Chapter 91

Three days later, the Vibe Fashion Gala was held as scheduled by the seaside. The red carpet was set outdoors, with a 100-feet-long stage featuring a soft pink-and-white gradient, resembling the elegance of blooming petals. At the end of the stage was a huge "Vibe" logo made of transparent material, slanted into the pristine white sand, giving off both a modern and somewhat cold vibe. In the center of the red carpet stood an 25-feet-long backdrop covered in various brand logos. Directly across from it was the photographers' area, where journalists and hosts were already waiting, ready to guide each guest for photos and brief interviews. Though the red carpet event began at 3 PM, by just after 1 PM, camera equipment, cranes, and track cameras had already been set up, and the whole venue was filled with a busy atmosphere. 'Which spot is Winnie going to take?" a journalist, wearing high-end camera equipment and adjusting the camera, asked. 'Probably around 5 PM?" another colleague responded. The official schedule for the red carpet had been released in advance to allow the reporters to prepare. The order of appearances on the red carpet wasn't simply based on timing but considered multiple factors: the celebrity's status, award wins, popularity of their work, brand endorsements, national recognition, and so on. Celebrities who regularly graced the covers of fashion magazines and wore high-end fashion like everyday attire were typically scheduled for later in the lineup. Winnie, however, seemed a bit 'out of the ordinary." Originally, her red carpet slot was set for around 5 PM. While not too late, it still placed her in a somewhat awkward position. But the organizer's explanation sounded reasonable enough. David had discussed this with the organizers, but they casually responded, 'lease think about it—who should Winnie replace in the lineup, or who should she be placed ahead of?" A group of guests followed closely behind, including veteran actress Evelyn, Ivy, and those stars from hit TV series, even some male actors who had just made a name for themselves and already landed luxury brand endorsements. While the younger actresses didn't really care about the order of appearances, the arrangement was still quite eye-catching. Just as everyone was still discussing Winnie's red carpet position, the photographers suddenly received an update: "Winnie has been moved to 6 PM, closing the show!" "Is this for real?" one photographer asked, unable to believe it. "Of course it's real! As the Best Actress, she should be the one closing the show. The 5 PM slot clearly wasn't appropriate," another photographer said. In Anne's studio, Winnie had already finished her makeup. The dress that had previously been torn by Viktor's design director, Jeffrey, had been repaired by the brand's craftsmen and now perfectly restored its original shape, looking as if it was always meant to be such a high-slit design. She had also changed into a pair of chic spring-summer high-heeled boots, from a higher-end brand with stronger design elements. To complete the unified look, Winnie's hair was dyed golden and carefully styled into large curls, each strand resembling radiant waves, emitting a soft shine. Her accessories, personally selected by Jeffrey, included earrings and a necklace from Viktor's classic accessory collection. Though slightly vintage, they perfectly matched her style, carrying a hint of 1970s Italian flair. "Jeffrey really has an eye for this..." Anne looked at her, admiring the look. "Only a designer knows how to make this dress shine to its fullest potential." "Winnie, what do you think this look reminds you of?" Yulia asked curiously. "It looks like the vengeful goddess Athena returning for battle," Wendy replied, her eyes lighting up. "The top is pure white, representing holiness and invulnerability; while the bottom gives off a sense of combat, with that camellia flower—both sacred and sorrowful. Paired with golden hair and the cold, fierce lapis lazuli jewelry, it's almost like a funeral song prepared in advance for the enemy." Anne couldn't help but laugh. "That's a pretty spot-on description. This dress already has a goddess vibe, but wearing it like this really adds more layers. Still, today's red carpet is huge, so the aura might get overshadowed." "It's fine, once we've made the decision, there's no turning back," Winnie gently reassured her. "For the upcoming film festivals, you'll all have to keep pushing forward." "Will Mr. Marlowe be watching the red carpet later?" Wendy asked. "He said he doesn't have time," Winnie sighed, trying to calm the bashfulness on her face. "It's fine, we'll get the retouched photos eventually," Yulia comforted her. "David said he's almost here, you should get ready to head out." Lately, David had been fully focused on pushing Mia's career forward, so he hadn't had much time to personally follow Winnie's events. "Speak of the devil," Anne joked, as the roar of an engine grew louder. A BMW sports car's engine sound echoed from afar, getting closer, and moments later, the car smoothly pulled up to the curb. The door opened, and David stepped out, wearing a tropical-print shirt and fashionable sunglasses, exuding a confident air. "Baby, my baby!" David immediately embraced Winnie, then took off his sunglasses and pointed at her, saying, "I've got some good news to share." "What?" Winnie blinked, her face full of curiosity. "The red carpet order has changed. You're now closing the show, right after Evelyn, and walking with the editor-in-chief of Vibe. After you, it's just Ivy. How about that spot?" David added with a grin. Winnie thought it was absurd. Before boarding that yacht, she couldn't even borrow a single high-fashion piece. But after stepping onto the yacht, she became the center of attention.