The Legend of Cinderella's Counterattack

After Lawrence Lu left, I locked myself in my office, revising the design over and over again. The harsh criticism echoed in my ears, but I couldn't find any reason to refute it. Was I really wrong? Was my design really that terrible?

Just as I was about to sink into a deep abyss of self-doubt, my phone rang. It was my best friend, asking me out for a walk. I hesitated, but ultimately agreed.

My best friend took me to an art exhibition. She said that all the works on display were from an old man. The old man was over 70 years old, but his works were full of vitality and passion. Every painting seemed to be full of vitality.

I was deeply attracted by the old man's paintings. Before I knew it, I had been standing in front of a painting called "Phoenix Nirvana" for a long time. The phoenix in the painting was reborn from the ashes, its wings more abundant and its eyes more resolute.

"Do you like this painting?" An old but powerful voice sounded behind me.

I turned around and saw an old man with silver hair standing behind me. He was wearing a simple Tang suit and had a kind smile on his face.

"You are..." I asked hesitantly.

"My last name is Zhang. You can call me Mr. Zhang." The old man said with a smile, "I heard from my granddaughter that you are a fashion designer?"

I nodded and said a little embarrassedly, "I've just started working in this field, and my designs are still very immature..."

"I saw your design draft. It's very thoughtful and creative." Mr. Zhang patted my shoulder and encouraged me. "Don't deny yourself because of a few criticisms from others. You have to trust your own vision and judgment."

I looked up in surprise. How could Mr. Zhang see my design draft?

"Don't be surprised. My granddaughter is your best friend." Elder Zhang explained with a smile, "She admires your talent and believes you will become an excellent fashion designer."

It suddenly dawned on me that it was my best friend who was silently supporting me behind the scenes.

"My child, fashion is not just about external decoration, it is also about attitude and power," Mr. Zhang said earnestly. "You must believe that your designs can change people's lives and even change the world."

Mr. Zhang's words were like a flash of lightning, instantly illuminating my heart. Yes, why should I abandon my own style just to cater to the market? I should stick to my own principles and design works that truly move people! Mr. Zhang's words echoed in my mind for a long time, like a beacon illuminating my confused heart. I began to reflect on my actions recently. In order to gain recognition from the international fashion world, I constantly modified my designs to cater to their tastes. In the end, I lost myself and lost the original inspiration and passion for design.

I took out my draft and, stroke by stroke, added back the Chinese elements I'd deleted. This time, I no longer doubted myself, no longer feared failure. I wanted to express my truest thoughts. I wanted to show the world that Chinese design could also lead fashion trends!

Meanwhile, Lawrence Lu was in an unprecedented state of confusion. Negotiations with international fashion groups were more difficult than he had imagined. The representatives were arrogant and looked down upon domestic brands. To secure cooperation, he had to repeatedly lower his stance, even agreeing to many unequal treaties.

"Mr. Lu, do you really want to agree to their conditions? This is equivalent to handing the future of our company into their hands!" The assistant persuaded anxiously. He really couldn't understand how Mr. Lu, who had always been smart and capable, could make such an irrational decision.

Lawrence Lu leaned weakly against the back of his chair, rubbing his brows tiredly. He knew his assistant was right, but he had no choice. For me and for the company, he could only bite the bullet and move on.

Just then, his cell phone rang. It was his father calling. On the other end of the line, his father's voice sounded a little tired, but unusually firm: "Yuxuan, come back. We won't cooperate with them anymore."

Lawrence Lu stood up abruptly and asked in disbelief, “Dad, what did you say?”

"I have decided that we will go our own way and create our own national brand!" My father's words were sonorous and powerful, full of confidence and hope.

At that moment, all the haze in Lawrence Lu's heart was swept away. He finally understood that he had been wrong all along! He had mistakenly regarded internationalization as his only goal, while ignoring his own cultural heritage and brand value. He wanted to work with Lin Luoluo to build a fashion empire that truly belonged to China!

After hanging up the phone, Lawrence Lu immediately drove to my studio. He pushed open the door and saw me working on a design, my eyes filled with determination and confidence. He walked over, gently hugged me, and said apologetically, "Lolo, I'm sorry for making you feel wronged."

I looked up, looked into his tired yet determined eyes, and shook my head gently: "I'm fine, I've figured it out. We should stick to our own design philosophy and create our own brand."

Lu Yuxuan smiled with relief. He knew that the tacit understanding and trust between us had surpassed all language.

"I have decided not to cooperate with international fashion groups anymore. We want to create our own brand, integrate Chinese elements into modern fashion, and let the world see the design power of China!" Lu Yuxuan said in a firm tone, his eyes full of hope and longing.

I held his hand tightly and nodded firmly: "Okay, let's work together!"

I know that giving up the cooperation with the international fashion group means that we will face greater challenges and pressure. However, we are ready. For our dreams and for the future, we are fearless!

When my best friend learned of our decision, she was very supportive. She used her connections and resources to help me rent a spacious and bright venue in the city center as my personal studio, and contacted friends in the media and fashion circles to organize a personal fashion show for me.

I put all my energy into design, seamlessly blending traditional Chinese cultural elements with modern fashion to create a series of garments that are both classically elegant and stylishly individual. Through this fashion show, I hope to showcase the charm of Chinese design to the world and encourage more people to fall in love with Chinese style.

On the day of the fashion show, the entire venue was packed, the lights were shining, the music was playing, and the models, wearing the clothes I designed, walked confidently on the catwalk, showing the beauty of the East to the fullest.

The audience applauded and praised me endlessly. I knew I had succeeded, and I had won recognition and respect with my work.

However, just as Lu Yuxuan and I were immersed in joy, a piece of news came like a bolt from the blue, plunging us into the abyss...

At the post-show celebration banquet, cheerful music mingled with cheers, the sweet aroma of champagne filled the air, and everyone's face was filled with joyful smiles. I held my glass, watching the lively scene before me, but I felt an inexplicable unease in my heart.

"What's wrong? You look absent-minded?" Lu Yuxuan walked to my side at some point and asked with concern.

I forced a smile and shook my head: "Nothing, probably just too tired."

Lawrence Lu didn’t speak, but just held my hand gently. His hand was warm and powerful, as if it could dispel all the uneasiness in my heart.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine." He whispered in my ear.

I nodded, trying to relax and enjoy this rare joy.

However, fate always seems to like to play jokes on us. At this moment, my cell phone suddenly rang, breaking the originally cheerful atmosphere. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number. I hesitated for a moment, but finally answered the call.

"Hello, is this Miss Lin Luoluo?" A strange male voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, may I ask who you are?" I asked.

"I'm from the XX Police Station. We've received a report alleging you've plagiarized someone else's design. Please cooperate with our investigation and come to the police station as soon as possible."

My head exploded with a buzzing sound, and the phone slipped from my hand and fell heavily on the carpet without me noticing.

"Lolo! What's wrong with you?" Lawrence Lu's anxious voice rang in my ears, but I couldn't hear anything. There was only one thought in my mind: plagiarism? How is it possible?!

I've been framed! Who is it? Who would do this to me?!