On the morning of the 10th, an office lady stepped out of her courtyard, wearing black leather shoes and pushing her bicycle toward the alley exit.
She had her long hair permed into curls, with her bangs and the top of her hair styled high, resembling a hat—a hairstyle that was the height of current fashion.
Trolley buses moved along the electrical wires strung across the city sky, navigating roads shared with countless bicycles and a relatively small number of cars.
The fashionable lady wrapped her long coat tighter around herself and wheeled her bike to a newsstand, where she requested the latest issue of “Visual 111.”
At that moment, her husband finally dashed out from the alley. Catching sight of him, she quickened her pace and handed him the bicycle.
Once the man had mounted the bike and taken to the road, the lady then hopped onto the back seat.
With one hand around her husband’s waist, she waited until the bike was moving smoothly to look down at the “Visual 111” magazine in her left hand.
At just a glance, the cover’s fashionable young girl captured her attention.
The pretty batwing sleeves on the modified blouse and the long modified horse-face skirt, paired with the youthful and playful hairstyle, gave off a uniquely trendy charm.
In an era where everyone wore sweaters with wool skirts and knitted vests, such a distinctly designed outfit made the capital’s fashion-forward women feel especially excited.
Unable to wait, the lady eagerly tore off the plastic seal of “Visual 111,” skimmed through the table of contents, and flipped directly to the inner pages’ photographs.
She didn’t rush to read the text but instead started carefully examining each photo.
In the inner pages, the young girl wore a pullover vest over her blouse, which looked very warm and suitable for the season.
The photos of her wrapped in a down jacket, laughing carefree and looking up at the camera, had a neighborly warmth and a relaxed, mix-and-match vibe.
Perhaps it was the girl’s confident and relaxed expression and posture that made the clothes look so attractive in the photographs.
Arriving at her office, the lady took off her coat and hung it on a wooden rack, then immediately turned to ask her colleagues:
“Have you guys seen today’s issue of ‘Visual 111’?”
“Not yet, haven’t had the chance to buy it. What’s up?” a colleague asked, looking up.
“I’ve fallen for a set of clothes on the cover. I don’t know where to buy them, but they’re really beautiful,” the lady said as she placed her bag on her desk and handed “Visual 111” to her colleague.
Soon after, several women gathered around, eagerly discussing the outfit.
“Ah, can we really look good wearing this at our age?”
“What if I swapped the vest for a red one and the shirt for a white one, do you think it would suit someone my age better?”
“Hey, Sister Wang, you could make a set for your daughter.”
“Oh, this girl isn’t a model, she’s a prodigy, an artist. Look, here’s a photo of her painting.”
“Let me see…”
Suddenly, the discussion about the prodigious young girl on the cover of “Visual 111,” her style, and her rise to fame became a major topic of conversation among the women.
Anyone who hadn’t seen the latest issue of the magazine, or didn’t know what a ‘horse-face skirt’ was, simply couldn’t join in the conversations with colleagues and friends.
Even the men, wanting to keep up with the women during lunch at the cafeteria, found themselves needing to buy a copy of “Visual 111” at the newsstand, or at least pretending to be interested in buying it while scrutinizing the cover.
Many people only knew about cheongsams and Sun Yat-sen (Mao) suits, and were not familiar with the more traditional horse-face skirt from earlier Han attire.
Anyone with a bit of knowledge about historical clothing could instantly become the idol of the group, eloquently discussing it and fully showing off.
A week later, tailors and ready-made clothing shops had already begun studying how to make horse-face skirts. Although it was difficult to replicate the exact skirts from the magazine, and many tailors didn’t fully understand the structure of horse-face skirts, just by following the pleating patterns seen in the photos, they could make a rough approximation.
When the first batch of horse-face skirt outfits was completed, whoever wore it to work or school first instantly became the center of attention throughout the office or school.
Surrounded by people asking where the skirt was made and how much it cost… it was quite a boost to one’s social standing.
Soon, different types of horse-face skirts, such as those made of woolen materials or lined with fleece, began to hit the market.
In an era increasingly influenced by Western aesthetics, with men learning to wear suits and women high heels and western dresses, “Visual 111” introduced a wave of modified horse-face skirts in Beijing.
They were every bit as stylish as Western dresses, yet classical and unique. Different colors and combinations could create various temperaments and styles.
Buy! Buy! Buy!
Wear! Wear! Wear, everyone gets a set!
In this process, tailors and clothing shops, rushing to meet demand, became one of the most powerful user groups of “Visual 111.”
Moreover, many shop owners, with the mindset of buying up multiple issues so others couldn’t get them, even monopolized several copies of the magazine.
