After a brief stalemate, his expression slightly changed, "Alright, let’s eat." With those words, he returned to his seat. I lowered my head, secretly relaxing, but suddenly felt particularly guilty and vaguely sad inside. I didn’t have the courage to look up at him. After a moment of silence, I said in a muffled voice, "I’m sorry, I know you’re doing this for my good, but right now..." Right now, I can’t handle his kindness, nor do I deserve it. But these words, I don’t know how to say them. Fortunately, he understood my thoughts. He gently said, "I should be the one saying sorry. I was a bit impulsive earlier and overstepped my boundaries." Daniel actually apologized to me! Startled, I quickly looked up, "No, no, it’s not your fault. You’ve been great, helping me with so much." Suddenly, we became polite with each other, and our relationship instantly felt more distant. Yet inside, I felt a bit more at ease. We quietly ate, and even when we occasionally spoke, it was about trivial matters. As we were about to finish, I had completely calmed down and returned to the state of friends with a distant yet respectful relationship. "Later, let’s go to my place to try on the clothes. It should be quick and won’t delay your work, right?" I proactively mentioned today’s main event. Daniel had also finished eating, put down his utensils, and looked at me, "It won’t delay me. I’m not too busy these days." "Oh, that’s good." I nodded, standing up, "Let’s go, someone else is waiting for our table." It was the lunch rush. Even though this café only offered simple meals, it was doing well business-wise. The two of us left the restaurant one after another and didn’t speak again until we got to the elevator and down to the first floor. The distance was short, so there was no need to drive. We waited for the traffic light at the pedestrian crossing. To avoid awkward silence, I looked down at my phone and pretended to be busy. Suddenly, Daniel grabbed me and pulled me aside, "Watch out!" Caught off guard, I stumbled into his arms as a delivery scooter sped past right in front of me. "Are you alright?" Daniel’s concerned voice came from above. I was startled, regaining my senses and realizing that I was still leaning against him, quickly sprang away as if shocked by electricity. "No, I’m fine, thank you." I didn’t look up at him, just kept thanking him, and then suddenly people around us started moving. I turned to look, "It’s green, let’s go!" I hurried ahead, not daring to look back at him. But with his height and long legs, even just a glance from the corner of my eye showed him keeping pace beside me. Walking on the bustling street, amid the same noise and hustle, he still exuded an untouchable and powerful aura with his remarkable looks and noble demeanor. I overheard some young girls whispering, "Wow... he’s so handsome! What amazing charisma!" I wholeheartedly agreed, yet felt a bit inferior. This perfect and flawless high-quality man, a top-tier human being—how could someone like me... Reaching my company’s office building, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings among the employees, I led Daniel to another elevator. This particular elevator went straight to the floor where my private studio was located, though it required a bit of a detour. After some twists and turns, we finally arrived. Swiping the fingerprint lock, I opened the door and turned to him with a smile, "Welcome to my studio, Chairman Carter, please come in." I deliberately used a playful tone to ease the silent awkwardness between us. Daniel smiled, his long legs stepping into my domain, eyes scanning the area. "So many mannequins standing here; feels like stepping into another dimension." His words carried intrigue and curiosity. I laughed, "Yes, it’s even more interesting at night." The office building’s location was one Adrian Gordon and I had carefully chosen. We rented a total of four office floors. The first three floors are the company workspace, including work, fitness, and logistics areas. The overall company environment is quite nice. The fourth floor, a grand expanse of over 200 square meters, is entirely my private work area. Evening·Banquet high-end customization involves confidentiality. The closet also holds many expensive custom pieces and accessories. So, besides Cherry, who can freely come and go from my studio, other company people without my authorization can’t enter, and even if they could, they wouldn’t get in. "These are all high-end custom pieces, many celebrities rent clothes here for red carpet events. Over there is an area dedicated to award-winning pieces from major fashion competitions, plus some show pieces." Accompanying Daniel inside, I introduced him to my work. At that moment, the inferiority within me vanished completely, replaced by a proud and resounding confidence. This is my territory, and my career, the foundation of my standing in the fashion world. Daniel