One of B ai Ning's identities is that of the world-renowned fashion designer, Leo.
Who is Leo?
Two years ago, Leo burst onto the scene, designing the wedding dress for the princess of Country Y.
This single design catapulted her to international fame overnight, securing her the top spot on the global list of the best fashion designers. However, Leo has always been shrouded in mystery.
She never makes public appearances and never grants interviews.
All public statements are made by her studio manager, Yuna.
The world only knows her by her English name, Leo, and even her gender remains unknown.
If it were revealed that the legendary Leo is actually a young woman in her early twenties, everyone would be utterly astonished.
Bai Ning threw herself into her work, making a few final adjustments to her design. With a satisfied smile, she sent the design to Yuna, instructing her to launch the Elsa collection immediately. She received a prompt reply from
Yuna:
Received. Launching the Elsa collection as planned. Great work, as always!
----
Time flew by, and soon it was Sunday. Early in the morning, Qin Feng took Bai Ning back to the Qin family's old residence.
The Qin family's old residence was a three-story villa, nestled on a hillside, surrounded by lush green mountains and clear waters, creating an extremely picturesque environment. The housekeeper, Uncle Li, warmly welcomed Qin Feng and Bai Ning inside.
Qin Feng:
"Where's Grandpa?"
Uncle Li:
"The old master is waiting for you inside. Miss Bai, I've heard so much about you. The old master has been looking forward to meeting you."
Bai Ning smiled and nodded politely. Qin Feng extended his arm, signaling for White Ning to link hers with his. White Ning glanced at him warily.
Qin Feng:
"I hope you'll behave well in front of Grandpa. He's not in the best of health."
Understanding his intentions, Bai Ning hesitated for a moment before linking her arm with his. Regardless of their complicated relationship, she genuinely hoped that Grandpa Qin would recover soon.
The two walked side by side into the living room, where an elderly man with silver hair and wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses was seated. This was Qin Feng's grandfather, Qin Zhenxing.
Qin Feng:
"Grandpa."
Qin Feng quickly walked over to him. Bai Ning followed, revealing a sweet smile.
Qin Zhenxing:
"Ning Ning, it's been so long. You've grown into a fine young lady. Very well, very well."
The last time he had seen Bai Ning was five years ago when she was still a slightly awkward teenager. Now, the girl standing before him was elegant, bright-eyed, and beautiful—she was a perfect match for Qin Feng.
Bai Ning:
"Grandpa Qin, are you feeling alright? Grandpa has been worried about you."
Bai Ning gently supported Qin Zhenxing and subtly took his pulse. As a child, Bai Ning had been frail and often ill, so her grandfather had brought in an old traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to help her. Through years of exposure, she had become proficient in medical knowledge.
Bai Ning discovered that Qin Zhenxing's pulse was steady and his health was good. "So... Grandpa Qin is pretending to be ill?!" It was clear that Qin Feng was very filial to his grandfather. Thus, Grandpa Qin had used the pretense of illness to get Qin Feng to agree to bring Bai Ning to the Qin residence. Grandpa Qin had gone to great lengths for his grandson's happiness.
However, Bai Ning knew that there was no future between her and Qin Feng. It seemed that in three months, Grandpa Qin would be disappointed. Bai Ning glanced at Qin Feng, who was holding her hand affectionately. She instinctively wanted to pull away, but remembering their agreement, she stiffened and offered a faint smile. In Grandpa Qin's eyes, the two seemed very close, and he couldn't help but smile with relief.
At that moment, Uncle Li's voice was heard:
Uncle Li:
"Old master, madam and Miss Zhang have arrived."
Madam? Miss Zhang? White Ning furrowed her brows slightly as Qin's mother entered with Zhang Wan'er.
Qin's Mother:
"Dad, are you feeling better? Wan'er has come to see you."
Zhang Wan'er:
"Hello, Mr. Qin."
Zhang Wan'er put on a demure demeanor.
Zhang Wan'er:
"I heard you were ill, Mr. Qin. I've wanted to visit you for days, but I was afraid of disturbing you."
