Shanghai in the Republican Era

Chapter 91 Splendid Attire: The Debate on the Truth of the Republican Era Press Conference Controver

The Debate on the Truth - A Battle for Reputation Between a Poor Girl and a Rich Boy

I stood on the press conference stage, glaring angrily at the mysterious person who had slandered us, my anger surging like a volcano about to erupt. I, Lin Fangfei, never imagined that even with solid evidence, someone would still jump out to distort the truth. The reporters below buzzed with discussion, their flashes incessant, the blinding light making me dizzy.

I wore the white cheongsam today, deliberately to uphold justice, but now it felt like a mockery. I clenched my fists so tightly my nails almost dug into my palms. Gu Zixuan stood beside me, his face terribly grim, his handsome features distorted with anger. His dark gray suit seemed to be shrouded in the oppressive atmosphere, losing its usual brilliance. He stepped forward and roared at the mysterious man, "What evidence do you have that our evidence is forged? Who are you? Who is acting on your behalf?"

The mysterious man, dressed in a long black robe and wearing sunglasses that obscured his expression, said calmly, "Who I am is unimportant. What matters is that your so-called evidence is riddled with flaws. You're just trying to use this opportunity to suppress your competitors and seek personal gain."

I was trembling with anger: "You're slandering us! We went through so much danger to collect this evidence, how can you smear us like this?"

At this point, the reporters in the audience began to ask questions.

"Miss Lin, Mr. Gu, can you explain the loopholes in the evidence that this gentleman is pointing out?"

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down: "Our evidence has been carefully investigated and verified. These documents detail the financial transactions between the mysterious organization and foreign forces, as well as their specific methods of market manipulation. If this gentleman says there are loopholes, then please point them out."

The mysterious man sneered: "Your documents seem detailed, but some key signatures and seals are blurry. Isn't that a sign of forgery?"

My heart skipped a beat. The signatures and seals were indeed damaged due to some unexpected circumstances when we were obtaining the evidence, but this was by no means forged evidence.

Gu Zixuan frowned and said, "Those signatures and seals were only slightly damaged during the acquisition process, but that does not affect the authenticity of the evidence. We also have witnesses who can testify to the source of this evidence."

The mysterious man said dismissively, "Witnesses? Your witnesses are probably bribed by you."

Just as we were at a stalemate with the mysterious man, Su Yao stepped forward. She was wearing a light blue cotton dress today, her eyes resolute and courageous. She walked to my side and said to the reporters below the stage, “I am one of their witnesses. I have personally witnessed the evil deeds of the mysterious organization and know how they went to great lengths to destroy this evidence. If you don’t believe me, I can take you to the place where we found the evidence; there are many other clues there that can prove it.”

The mysterious man glanced at Su Yao, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "How credible can the words of a mere woman be? Who knows if you're in cahoots?"

Su Yao was so angry that her face turned red: "You're being unreasonable! I swear to God, every word I said is true."

Just then, a reporter stood up: "Ms. Lin, Mr. Gu, we also want to believe you. But in this situation, we need more evidence or more convincing witnesses."

I knew we had to find stronger evidence to prove our innocence. I looked at Gu Zixuan, and he nodded at me; we both had the same idea.

We decided to seek out a highly respected senior figure in Shanghai's business community who had always upheld fairness and had heard about some of the activities of the mysterious organization.

We arrived at our senior's residence. I was wearing a beige cheongsam, while Gu Zixuan changed into a more formal black suit and brought all the evidence we had collected.

The senior sat in the living room, wearing a traditional Chinese robe. His hair was gray, but his eyes were very sharp.

We explained our purpose to him, and after a moment of contemplation, the senior colleague said, “I know you are doing something dangerous but righteous. I also believe your evidence may be true. However, in this complex business world, it is indeed difficult to convince everyone.”

Gu Zixuan said sincerely, "Senior, we hope you can come forward to testify for us. Your prestige in Shanghai's business community is unmatched. If you can believe in us, then many others will believe in us as well."

The senior shook his head: "I can't easily step in. I need to personally examine your evidence and conduct some investigations."

We handed the evidence to our seniors and then spent our days in anxious waiting.

While we waited, we discovered that the mysterious organization had launched a new attack on us. They spread more rumors about us, claiming that we not only fabricated evidence but also defrauded customers.

Our textile factory's orders have been severely impacted again, and some of our partners who had previously trusted us have begun to waver.

I was extremely anxious, spending every day at the textile factory reassuring the workers and trying my best to maintain production. I was wearing a simple blue work uniform, busy in the workshop. I told the workers, "Don't lose heart, we will definitely get through this. Our evidence is real, and the truth will come out sooner or later."

Gu Zixuan, meanwhile, was busy running around trying to calm his business partners down. Every time he returned, he looked tired and worried.

Finally, we received news from our senior. He sent someone to inform us to go to his residence.

We approached the senior colleague with trepidation. He looked at us with a serious expression and said, "After my investigation, I believe your evidence is true. I am willing to testify for you."

We were overjoyed and gratefully said, "Thank you, senior."

The senior waved his hand: "I did this for the sake of Shanghai's business environment. We can't let such an evil organization continue to do evil."

