When she stood beside Aaron, they looked well matched with each other.
In the blink of an eye, Mia had already let go of her hand clinging onto Aaron's arm and walked up to Arya. When she saw that Arya was still in her black formal suit, she immediately frowned.
"It's already this hour, but you're still dressed like that?"
Arya laughed out loud and put her phone away on the side. Aaron smiled and nodded at Arya before walking over to greet Vice President.
"Are you going to just attend the event like this? Everyone knows tonight's practically a competition of who looks the best, and you're dressed like this! What would Master Knight think? Be careful of the beautifully dressed women waiting for their chance to get close to Master Knight. I heard that there'll even be a dance floor later!"
Mia pulled Arya aside as she showed her long gown off.
"Look at me. Even I changed into this. In fact, Victoria and Ethan are coming over tonight as well, aren't they? Aren't you going to grab the opportunity to step on them and help me stave this anger off for me?"
Arya then could not help but be slightly distracted. She fell silent for a moment then helplessly waved the phone in her hand and answered calmly,
"I was so busy that I forgot. I was just about to call you and ask for you to pick a dress for me, but time flew by pretty quickly. It's almost half past 3, and you and Aaron are already here."
Mia was speechless. She could only scratch her head and could not help but be driven slightly mad.
"I'm so done with you. You're so dense! Fine, fine, I'll accompany you to go take a look now. Isn't Fashion City just nearby? Let's go over to take a look first. Let's go!"
As she said this, she pulled Arya along with her.
"Never mind. There's no need. I'll just go myself. The banquet is going to start soon. You two go in first. Otherwise, you won't be able to find anyone later. I'll have to go backstage later on as well. Reena, please bring Mr. Aaron and Miss Mia in."
Arya did not wait for Mia to say anything further. She just waved for her assistant, Reena, to bring them in.
"Mia, Aaron, you two follow Reena in and find a good spot first. I'll look for you later."
"Mr. Aaron, Miss Mia, this way." Reena smiled as she greeted them.
"Arya..."
...
Mia wanted to say something, but Aaron held her back.
"Arya, then we'll go in first. See you later!"
Arya nodded. "Let's go in!"
Aaron dragged Mia and followed Reena in.
As she watched their figures disappear past the door, Arya breathed in slightly. She stole a glance at the time on her phone and habitually reached out to cover her forehead with her hand. She was thinking about whether or not to rush out to search for a gown when a voice interrupted her thoughts —
"Director Johns!" It was Rick.
His sudden voice made Arya look up abruptly too. She looked at Rick who was walking towards and could not help but be slightly shocked.
Since Rick was here, did that mean that Xavier had come too?
"Secretary Rick?" Arya responded, subconsciously peeking behind him, yet she did not see signs of the man. She could not help but feel puzzled when she turned to Rick.
"Master is still in the hotel. He wants you to go over right away," Rick said softly to Arya.
When she heard him, Arya instantly frowned. She did not understand.
"The opening ceremony is going to start right away. Everything else after that..."
"Master's already called Manager to ask him to take charge of all the matters afterward," Rick responded.
"Director Johns, since that's the case, you should make a trip there. It'll be fine with me here. Besides, you should change your outfit." Vice President smiled from the side.
Arya fell silent for a moment, then she nodded.
"Then, I'll have to trouble you, VP. I'll go over for a bit."
VP smiled in response.
"Let's go." Arya picked up her pace and walked to the stairs while Rick politely nodded to VP and then followed after her.
...
She followed Rick to Emperor Hotel where Xavier was waiting in his VIP room.
"Missus, please go in. Master's right inside."
They had just walked past a long corridor, and when they reached the door, James seemed to have been waiting for a long time. He respectfully opened the room door for her, indicating for her to enter.
"You're still here? The opening ceremony is about to start soon!" Arya raised her brows and took a look at James and Rick.
James smiled. "We were waiting for you, Missus. Please go in!"
Why were they being all mysterious?
If she had known, then she would have called him and the gown problem could have been resolved earlier, but she had forgotten about that too.
Arya then picked up her pace and walked in before James quickly closed the door.
She had just stepped into the room when his handsome figure entered her sight. Standing there before the French windows with his hand clasped behind his back, when he heard the sound of footsteps, the man instantly turned around and looked at the door.
Just as he thought, he saw that the slender woman was still dressed in the black formal suit. She looked very experienced and steady, yet to him, he felt that this woman was actually very delicate and frail. Furthermore, she was worried about her weight...
"What is it?"