Mr. Qin's smile dimmed a bit. He was well aware of Zhang Wan'er's feelings for his grandson and knew that his daughter-in-law favored Zhang Wan'er over White Ning, who came from the countryside. However, in Grandpa Qin's eyes, Bai Ning was far superior to Zhang Wan'er. The reality was that Bai Ning was simply better, though neither Qin's mother nor Zhang Wan'er knew Bai Ning's true identity.
Qin Feng:
"Mom, why are you here?"
Seeing Zhang Wan'er, Qin Feng's expression darkened. He had come with White Ning to visit his grandfather, so why had his mother brought Zhang Wan'er along?
Qin's Mother:
"Wan'er has been very considerate and eager to see you, Dad. She happened to be free today, so we came together."
With a smile, Qin's mother subtly pushed Zhang Wan'er closer to Qin Feng. Understanding her mother's intentions, Zhang Wan'er positioned herself between Qin Feng and White Ning, pressing close to Qin Feng and pushing White Ning to the side.
Bai Ning pursed her lips. It seemed that Qin's mother had brought Zhang Wan'er to assert her dominance. Was Madam Qin really that averse to her? Zhang Wan'er gazed at Qin Feng with a mixture of admiration and longing.
Zhang Wan'er:
"Qin Feng, my brother will be returning to the country in a few days. How about we all get together then?"
Qin Feng flatly refused.
Qin Feng:
"No time."
Zhang Wan'er:
"Are you that busy?"
Zhang Wan'er's voice couldn't hide her disappointment. Qin Feng took a step forward, bypassing Zhang Wan'er, and wrapped his arm around Bai Ning's waist.
Qin Feng:
"Bai Ning just arrived in City A. I'll be showing her around."
Bai Ning was taken aback for a moment, then she leaned into Qin Feng's embrace and cooed,
Bai Ning:
"I want you to shop with me too."
Qin Feng indulgently nodded.
Qin Feng:
"Sure."
Watching the affectionate display between the two, Zhang Wan'er's face darkened. She forced herself to suppress the jealousy boiling within her and handed a gift to Grandpa Qin.
Zhang Wan'er:
"Mr. Qin, this is premium bird's nest. It's very nourishing and perfect for the elderly. My grandfather had it specially brought back from abroad."
She paused and looked at White Ning.
Zhang Wan'er:
"Miss Bai, you probably haven't seen anything like this in the countryside. Maybe I can bring some for you next time."
Ignoring Zhang Wan'er's sarcasm, White Ning replied indifferently,
Bai Ning:
"No need."
Zhang Wan'er asked again,
Zhang Wan'er:
"What gift did you bring for Mr. Qin, Miss Bai?"
Zhang Wan'er's tone was provocative as she stared at White Ning. She didn't expect White Ning to have brought anything of value. This comparison would surely show Grandpa Qin who the true lady of high society was and who was a match for Qin Feng. She had heard that Qin Feng's marriage was arranged by Grandpa Qin, and she was determined to change his mind.
For days, Zhang Wan'er had been trying every means to win over Qin's mother, hoping to gain her approval. But Qin Feng remained indifferent and distant towards her. Qin's mother had told her that White Ning was just an engagement arranged by Grandpa Ma, and Qin Feng had reluctantly agreed. So, as long as she could make a good impression on Grandpa Qin and embarrass White Ning in front of him, her position as the future daughter-in-law of the Qin family would be within reach.
Bai Ning:
"I didn't bring any gift."
Bai Ning's face remained calm. Zhang Wan'er's eyes flickered with disdain. She had known it all along—this country bumpkin hadn't prepared anything. How rude and embarrassing in front of Grandpa Qin! She would surely be cast out one day!
However, Bai Ning paused for a moment, then took out a painting from her bag with a smile.
White Ning:
"Grandpa Qin, this is an authentic painting by Tang Yin, titled 'Peony and Lady.' My grandfather asked me to give it to you."
Qin Zhenxing's face lit up with delight as he took the painting and examined it carefully.
Qin Zhenxing:
"Thank him on my behalf."