Those young girls with some spending power and women who just started working and are chasing trends are especially devoted fans of the new issue of “Visual 111.”
Half a month later, during the first meeting with concrete statistics, the editorial team of “Visual 111” gathered.
The boss, beaming with joy, announced that this issue’s sales had become the highest of the year, almost doubling the figures of the worst-selling month.
Hu Yue received a bonus, Wang Qi received a bonus, and the entire editorial department was jubilant.
Back in the office, Hu Yue placed the red envelope containing his bonus on his desk and opened the issue of the magazine that had brought him this honor.
Looking again at Hua Jie’s photos, she seemed to have become his friend. Perhaps it was because he had looked at her pictures and read the text too many times; he always remembered their conversation during the interview.
The girl’s cleverness and wit, her articulate discussions, her positivity and joy, and her love and passion for her dreams.
Because of her, he had been honored, and his impression of her had improved even more.
Next year, if he was still in the same position, he definitely planned to do another interview with her.
Hopefully by then, she wouldn’t have exhausted her talents, but instead, as a genius, after a year of effort, would soar even higher.
…
…
However, many people expressed dissatisfaction with the content of this issue of “Visual 111.”
While climbing the Great Wall with his children, Bai Qingquan said disapprovingly against the wind:
“The magazine writes as if only beautiful people have a sense of fashion and aesthetics.”
“Why does a woman’s popularity always seem to be tied to her beauty?”
“Do I have to dress up beautifully and stand at the entrance of an art exhibition for everyone to see, and if I’m not good-looking, they won’t buy my paintings?”
“Why are the articles about male artists never critiquing their looks?”
“A promising new star in the art world is written about like a minor actress.”
“The writers for this magazine are really not up to the mark.”
“Ah, you might be being a bit too harsh,” Qiu Yuan took a few more steps, stopped, and turned back to persuade Bai Qingquan while catching his breath. “They are just praising Hua Jie for being talented, capable, and also beautiful with a sense of aesthetics.”
“I also see some issues,” he continued, “They barely wrote about her painting. Instead, they focused excessively on Hua Jie’s clothing, the design concepts behind her outfits, and her life story from childhood, which was elaborated in great detail.”
“Her award-winning works weren’t even properly promoted. I think that part would have been more worth writing about,” Shen Jiaru turned to voice his opinion.
“That’s because the magazine writers, who don’t understand art, prefer to stick to what they know rather than blabber about something they’re clueless about. You guys are being too harsh,” Qiu Yuan patted his back and continued walking.
“How is this being too harsh? We invited them to write, and they ended up focusing only on Hua Jie and her prodigy story. The Qingmei Biennale and the exhibition after the New Year were just briefly mentioned at the end,” Wang Jian also expressed his dissatisfaction.
The venue was rented with the school’s money, the event was organized with the school’s funds, those editors and photographers were invited over, and they were provided with drinks and hospitality. And in the end, all that effort was merely a backdrop barely worth mentioning?
“…” Qiu Yuan looked at Bai Qingquan, then at Shen Jiaru, and then at Wang Jian.
Fine, I’ll keep my mouth shut.
Everyone had valid points and was quite dissatisfied, and he really couldn’t persuade them otherwise.
Anyway, he thought it was pretty good, having heard that “Visual 111” sold well as soon as it hit the markets.
Hmm, the more popular Hua Jie becomes, the better. The oil painting “A Corner of the Forbidden City” by Hua Jie that he bought will surely appreciate in value.
Wait a few more years, and when Hua Jie is at the peak of her popularity, he’ll sell the painting.
Perfect.
…
…
Shen Mo did not see the latest issue of “Visual 111” magazine right away, nor did he get to enjoy Little Potato’s newest beautiful photos.
It would take about a week for the bookstores and newsstands in Jinsong City to receive their deliveries.
Early on the 10th, while the ladies of Beijing were at the newsstands buying magazines, he was rushing to school with an empty backpack to collect report cards.
Today, he was tasked with the responsibility of collecting both his and Little Potato’s homework for the winter break.
A heavy and long road ahead.
After getting the two report cards, he looked at the names on them, his and Hua Jie’s, and couldn’t help but chuckle.
Little Potato was indeed making rapid progress, getting smarter as she learned, not letting down her little master’s meticulous teaching.
After the class prefect helped distribute the summer homework and final exam papers, Shen Mo packed everything into his backpack, instantly filling the empty bag to the brim.
After winter break, when school resumed, they would be changing classrooms, so the teacher advised everyone to take their belongings home to avoid losing them over the break.
Shen Mo thought it over and decided to pack up both his and Little Potato’s desks as well.
While organizing Hua Jie’s desk, he found that it was quite clean and tidy, with books neatly arranged and not many items overall.
