Trying On the Gown

On their way to the store, Lily called the manager to confirm her appointment. After making the call, she reviewed the file Ginny had forwarded to her through email.

"Wow! This file is as thick as a book series. How did you guys dig up Meng Meng's dirt? Amazing.." Lily said as she swiped through each page on her iPad with amused eyes.

"Of course. When have you ever heard Auntie being unprepared for a war? She either stays put or does things all the way. I'm not even surprised by the information in the file. People who attend her stupid parties should see a huge difference on her face. It's way too obvious." Ginny said as she drove into another lane.

Cupping her cheeks, Lily could feel the huge slap going on Meng Meng's face. As she continued skimming through Meng Meng's file, she read the number of rumors Meng Meng had spread in the past. Suddenly, she felt like she took these backstabbing way too carelessly in the past.

"She even dared to talk shit about my parents and company? What? Her parents are the ones supporting the whole Jiang family? Hah! What bullshit. No wonder my mom wants me to list these out one by one. I don't care what stupidity she spreads to those acts minds, but I won't spare anyone who speaks about my family!"

"Ay, ay. I know you're angry. My young miss, please hold your anger until Friday. Burst it to that witch and not on my iPad. We're almost at the store. I could smell smoke coming from the top of your head. With your presence alone, that Meng Meng will be cast aside to being the background." Releasing one hand from the steering wheel, Ginny started fanning Lily using her free hand.

"She wants a party? I'll give her a splendid one. One that'll make it most memorable." Lily smirked as she took deep breaths and logged out of her email.

"We're by the store. Let me find parking and we could get your gown." Ginny smiled as she easily spotted a parking space. Since they've been to the store before, it didn't take long for them to get there.

Upon entering the store, the assistants formed a parallel line while the manager stood in the middle to greet Lily and Ginny.

"Welcome, Miss. Lily and Miss. Ginny. Miss. Lily, the gown is ready for you to try on. Please take a seat as we bring the gown out for you." The manager led them to the couch where customers normally waited.

Lily nodded and smiled politely, "Alright. Thank you."

While waiting for the gown, the staff served two cups of hot tea for them to drink. Ginny whispered, "No matter how many times I come here with you and Auntie, I doubt I'll ever get used to this type of treatment. Whenever you or Auntie come here for an appointment, the manager clears up the store so you guys are the only customer they are serving. Then, they serve us tea and wait on the side."

Lily smiled, "Forget you. Even I'm not used to it. I don't come as often as my mom. My mom and the designer of this brand are friends. I heard many people mentioning how the designer rejected many socialite's offer to creating customized pieces for them. Somehow this designer would always create gowns for our family."

"The designer is quite a mystery. Nobody saw her before and she was only mentioned in magazines. Either way, her designs are one of a kind. If the sizes don't fit the customer, no changes could be made. It's amazing how famous the designer became." Ginny complimented as she flipped through the newest gown and accessory collections in the book.

Lily nodded, "Yep. Whenever there are parties or important social events, mom would always go to this designer. Of course, this includes the gowns we've received from mom and dad for our birthdays. Those were all from this designer."

"Mm..I could tell the gowns were quite pricey by the delicate design. Phew, thank goodness I haven't dirtied any of those pieces." Ginny patted her chest as she let out a sigh.

Soon, the manager came out to lead Lily into one of the fitting rooms. "Miss. Lily, would you like us to help you change into the gown?" She held the curtains to the fitting room and moved out of the way.

"No, that's alright. I can wear it on my own. Thank you." Lily said as she walked into the fitting room. Once she stepped into the fitting room, the curtains closed from behind.

"If you need any assistance, I will be standing outside." The manager said as she stood outside with her hands to her back.

"Okay," Lily replied softly as her hands felt the smooth empire waist lined gown in front of her. "V-neck cutting, beaded flower pattern embroidery on the top outlining the chest and waist areas...tulle panels and half-open back. Even though it's a V-neck looking design, a layer of tulle covers the arms and front torso. Shows skin, yet not revealing. Perfect."

Piece by piece, Lily stripped off her clothes, leaving only her nude panties and strapless bra on. Carefully slipping into the dress, she held the dress from the front and asked for help. "Manager Qian, can you come in and help me pull the zipper up from behind?"

"Yes." Manager Qian replied and stepped into the room. Lily had already brushed her hair to the front for her to easily pull the zipper up. After completing the task, she helped Lily put on the pair of heels to match the dress. With the height of the heels, the gown no longer touched the floor.

Rearranging her hair, she smiled, "I'm ready to go out."

Manager Qian nodded as she held the curtains for her. As she stepped out in small steps, Ginny's eyes left the magazine and lips parted from the tea cup in her hands. She blinked very slowly as if Lily would disappear once she blinks. "Y..W..Wow!!! Our Lily looks so gorgeous!!! Geez, my goddess. You've hidden your skinny waist under such baggy clothes for long enough! Woooo! I want to show you to the world. Oh my!!"

She quickly stood up from the couch, put down the cup and circled around Lily as if she was a precious diamond. Lily spread her arms and spun twice in front of her. "I assume it looks good then?"

"Perfect!!! You'll win a beauty contest with just the outfit! Even without accessories, hairdo and makeup!! Let me take a picture of you!!" Ginny took out her phone and snapped a few photos of her. Lily also followed along and posed with a smile on her face.

After walking around in the heels and looking at herself in the mirror for fifteen minutes, Lily smiled satisfyingly. "The gown fits me perfectly well. As for the accessories, I don't need to try it on. I've already checked it thoroughly. I'll change out of it, so you could help me pack it up."

After getting into the fitting room to change out of the gown, Lily took a selfie and forwarded one of the pictures Ginny sent to her to Lin Que.

Lily texted, "Darling~ Isn't this gown gorgeous?"

Lin Que replied in the next few seconds, "Can I take back my words from before?"

Lily sent a question mark to him.

Lin Que: "You're too gorgeous in that gown. I'm afraid I can't handle my own vinegar before collecting other people's jars."

Lily laughed at his response, "Too bad~ Someone had the chance to tie me into a taco, but let it go. Hehe, I'll always be willing to fill up your vinegar jar."

Lin Que: "And only you could make me eat vinegar. Anyways, my Lily looks super beautiful in the gown. Do you have matching accessories?"

"Mhmm. All prepared."

"Good. Then, make sure to eat lunch and dinner. Don't get home too late."

"Mm, I won't get home late. I need to change out of my gown now. I'll talk to you later."

Lin Que replied with a smile emoticon.