Zhang Wan'er couldn't believe her eyes as she looked at the painting. The figures in the scroll were lifelike, powerful yet graceful, a perfect blend of strength and softness, clearly the work of a master, and of considerable value. In comparison, her bird's nest seemed dull and worthless. Grandpa Qin, who had always been fond of calligraphy and painting, was delighted by Bai Ning's thoughtful gift.
But how could this be possible?
How could this country girl have such a valuable painting?
It must be a fake!
Thinking this, Zhang Wan'er blurted out,
Zhang Wan'er:
"Miss White, are you trying to deceive Grandpa Qin with a counterfeit?"
Bai Ning frowned slightly. Her grandfather would never give her a fake. Zhang Wan'er's accusation was clearly based on the assumption that Bai Ning came from a poor, rural family.
Bai Ning:
"Miss Zhang, by saying that, you are questioning Grandpa Qin's discernment, unable to distinguish between an authentic piece and a fake?"
Bai Ning's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.
Zhang Wan'er felt embarrassed.
Zhang Wan'er:
"I didn't mean it that way, but Tang Yin's authentic works are extremely valuable. Where did you acquire it?"
Bai Ning's voice turned cold.
"How about you accuse me of stealing again?"
Qin Feng, who had been standing by, suddenly spoke up.
Qin Feng:
"The painting is genuine."
His gaze on Bai Ning was probing. Wasn't she supposed to be from the countryside? How did she come into possession of such a valuable piece? The more he interacted with her, the more he realized that his fiancée was far from ordinary.
Even Qin Feng was siding with Bai Ning, filling Zhang Wan'er's eyes with frustration.
Zhang Wan'er:
"But..."
Before Zhang Wan'er could finish, Bai Ning cut her off.
White Ning:
"My painting is indeed authentic, but as for Miss Zhang's dress..."
She paused deliberately, a mocking smile playing on her lips.
White Ning:
"...it is undeniably a counterfeit."
Zhang Wan'er exclaimed in disbelief.
Zhang Wan'er:
"What nonsense are you talking about?!"
Zhang Wan'er:
"My dress was designed by the international master Leo. You probably don't even know who Leo is, so don't make false accusations!"
Bai Ning smiled. If she didn't know who Leo was, then no one in the world did. The dress Zhang Wan'er was wearing was indeed exquisitely crafted and beautiful, but upon closer inspection, it was a high-quality imitation. The original design had only been produced twice: one was purchased by Hollywood star Ada, and the other by the princess of Country Y. Therefore, the dress Zhang Wan'er was wearing could only be a replica. Judging by her reaction, Zhang Wan'er likely didn't even know she had bought a counterfeit.
Bai Ning:
"As far as I know, genuine pieces from Leo's studio have a heart-shaped mark on the lining of the skirt. Miss Zhang, you might want to check if your dress has it."
White Ning's lips curled into a faint smile. The heart-shaped mark was something she had designed herself, and each one was sewn by Yuna by hand, making it impossible to replicate.
Zhang Wan'er:
"What heart-shaped mark? I've never heard of it. Don't make things up."
Zhang Wan'er dismissed the idea, thinking White Ning was just trying to embarrass her. What could a country bumpkin know? She must be making it up on purpose!
White Ning:
"Miss Zhang, you should check the hot search."
Zhang Wan'er:
"Hot search?"
Zhang Wan'er was taken aback.
Bai Ning:
"Leo just launched the new Elsa collection today, and it mentions the heart-shaped mark."
Bai Ning's lips curved into a faint smile. The timing was perfect. The Elsa collection, launched by Yuna, had immediately topped the hot search list. It detailed Leo's design philosophy, including the heart-shaped mark.
Zhang Wan'er opened her phone skeptically, and there it was—a hot news push about Leo. Indeed, Yuna clearly stated that every piece from Leo's studio had a heart-shaped anti-counterfeiting mark. And her dress lacked it.
Zhang Wan'er's face turned pale and then red with embarrassment. She had spent a fortune on a counterfeit and had humiliated herself in front of Qin Feng! Even Qin's mother looked at Zhang Wan'er with a questioning gaze.
How could the daughter of the prestigious Zhang family be so lacking in discernment?
