Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 437

“Sir, I’ve come to ask if you know who drew this design. The designer is very talented, and I’d like to recruit him to my
company. I’m the owner of Dragon’s Dress Tailor Company,” the old man said.
“My daughter drew this. She’s a useless girl, so don’t bother wasting your time on her,” Wenxue’s father said.
“Your daughter? She is very talented, sir! I have never come across such a talented young lady! Don’t worry about paying for
her fees. If you let her come with me, I will provide for her every need,” the old man promised.
Wenxue’s father considered his options. He did not want to pay for Wenxue’s expenses anymore, and he did not love her.
Seeing his chance to get rid of her, he called for her.
“Wenxue! Come here, an old man wants to see you. He saw your stupid dress design, and he thinks you are talented.”
Wenxue walked over, not daring to believe her ears. “Hello, Wenxue. You are young, but your talent is amazing. I have
never thought of combining the loose-fitting traditional Chinese style with the Manchurian qipao . Now that I’ve seen your
design, I realize that it’s a perfect blend!” he beamed at her.
“Thank you, sir!” Wenxue said gleefully.
“Would you like to learn more about designing, and eventually work for me? I’m the owner of the famous Dragon’s Dress Tailor
Company, the most famous dress-making company in all of Shanghai. Shanghai is a fashionable city, and I have faith that you
will contribute to its success in fashion. I have never had female designers in my company, so you shall be the first one. I have
come to appreciate that anyone can have talent, if given the chance to show their creativity. Thank you for helping me see how
wrong I was before when I only employed men from rich families,” he said gently.
“Oh, yes! I want to! But…Papa…” Wenxue said sadly, glancing at her father. “By all means, go! You’re a burden to me,” her
father scoffed.
“Oh Papa, thank you, thank you!”
And so Wenxue, the little Shanghainese fashion designer, left her home, the place where she had endured countless miseries.
Her dream of becoming a fashion designer had finally come true. A bright future lay ahead of her, and she was only too eager
to pursue it. Smiling, she glanced back at the rundown wooden house for the last time before turning her back on it for good,
heading to her new home – Dragon’s Dress Tailor Company.