Arya's beautiful brows raised slightly when she saw that his gaze fell onto her without shifting for quite a while. Then, she looked down to see if there was anything wrong with her.
When he heard her crisp voice, his noble and handsome face appeared comfortable. The hands he set behind him lifted and reached out towards her and his voice was deep yet calm.
"Come over!"
His smile was inviting and his deep voice sounded like there were hints of warmth too. For some reason, it eased her fatigue. She thought about it for quite a while, then she walked over.
She had just walked up to him when her entire being was surrounded by him around the shoulders as he hugged her fiercely.
"Tired?"
Hugging her, the two of them stood shoulder to shoulder. He still looked at her from his towering position, seeing that the tag on her chest had already titled to one side, so he reached out to help her straighten it.
"I'm fine. The opening ceremony is starting soon. I..."
Arya wanted to tell him that she had to rush to get a gown now, yet before she could say anything, Xavier continued,
"Oh, so you know it's going to start soon too." Her beautiful brows furrowed even further as she looked up at him, her starry eyes flickering with puzzlement.
He shot her a glance and patted her head like a punishment. Then, he pointed to the bag on the sofa.
"Quickly go in and change into it."
When he said this, Arya was stunned. She followed his line of sight and saw that there was indeed something on the sofa. She looked at him suspiciously as if realizing something. She then walked over...
Indeed, it was a gorgeous gown in the bag.
It turned out that he really did listen to her last night, yet he had not answered her. How annoying!
Arya glared at him, not saying anything though. Then, she picked the gown up and walked to the bathroom.
Once she entered the bathroom, she practically changed her clothes at the quickest speed.
He had prepared rather sufficiently. Even the shoes and accessories were paired and it did save her quite some time. She swiftly put on the clothes and accessories, and casually tied her hair into a beautiful bun, holding it up with the chosen hairpin. Then, she put on simple and light makeup.
She was very quick, and without any elaborate adornment either. Everything was settled within the blink of an eye.
...
When she looked at herself in the mirror, Arya was a little shocked. With this dress on her, she almost could not recognize herself. The gown was very suitable and with such delicate accessories that matched it well, she looked gorgeous.
She was dazed for a while, then she snapped back after a moment. When she saw the wound that was vaguely exposed on her shoulder, she instantly frowned again.
Xavier had chosen a dress that covered her chest. However, even though the left side of it had been specially adjusted and it came with a shawl of the same color, it did not seem to completely cover up her wound.
Just as her beautiful brows were knotted in her dilemma, the bathroom door suddenly swung open. She followed the source of the sound and noticed Xavier already walking in with huge strides.
He examined her slightly and could not hide how she took his breath away. However, he very quickly returned to his senses, looked down, and quietly studied the wound on her left shoulder that could not be entirely hidden.
There was some dimness in her eyes; it seemed to be a sadness that was hard to hold back. She fell silent for a while and then said sorrowfully,
"I think it's best I just wear my work suit. I'm afraid I won't be able to wear a dress like this for the rest of my life..."
It was not a bad thing to be working so hard. The doctor had already told her very clearly then that the wound would leave a scar. Even though she did not pick at the healing pad, she knew that it must be just as the doctor said.
When he saw her fatigued expression instantly go pale, it made his heart sink. His eyes held pity for her. He reached out with his arm and could not help but pull her into a hug into his embrace as he scolded softly,
"That's enough. How big of an issue is this? Isn't it just a little wound? There'll be a way to make it fade."
Even though he was scolding her, his tone did not sound reprimanding at all.
...
As he said this, she suddenly saw him lift a hand. A cool and almost flirtatious sapphire blue rose entered her sight. It was a blossoming sapphire blue rose.
He lowered his head and bent over slightly. Very carefully and earnestly, he put the blossoming blue rose in his hand to her chest, the blossoming and flirtatiously beautiful petals instantly covering the wound that showed.
He meticulously arranged it for a while and fixed her shawl before straightening up and watching her in satisfaction. He chuckled.
"Just like that. Isn't it all good now?"
Arya lowered her head slightly took and looked towards her left shoulder. The wound had been completely hidden whilst the cold and beautiful petals blended into the dress on her, appearing very compatible.
Her twinkling eyes suddenly became distracted as she quietly looked on... and on...
Then, her eyes suddenly heated up and she felt something in her throat. Faint flickering sparkles appeared in her vision and she could not help but turn her head away to blink hard.
She did not say anything for quite a while.
He thought she was still upset about the wound, so he went over to hold her by the shoulder and said calmly,
"Enough now. Moderation is key. If there'll be a scar, then let there be a scar especially since you just let me look while you strip when I didn't even say anything. So, what are you worried for?"
