and achievements of every designer."

The audience below the stage began to murmur amongst themselves, some nodding in agreement, others remaining silent. I knew in my heart that this debate was not over yet, but I firmly believed in my design, and I also trusted Gu Zixuan and the others who supported me.

Gu Zixuan stepped forward, his words firm and powerful: "We firmly believe that Lin Fangfei's design is original, and we are willing to provide any necessary evidence to prove it. We will not tolerate anyone slandering the efforts of our team and individuals."

Looking at Gu Zixuan, his eyes were filled with determination and courage, and I felt incredibly gratified and proud. Su Yao was also quietly cheering us on backstage; her support was just as crucial to me.

In the following time, we showcased more original designs, winning the audience's praise and recognition. I saw those who had previously doubted us begin to change their attitudes, and even take the initiative to come up and talk to us.

However, just as we were basking in the joy of victory, an unexpected question arose again. A reporter asked, "Ms. Lin Fangfei, we know you are an excellent designer, but we would like to know, how do you balance your personal life and work? Especially in such turbulent times, how do you manage your family and personal responsibilities?"

This question made me think. Indeed, as a female designer in this era, I not only face professional challenges but also shoulder responsibilities to my family and society. I know that my growth is inseparable from the support and love of my parents; they have always been my strong backing.

I took a deep breath and smiled as I answered, “First, I want to thank my family for their understanding and support all along. They have given me enough freedom to pursue my dreams, and at the same time, they have given me selfless help in life. Second, I believe that everyone should have their own life plan and values. Only in this way can we achieve balance in all aspects of life.”

I paused for a moment, then continued, "In this era, we do face many challenges, but I believe that as long as we stay true to our original aspirations and bravely face difficulties, we will be able to create a bright future of our own."

My answer was met with enthusiastic applause, and I knew I had overcome this hurdle. However, I understood that more challenges lay ahead, and we must remain vigilant and prepared to deal with any potential problems.

Gu Zixuan stepped forward, grasped my hand tightly, and said with unwavering determination and promise in his eyes, "Fangfei, no matter how many difficulties lie ahead, I will fight alongside you and create a better tomorrow together."

Splendid Costumes: The Republican Era Legend of Lin Fangfei and Gu Zixuan

A poor but academically gifted girl and a wealthy young man's struggles, love, and dreams in Republican-era Shanghai.

In the days following the press conference, orders poured into the textile factory like snowflakes, and Gu Zixuan and I were both immersed in this hard-won joy. I sat in the textile factory's office, looking at the pile of orders on my desk, a gratified smile on my face. I wore a light green cheongsam, embroidered with a few tender willow branches, their delicate strands seemingly swaying gently with my joy.

Gu Zixuan walked into the office, wearing a dark brown suit and a burgundy tie, looking very confident. A bright smile graced his face, and his eyes were full of excitement. "Fangfei, look, our efforts have finally paid off." He walked to my side and gently grasped my shoulder.

I looked up at him, my eyes filled with happiness. "Yes, Zixuan. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. However, we cannot let our guard down and must continue to work hard."

Just as we were basking in our joy, Su Yao rushed in. Her hair was a little messy, and beads of sweat clung to her forehead. She was wearing a white dress, but she looked rather disheveled. "Fangfei, Zixuan, something terrible has happened. I just received news that a shipment of our goods was hijacked during transit."

My smile vanished instantly, replaced by a wave of panic. "How could this happen? That shipment was a crucial order for us."

Gu Zixuan's brows furrowed tightly, his eyes filled with anger and worry. "It must have been done by those who have been trying to sabotage us. We can't just let this go."

I stood up and paced back and forth in the office, my mind racing, trying to come up with a solution. "We need to figure out who did it first, and then we can figure out how to get the goods back."

Gu Zixuan nodded. "I'll go investigate right away. Su Yao, you stay with Fangfei and don't leave her alone." With that, he hurriedly left the office.

Su Yao walked to my side and gently patted my back. "Fangfei, don't worry too much. Zixuan will definitely find a way."

I forced a smile. "I know, but this is a significant blow to us."

A few days later, Gu Zixuan returned, his face grim. "Fangfei, I found out. It was a local gang that did it; they seem to have been instructed by someone else."

"What should we do now?" I asked anxiously.

Gu Zixuan clenched his fist. "I want to go and negotiate with them to see if I can get the goods back."

I looked at him with some concern. "Zixuan, this is too dangerous. Those gangsters don't reason with people easily."

Gu Zixuan looked at me, his eyes filled with determination. "Fangfei, we can't just lose that batch of goods like this. It's our hard work, and it's the hope of the textile factory."

I knew I couldn't stop him, so all I could say was, "Then you must be careful. I'll go with you."

