Rising from Scandal

The lights went dim as the underwater LED lighting illuminated the pool changing from blue to purple. The classical music floated in the air, calming the senses of the audience. Chang Lianna took in a deep breath as the seats reclined, providing her the view of the swimming pool above.

From the other side of the venue, two 146-inch monitors were installed to provide the audience below a blow-by-blow update of the happenings above.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," the male host greeted the audience. "We are here tonight to witness the launching of NU C's collection: Stones and Prints. Are you all excited?"

The audience especially the bloggers cheered as a response.

"No words can describe what I am feeling right now. Before we start the show, it is my honor to let you guys know that someone from the fashion industry will join us tonight," the host turned around, waiting for that someone to go on the stage.

A smiling Hong Chi emerged from behind the partition. She wore an emerald green dress that hugged her figure, swaying as she walked on the stage. It was expected that Hong Chi was present especially for the people who participated during the pre-launch. Accepting the microphone from the male host, Hong Chi waved her other hand.

"Hello guys! Are you ready to be blown away?"

Half of the audience screamed. They cannot wait to see NU C's designs.

Hong Chi raised her shoulders in half-shrug. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let this night be full of gasps and wows!"

As soon as Hong Chi closed her mouth, the lights went out. Chang Lianna reached out for her brother's arm.

"Stay calm, sis. I'm here," Xu Wei patted his sister's hand.

Chang Lianna took a deep breath. She never liked the total darkness since she was a child. In her mind, all the bad things happened when lights went out. She closed her eyes, counting in tens as she grasped her brother's arm tightly.

The audience heard a splash before the underwater LED lights went on. Chang Lianna screamed along with others when their seats were pushed upwards, drawing closer to the bottom of swimming pool.

But what they saw made them speechless, breaths were caught in their mouths.

Inside the gigantic swimming pool were eight models performing acrobatic moves underwater. Their moves were graceful that the audience cannot help but fell in daze. Each model wore a two-piece high-waist bikini. The lower part was hand painted with bold prints.

As the models swam in harmony, their bikinis which were inspired by Aztec bold prints, seduced the eyes of the audience, pulling their consciousness into a trance. The bikinis were different shades of teal, blue, and mint green.

"Gosh, I really love the designs to the point that I want all of them," someone from the audience whispered.

"Unless, you're an heiress, forget about it," another one said.

"NU C really lives up to the expectations."

"I'm still looking forward to the climax."

Xu Wei glanced at his sister. Chang Lianna's eyes were focused on the pool, her eyes were brimming with excitement. He pressed his lips as he remembered her before the accident.

Chang Lianna felt the coldness that were trying to envelop her. She turned her head towards her brother. As expected, her brother's forehead was marred with lines. She shook her head as her mouth curved into a smile.

"I didn't bring you here to spread the coldness. I didn't bring a jacket," she teased him.

Xu Wei snorted before looking back at the glass bottom of the pool.

The eight models linked their arms through their hands, effectively forming a circle as seen from below. Their legs were spread apart as they slowly moved counterclockwise. Gradually, their movements went faster.

"Oh gosh, they must be synchronized swimmers."

"For the NU C to be able to afford them, damn, they know how to pull some strings, huh?"

As the movement of the models went faster, something fell inside the circle, creating a current. The audience held their breaths, eyes were plastered on the pool above them. No one dared to blink, afraid that they might miss a chance to witness an awesome show. True enough, days after the event, the third launching of NU C will be the talk of the town.

When the bubbles settle down, a woman was in the middle, her hands covered her eyes. Hong Chi was right. The venue was filled with gasps and wows when their sight took in the woman's profile.

The woman's bikini was different from the other models. It was not a two-piece bikini nor hand painted. It was made of Swarovski stones. The main model wore a one-piece bikini, showcasing her chest area thru the v-line that reached her midriff.

The Swarovski stones which were gray and red was still patterned after an Aztec design. The stones in the navel area was arranged in horseshoe while the back was bared. Submerged in water, the stones sparkled against the blue lights.

Chang Lianna pinched her brother's arm. Although Xu Wei wore a suit, the pinch sent some pain which he felt as if it penetrated through his suit. Also, he knew that pinch.

"I want that bikini," Chang Lianna declared.

Xu Wei rolled his eyes. "I know, right."

The main model removed her hands from her eyes, revealing a face the audience was not quite expecting.

"Oh, my."

"My eyes must be playing tricks on me."

"Nope. My eyes are perfectly fine but I am seeing someone who shouldn't be here."

RuRu maintained her calm expression. Underwater, she cannot see the audience. She started moving the way she danced when she was still in a ballet school, every move was more graceful than the previous one. She was a natural-born swimmer, growing up near the sea.

While the audience were caught up with the main model performing a dance akin to Swan Lake, the roof of the venue slowly opened up, revealing the dark sky.

When RuRu slightly bowed her head, a burst of fireworks decorated the sky, catching the audience off guard.

"Oh wow! As expected of NU C."

"The team behind NU C is definitely superb. I am a fan now!"

"Yeah, I hope NU C released the pics fast. Can't wait to brag about this among my friends," a woman said, followed by a laughter.

"Only NU C can go against the current. Only this brand can sign up RuRu and still be able to cement its status in the fashion industry."

Chang Lianna inclined her head, a smile was playing on her lips. "She did rise from the scandal, right, brother?"

Xu Wei chuckled, his eyes were beaming with pride. "Of course." He trusted his future wife's judgment a lot.

The models bowed their heads before moving their arms upwards. Hong Chi and the male host were standing side by side on the stage, waiting for the models to emerge from underwater.

"So, guys, did you enjoy it?" Hong Chi asked the audience.

"Yes!"

"We want more!"

The male host shrugged his shoulders. "You can see them up close and personal during the after party. See you later, guys!"

As the models got out of the water, the lights around gradually turned dimmer.

Xu Wei stood up. It's time to congratulate his woman for a job well done. Bending his back, he lifted Chang Lianna from the seat and put her back on the wheelchair. He signaled someone from the side.

Chang Lianna pulled the hem of her brother's suit as she noticed what he did. "Where are you going?"

"I'll just give my future wife a kiss," he said.

"She's here?" Chang Lianna looked around. "Where is she?"

Xu Wei flicked his sister's forehead. "Silly, I will not introduce her tonight. Be patient."

Chang Lianna glared at Xu Wei as her hand covered her forehead.