Chapter 1509 - 1498: Avenging My Sister

Chapter 1509: Chapter 1498: Avenging My Sister

On Monday, Ye Qiu didn’t go to Li Zhihua’s studio. Li Zhihua even called specifically to inquire about the situation, and was relieved to find out that Ye Qiu had an elective class that evening.

On Tuesday, Ye Qiu arrived as agreed. Li Zhihua warmly welcomed her and even personally introduced her to the studio’s workings, arranging for her to share a room with her.

"Will it be too much of a disturbance for you, Senior?" Ye Qiu asked, somewhat embarrassed.

"No, it won’t." Li Zhihua showed her the latest batch of fabrics, "This way we can have more opportunities to exchange ideas."

"Thank you, Senior, you really are a good person." Ye Qiu smiled with deep meaning.

Li Zhihua waved her hand: "You’re my junior, and also a good friend of Si Yue. Who else would I be kind to if not you? If you can design a few classic outfits here, that’s when I’d be truly happy. By the way, did you bring your designs I asked for last time?"

Ye Qiu suddenly realized: "I almost forgot if you hadn’t reminded me, Senior." With a look of seeking guidance, Ye Qiu took out the designs she rushed through over the past two days and said, "They’re just casual sketches, I haven’t asked a teacher to revise them. Please help me take a look and give me some pointers."

Over the years, Li Zhihua’s design talent hadn’t increased much, but her aesthetic sense was still sharp. She could instantly tell that Ye Qiu’s designs for these two casual outfits had the potential to be a hit.

She particularly liked one of them—a military green trench coat fabric patched with a soft denim silhouette coat, featuring batwing sleeves, a wide hood, and a few exquisite embroidery and applique designs on the pockets and arms. It had a distinct trend-setting style that she believed, once made, anyone of any body type could wear.

In fact, the clothes themselves weren’t hard to make. The challenge was that the designer’s clothes should look good on regular people, and Ye Qiu’s design had evidently achieved this.

The other piece was a sweatshirt with light pink patches and burgundy embroidered letters. Although bold in color, Li Zhihua’s intuition told her that this sweatshirt would also be very flattering.

"I initially thought you were skilled in making dresses, but I didn’t expect your talent for casual wear design to be so strong. What inspired you?" Li Zhihua asked, appearing friendly.

Ye Qiu answered straightforwardly: "I just thought it’s autumn and designed a couple of wearable pieces. What do you think, Senior?"

"Very good, but I think it could use a little adjustment. For example, the military green patched denim jacket, you could add a drawstring below, and instead of using all military green, make the hem olive green for a stronger sense of layering."

"Senior, you truly have talent," Ye Qiu said as she incorporated Li Zhihua’s ideas. "What about this piece? Is there anything you would change, Senior?"

"The pink paired with the burgundy is an excellent color combination; I can tell it will be very flattering without even seeing it made. But for the letter embroidery, I suggest using silver or gold thread to enhance the fashion sense."

"Senior, you really have insight, just one glance and you can see my shortcomings." Ye Qiu said with surprise. "Thank you so much for your guidance."

"Do you want to sell these two designs? Although fall fashion is already hitting the market, there’s still time for pattern-making and production. I’m sure many brands would be eager to buy them."

"Can they really be sold?" Ye Qiu looked incredulous, then pursed her lips, "Then, Senior, please help me sell them, and we’ll split the profits equally."

"I’m just introducing a channel, how could I take your money?" Li Zhihua decided to take a long-term perspective; these minor profits weren’t worth her concern.

"But Senior, you were involved in the design too. I think your final touches were the icing on the cake!"

"Your design drafts were outstanding, which is why they caught my eye. Okay, this time I’m really not taking your money. If you’re earnest about it, let’s discuss it next time."

Seeing this, Ye Qiu didn’t insist any further but instead smiled sweetly, her eyes full of trust for Li Zhihua: "Thank you, Senior, you really are a good person."

"I’m just fond of talent. Your better creations would be the best reward for me."

Li Zhihua indeed had her connections; less than five days after the designs were taken out, samples were brought back to Ye Qiu. "The final products will be launched soon. I have a feeling these two pieces will become best-sellers."

"That’s wonderful." Ye Qiu said joyfully.

However, Li Zhihua’s tone suddenly shifted: "Although your casual designs are beautiful, I still hope you strive for a higher-end market. Don’t you want to go to fashion week? Don’t you yearn for your own runway?"

"Of course I do, but the threshold is too high," Ye Qiu said, lacking confidence.

"The threshold is high for others, but not for you. You have talent, and we can start by participating in some competitions. Maybe on the stage, you’ll catch the eye of those masters. In the future, you’ll have your own brand, and celebrities and models will beg to wear your designs. Don’t you long for that scene?" Li Zhihua painted a picture, enticing Ye Qiu to walk down that path.

"Can I really do it?" Ye Qiu asked doubtfully.

"You absolutely can," Li Zhihua confirmed. "You have the talent, and I can create opportunities for you. You will definitely succeed."

"Okay." Ye Qiu nodded, "Since Senior has such faith in me, I’ll work towards that goal. Have you participated in any major competitions, Senior? Have you achieved good rankings?"

"You must have heard about the Transcendence Cup, where my design Fenghua won the gold." Li Zhihua said with pride.

Ye Qiu listened, wishing she could tear down the thick-skinned person in front of her—clearly not her design, but still proudly boasting.

"Haven’t you participated in international competitions, Senior? Going to fashion week, international competitions have more prestige, right!"

Li Zhihua’s smile faltered slightly, finding herself an excuse: "I was too busy before, working with the film crew, joining two variety shows, and signing a contract with Chengyang’s company. So I haven’t had the time to focus on international competitions. I plan to focus once this busy period is over."

"Senior, you’re really well planned; no wonder you’ve always been so successful."

"That’s why I’m telling you from experience. Seize the time now to design more products to participate in various competitions and make a name for yourself. It’s not too late to earn money once you’ve won an award."

Ye Qiu said with difficulty: "But my mom back home still needs money for medicine."

So Li Zhihua thought up a solution for her: "In that case, you can still design some casual wear when you have the time, and I can help you contact brands to sell them. But more importantly, focus your energy on competitions. I’ll handle the registrations and other details for you."

After hearing this, Ye Qiu finally smiled happily: "Thank you, Senior, that way I can focus on creating."

"No worries, we are from the same school. Who else would I help if not you?"

The two laughed like flowers, and it wasn’t clear who had outwitted whom.