He took things out one by one, glanced at them, and stuffed them into his large backpack.
Then, he came across a manga that Bai Xue had decided to give to Hua Jie—“Sakura Diaries 1.”
“?” He picked up the book, leaned against the throne-like chair, and casually flipped it open.
Little Potato was still reading manga; clearly, her homework and studies were not keeping her fully occupied!
One page, two pages… until he finished reading.
“…” Shen Mo closed the book and stuffed it into his backpack.
Then he sat staring into space, lost in thought.
Half an hour later, the on-duty students who stayed behind to clean the classroom had finished making it spotless. They looked at Shen Mo and asked:
“Brother Mo, are you leaving? We need to lock up.”
“…” Shen Mo turned back.
Reluctant to leave the school.
Mostly reluctant to leave his so-called throne.
Two months of winter break leaving it at school, could it get damaged?
Maybe… better take it home?
…
…
After another day of running around with the Qingmei Biennale competition system, sketching various museum objects and scenes, Hua Jie was exhausted when she returned to the hotel. After using the hotel phone to call her parents and check in, she collapsed into the bed, no longer wanting to bathe.
Traveling was exhilarating, but after all the walking and drawing, she was starting to miss home.
Nothing beat the comfort of lying in bed.
When Fang Shaojun finished showering and came out, she found Hua Jie already asleep in the bed.
While applying cream to her face, she walked around Hua Jie, sitting down on the bed loudly, but Hua Jie still did not wake up.
Wouldn’t she catch a cold like this? And after being exposed to the dust and wind all day, wouldn’t it be uncomfortable to sleep all dirty?
Standing up to boil water, Fang Shaojun passed by Hua Jie’s bed and kicked the girl’s leg that was dangling off the bed.
“Eh?” Hua Jie suddenly woke up, looking around in confusion.
Pretending nothing had happened, Fang Shaojun went over to the kettle, filled it with water, and started to heat it up.
Hua Jie took a deep breath, summoned all her strength to get up from the bed, straightened her clothes, and headed into the bathroom.
After a shower, drying her hair, and applying some perfume, she felt refreshed again.
She had just stepped out of the bathroom, dressed and ready, when she heard a buzzing vibration from her bed.
Quickly throwing on her down jacket, she picked up her phone and rushed out.
“Hello?” Hua Jie raised her eyebrows in greeting, her voice filled with joy.
“Mm.” Shen Mo responded, seemingly always so cheerful.
“How did I do? Was my exam okay?” she asked nervously, gripping her phone tightly, her voice tense.
“Second best,” he said.
“What?” Hua Jie was startled.
“You ranked second in our class, 46th in the grade. Your ranking shot up like a rocket—” Before he could finish, Hua Jie’s scream came through the phone.
He quickly pulled the phone away, frowning as he dug at his ear.
Is coming in second really that exciting?
“Really?” Hua Jie, still excited after her scream, asked him joyfully.
“When have I ever lied?” he snorted.
“Oh my god! Oh my god!” She stomped her feet in the empty hallway.
“Just second, not first, why are you so happy?” Shen Mo frowned.
“Oh man, you’re the first, you know,” Hua Jie exclaimed dramatically:
“In our class, getting second is like reaching the peak of life, okay?!”
“Who could possibly beat you?”
“Second is practically first, especially since you’re not human!”
“Who’s not human?” Shen Mo’s voice carried a hint of threat.
“You are a Study God! A god!” Hua Jie quickly added.
“…” Shen Mo couldn’t help but chuckle; that was some serious flattery.
“Get into Tsinghua! Tsinghua Tsinghua!” Hua Jie’s excitement was still high.
“…”
“Thanks for sharing this great news with me, my deskmate. It’s enough to keep me happy all winter break, hahaha! With these results, I’m going to have an incredibly happy New Year!” The girl laughed carefree.
“…” Shen Mo reached out and touched the comic book she had left on the desk, listening to the girl’s joyful laughter, and after a long pause, he suddenly spoke up:
“I cleaned up your desk for you.”
“Ah, thanks, Study God!”
“Also, I saw the comic book you hid in your desk drawer.” Shen Mo tapped the comic book twice with his finger, “You have quite the range, huh? Daring to read any book?”
“Ah?” Hua Jie was puzzled, what comic book?
In her previous life, she had read all the comics there were, and since being reborn, she hadn’t looked at comics—uh—
Hua Jie’s face suddenly turned red, her eyes bulging.
Oh no!!!
She forgot to take “Sakura Diaries” home!
Ahhhh!
This was even more embarrassing and socially devastating than if her boss had discovered her office computer filled with porn!!!
Oh my god!
Would Shen Mo think she was some kind of pervert?!
Help—