The gala had bottled this place in a way that muttered the words arrogance, no matter where you looked at.
The chaos I had created hadn't died down.
Instead,it looked like some were really eager to approach me but fear...oh how I love fear sometimes.
I quietly observed the glittering chandeliers above, and the elites that were drifting between crystal tables, wearing smiles so polished and practiced , they could practically drown someone.
I adjusted my silk gloves and stood not far from the entrance, watching chaos brew in design.
'Host, your sister's jealousy level is extremely high. Congratulations host. You're the main character and public enemy number one.'
"Just how I like it," I whispered, smiling at a passing designer who looked ready to faint.
I can't really blame him, who would resist such a beauty smiling at them?
'He might have been scared due to your suppressing aura host.'
"Doesn't make a difference."
By now, everyone had seen the viral photo.
Jiang Nings face the moment she realized Phantom wasn't some mysterious foreign designer, but her sister and ex-assistant.
Sweet!
It was trended under the tag #TheGhostJustBecameReal.
This had triggered the fashion world and now, the hungry vultures wanted gossip, or blood. Preferably both.
Across the room, I watched Wei Han, my former fiancé arrive,walking directly to Jiang Ning.
She happily embraced him but still stood stiffly beside him. Indeed, what was never yours can't make you happy.
'Tsk. Host, is this the same man who'd once promised to stick by your side till the end of time?'
"Unfortunately yes."
The man's eyes looked even colder now.
Once upon a time, those eyes had made me dizzy and a blushing maniac but today... Eew. They made me want to disinfect my soul thrice a day.
'Hmm...it looks like Mr betrayal 1.0 is feeling so smug. How about accidentally spilling a drink on his designer tuxedo?'
"That's tempting," I whispered. "But not yet.Let's give him some time. The moment we activate Jiang Ning's gown is the moment he will properly sweat."
A hostess suddenly approached me with a tray.
"Miss Phantom, the organizers requests your presence in the VIP lounge."
I blinked. "Now?"
"Yes. Privately."
She replied privately as if it came with fine print and fireworks.
'There is a trap ahead host. Someone already wants to frame You. Uh oh. Your sister seems a bit eager. Want me to simulate calm breathing?'
"Hmph! Stupid little girl. Don't worry Nova. I'll manage," I muttered, squaring my shoulders.
"Seems like I'll have to move earlier than expected."
The VIP lounge was quieter, perfumed with elegance and power, but the eery atmosphere wasn't fading.
I quietly stood by the window as I waited for my target.
It didn't take me long before a man suddenly appeared. I picked the quiet not so quiet footsteps as Nova spoke.
'The man has a syringe host. Looks like they want to make you quietly disappear and call you a coward before the whole fashion world.'
"How bold."
"What's the guy's name?"
'Han Ling.'
"Han Ling." I purposely spoke loudly, causing the incoming footsteps to halt.
"You..."
As I turned, I maintained eye contact with Han Ling, as I quietly muttered the words lead model and inject. The system's ability would do the rest.
'Good job Host. By taking out her lead model, she won't have it easy.'
"I wasn't going to let her have it easy. Make sure every single gown in her collection lacks a soul. I want them soulless and completely unattractive to whoever sees it."
'Yes ma'am! On it!'
I had just stepped out of the lounge when a voice called me.
"Miss Phantom."
That voice was so low and deliberate, making the air around automatically tighten.
I sharply turned but only caught a figure in the dark. I couldn't see the face clearly and neither did I want to get close.
I could however see the crisp suit. The pale cufflinks seemed to make it better.
"You are a sharp one phantom. A dangerous presence you carry there."
My jaw ticked at his words. I didn't know who this man was and yet he kept throwing coded words. That too,in the dark.
" And who might you be?"
"You will know when the time comes. My only advice, watch yourself carefully. Arrows are everywhere."
My lips twitched in annoyance. "Of course. I'm not blind."
'Excellent host. You have met someone mysterious enough to confuse you, truthful enough to sting. I rate him five stars.'
"If that's all," I said, maintaining eye contact with the hidden man. "I have a show to steal."
His body didn't move but a low laughter suddenly echoed in the quiet place.
"Do you enjoy being underestimated, Phantom?"
I smiled. "Well,It makes the victory louder."
"We will meet soon enough miss. Until then, take care."
I hurriedly but elegantly left the place, as I went back to the main hall.
There, my sister was cornered by the press, trying so hard to reclaim her spotlight.
"Phantom is an intriguing designer I suppose. But we all know that fashion isn't about hiding behind masks. Fashion is about authenticity."
"Is that why you copied my sketches for years sister?" I said sweetly, stepping behind her.
The microphone in her hand went still as she froze.
Gasps erupted around us as all eyes and cameras turned to us.
'Ding ding! Instant silence achieved host.'
More reporters swarmed us as every second of our banter was deliciously public.
Jiang Ning's face had an ugly smile in the name of a PR smile.
"Rui...I"
"Oh, right," I said, tilting my head. "It's Jiang Rui and not 'hurry up! Fetch me coffee.' But it's okay. I understand, old habits die hard I guess."
Someone nearby choked on a drink as camera flashes burst like fireworks.
