Oh my goodness.So beautiful.
The audience was stunned into silence.
On the livestream, the comment feed exploded:
"Miss Lu is breathtaking! No doubt she has the most beautiful legs in the capital!""Why bother with the rest of the show? Just hand her the trophy already.""Mr. Fu is the luckiest man alive. His fiancée's legs are flawless—I envy him so much."
Yara Lu absorbed their reaction with immense satisfaction. Every gaze was fixed on her, bewitched. This was her power.
She let her eyes drift toward Nathaniel Fu, seated in the center of the distinguished guests. Under the stark interplay of black-and-white stage lighting, his sharp features seemed even more impossibly handsome. He was born to command attention—untouchable, refined, and magnetic.
And right now, he was looking at her.
Not at another woman. At her.
Yara's lips curved in triumph. Even if Nathaniel had grown colder with time, she believed she could still captivate him—still conquer the most powerful man in the imperial capital. She sent him a dazzling smile, brimming with pride.
The runway show concluded flawlessly, drawing thunderous applause. Designer Xia Ling stepped onto the stage, radiant with exhilaration. She had admired her work from backstage, heart pounding with anticipation. Tonight was her victory—she was certain of it.
The host's voice rang out:"Thank you, Designer Xia Ling, for presenting us with such an extraordinary showcase. Designer Xia, would you like to say a few words?"
Xia Ling accepted the microphone, her hands trembling slightly, her beautiful eyes sweeping over the crowd—until they settled on Jin Han.
Had he witnessed her brilliance? Was he finally moved by her talent?
Her voice wavered with excitement. "First, I want to thank so many people—thank you to the Fu Group for giving me this opportunity, thank you to Yaoyao for gracing us with your presence on stage, and thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me…"
She spoke as though delivering a victor's speech, convinced she had already secured first place. As for Celia, Xia Xiaofu, and the others—they would be humiliated soon enough. Their "strip show" was inevitable.
But then—
A strange prickling sensation crawled across Xia Ling's skin. She lifted a hand to scratch her neck, frowning. The itch spread, and suddenly her body flushed with unbearable heat.
Why is it so hot?
She yanked at her collar in desperation. The sudden motion tore the delicate fabric with an audible rip, baring a stretch of pale skin to the gasping audience.
The crowd erupted in confusion.
"What on earth—?""Is she… undressing?!""Is this part of the show?""She must be out of her mind!"
Laughter, shock, and the clicking of phone cameras rippled through the venue.
Onstage, Yara's expression froze. Her smile faltered as horror dawned. What is Lingling doing? At a moment like this?
"Lingling! Stop!" she hissed in a low, urgent voice.
But Xia Ling didn't hear her. Her body writhed as the heat intensified. "I—I feel so uncomfortable. I need to take this off…"
And then, before everyone's eyes, she began peeling off her top.
Gasps echoed.
"Good Lord, she's actually stripping!""Has she gone insane?""This is being livestreamed—millions are watching!"
Phones were raised, flashes capturing every humiliating second.
Yara reacted instantly, signaling frantically to the security team.
Several bodyguards rushed the stage. One quickly draped a heavy coat over Xia Ling's exposed frame while another tried to steady her trembling arms.
"Miss Xia, please—get a hold of yourself!"
A third guard uncapped a water bottle and splashed cold water directly onto her face.