Initially, she felt somewhat upset and moved, yet when he said this, she suddenly felt embarrassed and forgot all about being upset. She immediately turned her head and blinked her eyes with flickering sparkles of droplets in them. Glaring at him, she said angrily as she felt shameful,
"How vulgar!"
Xavier's eyes twinkled. He returned her glare with an objection, his expression extremely calm and distant as he answered disapprovingly,
"I'm just telling the truth. Don't you think it is?"
Arya looked a little speechless and then she rolled her eyes.
This man is really able to completely turn my emotions upside down. Initially, I should've been...
She could not be bothered with him. Unable to stand his sly and unfathomable gaze, she turned around and walked out of the door.
"It's about time. If we don't go now, we'll be late."
When he saw her walk out the door in a huff, he chuckled without a word. He stared at her slender figure for quite a while then slowly followed after.
"Master, Missus!"
Once the door was opened, James who was outside immediately walked up. When he saw Arya walk out while holding the hem of her dress up, his eyes lit up. He subconsciously turned to look at Rick who looked stunned as well. He turned blank.
"Let's go." Xavier's voice sounded, his eyes sweeping across James and Rick who could not help but feel a sudden chill down their backs. They then quietly lowered their heads...
While at this moment, the International Exhibition Centre was already filled with guests, it was bustling all over the place.
Soothing and gentle music filled the venue while experienced waiters shuttled back and forth serving tea and finger food. The host up front was testing the microphone and on both sides of the super huge screens, they were playing a promotional video of the different departments in Glory World Corporation.
Congratulatory greetings went around the room.
The several VIP tables up front were slowly filling with people. However, the one most important had yet to arrive though just like how big shot celebrities who were invited usually appeared last. The crowd did not forget that this launch was meant to announce Glory World Corporation's determination in advancing into the showbiz industry as well.
In the guest seats up front, there were many well-known directors and people-in-charge of movie and television companies. The reporters had also gone through strict screening, and only several media houses earned the right to enter.
A competition among those in show business might happen right there really soon.
As the time closed in, the atmosphere suddenly became exciting and everyone was looking forward to it. Even the venue music changed to slightly more upbeat Latin music.
Outside the venue, many fans of movie stars and singers also knew about this launch, so they rushed over and gathered outside. Unfortunately, they were stopped outside the protective fence next to the stairs by the security staff.
Both sides of the carpark were filled with cars. There was a vast crowd on both sides of the staircase as many had gone over just to catch the excitement too.
A silver luxury limousine sped in, slowly stopping in front of the stairs.
The car door quickly opened.
"It's CEO Williams. He's finally here!"
Vice President personally walked down the stairs to greet him respectfully.
The person who came was Daniel, their Master's good friend. He was the young one in power of Williams Corporation and he was very well-known in the business circle too.
Daniel smiled and nodded, gently shaking Vice President's hand. The smile on his handsome face was particularly tender and it made everyone on the side screech. The few slightly famous female celebrities who followed behind his car also blushed and felt their hearts beat faster.
"Hasn't your Chairman Knight arrived yet?" Daniel smiled and asked.
"He should be here soon. Earlier, Assistant Rick came over too. In fact, the launch is starting soon. CEO Williams, let's go in first," Vice President greeted appropriately.
Daniel nodded cheerfully. "This guy is always rushing to enter last as if he's waiting for those few minutes. Let's go in first. I want to sit at the same table as him."
Before Vice President could reply, he walked right in.
Just as Vice President smiled and was about to enter, there was a commotion and loud cheering from behind. He turned and saw that at the staircase earlier, a white sports car had stopped. The person in the car was a famous movie star, Caitlin, while an equally popular singer, Lin Ling followed after in a limousine. There were even some super popular models and A-list celebrities. It was quite a spectacular scene.
The moment all these big shots got down from the car, many of the fans who had waited for a long time rushed up recklessly, shrieking and shouting in excitement. They begged for a photo or an autograph. Even if all these personalities had brought along personal bodyguards, they could not hold back this large group of zealous fans.
The fan groups held up their banners, waving signs to display their love as they rushed up madly like a surging tide. Caitlin and the rest could only smile and take group photos with their respective fans or give them their autographs.
Caitlin and Lin Ling were both spokespeople that Glory World Corporation had just signed on. Like Victoria, they were both very popular A-list celebrities and were loved by millions of fans.
Today, they had also dressed glamorously, hungry to steal everyone's attention. Caitlin wore a brightly-colored, gorgeous Empress-style cheongsam , appearing rather charismatic.
