I Love You in Italian

[I'm truly sorry, but I don't have the time or energy to write this story right now.]

Who is the most sought-after person in China's fashion world today? That would be Chen Li.

Five years ago, Chen Li made a stunning debut at an international fashion week as a dark horse. He quickly took over the runways, landed multiple luxury brand endorsements, and became the first Asian male model to break into the world's top ten. But just as his career was hitting its stride, he suddenly announced he was returning to China.

After coming home, Chen Li completed a grand slam of September covers for China's five major mainstream magazines, only to hit a snag when a certain brand bailed on the outfit it was supposed to provide for his shoot.

Mo Hui is a rising star in China's fashion world, having made a name for herself over the past two years. Born and raised in Europe, she inherited the distinctive gold couching embroidery of Cantonese embroidery from the grandfather who raised her. She excels at blending traditional craftsmanship with Western design, and her personal clothing brand, Amo, is a hit with fashion insiders.

But recently, Mo Hui did something that left everyone dumbfounded. She declared, "Anyone can wear my clothes, but not Chen Li!"

People immediately began speculating about their past.

The Most Beautiful Chinese Garments is a traditional Chinese fashion design competition show where designers and models choose one another to form teams. Unbeknownst to Mo Hui, Chen Li has also joined the show.

The show trended online on the very first day of the partner selection.

Chen Li, famous for his signature world-weary look, gives Mo Hui a flattering smile and takes the initiative to choose her as his partner. But Mo Hui, who has been passed over by everyone else, flatly rejects him.

Chen Li pleads with Mo Hui, "Amo, give me one more chance."

Bonus scenes:

1. Forced to team up with Chen Li, Mo Hui hands him a suit vest embroidered with gold thread on a red background and smiles. "The height of vulgarity is the height of elegance."

Chen Li slicks back his hair, turning the bright red vest into the height of nineties rock fashion.

Mo Hui tosses him a two-meter-long tailcoat embroidered with a peacock displaying its feathers, the signature motif of gold couching embroidery.

Chen Li brings all his charisma to bear and pulls it off completely.

The professional judges exclaim again and again, "A master! A master!"

The CP fans in the audience say, "They're such a perfect match!"

Chen Li gazes at Mo Hui with a tender smile. "Amo, will you let me keep being your exclusive model?"

2. Ever since the day Chen Li and Mo Hui met again, a pink rose has appeared on the sign outside Mo Hui's studio every now and then.

A few handwritten letters are tucked among the rose's vivid petals: Ti Amo.

In Italian, it means "I love you."

Reader's guide:

1. Both are virgins, and they belong to one another in body and heart.

2. In the first half, they grow together as partners and write a sweet, youthful love story abroad.

In the second half, they reunite after a breakup, and Chen Li sets off on a quest to win her back, with eyes only for his wife.

3. Apart from the Italian-language setting, all places and characters are fictional.

Theme: No matter how far away I travel, it's still you