The so called scandal of the year had burned out faster than cheap perfume.
Four days later, the fashion world had already moved on...to me once again.
My sister had gone silent, too silent, her PR team probably fighting over who they will blame for the disastrous situation.
Meanwhile, I was having my jasmine tea. The expensive one that gives you tranquility.
'Host, there are major reposts, thousands of tweets, sponsorship offers, and even marriage proposals.'
" Yuck...minus the last one," I replied, flipping through my sketch drafts. "You know my taste doesn't include men who can barely match their shoes."
That's when my assistant Rumei burst in, eyes wide, her favorite tablet in hand.
"Boss you are...trending. Again!"
I blinked, not so surprised. "Already? What have I done this time round?"
She didn't explain but just shoved the tablet into my hands.
On the screen, a breaking headline read,
"Global fashion icon Huang Zeming announces co host for this year's Glam room Gala, Phantom , also known as Jiang Rui."
"Excuse my eyes??" I muttered, rereading, careful not to miss any word.
"He did what?"
'Damn. He really acts like a male peacock initiating a mating dance. This one is a tough one host. Sigh!'
I groaned, irritated. "Do I look like a press tool for people in this industry?"
Rumei didn't mind my attitude but continued squealing.
"You are co hosting the Glam room Gala! That's like a very big event of the year!"
"A big event and the most political," I said flatly. "You don't get it Rumei."
" Power does something, you just don't get invited to host that big of an event unless someone is trying to test you, or worse...use you."
Despite my words, my facial expressions said a different thing.
The photo attached to the article made me smirk. It was really hard not to.
Huang Zeming had posted a picture of me from the council meeting, my appearance lethal as Nova says. It had a simple but smooth caption.
"And when the future of fashion graces you with her presence, she deserves the brightest stage."
"Hmm...Smooth," I muttered.
'Hehe host, he is flirting with an aim of hitting bullseye.'
"Too bad for him. Let's see how much charm he has."
By mid day, my inbox was full. Just as I expected. They all wanted a word from me, be it a quote or a confirmation.
From Reporters to investors and even fashion competitors, they were all restless.
As so I eased their struggle. I gave them a reply.
I shot a perfectly staged video, in a lilac satin blouse, eyes calm and calculating, with my hair cascading down my shoulders.
"Thank you to the Glam room Board for the honor," I said, voice warm but full of business. "As phantom, I look forward to celebrating... originality and creativity, right on the global stage."
'You really are petty. The slight pause before 'originality' was lethal.'
"I know," I said sweetly. "That's the whole point darling."
That evening, my phone buzzed. None other than Huang Zeming.
"Soo...was that your version of yes or a no?" he asked the moment I answered.
No greetings,no nothing.
Tsk! Entitled bastard.
"Neither," I said smoothly. "That was my version of reminding you that I control the narrative.'"
He laughed heartedly. "You are really impossible."
"Classic. That is what keeps me interesting."
"You know ,the board wanted someone unpredictable , bold and original. You just happen to fit all three."
"Assuming this is a yes," I said. "What do you get out of this?"
"The pleasure of your company ," he said without shame. "Also, the best rating Glam room has ever seen."
'Host he is 70% serious and 30% betting.Possibly afraid of rejection.'
"I will consider it," I replied, ignoring both of them.
"But you already said yes publicly..." he teased.
"Point of correction," I replied almost immediately. "I said I look forward to the event. I never said I look forward to co host."
He chuckled, then laughed out loud. "You really are trouble, Jiang Rui."
"Do replace trouble with focus," I corrected. "Trouble is what people get when they underestimate me."
Barely an hour later, Zeming's's PR posted a joint photo announcement.
His image beside mine, in gold and silver.
The photo screamed of beauty and charisma.
The internet lost its mind completely.
#JiangRuiAndHuangZeming
#PhantomReturns
#NewPowerDuo
'I have a prediction host. Lu Jinghao is glaring at his phone.'