Gu Zixuan shook his head. "No, you can't go. It's too dangerous there. You stay at the textile factory and wait for my news."

I wanted to argue, but Gu Zixuan had already turned and left. I could only anxiously wait for news from him at the textile factory.

Gu Zixuan arrived at the gang's territory, a dark and damp warehouse. Wearing a black trench coat, he strode confidently into the warehouse. A pungent odor filled the air, and several gang members were sitting together playing cards.

Gu Zixuan cleared his throat. "I'm here to see your boss. I want to talk about our goods."

A gang member looked up and glanced at him disdainfully. "Who do you think you are? You think you can just see the boss whenever you want?"

Gu Zixuan took out a wad of cash from his pocket and threw it on the table. "Consider this a small gift. Now, can you take me to see your boss?"

The gang member's eyes lit up when he saw the money, and he stood up. "Come with me."

Gu Zixuan was taken to a room where a man with a fierce face was sitting. He was the gang leader.

"Are you Gu Zixuan?" the gang leader asked.

Gu Zixuan nodded. "Yes. I hope you can return our goods."

The gang leader sneered, "Return the goods? Do you think that's possible? We were paid to rob your goods."

Gu Zixuan frowned. "What you're doing is illegal. If you don't return the goods, I will call the police."

The gang leader laughed loudly, "Call the police? Do you think the police will care? In this chaotic world, whoever has the power is the boss."

Gu Zixuan knew that reasoning with him was useless, so he decided to try a different approach. "Then what do you want in return for the goods?"

The gang leader thought for a moment, then said, "Unless you give us double the price, there's no point in talking."

Gu Zixuan was furious, but he knew he couldn't act impulsively. "I don't have that much money. Can you discuss this some more?"

The gang leader waved his hand impatiently. "No discussion. You can leave now."

Gu Zixuan left the warehouse helplessly. He returned to the textile factory and told me what had happened.

Upon hearing this, I was filled with despair. "Where would we possibly get double the price?"

Just when we were at our wits' end, Su Yao suddenly came up with an idea. "Fangfei, Zixuan, I have an idea. We can hold a charity fashion show, invite Shanghai's socialites and gentlemen to participate, and then use the proceeds from the fashion show to redeem the goods."

Gu Zixuan and I exchanged a glance, a glimmer of hope igniting in our eyes. "This method is feasible. However, we need to make preparations as soon as possible."

We got busy, and I designed a new series of fashions that were more glamorous and unique. Su Yao was in charge of inviting guests and promotion.

On the day of the charity fashion show, I wore a white, floor-length gown, adorned with exquisite patterns of diamonds and pearls, like stars in the night sky. My hair was styled in an elegant updo, adorned with a diamond hairpin. Gu Zixuan, on the other hand, wore a black tuxedo, exuding irresistible charm.

The fashion show began, and the guests in the audience were all attracted to my designs, bidding to buy them. In the end, we raised enough money.

We returned to the gang's territory with the money and handed it over to the gang leader. The gang leader saw the money and nodded in satisfaction. "You guys know what's good for you. The goods are in the warehouse; go get them yourselves."

We finally got the goods back, but I knew this was only a temporary solution. Our enemy was still lurking in the shadows, ready to launch another attack at any moment.

Back at the textile factory, I noticed the workers were somewhat downcast. I knew the recent events had affected them as well. I decided to do something to boost their morale.

I asked Su Yao to buy some Shanghai specialties, such as pan-fried buns and crab shell pastries. I gathered the workers together and said, "Everyone has worked hard these past few days. These foods were bought by Su Yao and me for you. I hope you can all cheer up. We've overcome a difficult period, and things will definitely get better and better from now on."

The workers smiled when they saw the delicious food, and their morale gradually returned.

However, just when we thought everything was returning to normal, a mysterious package arrived at the textile factory. Inside was a letter and a blood-stained garment. The letter read: "Did you think this was the end? This is just the beginning."

Seeing the letter and the blood-stained clothes, my heart sank. Who sent this? And what did it mean? Was it a warning, or was something even more terrible about to happen? I looked at Gu Zixuan; his eyes were also filled with doubt and worry. This new suspense was like a dark cloud hanging over our hearts, leaving us wondering what challenges the future held.

Splendid Costumes: The Republican Era Legend of Lin Fangfei and Gu Zixuan

A poor but academically gifted girl and a wealthy young man's struggles, love, and dreams in Republican-era Shanghai.

The appearance of the letter and the blood-stained clothes heightened the tension in the textile factory once again. I stood before my desk, clutching the letter tightly in my hand, my brow furrowed. Gu Zixuan stood beside me, his expression grave, unease flickering in his eyes.

“Fangfei, this is clearly a threat.” Gu Zixuan’s voice was low, revealing a hint of worry.