Chapter 602 - Approaching the Main Plot

On that day when William left the country, Xiong Zhi had received a message and a file from IAmFashionista. 

Since IAmFashionista had previously given out their invitations for its VIP and VVIP, Xiong Zhi thought it was an update regarding the event. 

However, it was surprising to see a message asking Xiong Zhi to update her information and officially sign the papers to become an official VVIP starting this year.

There was a great difference between a VVIP and a VIP. 

VVIP was given more privilege and authority over IAmFashionista than the VIP. They could set decisions and vote for the head organizer or even kick out someone from the organization. In other words, they have the power to put someone into a position and take away the same power from other members.

When buying the dress four years ago at a sky high price, Xiong Zhi admitted that she indeed had the underlying intention to get the organization's favor. However, since then, she never got the chance to attend any major event held by IAmFashionista. Due to Mr. Lou's death, the former head organizer, the major events for VIPs and VVIPs had been postponed for a very long time.

(A/n: IAmFashionista continued it's annual and monthly events, but it's not in a large scale where all members of the VIPs or VVIPs would come. There's no point or advantage for the VIPs or VVIPs to attend in an event that is useless to them, so Xiong Zhi who was heavily managing her time at that period naturally refrained from attendance and was waiting for a suitable one to attend.)

It was perplexing why the organization stayed mum for a long time, but perhaps it was because all VVIP members had not come into an agreement yet for the right person who would sit on the position of the head organizer.

The former head organizer, Mr. Luo, had done a great service for IAmFashionista. The VVIPs could be at ease in putting the tactful old man at the highest position. Mr. Luo had never taken advantage of his position because if he did, he would suffer from the VVIPs' wrath.

After his death, the VVIPs could not find the right person to take on Mr. Luo's position. Their views differed from each other.

They did not want to put a greedy man on that seat, and they all suspect each other. IAmFashionista was a bottomless pit filled with the VVIPs' money in exchange for good reputation, sources, network of information, and fame. How could they not be concerned of who was going to sit on that position?

This was why for four years, it was the host and the chief designer of IAmFashionista, Mr. Cang who temporarily oversaw the position for the regular events and major events kept on getting postponed. 

Now that the organization would finally have its first major event involving VVIPs and VIPs after Mr. Luo's death, the organization immediately sent out the invitations.

'A voting event will happen,' Xiong Zhi mused.

According to her grandfather, to hold a voting pool, at least three VVIPs must request it to the head organizer. Only then would the head organizer update the rest of the VVIPs for a voting event.

Xiong Zhi was surprised to see that she was actually upgraded as a VVIP. When did it happen? She had only attended once and contributed greatly at that one event. She thought she must have major contributions for at least three times before the organization could consider her as a VVIP.

Xiong Zhi asked for a detailed explanation, and now, they finally replied.

"I am not exactly sure how I became the VVIP. May I see their reply?"

Linfeng took the tablet and opened the file.

When Xiong Zhi read the response, her brows rose.

"I thought that the offer which Mr. Luo gave to me before had become invalid. To think that he actually nominated me anonymously before his death. Mr. Cang managed to find out it's me after going through every possible changes in that year. Since I contributed an extremely high price, I guess it's not surprising that Mr. Cang will suspect it was me."

After Mr. Cang confirmed that it was her, he asked her to update her information because she had not fully signed the papers that Mr. Luo gave to her back then, as she said that she would think about it first. Still, Mr. Luo had nominated her as a VVIP in the eyes of the rest of the members.

Once Xiong Zhi updated her information and brought out the files that Mr. Luo had given to her four years ago, then she would become an official VVIP.

Linfeng was stunned. "You have met Mr. Luo?"

"Yes, the day before he died. I never expected it too. His death was so sudden. I didn't have the chance to respond to him."

Linfeng found the situation suspicious. "What did he exactly say to you?"

"Mr. Luo was offering me a VVIP position. He was very uneasy at that time. He said something about the balance that IAmFashionista is keeping for the stability of the upper society. I remember it well. I doubted the cause of his death because he looked like he was running from someone at that time."

Linfeng could hear the warning bells. Based on Xiong Zhi's words, Mr. Luo's death was not accidental.

"Can you tell me more details?" Linfeng took Xiong Zhi's hand, his low deep voice sounded serious. 

For some reason, his heart was thumping loudly. 

He suddenly remembered Mr. Finch's words and warning. 