nodded repeatedly, his eyes reflecting appreciation, "You’re impressive, carrying an entire brand by yourself and achieving such success." Receiving the compliment, I couldn’t help but smile, but explained, "It’s not all my doing. Many of the company’s designers are often pulled into hard work by me; I have a powerful team behind me." Our eyes met, and both our gazes flickered with laughter and light. The awkwardness and distance from our meal vanished, and our interaction felt much smoother and more comfortable. Suddenly, a voice called out— "Ms. Lily, you’re back? The task you gave me this morning..." Cherry hurried out from inside, but stopped mid-sentence at the sight of Daniel beside me, her expression clearly stiffening. "Ah, Mr. Carter is here." Cherry was surprised, her gaze sweeping over me with a meaningful smile. I explained, "Mr. Carter is here to try on clothes." Daniel nodded slightly, "Hello, Assistant Chandler." Cherry’s full name is Cherry Chandler, introduced when we visited Carter Manor months ago. "Alright, alright, hello Mr. Carter..." Cherry smiled nervously, speaking incoherently, then quietly said to me, "Ms. Lily, I’ve tidied up V2 room entirely, heading out now." Cherry intentionally made room for us. "Mm, go on." I smiled, not stopping her. Cherry nodded at Daniel and swiftly left. I led Daniel to the inner work area, turning back to ask him, "Would you like some tea or coffee?" "Alright, hold on a moment." I went to the bar area to make tea, occasionally lifting my eyes to glance at him. He didn’t sit down immediately, still wandering and admiring the space. I’m not sure if he’s interested in my work or just fascinated by fashion itself. When I finished making the tea and brought it over, he finally returned to the sofa to sit. "Have some tea first; I’ll go get the clothes." Daniel had ordered two suits, and both were done. But high-end personal customization usually involves three fittings and adjustments to achieve the perfect fit, showcasing the elegance and grace expected of custom attire. I brought over both suits: one with a black dark pattern and another with a deep blue light check. "Which one would you like to try first?" I stood by the mobile clothes rack, showing him two outfits and asked. Adrian Gordon put down the teacup and stood up, "Either one’s fine." "Then let’s go with the black one." I picked the first black suit off the rack nearby and handed it to him, "The fitting room is over there." Adrian Gordon took the clothes and walked toward the fitting room. I returned to the work station, somewhat dazed. Thinking about him undressing in the fitting room, some images involuntarily surfaced in my mind. Like when we just crossed the zebra crossing, he suddenly pulled me into his embrace. Although it was only a few seconds, the thrill and heartbeat it gave me lingered for a long time... Sounds came from the fitting room, startling me. I quickly shook off the chaotic thoughts in my head and stepped over. Seeing him at first glance, my heart slightly trembled, once again mesmerized, my heartbeat accelerated. The black suit was tailor-made, sharp and proper, with an air of aloofness and noble dignity that commanded respect and awe. "I think it’s quite good, feels like no modifications are needed." Adrian Gordon saw me, a smile on his face, clearly satisfied with how the clothes fit. I suppressed my frantic heartbeat and assumed a professional posture as I walked over. "Even the greatest designer would require one or two fittings to make adjustments for such high-quality custom clothes, it’s impossible to get them right in one go." As I spoke, I walked to his side and lifted my hand toward his back to help straighten his collar. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on noⅴelfire.net "This set is made from worsted flannel, a famous fabric brand with a long history from Norland. This material style is understated, solemn, and stable, with strong drape, moderate hand feel, perfect for deep autumn season, just right for now." As I carefully inspected various details around him, noting areas that need modifications and adjustments, I introduced the fabric and style of the suit. He nodded slightly, "You’re the expert in this regard. I trust your taste and craftsmanship." Just then I was in front of him, one hand brushing over his shoulders and the lapel on his chest. Hearing this, I looked up at him, and involuntarily, my cheeks, along with the tips of my ears, began to warm. "Thank you..." I responded softly, avoiding his gaze. Fitting is an essential part of high-fashion production. I’ve served many distinguished guests with such professionalism, but facing him, my mood became exceptionally different. As if I were a virtuous wife helping her husband dress, thoughtfully and meticulously assisting him with every detail. "Is your hand okay? The bruising is heavy; have you applied any medicine?" Amidst the brief silence, Adrian