Chapter 3 (1/2)

Hi, guys! This novel had quite long chapters and full of quite complicated sentences. So it will take me longer to translate each chapters. I will try my best to translate it in weekly basis! Sorry for the long wait for chapter 3!

Chapter 3 Those Young and Frivolous

Xin Di and A Ken held hands together and went up to the T-stage, walked through the middle of the of two lined models, to follow after was Suo Mei's design team. The spotlight was set on Xin Di's body, like her other colleagues, she softly clapped. That time she suddenly remembered the moment of her life when she was standing on the stage for the first time for receiving an award from whole nation fas.h.i.+on compet.i.tion.

That year Xin Di just reached 21 years old, she received a notification from organizing committee of that nation wide compet.i.tion. She took a train to rush to Nan Jing, during that trip, she was so excited that she could not sit still. Listening to the news that her adored national famous designer will be the honored guest to present the award. When he read her name, the audiences were clapping like sound of thunder, it made her the blood inside her whole body rapidly boiled.

Looking back at the set of clothes that hanged inside her wardrobe of her bedroom, she admitted, in her eyes, that there were parts of her designs unripe, but afterwards, she presented more presentable design. Maybe from that she began gain her reputation, and had the theme for her future designs: ”Relating to bold and unrestrained youth dream”.

Xin Di's growth process was really common, her parents after being graduated from university, became office worker. They worked really seriously so they were having Xin Di at quiet old age, in advance, only after they were doing early examination of folic acid and vaccination, they wanted a baby. They followed the manual of raising kids to give direction to cope with every problem. In the process of educating her, they seriously consult to the expert's opinions, to explore her interests and potentials. They was strict to her, hardly let her to be arrogant because their family economic status.

From an early age, she displayed an excellent art talent, her parent knew about this. They prepared her to receive professional and standardized training, earnestly hoped that when she is a grown-up, she can accepted to art school, and become a painter.

However at junior high school, she was enchanted with fas.h.i.+on design. When applying for the college, she didn't care of her parent's objection and just entered her self to an entrance test for the major she liked. Through intense argument, in the end her parent could only simply accept her choice.

Only Xin Di, herself that knew the beginning of her hobby and dream. It exactly originate from her cousin, Xin Chen. Her decision to take her hobby and transformed it to her job, was not related to Xin Chen's influence. Yet in her design style, the trace of Xin Chen's influence was really clear.

Her cousin, Xin Chen, from her birth until being a grown-up woman, she didn't have any future plan, and it was entirely different with her.

Xin Chen was an illegitimate child, on household registration, her mother's column was left blank. When she was born, her father, Xin Kai Yu just 19 years old, mother only 18 years old. When they about to enter college, these two half-mature child was falling in love at the first sight, and secretly ate the forbidden fruit. The ignorant girl to one's surprise just realized she was pregnant after four months, and she tried to cover it fo another two months. she tried to wear loose clothes but it couldn't cover her swelling belly.

That was 20 century 80 era, the society was still very conservative, they were both expelled from the school, and became the humiliation of the family. The female's parent hurriedly came from outside of the town. Their both parents sat down together seriously talked things over. Then, the both families were having both hopes and plans, it was all ruined.

The family was having disputes, but the baby was already not able to be aborted, and they hadn't reached an eligible age for marriage. Xin Chen just born at that time without anyone expectation of her, then she was raised by grandma and grandfather. Her little mother was forced to leave thousand miles abroad and continued her studies in third-rate college. After her graduation, she applied to be an permanent resident, and never visited her daughter; Xin Kai Yu stayed in town, in a little while one company to work. In the Xin's family, Xin Chen's mother became a taboo topic of conversation, no one will discuss this matter openly.

Grandfather Xin and Grandmother Xin's eldest was Xin Kai Ming. Even from the time he started school, worked, married until gave birth to children, didn't give any troubles for them. They always doted on their eldest son and daughter-in-law as they were a meticulous couple that they started to wish to have a child in middle aged, and asked them to also help with Xin Chen.

Xin Chen was really a beautiful kid, though grandma and grandpa was firstly disappointed and angry, but they always completely thoughtful and caring toward her. And her father, apart from not being responsible, a lot of unhappy love affairs, actually could be counted as loving and carefree father. As long as it was not affected his time to hang out with his girlfriends, he will accompany his daughter.

From little, Xin Chen was dressed up looking like a barbie by grandma and grandpa, her clothes often was an innovations in pattern or design, white lace princess skirt, pink sweater, flower-embroidered jeans, light pink ribbon shoes, plus pretty face. She was the focus of attention when she started to attend Xin Di's school.

When Xin Chen was three years old, Xin Di's face was not really an eye-catching face, her very small tip of nose always bring childish look. Toward her own appearance, she was not really resented it, but she just dislike her mother's choice of conservative clothes. Looking at her cousin, and looked again her own cotton fabric sport suit, Xin Di couldn't help complaining. She went home to complain to her mom, her mother raised he brow to show her astonishment, ”You just an elementary student but already pay attention to your appearance and clothes? It is better to wear this kind of clothes as all along students need to wear what is suitable to your student's status.”