Zhang Wan'er glared at BaiNing in anger, at a loss for words. How did Bai Ning know so much?
Qin Feng leaned closer to White Ning and whispered in her ear,
Qin Feng:
"How did you know?"
If he remembered correctly, Leo's studio had never mentioned the heart-shaped mark before. How could Bai Ning know so much about it?
Bai Ning:
"I heard it from a friend."
Qin Feng:
"Let's eat, Uncle Li," Qin's mother said, changing the subject to save face for Zhang Wan'er.
Uncle Li looked to Grandpa Qin for confirmation, who nodded and gave the go-ahead to start the meal.
As Bai Ning sat down at the dining table, she glanced at a photo on a side table. In the picture, Grandpa Qin was holding a white dog. The dog looked familiar.
She turned to Qin Feng and asked,
White Ning:
"Is the dog in the photo Grandpa Qin's?"
Qin Feng followed her gaze to the photo. A shadow of sadness crossed his handsome face.
Qin Feng:
"That was my grandmother's dog, named Dolly. She ran away when my grandmother passed away two years ago."
(At that time, Qin Feng had searched everywhere for Dolly but couldn't find her. He knew it was a regret for his grandfather.)
White Ning:
"I see."
BaiNing thought for a moment.
BaiNing:
"Excuse me, I need to step out for a bit."
Qin Feng:
"Where are you going?" he asked, frowning slightly. "Dinner is about to start."
White Ning:
"I have something urgent to take care of."
White Ning stood up and walked out the door. She called the veterinarian and asked,
White Ning:
"Dr. Zhang, this is White Ning. How is the little dog I brought in last time?"
Dr. Zhang's voice came through the phone.
Dr. Zhang:
"She's fully recovered now."
White Ning:
"I'll come to pick her up now."
Earlier, when White Ning saw the photo of Grandpa Qin holding the dog, she realized it looked exactly like the stray dog she had saved, especially the collar around its neck. She was almost certain that the stray dog she had rescued was the one Grandpa Qin had lost. Knowing how attached Grandpa Qin was to the dog, she decided to bring it back to him immediately.
Seeing White Ning leave abruptly, Qin's mother was very displeased.
Qin's Mother:
"What is White Ning up to? She has no manners at all."
Zhang Wan'er chimed in,
"Exactly, does she think we should all wait for her to eat?"
Qin Feng glanced at Grandpa Qin and spoke in a clear, cool voice,
Qin Feng:
"There's an urgent matter at the company. White Ning has gone to handle it."
He wasn't sure what urgent matter had made White Ning leave in such a hurry, but instinctively, Qin Feng didn't want others to gossip about her, especially his mother.
Qin's Mother:
"What urgent matter is more important than your grandfather?"
Qin's mother raised her voice a bit,
"Country bumpkins are country bumpkins, with no manners. Wan'er is so much better, well-educated and graceful."
Seeing her mother-in-law praise her, Zhang Wan'er looked pleased and feigned shyness,
Zhang Wan'er:
"Auntie, you flatter me."
Grandpa Qin's face darkened,
Qin Zhenxing:
"Ning Ning immediately rushed off to deal with the company matter as soon as she heard about it. That's very responsible."
Seeing Grandpa Qin had spoken, Qin's mother didn't say anything more, but Zhang Wan'er's jealousy grew even stronger.
Biting her lip in secret, Zhang Wan'er was filled with jealousy and frustration. Why did Grandpa Qin value White Ning, a country bumpkin, so much? In terms of family background and appearance, in what way was she inferior to White Ning? Why couldn't she win Grandpa Qin's favor?
Suppressing her emotions, Zhang Wan'er feigned concern,
Zhang Wan'er:
"But Bai Ning should at least let us know when she'll be back. We can't all wait for her, especially Grandpa Qin, whose health is already fragile and can't afford to be hungry."
Qin Feng:
"Let's start eating. There's no need to wait for her."
Qin Feng's brows furrowed slightly, and his thin lips took on a cold edge. He could see through his mother's intentions for bringing Zhang Wan'er today.