Jiang Ning's assistant rushed forward and whispered something but the damage was done.
I'm assuming the man had already managed to sedate their top model.
I smiled wider upon Nova's confirmation.
"Designer Jiang, you said fashion is about authenticity, right? You should try it sometime. I highly recommend it."
"Make her stinky Nova."
Before she had time to respond, a foul smell suddenly emanated from her, making everyone cover their noses in disgust as they distanced themselves from her.
"Is she mad?"
"Did she just fart out of anger?"
" I pity the man beside her. Imagine the shame..."
" You guys! Come back...I...I haven't..."
By now, everyone, including my ex had distanced themselves far away from her.
She really stank!
Imagine the headlines after... hehe...
The host, bless his terrified soul, tried to lighten up the tension.
"Ahem! Let's… begin the Gala ! For our first showcase, we have the Jiang fashion house!"
Music swelled as everyone watched the stinky Jiang Ning head to the backstage.
There was quite a ruckus before she finally strutted to the runway with her models.
Any keen person could immediately notice the absence of her lead model, making everything look so...pathetic.
The foul smell on her had yet to die down as her models had frozen but disgusted smiles, wanting nothing but to cover their noses in relief.
'Hehe host. Look at your ex's expression! I'm dying of laughter!'
His face was so frozen, it resembled lacquer.
I quietly headed backstage to check on my own collection. I knew it was okay even before I stepped into the gala because of the system's security.
From there, I watched my sister model her sleek but soulless collection.
Every piece carried a lot of gloom, that most members in the hall wore frowns on their faces. What a tragedy! The whole collection screamed of borrowed ideas.
'I have never felt so much satisfaction before. Prepare yourself host. You will be suddenly mentioned next.'
When the showcase ended, the applause was polite and strained.
Just as Nova had said, my name immediately echoed through the speakers.
"Next on stage, Phantom!"
I confidently stepped onto the stage.
The bright lights hit me like a sunrise, blinding but intoxicating.
My prepared models glided out in gowns woven with silk that shimmered like spilled gold.
As planned, the centerpiece, my phoenix inspired gown stole the breath right out of the room.
Every thread caught the light like it was alive.
Every micro thread seemed visible all of a sudden.
Every single detail echoed rebirth.
The murmuring crowd suddenly went silent.
The flashy cameras equally hesitated.
'Oh host! The Heart rate of the audience has risen. I'd hate to be your enemy because what a catastrophic emotional damage!'
After the final bow, silence still reigned.
Then came the applause. A powerful ,real, hungry and thunderous applause.
I exhaled in relief as the other fashion houses were called upon. Despite their efforts, they couldn't interest the crowd like I did.
Somewhere in the VIP section, I saw Wei Han watching me with an unreadable gaze.
His gaze lingered for some time as he eventually pulled it back.
Beside him, Jiang Ning's expression cracked completely.
Lucky for her, Nova and I had held onto the stinkiness and people could now approach her normally.
The MC took this opportunity and hurried to her.
"Designer Jiang, what are your thoughts on Phantom's work?"
I could tell the question was asked out of pure gossip.
Clearly, everyone could tell her fashion sense was bars below mine. Anything for gossip I guess.
She smiled too wide in response.
"It's… slightly admirable. Almost too similar to my own designs."
That was it. The words I wanted her to utter. I knew her proud self would.
The moment the audience turned.
Whispers rippled. People gave her weird looks before pulling up old show photos, comparing cuts, embroidery, colors.
To top it all, her collection minutes ago spoke volumes.
And then one journalist said it aloud, with no fear of contradiction.
"It looks like Designer Jiang has been copying Phantom's style."
Funny how few referred to me as her sister. I deeply appreciated how many chose to call me by my fashion name.
'Uh oh host. Your sister is cooked. I can estimate between medium rare and rare.'
Jiang Ning's façade crumbled as the crowd swelled with further murmurs.
Wei Han stepped forward, trying to steady her, but even he looked pale and disturbed. Panicked even.
I walked out of the chaos, not caring about the next program. Not caring about the journalists who wanted to interview me.
My aim for the day was achieved.
Near the backstage door, a warthog cornered me.
"Jiang Rui."
Wei Han spoke under his breath,his anger evident.
"You are going too far."
"Too far?" I smiled. "Funny coming from you. Aren't you the same ones who once drove me to the edge?"
He slightly flinched in response but I wasn't done.
I leaned close, voice low and extremely sharp.
"I'm just here for justice. But unfortunately for you, justice has a very sarcastic and unpredictable sense of humor."
I turned and headed for the exit, before he could reply.
Despite this unpleasant encounter, I felt happy with the chaos that had erupted.
Journalists shouting. Jiang Ning cursing and crying. Looks like the emotions on the dress were properly taking effect.
I could even hear gasps in reaction to her sudden behavior.
And somewhere, above it all, the mysterious man was watching with faint amusement, as though he had just come across the most unpredictable piece on his chessboard. Not that I cared, really.
Outside, the night air hit my skin like a promise wrapped in sweetness.
'So...host. How does it feel to slap the entire industry in just a few hours?'
"Satisfying and therapeutic."
'That is just our phase one. The real enemies are still hidden.'
"Not a problem because I am just getting started."