I raised a brow in amusement. "Really? He doesn't strike me as the jealous type."
'Not really, but he is very much the type to buy the entire event if he feels threatened.'
I paused and hummed. "…Eeh...Fair point."
By the next morning, I was at the Glam room headquarters for a press meeting. As usual, such a room would smell like coffee, perfume and anxiety.
Huang Zeming greeted me in a tailored navy suit, flashing that grin that had made him the international playboy.
"Goid to see you. I am glad you came," he said.
"Couldn't miss. I was told there would be free espresso."
'Hehe, that was mean host.'
As we walked into the conference room, cameras turned to us and almost immediately, the clicks and flashes started.
Zeming spoke easily to the media, and I played my part quietly. Looking poised and articulate, like the enigma I am.
When one journalist asked how we planned to handle the event together, Zeming replied with a smile, "Phantom will handle the design concept while I handle the chaos."
"And what if chaos wears designer?" I jokingly smiled, just enough to make them laugh.
"Then we are gonna make it walk the runway," he shot back immediately. Fair enough if you ask me.
'Host, you two are obviously flirting. Be careful not to wake the tyrant.'
The event went on flawlessly, and the press was well behaved until one reporter asked the unavoidable question.
"Miss Jiang Ning, what do you have to say about the claims that your family has accused you of abandoning them after your success?"
The question dropped like acid, causing Zeming's smile to falter. My own aura turned degress colder.
'Host your emotions have spiked. Should I shut them up?'
"Thank you Nova but no need," I murmured.
Then, turning to the press, I spoke.
"Reconciliation after abandonment requires something worth returning to. I simply relocated my peace."
I heard gasps, and then clicks.
And suddenly, a thousand new headlines were born.
Huang Zeming glanced sideways at me, clearly amused.
"Damn. Remind me not to cross you."
"Noted," I said lightly.
That evening, I was invited to attend a fitting session for the gala, a collaborative concept showcasing Rebirth Through Fabric.
The studio hummed with various stylists and assistants.
I confidently stood in front of the mirror as the final dress was adjusted, a beautiful white gown with embroidery that shimmered, mimicked liquid light.
My reflection was as breathtaking as usual , all lethal and serene.
'Hmm host. I have to warn you that your beauty is approaching weaponized levels.'
"Good," I said softly. "Just how I love it."
As I left the studio, my phone suddenly rang, but the number didn't seem unfamiliar.
"You are still causing storms I see."
My breath stilled the moment his voice came through. Lu Jinghao.
His voice was deep, smooth and perfectly calm.
" I'll let you know that some people prefer silence," I replied, stepping into the light.
"But mostly, silence doesn't trend," he replied.
"The board has asked for my opinion on you co hosting.I replied telling them it is an entertaining thought."
"Entertaining you say?"
He slightly paused. "Yes. I want to see what kind of person you become when you're handed power on a stage."
I smirked. "And...?"
"Let's see, so far," he said, "you have kept everyone guessing."
'Host, that is his version of a compliment. In short, he is trying to tell you that he is obsessed.'
"What's your point, Lu Jinghao?" I asked.
An exhale came from the other end.
"Be careful who you stand beside. Not every applause is admiration."
The call went dead before I could respond.
I stared at the phone, heartbeat steady.
Later that night, the Jiang mansion was chaotic
Jiang Ning slammed her tablet down. "What do you mean she is hosting the Glam room Gala?!"
Mrs Jiang's face twisted. "That brat is really shameless! After what she has done to our reputation...then..."
Mr. Jiang also tried to speak, but Ning cut him off. "Father if we don't crush her soon, she won't stop until she erases every single trace of our family from this industry!"
Mrs Jiang leaned back. "Then daughter, let us give her something she can't erase."
"You are right...the same way we did to her mother..."
A cruel smile spread between them, the kind that only the desperate wear.
Jiang Rui sat miles away, clearing away her fatigue, not knowing that the next attack was being launched.