Chapter 14 - Back In The Day (2/2)

”Aya! This Meng Chaun is really becoming a Zhong Cao Machine[1] these days. My mother saw her advertis.e.m.e.nt for that new Glory Perfume and immediately asked me to buy it for her. She's really getting influential.” A girl that looked to be in her early twenties was talking to her friend.

”It's not just your mother. Even mine asked me for the same lipstick that Meng Chuan applied to her fan at the last fan meeting.” The other girl replied.

”Hey, but let's not forget the original Zhong Cao Machine of our nation.” Another one of the girls joined in just when Xiu was losing interest in these gossips when she heard her own name. ”Goddess Xiu was the real deal back in the day. Don't you remember? Even though social media wasn't as strong as it is today, people would still buy whatever she wore even in her normal outings.”

Xiu gave a bitter smile at this comment. Indeed, her fashion influence was off the charts back then. But why did it seem like it had been centuries? It clearly had only been five years but a lot had changed.

”Don't talk about that hypocrite! She was just a beautiful vase.”

”All that backlash was well deserved!”

”Guys, don't talk bad about a dead soul.” The girl who mentioned Chen Xiu spoke again.

”Stop always supporting her. She only committed suicide to hide her evil deeds. If she hadn't jumped down that balcony, people might have pushed her themselves.”

Those hurtful words pierced Xiu where it hurt the most. She had bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from breaking down. But her pale face was clear give-away that she was hurt.

Today was really not her day as it was the second time, she was reminded of her wounds that had just scabbed.

The sales attendant had noticed her odd behavior but didn't comment. But when Xiu passed her credit card for the payment, the sales attendant spoke in a gossipy manner, ”These young kids know nothing these days. People like us only knew what status Chen Xiu held in the industry.” Xiu gave her a surprised look. The sales attendant thought she didn't know anything as she continued, ”Miss, you might not know this but Goddess Xiu was the first Asian endorser for Chanel. And our outlet's had gone in a frenzy back then. She could make sand turn to gold just like she made our local brand of jewelry an international one with just being an endorser for it.”

Xiu silently took the bags from her hand and collected her card as well. ”Miss, do come to shop again. Also, please don't mind my rambling. I just feel a bit sad that such a bright star ended in such a pitiful manner. I get a bit emotional.”

Xiu shook her head at her saying, ”I don't mind. Thanks for your help.” With her kind smile, Xiu left the store.

Right outside, she saw an advertis.e.m.e.nt screen with Meng Chuan holding a Glory Perfume bottle. Xiu gave it a fleeting glance and walked away. Did she miss those days? Not in a million years! No one felt more fed up of that industry than her.

Besides, a star was always meant to fade away. She just became one of those who faded too soon.

She shrugged her shoulders at that thought in a nonchalant manner but with a huge weight on her heart.

But feeling happy with her gift for Nora, Xiu was in high spirits. Imagining the look on Nora's face, she was inwardly grinning. That silly girl would really go crazy with this surprise.

[1] ”Zhong Cao Machine”: Zhong Cao means to ”plant grass,” and describes the effect when someone sees something owned by a friend or family member, or an advertis.e.m.e.nt for a product, and wants it. The effect is like planting a seed in their mind. It refers to someone who holds the power to sway the public's fashion preferences.