Consequently all the way, Xin Di was forced that kind of clothes, loose cotton cloth pants, knee-length flower skirt, cotton s.h.i.+rt without any waistline, a unis.e.x outer jacket, sneakers, even her sandal was black leather tied shoes.

The most joyous moment in her elementary school was when uncle brought Xin Di to buy clothes, at the same time, he will also take her out. She declined uncle's intention to buy her the clothes that she liked as she knew even uncle buys it, her mom will not allow her to wear it. She just enjoyed and never tire out to look at Xin Chen to try every pair of clothes. Furthermore she also gave some opinions and suggestions, she looked at Xin Chen tried out the clothes she chose. That experience made her really happy as if it was her that wore that new clothes.

It was completely different from Xin Di who received strict discipline, Xin Chen was pampered by her paternal grandparents and father, practically she was raised without any restriction. When Xin Chen was in elementary school, her father's work was more leisured so when he was free, he would pick her up, and incidentally brought Xin Di home too. Many times Xin Di was envy, little uncle will put his hand on Xin Chen's shoulder and chatted beside her. Both of their face was radiant with delight.

Their topic of conversations were wide-ranging, they will discuss the topic that Xin Di's parent will not mention.

Xin Chen complained about a boy who was sitting beside her and pulled her braid, her dad laughed and said: ”Just ignore him, he just liked you and afraid to say it. He only use that method to get your attention. The next time he pulls your braid again, just kick his foot. I guarantee he will be good.”

This answer was completely different from what Xin Di's mother standardized answer.

No matter what was Xin Chen's test result, Xin Kai Yu will always stroke her hair, ”Not bad.” When Xin Chen said that teacher criticized her pinyin p.r.o.nunciation of ”n” and ”l” was not clear enough, he just shrugged his shoulder, ”Overwhelming majority of this town's people are also cannot really differentiate it, is not really that important.”

This of course was really different to Xin Di's parent high expectation toward her.

When Xin Chen said today's weather is really good, Xin Kai Yu will said: ”Tomorrow I will have a day off, I will bring you to the outskirt to play so I will write a permission letter for your teacher.”

Xin Di was not even brave enough to think that kind of reason to skip school.

Growing up in that kind of situation, Xin Chen was bright and carefree, as if her lack of motherly figure in her life didn't affect her.

When boys wanted to strike up conversation with her, her att.i.tude was very calm; toward everyone she was natural and unrestrained, there was no uncomfortable feeling; wore a light and beautiful clothes, only will made her looked cuter; when she laughed free and unconstrained, on her left cheek will appear the happy dimple.

Xin Di didn't feel any jealousy toward her, she liked to dress up her pretty cousin. Apparently if she had any choice, she will willingly to keep on to s.h.i.+ne Xin Chen's appearance until she grows up, properly enjoying her era as a young lady.

Entering the fine art school as fas.h.i.+on design major, from her first design, Xin Di's dream model was Xin Chen, the 14-18 years old Xin Chen. Each of her designs, was carried breath of youth that she fancied.

Yet after being in this profession for 6 years, and held the position as chief of designer, her fas.h.i.+on designs were focused on city businesswoman. Her fas.h.i.+on style was change unpredictably, occasionally dignified and carefully selected for quality, occasionally gave attractive and witty feeling, sometime brought a gentle and lovely emotion, occasionally brought neutral taste. Xin Di's a.s.signment was to guide design team to strive to grasp the trend, as well as what is part of people's preference.Yet cannot avoid to repeatedly gave up to reach terms. Her most beginning excitement and sense of achievement was changing.

The clients and agents off the stage, department stores' managers were all standing up and give applause, every Suo Mei's fas.h.i.+on show was built enthusiastically and bewitchingly ability. When the whole design team was on the stage to attend the closing ceremony, it was a climax. This perfect show displayed Suo Mei's powerful design skill and style. Let the clients' sense of belonging and sense of honor further onwards increase, to reach the result that Boss Cheng's wanted.

Xin Di was practically followed everyone to clap.

Dai Wei Fan unable to control his eye to look at Xin Di, who was on the stage. She wore a short style cheongsam, which contrasted with her baby face. It showed a bit flirtatious expression, it seemed she didn't really excited. Her slightly smile almost brought a reserved feeling same as the Hong Kong person, A Ken. He didn't really her expression.

In his imagination, Xin Di always hardly covered her mood, when she laughed loudly and happy, it looked as if an overflow water, and could infected other people; the time she was mad and pouted her lips, she will blurt out sarcastic remarks, even it happened no one can seriously be mad at her. Yet at this moment on the stage, Xin Di, who slightly bow with some manner, looked very strange.

