Rebirth from the Ashes

Not to brag, but the clothes Shen Xi and Dad wore had always been made and tailored by Mom.

Her classmates envied her, saying her clothes were in vogue and pretty, in the class of international brands.

Of course, it was on par. Although Mom did not work since graduation and became a housewife, she had always carried passion and love towards apparels.

Mom had never stopped a subscription in fashion magazines nor had she missed watching the fashion week of various named brands. She definitely was up to date with the fashion trends.

“There’s no way I can. I can do it if it’s just making clothes for you and your dad but it’s been a while since I got into it. No can do, my brain can’t keep up. I’m old.”

“Mom, you’re not old. You’re only forty. Your life has just only started, all right?

“Look at the big fashion designers out there.They’re pushing seventy or eighty yet are still active at the top of the fashion world, leading the fashion trend. They never call themselves old!”

“I’m only a diploma holder in design. I can’t compete with these people.”

“A few of the real big-named designers are of similar educational background. Mom, your aesthetics and fashion senses are top notch. I believe you can make it.”

“Only you think I can.”

“Well, I’m going to establish my own fashion brand after winning the design competition. Mom, you will be my chief designer. I have it all thought out.”

“If I’m the chief designer, what about you?”

“I’m the chief designers’ daughter!”

Fancying herself terrific, Shen Xi embraced Yun Jinping. “Mom, I’m all grown up. You don’t have to worry about me. I know you have a thing for clothes and always dreamed to be a designer. It’s high time that I help you realize your dreams.”

Getting teary-eyed, Yun Jinping shot her an uncertain look. “Can I really do it?”

Shen Xi solemnly gave a nod. “Mom, have faith in me!”

Once she bagged first place, Shen Xi was going to establish her own brand under Mom’s name. It was all planned out.

“Okay, I believe in you.” Yun Jinping heavily nodded her head.

Her daughter was all grown up and becoming a shoulder for her to lean on. Yun Jinping put faith in Shen Xi’s every word. Truth be told, Yun Jinping did have regrets becoming a fulltime housewife following her marriage right after graduation.

She loved fashion design and after all these years, it was not as though Yun Jinping never thought of getting back out there to work. However, with her husband busy with work and Xixi occupied with many art classes, they could not possibly function without her.

This time, she wanted to give it a go and make a path for herself. As mentioned by her daughter, age was not a factor. Yun Jinping could still go after her dreams.

…

After the capital’s first snowfall, the weather grew colder and soon it was December.

The Chinese Mathematical Olympiad would be in its finals the following week.

No. 4 High School, as the top high school in China, occupied one third of the spots among finalists.

Apart from the top class, Shen Xi and Yu Yuanxi were the only two from other classes who made it.

Shen Xi was positioned at first place for now.

Yu Yuanxi ranked number two.

Su Mushi and Su Ruowan were placed thereafter.

Students of the international class were getting a good kick as Shen Xi had, once again, made them proud by crushing the Su Twins who had established themselves as the top two.

A week before the finals.

All students in the finals were to participate in a week-long uniformed tutoring.

In the tutoring classroom.

Embodying a proud princess, Su Ruowan was surrounded by students like stars around the bright moon.

“Wanwan, congratulations on entering the finals.”

“Only five from China are going into the finals of the international fashion design competition. Wanwan, you’re awesome!”

“That’s right. Wanwan, your parents must be happy for you.”

Su Ruowan’s girlfriends, following the lead of Chen Bingbing, showered Su Ruowan with fulsome praises while looking askance at Shen Xi.

Someone from the international class brought up that Shen Xi was in the design competition as well. What was a country bumpkin doing with design? Just who did Shen Xi think she was? She should take a hard look at the mirror. Anyway, Shen Xi would probably be eliminated early on in the competition.