With the support of our seniors, we held another press conference. This time, I wore a green cheongsam, a symbol of hope, while Gu Zixuan wore a brand-new dark gray suit.

At the press conference, the senior colleague stood up to speak for us. He explained in detail the process and results of his investigation, proving the authenticity of our evidence.

Reporters flocked to report the news, and it seemed the mysterious organization's conspiracy was about to be completely exposed.

However, just when we thought victory was in sight, the mysterious organization kidnapped our predecessor's grandson. They delivered a letter to our predecessor, saying that if he continued to testify for us, his grandson's life would be in danger.

The senior held the letter, his hands trembling uncontrollably. He looked at us, his eyes filled with pain and helplessness.

Splendid Costumes: The Republican Era Legend of Lin Fangfei and Gu Zixuan

A poor but academically gifted girl and a wealthy young man's struggles, love, and dreams in Republican-era Shanghai.

I stood by the window of the somewhat dilapidated office in the textile factory, gazing at the bustling streets outside, my heart filled with worry. My name is Lin Fangfei, a woman from a poor family in Jiangnan, yet now I shoulder the heavy responsibility of reforming the textile factory's management and designing fashion samples, every step I take feels like walking on thin ice.

Today, I'm going to see Gu Zixuan, the man who has captured my heart. He's a wealthy young man from 30s Shanghai, my lover, comrade-in-arms, and ally. I'm wearing a simple cheongsam that I designed myself. While it lacks the extravagance of those worn by wealthy young ladies, it possesses a unique charm. A delicate plum blossom is embroidered on the collar, a symbol of my resilient character. I tidy my hair in front of the mirror, tucking a few stray strands behind my ear, take a deep breath, and prepare to leave.

I went to our usual coffee shop, and as soon as I entered, I saw Gu Zixuan sitting in the corner. Today he was wearing a dark gray suit, a white shirt with a neat bow tie, and his hair was combed meticulously. His tall and handsome appearance made my heart race. When he saw me, he immediately stood up, a gentle smile on his face, his eyes full of love.

"Fangfei, you look beautiful today," he said softly, taking my hand.

I blushed slightly. "Zixuan, we need to have a serious discussion about the textile factory's press conference today. It's related to our future development."

He nodded, his expression turning serious. "I know the current situation isn't optimistic for us. Foreign goods are constantly flooding the market, and there are also many problems within the textile factories."

I frowned, feeling helpless. "Yes, the workers' skills vary greatly, and our equipment is outdated. I want to launch some new designs at the press conference, but we're facing a tight budget."

Gu Zixuan gripped my hand tightly and gave me a reassuring look. "Don't be afraid, Fangfei. I'll find a way. Although our Gu family is also facing reforms in the family business, I will definitely support you."

Just then, my good friend Su Yao walked over. She was wearing a lake-blue dress and a small hat, looking playful and cute. "Fangfei, Zixuan, I've heard about your plan. I think we can start with some small orders to build up our capital and reputation."

I looked at Su Yao gratefully. "Su Yao, you're right. But the profit margin on those small orders is just too low, and the competition is fierce."

Gu Zixuan pondered for a moment and said, "I have an idea. We can cooperate with some patriotic businessmen, who may be more willing to support our local industries."

My eyes lit up. "That's a great idea, but how do we contact them?"

Just as we were having a heated discussion, a woman dressed in elegant clothes suddenly walked over. She was Gu Zixuan's cousin, Gu Wanting. She had always disliked me, feeling that I, a woman from a poor background, was not good enough for Gu Zixuan.

"Cousin, why are you with this woman again? What can she offer you?" Gu Wanting looked at me disdainfully.

I felt a pang of grievance, but I forced myself to hold it in. "Wan Ting, Zi Xuan and I are truly in love, and we are discussing something important."

Gu Wanting sneered, "True love? You just want to curry favor with our Gu family. Cousin, don't be fooled by her."

Gu Zixuan frowned and said somewhat angrily, "Wanting, don't be unreasonable. Fangfei is a very talented woman; you can't see her contributions to the textile factory."

Gu Wanting stomped her foot angrily, "Cousin, you'll regret this." With that, she turned and left.

I watched her departing figure, feeling a pang of sadness. Gu Zixuan gently patted my shoulder. "Fangfei, don't take her words to heart. Let's continue with our plan."

In the days that followed, we traveled around looking for opportunities to collaborate. I spent every day at the textile factory working with the designers to study new samples, while Gu Zixuan used his connections to reach out to patriotic businessmen.

Finally, an opportunity arose. A large business gathering was to be held in Shanghai, attended by many prominent figures. I had carefully prepared several of my most prized design works, hoping to attract some investors at the gathering.

On the day of the party, I wore a meticulously crafted red cheongsam, a piece of work to which I had poured countless hours of effort. The cheongsam was embroidered with exquisite phoenix patterns in gold thread, and the hem swayed gracefully with my steps. Gu Zixuan, on the other hand, wore a black swallowtail suit, looking incredibly handsome.

We entered the party hall, which was brightly lit and filled with people dressed in splendid attire, chatting and laughing. I was a little nervous, but Gu Zixuan held my hand tightly, giving me strength.