Even though his relationship with Bai Ning was just a contract, for some reason, deep down, he couldn't allow anyone to disparage Bai Ning.
Qin Zhenxing:
"Uncle Li, let's start the meal," Grandpa Qin said.
Uncle Li:
"Yes, sir."
Uncle Li respectfully replied and instructed the kitchen to bring out the dishes.
Zhang Wan'er:
"Grandpa Qin, have some chicken leg; it's good for your health."
Zhang Wan'er diligently picked up a chicken leg for Grandpa Qin, but he merely gave a noncommittal "Mm," without actually taking it. Zhang Wan'er felt a bit awkward and turned to look at Qin Feng.
Qin Feng:
Today, Qin Feng was wearing a white shirt with a blue-plaid tie loosened slightly, and his sleeves were rolled up, giving him a more casual look compared to his usual meticulous appearance. His strikingly handsome features still carried an air of aloofness and detachment. His long, elegant fingers were currently peeling a shrimp. The action was graceful, refined, and impeccable. Even such a simple gesture exuded an air of dominance and regal presence.
Zhang Wan'er's eyes couldn't help but be captivated. The man she had loved for so many years—why couldn't he even glance at her properly?
Quickly peeling a large shrimp, Zhang Wan'er placed it in Qin Feng's bowl with utmost tenderness.
Zhang Wan'er:
"Jiaqi, try this shrimp I peeled for you."
Qin Feng, however, moved his bowl to the side indifferently.
Qin Feng:
"No, thank you. I'm not used to eating food that others have peeled."
In that instant, the shrimp fell onto the dining table and then rolled to the floor. Zhang Wan'er was stunned. She, the esteemed Miss Zhang, had humbled herself to peel a shrimp for Qin Feng, yet he had rejected it. She felt utterly wronged.
Zhang Wan'er:
"Qin Feng, I peeled this specially for you."
Qin's Mother:
"Yes, Qin Feng, Wan'er meant well."
Qin's mother chimed in, trying to support her daughter-in-law-to-be. Qin Feng's lips, which usually had a hint of indifference, pursed slightly as he was about to speak. However, his peripheral vision caught sight of a familiar and beautiful figure.
Qin Feng's lips curved into a softer smile, and he raised an eyebrow.
Qin Feng:
"Bai Ning."
Following Qin Feng's gaze, Zhang Wan'er saw Bai Ning rushing back with a white dog in her arms and couldn't help but scream,
Zhang Wan'er:
"Bai Ning, why did you bring a dog here? We're in the middle of a meal!"
Before Bai Ning could respond, the dog in her arms struggled fiercely to get down. Bai Ning laughed and said,
Bai Ning:
"Look at you, so eager."
She smiled, bent down, and let go of the dog. The dog immediately dashed forward and jumped onto Grandpa Qin's lap, nuzzling him affectionately.
Qin Zhenxing:
"Dolly!"
The old man's eyes lit up, his hands trembling with excitement as he looked at the dog in his arms, unable to believe it was really her.
Qin Zhenxing:
"Dolly, is that really you?"
"Woof, woof, woof!" Dolly barked loudly, as if responding to Grandpa Qin. Qin Zhenxing said softly,
Qin Zhenxing:
"You're back, and that's all that matters."
He gently stroked Dolly, his eyes glistening with tears. The long-lost Dolly had finally come home!
Qin Feng:
"Bai Ning, where did you find Dolly?"
Qin Feng's inquisitive gaze fell on Bai Ning. It turned out that she had rushed out earlier to look for Dolly. But Bai Ning had only seen Dolly for the first time in a photo today—how could she have found her so quickly? He had so many questions in his mind.
Bai Ning, out of breath from running, took a few deep breaths and smiled,
Bai Ning:
"Do you remember the day I was late and almost got fired by Xia Xingxing?"
Qin Feng nodded. That day, Bai Ning had asked for leave, saying she had something to do, but later Xia Xingxing had accused her of truancy and wanted to fire her. It was only after he intervened that Xia Xingxing had apologized to Bai Ning.
Bai Ning:
"That morning, Bai Xiaoxiao's car almost hit Dolly. I took Dolly to the animal hospital, which is why I was late."
