Chapter 2264

Because they carried Zhu Yanyi’s aura, even the Heavenly Dao granted them a sliver of survival chance.

Zhu Yanyi tried on two sets of wedding dresses, followed by the toast outfits. These were modernized versions of traditional Chinese attire: three sets of Hanfu, three Tang suits, and three qipaos. While three changes on the wedding day were sufficient, the others served as backups.

Zhu Yanyi glanced at the collection and realized the effort involved. "These modified styles must have taken you a lot of energy, right?"

"You’re mistaken. I haven’t spent much effort. These were designed by my mother and her team of designers," Yan Aohan said with a smile. "You wouldn’t believe the price of my mother’s original designs. A single dress sells for tens of thousands. Custom orders are even more expensive."

Zhu Yanyi laughed. "So my mother follows the rule: stay quiet, then make enough money for years with one sale."

Yan Aohan chuckled. "It’s somewhat true. But my mother designs for her own interest, so she feels no pressure."

She was right. Xie Xinlian’s boutique operated on her mood, offering only high-end custom pieces. Ordinary customers rarely visited. This exclusivity made her clothes precious. Without attending fashion festivals, she had already gained fame in the industry. Many knew Azure Sovereign Qingdi Original Clothing as a top-tier brand.

Some had tried to interview Xie Xinlian, but Tai Shu Yuanxiang and Yan Aohan politely turned them away due to her reluctance.

Zhu Yanyi knew her mother sought only the joy of creation, not fame. Xie Xinlian, at heart, valued family above all. Thus, Zhu Yanyi felt no worry for her.

After trying on over ten sets of wedding attire and finalizing the choices, they emerged at three in the afternoon. They had skipped lunch.

Though Zhu Yanyi wasn’t hungry, Yan Aohan insisted they eat. They went to a roast duck restaurant.

Roast duck was the main dish, so Yan Aohan ordered two ducks.

Zhu Yanyi wrapped the duck meat in thin pancakes, eating slowly while sipping the flavorful bone broth.

They sat in a private room, undisturbed.

Just as they finished and prepared to leave, they spotted an acquaintance.

"Are you Zhu Yanyi?"

A woman with short, chin-length hair stood there. Her style was artistic, and she looked familiar to Zhu Yanyi.

"Gao Xia?" Zhu Yanyi recognized her. It was Gao Xia, the senior roommate from middle school.

"It really is you, Zhu Yanyi. I didn’t expect to meet you here." Gao Xia was surprised. She knew Zhu Yanyi was in the capital but didn’t know her current activities, as they had parted ways after high school.

Zhu Yanyi nodded slightly. "Are you eating here?"

"Yes, discussing a project. I’m leaving now. What about you?" Gao Xia asked. "How have you been? I haven’t seen you since middle school graduation. Even at reunions, it was hard to contact you."

"My husband and I didn’t want to cook tonight, so we came here for roast duck," Zhu Yanyi said, pointing to Yan Aohan. "This is my husband, Yan Aohan."

"Hello," Gao Xia greeted quickly.

Yan Aohan nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then asked Zhu Yanyi, "Shall we go to the teahouse across the street?"

Zhu Yanyi thought for a moment. She and Gao Xia had been decent friends in middle school. "It’s not convenient to stay in a restaurant. Let’s sit at the teahouse opposite. Do you have time?"

"Sure," Gao Xia agreed immediately, hoping Zhu Yanyi might help her avoid pitfalls in her work.

Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan led Gao Xia to the teahouse across the street. They took a private seat.

Zhu Yanyi handed the menu to Gao Xia. "What would you like? My treat."

"A cup of jasmine tea," Gao Xia said. "I like the scent of jasmine."

Zhu Yanyi nodded and told the waiter, "One cup of jasmine tea, a pot of Tieguanyin, and a fruit platter, please."

"Okay," the waiter said and left to prepare.

Soon, the tea and fruit arrived. Yan Aohan poured tea for Zhu Yanyi and handed it to her.

Zhu Yanyi took a sip and looked at Gao Xia. "I rarely return to Yong City since middle school graduation, so I lost touch. Do you have news of the girls from Room 306?"

Gao Xia smiled. "Except for you and Xiao Xiao, most of us keep in touch.

Yue is now an inspector for a foreign trade company. Her English is excellent, and she’s very popular there.

Chen Fei didn’t do well in the college entrance exam, so he attended an adult college for foreign trade. Last month, he passed the interview for overseas labor export. He’s waiting for approval to work abroad.

Wang Annie studied early childhood education and is now a kindergarten teacher in Yong City.

Liu Min studied railway service at a vocational school. She’s an intern flight attendant on trains. She’s quite busy; it’s hard to meet her.

Li Lili was accepted into the Guangdong Provincial Theater and is now an actress. She isn’t famous yet, but she’s doing well.

Only An Xiao Xiao is missing."

Gao Xia sighed slightly. An Xiao Xiao’s disappearance was unexpected. She was the gentlest among them.

"How did she disappear?" Zhu Yanyi asked, surprised. She couldn’t believe An Xiao Xiao would cause trouble, given her nature.

"An Xiao Xiao was very gentle. She studied art. It’s said she went on a field trip and never returned. It’s been nearly two years. The school and her family have been searching, but with no luck." Worry flickered in Gao Xia’s eyes.

Zhu Yanyi frowned slightly. "Which art academy did she attend?"

"Jinling Academy of Arts," Gao Xia said seriously.

Zhu Yanyi hummed. "Where did she go for the field trip?"

"I think it was Suzhou," Gao Xia said after a moment’s thought.

Zhu Yanyi nodded. Then she turned to Yan Aohan. "Should you investigate, or should I?"

"I’ll have someone look into it," Yan Aohan said with a smile, gently rubbing Zhu Yanyi’s head.