Gordon suddenly spoke, his gaze falling on the back of my hand. I was startled, glancing at my hand. My skin is fair, making the bruise look somewhat terrifying, with two scratches in the bruise, likely from when I furiously swung my umbrella at Adrian yesterday and inadvertently got scratched. "It’s fine, this kind of bruise looks terrible, but it doesn’t hurt or itch." I smiled lightly and said dismissively. But Adrian Gordon frowned slightly, "Don’t force yourself, it’s okay if it can’t be done in time. I have plenty of clothes." "I know, don’t worry; it’s really fine." I emphasized again. After speaking, I raised my hand to help him take off the suit jacket, "You can take off the jacket; let me see if the waistband is suitable." Adrian Gordon stood unmoving, so I helped him remove the suit from behind. When checking the waistband, I inevitably had to touch his waist. Through the shirt fabric, I could distinctly feel the firm muscles of his waist and abdomen, causing my heart to throb again. "Have you been too busy lately and lost weight?" "Really? I haven’t paid much attention." "The waistline appears slightly loose; it needs adjustments." The area connecting the thigh, hip, and in-seam must be very careful, or it will affect the comfort of sitting down. As I continued checking the hip measurements, I somehow recalled the spur-of-the-moment ’grab’ from a few months ago at Carter Manor while measuring him. My face got even warmer, fortunately, I kept my head down so he couldn’t see. However, my gaze inevitably landed on the crotch of his trousers. Another image suddenly popped into my mind. The designers in our company’s WeChat group had once shared a video. It was about an old tailor asking a male client if he places it on the left or the right. The client was bewildered while the accompanying female companion understood and bashfully got up and left. The designers engaged in lively discussion about that video, asking colleagues who made men’s clothing whether this was a real consideration? In the end, the topic naturally wandered. From placing it on the left or right to discussing size, jesting that those with lipstick-sized ones wouldn’t need this consideration, but it’s hard to say for an elephant trunk. Thinking about that video again, I suddenly wondered — should I also ask Adrian Gordon if he has this consideration? However, I only dared to imagine. This conversation could not be started; otherwise, I’d be seen as a rogue woman. "The pants are fine, but the waist needs adjustment; the crotch, length, and leg openings are all suitable." Squatting to finish checking the trousers, I stood up and said. Adrian Gordon kept his head down. As I stood up, our gazes collided. His eyes dodged faster than mine, a hint of awkwardness clearly passed over his handsome face, and the tips of his ears seemed to flush. I grew suspicious inside — what’s going on? Could it be that when I bent down earlier, as he looked down at me, his mind was also wandering? "There’s no issue with this set. You can change to the next one." I didn’t dare ask what’s wrong, so I turned and walked away. "Okay." Adrian Gordon replied softly, seemingly pressing his voice intentionally, then turned back to the fitting room. I wondered if I was mistaken, but I noticed he walked faster as if avoiding something. This time he stayed in the fitting room for ten minutes, noticeably "dawdling" more than when he changed into the first outfit. With my thoughts muddled, I didn’t think much about it. By the time I realized he’d been in there a while, assuming there was a problem with the clothes, I asked, "Are you ready? Is it unsuitable?" His voice came from the fitting room, "No, it’s ready." After speaking, he opened the door and walked out. My eyes lit up again. The previous black suit was cool and steady, while this navy blue one exuded elegance and mystery, full of Norland gentleman vibes. "This set is made of cashmere material, with a heavier texture, more suitable for winter." I still helped him arrange his clothes, checking if some details were fitting while explaining the advantages of the fabric and style. He didn’t speak much the whole time, only occasionally nodding in response. Even when I squatted down to communicate with him, he stared straight ahead, positively serious, without looking at me. I was subtly puzzled — what’s going on here? He was fine earlier, and we chatted pleasantly. Why did he suddenly become cold and distant? Since this was the case, I couldn’t continue dilly-dallying, so I shut up and sped up my actions. "Okay, you’ve tried on both suits, and I’ve made records. You can change back into your clothes." I informed him, turning to leave. Adrian Gordon went in to change clothes again and came out quickly. "Would you like more tea?" Out of courtesy, I smiled and asked, but inside I thought, since his attitude suddenly grew cold towards me, he probably wouldn’t stay for tea.