On the other hand, Lin Ling took the lady-like route. She wore a light-colored embroidered qipao that had double-layers. Her bright and beautiful face was like a blooming lotus flower whilst her manners were elegant and enchanting.
All three of the super A-list female stars, including Victoria who had not yet arrived, were all personalities of interest at this launch because apart from them competing to be Imperial Sky Jewellery City's main spokesperson, if they were lucky, they would become Glory World Corporation's face that would advance into the showbiz industry. All eyes would be on them and their future would be limitless.
The security guards spent a lot of effort before they managed to calm the crowd down. The few celebrities finally stepped onto the red carpet and waved at their fans as they walked into the venue.
...
The venue was pretty happening inside too. One could hear the shrieks and cheers at the entrance when the crowd looked over to the door and saw that Caitlin and the rest were walking on the red carpet in a high-profile manner as blinding photography flashes from various media highlighted their presence. All of them had easy-mannered smiles.
One after another, they displayed their gracefulness with all they had and the atmosphere suddenly turned livelier. The crowd was all staring intensely at the beautiful scene on the red carpet, their eyes filled with admiration.
Even Mia could not help but excitedly shriek with her fists pumping in the air.
"It's Caitlin! Aaron, it really is Caitlin! Oh my God, I really love her! And that man beside her, he's the remarkably popular best male lead actor, Ming Yu! Pinch me! Am I seeing this right?! It feels like I'm dreaming!"
As she exclaimed, she clutched onto Aaron who thought that his arm was about to be bruised from her grasp.
"And that woman is Lin Ling! Drop-dead beautiful!"
Mia's eyes kept staring at the red carpet ahead, yet when she looked to the back and saw a flash of gaudy red, her face instantly sank. She could not help but say gloomily,
"Why is she here too? And dressed so sexily and provokingly! Why is she trying to get in on the action?!"
Aaron followed Mia's gaze and looked over to see Evelyn clinging onto the CEO of their company, CEO, and was walking on the red carpet. She was dressed in flaming red and looked particularly attractive, oozing with sultriness.
It made Mia unhappy and her face darkened. What made her even angrier came after, heralded by the excited shrieks from the entrance. She looked up and saw—
It was Victoria and Ethan!
"Wow, she thinks she's an Oscar-award winning best actress, wanting to act like a big shot, and even using bodyguards to opened up a pathway! This bitch is fronting again. Doesn't she know that fronting is short-lived while a bitch like her is forever?"
Mia was harsh with her words. When she saw Ethan and Victoria walking with four bodyguards in black surrounding them, her eyes were practically spitting fire. She did not care about her image.
With the way she cursed, the people around could not help but throw odd glances at Mia. Aaron could only pull on her arm and remind her,
"Mia, watch yourself. We're in public."
"So what if we're in public? Look at the way she smiles! Those who didn't know would think that she's so pure and kind, but she's actually just a hypocritical white lotus flower. How pretentious! Just watching her disgusts me!"
Mia did not make an exception – she was always like that. As long as she felt good about it, she could disregard whatever image she had. She did not know the others anyway, so she did not care what they thought.
"I'm just reminding you that you should leave some face for Arya. We're specially invited guests of Arya. Don't embarrass her. Look, they're all watching you!" Aaron said helplessly.
Then, Mia started to restrain herself and turned to look at those people who stared at her. Glaring at them for a while, she then stopped herself.
Amidst the upbeat opening music and the crowd's cheers, the round of contesting for attention finally slowed down. With the awaited personalities' arrival and after they sat in their respective seats, the launch was about to begin. The emcee upfront had already begun speaking to sustain the lively mood at the venue.
At this moment, at the venue entrance.
Passing through the gentle, warm light, the Bentley finally slowed down to a stop.
"Chairman Knight!"
When they saw the car stop, Director, Vice President, Manager, and the other upper management leaders, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately rushed up to greet him.
Before James could open the door, Xavier had already pushed the door open and got down by himself. Just as he stood steadily, he reached into the car and asked Vice President and the rest plainly,
"Is everyone here?"
"Everything's in order. We're just waiting for you, Chairman Knight." Just as Vice President said this, the few of them saw Arya swiftly get down from the car.
"Director Johns!"
They were practically dumbfounded. A second ago, they were still surprised by whoever had the honor to be their Chairman Knight's date. As they gaped at the elegant Arya, they were stunned for a moment.
They had never seen Director Johns dress this glamorously before!
Usually, she would be dressed in her strict and low-profiled black business suit!