CFALE Chapter 9

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Bound to the "Life Winner System," Xia Heng smiled in Han Lang's embrace.

No matter what his past life was like, in this life, he was a true winner. He had someone who cherished and loved him, and he had a promising career—everything was a gift from the heavens.

If there was one thing his past life in poverty had taught him, it was this: never let go of what you’ve gained.

Very soon, everyone noticed that Xia Heng had changed. He became more proactive, and his approach to things grew steadier.

His relationship with Han Lang quickly became public, and no one could deny that they made an enviable couple. After all, Han Lang was young, accomplished, and undeniably handsome. Though few knew much about Han Lang’s family background, his demeanor and presence made it clear that he was no ordinary man.

At first, many people had criticisms about Xia Heng, whispering that he was merely clinging to a powerful figure and relying on his looks.

But those doubters were soon proven wrong.

At the start of the following year, Xia Heng won the gold prize at the International Design Awards with his jewelry collection, Stardust.

Before him, the last Chinese designer to win this prestigious award was none other than Cheng Kaiming.

People said Cheng Kaiming was fortunate to have signed two design prodigies. But only Han Lang and Xia Heng knew just how much effort Xia Heng had poured into his work during the six months leading up to the award.

Hard work and success go hand in hand. Hard work does not always guarantee success, but successful people are always hardworking.

After winning the International Design Awards' gold prize, Xia Heng did not stop there. That same year, he also won the Golden Finger Award, a prestigious recognition for young and talented designers.

Xia Heng was the youngest recipient in the history of the Golden Finger Award.

These two awards not only silenced the skeptics in his company but also quelled the dissatisfaction within the Han family.

The Han family finally accepted Xia Heng. As he looked around the grand and imposing Han estate, he suddenly realized something: 015 was both wrong and right. He once said that whoever has more money is the dominant one.

There was some truth to those words. However… back then, neither he nor 015 had expected Han Lang to be this wealthy.

But of course, this was not the end—it was merely the beginning.

The following year, Han Lang’s jewelry design, Imperial Peony, became a sensation at the International Design Awards.

A reporter once asked him about the inspiration behind the piece. Han Lang merely smiled and gave no answer.

Though Han Lang’s design was internationally recognized, some critics claimed the jewelry was too extravagant—too difficult for the average person to wear.

That changed on the night of the awards ceremony.

Xia Heng arrived, wearing deep honey-colored square earrings and a peony-shaped brooch carved from premium beeswax.

His fair skin made the jewelry look even more regal and elegant, as though it had been designed just for him. In that moment, he shone with brilliance.

Only then did people realize what Imperial Peony truly symbolized.

By this time, Xia Heng had grown into a man who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Han Lang. He carried himself with charm and grace, his features strikingly handsome, exuding both confidence and poise.

Like a peony in full bloom, he embodied both dignity and beauty, elegance and allure.

The design world was set abuzz by Imperial Peony. They said the peony could captivate a nation, and in the eyes of the world, Xia Heng and Han Lang were just as dazzling—an enviable couple admired by all.

That autumn, after Han Lang’s triumph at the International Design Awards, the two held a grand wedding in the United States. Many esteemed figures in the design world attended.

Their officiant was none other than Cheng Kaiming.

By this time, Cheng Kaiming was happily married himself.

Under the envious gazes of their guests, Xia Heng and Han Lang exchanged their vows.

A promise that lasted a lifetime.

One day, when Han Lang was over eighty years old, he collapsed suddenly while tending to the roses in their garden.

Xia Heng, still smiling, gently sent away all the younger family members who came to visit. He stayed by Han Lang’s side, keeping vigil for seven days.

On the seventh day, he passed away peacefully.

When people found Xia Heng’s body, he was still holding a single rose in his hand.

Many said that this was his final love confession to Han Lang.

Their love, which lasted over half a century, came to an end with their passing. The design sketches of Imperial Peony were auctioned off at an astronomical price, far beyond what an average person could afford.

Yet, even at such a high price, someone still bought them without hesitation.

Because people believed that this was a jewelry design blessed by the heavens—whoever possessed it would find true love and grow old with their beloved.

____

Author’s Note:

Rose symbolism: I love you.

T/N: Please give support on my ko-fi page, thank you....