So that was it. Bai Ning hadn't known that Dolly was Grandpa's lost dog that day. She had risked being late to work, even being misunderstood and publicly shamed, just to save a stray dog. Such kindness was truly admirable.
Qin Feng's gaze towards Bai Ning deepened with admiration, and he sincerely said,
Qin Feng:
"Bai Ning, thank you."
Meeting Qin Feng's profound gaze, Bai Ning smiled sweetly,
Bai Ning:
"It was nothing, just a small effort."
Qin Zhenxing:
"Ning Ning, come and sit down for dinner."
Grandpa Qin, delighted to have Dolly back, instructed,
"Uncle Li, quickly get some utensils for Na Na."
"Yes, sir," Uncle Li immediately carried out the order.
As he spoke, Grandpa Qin moved over to make room for Bai Ning to sit next to Qin Feng.
Bai Ning:
"Grandpa Qin, you're too polite."
Bai Ning sat down in the empty seat next to Qin Feng and smiled warmly.
Qin Zhenxing:
"Ning Ning, I'm truly grateful that you brought Dolly back."
Holding Dolly tightly, Grandpa Qin looked at Bai Ning with deep gratitude. Had it not been for Bai Ning, he might never have seen Dolly again. How could he face his late wife in the afterlife without Dolly? Fortunately, Dolly had been found.
Bai Ning:
"It was just good luck; I happened to come across Dolly."
Bai Ning reached down to pet Dolly. The dog's fur was soft and fluffy, feeling great to the touch. The veterinarian had taken good care of her, and her injuries had healed completely. She looked lively and adorable. Seeing Bai Ning petting her, Dolly wagged her tail affectionately.
Grandpa Qin, stroking his beard, smiled and said,
Qin Zhenxing:
"It seems Dolly has a special bond with you."
Zhang Wan'er, watching Grandpa Qin's affection towards Bai Ning, felt a burning jealousy inside, but she couldn't show it. First, her gift was overshadowed, then she was ridiculed for wearing a counterfeit dress, and now Bai Ning had won Grandpa Qin's heart by bringing back his beloved dog. In front of Grandpa Qin, Zhang Wan'er had lost completely!
Qin Zhenxing:
"Eat up, don't let yourself go hungry."
He kindly said to Bai Ning.
Bai Ning:
Nodding, Bai Ning lowered her head to eat when a peeled shrimp was placed into her bowl. Bai Ning looked up in surprise to see the man beside her holding the chopsticks gracefully, his tone deep,
Qin Feng:
"I don't like eating shrimp."
Did Qin Feng peel the shrimp for her on purpose? Bai Ning was taken aback. How could a man of his stature possibly peel shrimp for someone else?
Thinking it over, perhaps it was to thank her for helping Grandpa Qin find Dolly? Bai Ning smiled faintly,
Bai Ning:
"Thank you."
Zhang Wan'er, standing by, almost ground her teeth in frustration.
Didn't Qin Feng dislike eating shrimp? He had clearly enjoyed it just now! She had humbled herself to peel shrimp for him, only to be rejected, and now he was peeling shrimp for Bai Ning!
In front of Qin Feng, Zhang Wan'er was utterly defeated! She had never felt so humiliated before, her fingers digging fiercely into her palm.
Bai Ning, that little schemer, she would definitely pay for this!
After the meal, Grandpa Qin took a nap, Qin Feng went to the company, and Bai Ning went shopping. She had an evening appointment with Song Yaxuan, and her clothes were dirty and wrinkled from picking up Dolly at the animal hospital, making them unsuitable to wear anymore.
Bai Ning arrived at the most upscale RD luxury boutique in City A. If she remembered correctly, RD had just signed a contract with Leo's studio, so this season's Elsa collection would be sold here.
As soon as she walked in, Bai Ning saw the Elsa dress she had designed, hanging in the most prominent spot in the display window.
Bai Ning suddenly felt an urge to try it on. What would it be like to wear the dress she had designed herself?
Bai Ning:
"Excuse me, could you please get this dress for me to try on?"