REFUSING TO PLEASE, SHE BECOMES A MONEY-SPENDING SENSATION 15

Chapter 15

Cheng Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow.

“Tacky design?” What kind of description was that?

Huaxia has thousands of years of beauty, passed down through countless generations, a heritage so deep. And yet, in this person’s mouth, it became… “tacky?”

Hearing Cai Quan say this, the staff member’s face darkened as well. But since Cai Quan was the boss, she didn’t dare to say anything more. 

Even though anyone with eyes could see what kind of person he was.

After all, Cheng Zhaozhao was not someone easily messed with, and lately, her popularity had been soaring. Cai Quan, having vented his frustrations, decided to play it safe for now. “Go help her change into the dress.”

Just as Cheng Zhaozhao was about to leave, a young man suddenly burst into the studio.

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“Uyk Cwyd, kv’p sdl vbkdt qsa usw vs alflnv xl, cwv obu es usw byhl vs kdpwzv Twymky pvuzl?!”

Wasx vbl zssjp sq kv, vbkp rlapsd pllxle vs cl y elpktdla yrrzukdt qsa y fsc yv Cksdtekyd Gwasay.

Uyk Cwyd pdsavle nszezu:

“Mblpl esxlpvkn elpktdlap, okvbswv ydu shlaplyp lmrlakldnl, vblka qypbksd pldpl fwpv kpd’v nwvvkdt-letl ldswtb. R nyd wdelapvyde vbyv. Jwv Cksdtekyd Gwasay kp ykxkdt qsa vbl kdvladyvksdyz xyajlv. Rq ol alzu sd uswa vynju elpktdp, osd’v vbl qsalktdlap zywtb vblka blyep sqq?”

“Zswa elpktdp esd’v xyvnb Cksdtekyd Gwasay’p rspkvksdkdt. Rq usw esd’v nbydtl uswa swveyvle pvuzl, esd’v lhld vbkdj ycswv clkdt bkale.”

Mbl yrrzknydv oydvle vs yatwl qwavbla cwv oyp iwknjzu eayttle yoyu cu plnwakvu.

Ubldt Hbysgbys qwaasole bla casop.

Fbl vbswtbv ycswv pkxrzu vlaxkdyvkdt vbl nsdvaynv, cwv pbl eked’v oydv vs zlv psxlsdl zkjl Uyk Cwyd sqq ps lypkzu.

The staff member led her to the wardrobe area. When they opened the door, what caught her eye was a stunning, form-fitting long dress.

It was a pure white, waist-cinching floor-length gown, with each leaf of dark green bamboo hand-embroidered onto it. The fabric appeared to be made from some special material, allowing it to shimmer even in the dim light.

It was beautiful—uniquely Eastern in its beauty.

That was Cheng Zhaozhao’s first thought when she saw it.

“Isn’t it gorgeous?” the staff member said, then sighed as if recalling something sad. “If only Teacher Xiao were still here… sigh.”

It seemed the staff member had been holding in her frustrations for a long time, and now she started venting to Cheng Zhaozhao.

“Qiongdian Aurora was co-founded by Cai Quan and Teacher Xiao. Originally, Teacher Xiao was the head designer, and everyone loved his designs.”

“But I guess he was too absorbed in his work. Over time, Cai Quan took control of the company, and after they made some money, Teacher Xiao was pushed out.”

The staff member bit her lip. “Not only that, but Cai Quan also suppressed Teacher Xiao, making it impossible for him to get any work.”

“Today, I’m really happy. Teacher Xiao’s designs can finally see the light again, all thanks to you, Miss Cheng.” She added, “Oh, I’ll take a few pictures later and send them to Teacher Xiao!”

Cheng Zhaozhao listened calmly as the staff member rambled on.

A short while later, with her makeup done, she walked into the studio.

Almost instantly, all eyes in the studio were drawn to her.

The white dress was clearly a restrained design, but on her, it exuded an air of elegance and grace. The waist-cinching design subtly outlined her slender figure, and the simple earrings and necklace perfectly complemented the gown.

The makeup artist, following closely behind her, exclaimed excitedly, “Miss Cheng is naturally stunning. I only applied a light touch of makeup.”

Having worked in the industry for years and seen countless celebrities, the makeup artist had to admit that Cheng Zhaozhao’s beauty was top-tier. Too much artificial enhancement would only detract from her natural charm.

Even Cai Quan was momentarily stunned. But soon enough, he rolled his eyes and adopted a disdainful expression. “Sure, she’s got some looks, but that dress is just too tacky. Designs like this will never make it onto the international stage.”

