After the affeminite man concluded his presentation, the lady nodded slightly, seemingly pleased.
The presentations continued with the third and fourth shops sequentially displaying their creations.
"Is it truly necessary to create such a grand spectacle for selecting a gown?" Fong Hao whispered to himself, clutching his stomach.
"It resembles a commercial bidding process.
Yet, it is merely to select a gown.
These individuals truly have too much time on their hands.
Every year, fabric merchants prepare diligently.
Being chosen could double their business for the years to come.
Tavic quietly elucidates from the side.
The selection of gowns has become a tradition among fabric merchants.
Even if they're not selected today, they must immediately begin preparations for next year, striving to reclaim what they have lost.
This has also become the focal point for comparison among merchants.
Sales figures have become trivial as earning the approval of Lady Rebecca has become the industry's aspiration.
Once Lady Rebecca makes her selection, the wives and socialites from various aristocratic circles will flock to this establishment, resulting in exponential growth in business.
Have you ever been selected? Fungho inquires curiously.
Well, I'm still striving.
Still striving, Tavic replies, wiping away his sweat.
This year, we have risked everything to come.
You are the hope of the entire village.
Tavic's perspiration intensifies as he exclaims, "I am doing my utmost.
" Observing this scene, Fongghao realizes the gravity of the situation.
Tavoc has already lost confidence after viewing the earlier designs.
It appears that this year will merely yield a participation award.
Soon it is Tavoc's turn.
He approaches with his creation and his attendance, beginning to showcase the gown he designed for the Lady of the Lord.
The combination of brown and blue with a fitted bodice and of a luminous skirt is indeed quite appealing.
However, all the designs are rather similar, differing only in color and the embellishments of embroidery and lace.
Lacking any bold innovations.
Until Tavoc bows and returns, Lady Rebecca remains expressionless, continuing to observe the next merchants presentation.
How did it go? Fun inquires.
Let us strive for next year.
Tavic size.
Fungho ponders for a moment and asks, can you draw that design? referring to the sketch in the merchant's hand, which outlines the figure and the shape of the garment on paper.
"Yes, then please draw one for me.
My business also needs to participate," Fonghao insists.
"You have a business? It's just been established called Bone Textile Shop.
Quickly, follow my instructions.
" The two lean in together as Tavic opens his toolkit and begins to draw according to Fongo's guidance.
Time passes gradually.
On the stone platform, Lady Rebecca gazes at the assemblage of fabric merchants below, feeling somewhat disappointed.
These merchants are renowned in the city and its surrounding areas.
Yet, none have presented works that satisfy her.
She needs a representation of Leis city to attend council.
A moment that underscores the city's development and the competition for interests.
The garments, which appear to be mere displays of superficial comparison, actually reflect the developmental state of a city.
In any circumstance, first impressions are of paramount importance.
Yet, the designs presented this year are no different from those of previous years, a mere accumulation of precious fabrics accompanied by a lavishly embellished narrative.
Year after year, although she has grown accustomed to this, there remains a lingering sense of disappointment within her heart.
As Rebecca contemplated selecting an appropriate moment, her gaze suddenly fell upon a pair of individuals in the crowd, their heads bent together in hushed conversation.
It was the young man who had just met her eyes.
Now, as everyone turned their attention to the introductions on stage, he resumed his quiet study.
Why did he consistently exhibit such contrary behavior? Once the final cloth merchant concluded his introduction and stepped down, all eyes shifted to the lady of the city lord.
Awaiting her choice of the fabric shop to be honored today, under the collective gaze, the lady extended her hand and pointed, inquiring if he too was a merchant of cloth, and if he had any works to present.
Following her gesture, the assembly turned to see Fong how just lifting his head, he cleared his throat lightly, his fingers delicately poised, and spoke with a touch of theatricality, "Lady of the city lord, I am indeed a fabric merchant, and I have brought my creations for today.
" Initially, he had intended to present his works in a straightforward manner.
However, upon observing the two somewhat effeminate men who had already introduced themselves, nodding in approval from a lady, Fong Ho made an impromptu decision to forego his dignity and sacrifice a bit for the sake of art.
Since you're also a merchant of cloth, "Please step forward and share with us.
" "Surely, you wouldn't wish to depart without showcasing your talent, would you?" Rebecca encouraged.
Indeed, Lady of the City Lord, Fong Hao replied, clutching his design sketches and swaying his hips as he approached the stage.
His exaggerated movements made it difficult for the onlookers to maintain their composure.
Yet, Fong Hao found himself increasingly engrossed in his performance, his fingers dancing gracefully.
Upon reaching the stone platform, he unveiled his design sketches, which featured a quadripartite layout.
The paper was vertically divided into two sections.
The left depicted the overall design of the garment while the right was subdivided into three smaller segments.
The first segment illustrated jewelry, necklaces, and earrings.
The second focused on belt ornaments, and the third showcase stockings and high heels, displaying the artwork to the audience.
Rebecca raised an eyebrow, finally catching sight of something distinctly different.
A hem.
Fashion is never singular.
It is akin to a person's visage.
Presenting a fine countenance adorned with an ill-suited mustache would appear rather peculiar, she remarked.
A scoff echoing from the audience, followed by muffled laughter.
Thus, I have orchestrated a comprehensive ensemble from the gown to the accessories and even the stockings and shoes, all meticulously coordinated to accentuate onethird of Lady Rebecca's beauty.
Funhow confidently articulated his designs diverged from the conventional asuing the voluminous floorlength skirts favored by others.
Instead, he boldly presented a blue offshoulder gown with an asymmetrical hemline, accentuating the allure of a woman's long legs and the intricacies of layer design.
The front featured a short skirt that barely reached the upper thigh, fully revealing her legs, while the back displayed an irregularly pieced floral pattern that cascaded to the ground behind him.
This silence enveloped the room.
All present gazed wideeyed at the unfamiliar man showcasing his design.
This was no longer a matter of mere aesthetics.
You have made the lady of the castle wear a skirt shorter than those of the women who earned their living in taverns.
What does this signify? Go fetch that copper mirror, Fongghao instructed the servant beside him.
The servant glanced at the lady of the castle, saw her slight nod, and brought over the copper mirror from the corner.
Lady Rebecca, please stand before the mirror, Fongo said.
Lady Rebecca found herself somewhat intrigued.
After all, this was the most innovative and daring design she had ever encountered.
As Fongo spoke in a high-pitched voice, she involuntarily rose and walked to face the copper mirror.
Funghow smiled gently, placing the design draft aside so that Lady Rebecca could see her reflection as well as the design in his hands.
He began to elucidate the details.
The neckline features a strapless offshoulder design which accentuates your delicate collar bones and the elegant lines of your neck.
He then positioned the draft at her waist.
Continuing here, the waist is cinched to fully showcase your graceful figure.
As he moved the draft to her legs, he added, "Madam, the hem design is sufficient to outline your alluring curves.
In my years of garment design, I have never encountered legs as beautiful as yours.
" "This unabashed flattery caused Lady Rebecca to feel a flush of warmth.
" "What a silver tonged young man," she thought, as he praised her so openly in front of so many people.
Taking a deep breath, she returned to her seat, her mind beginning to ponder.
Indeed, there had been little breakthrough in gown designs over the years.
Even if they were given 2 years to design, they would likely produce the same old styles.
Surveying the room, her gaze ultimately settled on Fong Ho.
What is your name? She inquired.