(A/n: Mr. Finch is a hidden lord from underground who offered Linfeng to become his substitute, in return for ZD World's partnership and helping his son in the shadows. Refer chapter 499-500)

Mr. Finch told home the suspicious movement underground. 

An economic war...

These two might not be connected, however, Linfeng's top-notch instincts were telling him that the matters happening in IAmFashionista and the movements underground might be connected. 

It was just a hunch.

Xiong Zhi began to tell him the details of her conversation with the deceased Mr. Luo. It had been four years but Xiong Zhi remembered them well. 

They were a man's last words to her.

(A/n: Mr. Luo and Xiong Zhi's conversation is in chapter 177-178, it is important that you read the chapter again.)

After hearing the story from Xiong Zhi, Linfeng was silent.

Mr. Luo had mentioned an economic war. He said that if the balance broke, it would result to an international economic war that would hit the domestic market terribly. 

And the starting point might be IAmFAshionista. 

Why did the deceased old man say that?

What happened four years ago that made him ask help from Xiong Zhi who was only a sixteen or seventeen year old girl?

Why approach Xiong Zhi instead of others? 

Because of her sky-high contribution?

The more Linfeng thought about it, the more he thought that Mr. Finch's words were becoming a reality.

Linfeng squeezed Xiong Zhi's hand. His lashes lowered, hiding the darkness in them. "What is your plan now? If Mr. Luo was running from someone, those people might come to you if they learn that you got this position. I don't know the exact picture, but this might be dangerous." 

Even as he said that, his heart continued to beat loudly.

Perhaps getting deeper into this matter made him excited. He wanted to unmask this conspiracy that seemed to span a huge web. 

However, he would never risk Xiong Zhi's safety for this.

Xiong Zhi looked at the file.

She was quiet for a long time. Then she lifted her eyes. Determination filled them.

"When Mr. Luo died, I have thought it over. If I had been more attentive and offered help to a cornered old man, then Mr. Luo might have a chance to survive. I wasn't able to help him, even though I am the last person he turned to." 

Xiong Zhi had died once. 

To her, the matter of someone's life and death was sensitive, especially for the people who died innocently or wronged by others' terrible schemes.

She also had her own selfishness. This power, if she could secure it, would help her a lot in various ways. Furthermore, like Linfeng's inner feelings, Xiong Zhi wanted to get deeper into these matters. It would not do her any good if she remained ignorant of these things.

"I want to accept this. This is Mr. Lou's final wish. Even if it meant that I will be dragged to deeper waters, I will still take it. We... also need all resources and opportunities we can get."

Xiong Zhi could feel it. There might be an important and indelible connection to the events of the past life.

Linfeng stared at Xiong Zhi then nodded. He lowered his head to kiss her temples.

Since his girlfriend had decided, he could only protect her from the sidelines.

"Alright, I will support you. But never let yourself encounter these dangerous things alone anymore, alright?"

Xiong Zhi nodded and smiled. 

She was glad that Linfeng was at her side.

The tall man embraced her and continued to brush his lips on her cheeks and ears as he spoke huskily.

"Mr. Luo told you that there will be people coming to you in the future. Has anyone suspicious approached you so far?" 

Xiong Zhi shook her head. "Not that I am aware of. Besides, I am not an official VVIP yet. I am only recorded anonymously."

"Alright, I'll be staying by your side after you update your information."

The long phoenix eyes of the woman narrowed as she glared at him. "That can't do. You are so busy. How can I take all your time?"

Linfeng kissed his girlfriend's cheek. "Jang Shin is in the office. Shinichi is becoming comfortable in the country and Gu Zhen is helping us accompany Shinichi sometimes. Some important matters could be attended by Jang Shin. I will bring my work here and stay with you."

"There's really no need. Nothing will happen after I submit the paper. At least not that soon." 

Linfeng sighed and buried his face on her fragrant hair. "Even so, I still want to be with you." He sounded like a child asking to be pampered.

Xiong Zhi's heart turned soft. "... You've learned to act coquettish."

"Thank you for your praise."

When Linfeng acted like this, Xiong Zhi had no choice but to comply.

She had no idea that after she submitted the paper, a person would come visiting her on the next day.

****

(A/n: We are approaching the main plot that this author had thrown all over from the beginning chapters until now. You might have forgotten the other pieces of crucial information so it is better to read the referred chapters once again. Especially, IAmFashionista Arc 1. The two masked men, Lu Jin and Ming Zhi Yi had attended the event four years ago and had a discussion with Mr. Luo. This is the continuation of the said Arc. 

I want to tell more but, I will leave the musing to you guys!)