Cheng Zhaozhao smiled innocently. “Have you ever made it onto the international stage?”

Cai Quan choked: “…”

He really hadn’t.

He had only studied abroad for a few years.

Laughter erupted from around them.

Everyone here feared offending Cai Quan, but only Cheng Zhaozhao dared to say what they were all thinking.

Ah, it felt so satisfying.

After roasting Cai Quan, Cheng Zhaozhao didn’t say anything more, as the shoot was about to begin.

Meanwhile, Cai Quan, still hearing snickers around him, grew increasingly furious.

These people… a bunch of country bumpkins who had never even left the country—what right did they have to laugh at him?

Since he had taken full control of Qiongdian Aurora, hadn’t everyone treated him with the utmost respect? No one had ever dared to humiliate him like this to his face!

All because of Cheng Zhaozhao!

Cai Quan glared at her, standing in the middle of the studio.

He saw Cheng Zhaozhao facing the camera, her figure beautifully accentuated by the gown. Her every gesture was effortless yet brimming with elegance, and under the studio lights, the dress shimmered brilliantly.

The fusion of Eastern and modern elements was enough to captivate anyone who saw it.

But to Cai Quan, it looked completely different.

Both the dress and Cheng Zhaozhao filled him with nothing but resentment.

A cold, venomous smile crept onto his face, like a snake ready to strike.

Did she really think he had given in?

Impossible!

—

After finishing the endorsement shoot, Cheng Zhaozhao returned to the base, only to find that there were people coming and going, many of whom were unfamiliar faces.

Confused, she headed back to her room. Qin Qin quickly ran over to gossip with her. “Zhaozhao, something big happened!”

Cheng Zhaozhao: “?”

Qin Qin explained, “I heard that this afternoon, the investors held a meeting, and they fired a bunch of the old directors, bringing in some new ones.”

Sweet Moments with Her had attracted investors after gaining popularity. Since the investors had some new talents they wanted to promote, and with the increasing online backlash against the show, naturally, they had a reason to kick people out.

So, all the directors who had been pushing their own agendas were booted.

Of course, this couldn’t have happened without Cheng Zhaozhao’s earlier efforts behind the scenes.

When filming resumed, the new director introduced himself.

It had to be said, the new director really knew what the audience wanted to see.

Perhaps Cheng Zhaozhao’s earlier antics had inspired them. They had the male guests compete in physical challenges to win the right to choose their female partner.

Of course, the female guests could still decline.

Jiang Yan, being a chef, needed not only professional skills but also a strong physique. So, it was no surprise when he pushed the other three male guests out of the ring and became the winner.

With Shen Linchen questioning his life choices and Xu Ren glaring in anger, Jiang Yan chose Cheng Zhaozhao.

Cheng Zhaozhao accepted his choice. Since the show was catering to her whims and had introduced competition among the men, there was nothing more for her to do but enjoy.

As she basked in the sun with Jiang Yan by the seaside, her phone suddenly rang.

Upon answering, she heard He-jie’s panicked voice on the other end. “Zhaozhao, something’s wrong!”

“What happened?” Cheng Zhaozhao asked.

“The general manager of Qiongdian Aurora just called and said they’ve signed Song Yunluo as their spokesperson, and they’re announcing it today. Your photos might be delayed.” He-jie said, “But I feel like something’s off. Did you have a run-in with someone?”

Cheng Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow. After reassuring He-jie, she opened Qiongdian Aurora’s official blog and, sure enough, saw their post announcing Song Yunluo as their new ambassador.

The official post contained a few congratulatory words and some photos.

The face in the photos was clearly Song Yunluo’s, but the more Cheng Zhaozhao looked at the pictures, the more familiar they seemed.

The pose, the figure, the dress in the photo, and even the props beside her… they were identical to the ones from Cheng Zhaozhao’s shoot!

And that white dress had obviously been edited. Its tone had been darkened, the embroidery distorted, and even an unnecessary patch of fabric had been added to the shoulder.

In short, it looked completely different from the real thing.

A suspicion arose in Cheng Zhaozhao’s mind. She saved the photos and sent them to a professional who could analyze photoshopped images.

The reply came quickly.

“This photo has been altered. The most obvious edits are on the face and the dress.”

“To ruin something this badly with Photoshop is a skill in itself.”

—

Author’s Note:

Darlings, yesterday’s update was in the previous chapter. It’s been replaced!