After the fas.h.i.+on show usually there will be a banquet, Dai Wei Fan paid attention to Xin Di, who sat on the other table while drank wine without any appet.i.te. Just stayed for the half of banquet, she went out, and for a long time didn't get back inside.

Dai Wei Fan knew the opposite of banquet hall was a small outdoor coffee shop, he went over, as expected Xin Di was leaned on the balcony railing seat, under the soft light, she turned to look at him, laughed, ” Dai Wei Fan, you believe or not, this moment I really just think about you.”

Dai Wei Fan's heart unexpectedly beat wildly, but Xin Di immediately said something again: ”I suddenly realized you are quite similar to my little uncle.”

This time Xin Di truly didn't have any intention to attack Dai Wei Fan, she really just remembered about her little uncle, Xin Kai Yu. Almost everyone has been change throughout the course of life, but it seemed only this little uncle always persisted on his own's way and disregarded other's advice.

Xin Kai Yu was 44 years old this year, up to now he as before was elegant and unrestrained middle aged man. Having a 25 years old daughter, seemingly it was only a little trouble of his life.

Xin Di always remembered the time her handsome little uncle attended the parents' meeting had aroused a sensation.

Xin Chen was arranged by uncle to attend the same school as Xin Di which was full of government workers' sons and daughters. Therefore all the parents were looked like Xin Di's parents: Most of them were middle aged parents with serious expression and wore a conservative clothes.

Yet that time Xin Kai Yu not yet reached 25 years old, wore an jacket s.h.i.+rt, white jeans, was dressed up according to his young age, and was really handsome. He held her daughter's hand with glowing pride and happiness, he didn't really look like a father.

From the start, Xin Kai Yu was not throughly adapting to his new role as a father. Toward his daughter, he more or less always granted whatever Xin Chen wanted. When he worked the state-own enterprise, his wage just ordinary. However whenever his hand was full of the money that he earned hardly, he will bring Xin Di to buy an expensive clothes and shoes. He didn't really care about the price. He continuously be in the relations.h.i.+p with girls, but he never denied of having a daughter, sometimes he will bring his daughter along to watch movie or eat dinner together with his girlfriends.

Xin Kai Yu called his niece Di Zi, called his daughter Chen Zi, afterwards, these nickname continuously used by both of these girls. He would go to the small shop on the road side and bought their favorite stickers, small jewelry, and sometimes took them to eat barbecue. Yet, these was all prohibited by Xin Di's mother: ”Barbecue were not really hygiene; that stickers was boring and not really educative.”

But little girls' happiness always come easy and simple, these cheap and meaningless things were enough to let these two girls felt happy and triumph.

That time Xin Di's father was town deputy major and was secretary of Lu Fei's father, Lu Jing Zhong; his att.i.tude was really strict. Her mother was Public Health Bureau worker. Of course they both really loved their only daughter, yet it was impossible for them to accommodate to Xin Di's wanted happiness.

The beautiful Xin Chen started to grow up, very fast she was taller than Xin Di. She received a letter for a boy, and gave it to her father. Her father laughed loudly, shook his head and said: ”It was very childish, but you look this cute, it is normal for a boy to like you. If you don't like him just throw it. Don't give it to your teachers, and don't make fun of him.”

When Xin Chen said that some boys asked her to go to zoo, play or watched movie, Xin Kai Yu muttered something to himself for a while then said, ” All is okay, but don't you take any gift from other people, don't to be intimate with them, moreover don't be contented with his vanity and admit that you are his girlfriend.”

Xin Di had to take a pity to her boring life, obviously she never got any kind of love letter or invitation. Of course even if she got it, she would not dare to talk to her parents. She can imagine their handling way: First, they will seriously chatted with her that her present attention should be put on her study, then discussed about life dream and choices, then gave a call to homeroom teacher to communicate this condition.

Xin Kai Ming looked at his brother, the one who had a daughter without marriage, until now was not really wanted to marry to settle down, always expressed an anxious feeling and longing for him to improve himself; Li Xin looked at Xin Kai Yu always feel troublesome, yet no a little bit of regretful of little uncle, naturally felt unhappy.

Only Xin Di sincerely loved her carefree uncle, she directly express her envy for having that kind of father toward Xin Chen, Xin Chen just laughed, but one time, she was silent, seriously asked her: ”Di Zi, are you willing to be at home alone for a whole night, then when you heard thunder, you just can only use blanket to cover your ears? Are you willing that when you need a signature from your parents and yet no matter how you cannot find your parent, and only can imitate his signature? Are you willingly to see your father changed his girlfriend as fast as he changed his clothes?”

Xin Di was shocked, no, that time she didn't really think that deep. When she entered high school, her mother as before will get inside her room every night to fix her blanket. Her father always stayed at home if he didn't work.

When Xin Di grew up, she knew quite a lot of Xin Chen's status and problems, she understood that little uncle maybe charming man, but probably could not be said as a best father of the year. Even though he could be counted as idol among the woman, but couldn't be said as a good lover.