Chapter 148: Final Chapter

The New York Fashion Week concluded with a resounding success, and Vianna emerged as the most prominent dark horse and the ultimate winner of the event. With her exceptional designs and distinct national style, she left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Furthermore, her sales soared overseas, allowing her to firmly establish a solid footing in the United States. Perhaps she was still youthful, and her team inexperienced, but precisely because of this, her room for growth was boundless, inspiring even greater anticipation. During the evaluation process, Vianna's absolute excellence propelled her into the ranks of international top-tier luxury brands, and Vianna's lead designer, He Mu, was hailed as the most talented and widely celebrated designer of the moment.

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Vianna Group, Rong Qing had watched over this tender fledgling step by step as it grew. From initial support and independence to the ultimate triumph of breaking into the world's elite ranks, one could not deny that her contribution was paramount, yet this also meant her hopes and stakes were profoundly deep. Facing the international media and watching her team achieve such remarkable success, Rong Qing could not help but shed tears of joy. She had not cried when her acting career reached its peak, nor had she wept during the most arduous moments of her life. Yet this strong and resolute woman wept openly before the international press, and even those fragile tears could not diminish the proud and brilliant aura of this magnificent woman, nor make her look the least bit disheveled.

"I am proud of our team. This victory does not belong to me alone; it belongs to everyone who works at Vianna," Rong Qing said calmly. "We will not grow complacent because of this. From this day forward, China possesses a top-tier luxury brand designed by our own people," she declared with pride, for this had always been her greatest dream.

Amidst the flashing lights of the media, facing this formidable head of Vianna, the reporters felt a profound sense of respect. The name Rong Qing was certainly familiar to the broad media landscape. Five years ago, they had come to know this international superstar with such a unique personality. Little did they expect that five years later, just as the world lamented the fading of an international superstar, Rong Qing would undergo a stunning transformation, achieving another kind of success in life on entirely new terms. Everyone was deeply shaken by her indomitable spirit. Perhaps the Huo family had provided the opportunity, but it was Rong Qing's own talent and relentless hard work that drove the international mega-brand to success.

"Starting today, as the Chief Executive Officer of Vianna, I announce that the Vianna Clothing Group is once again reintegrated into the Huo Family Consortium." Facing the national media, Rong Qing dropped another blockbuster announcement—one that was undoubtedly even more sensational than Vianna ascending to the ranks of top luxury brands.

During this exclusive interview, Rong Qing maintained a serene expression. Addressing the inquiries of overseas media, she simply stated: "I am the eldest daughter-in-law of the Huo family, and all my successes belong to my man." In today's globally open society characterized by gender equality, Rong Qing's words were undoubtedly a thunderbolt out of the blue. Even in ordinary families, clear boundaries are drawn between the property of a husband and wife, let alone a century-old elite conglomerate like the Huo family. Could Rong Qing trust her man and his family to such an extent? The Vianna Group was a titan in the top-tier luxury industry; heavens, even independent of the Huo family, Rong Qing's personal net worth would make her a multi-billionaire. Everyone believed Rong Qing had gone mad, actually wagering everything she had for the sake of a man.

Gazing at the incessant flashing lights, Rong Qing remained composed and offered no further explanation. Everything she possessed now had been bestowed upon her by the Huo family. Protecting the honor of the Huo family and ensuring that this century-old vessel sailed smoothly was their sacred mission. Outsiders would never understand family responsibility, nor would they comprehend her profound trust and understanding.

On the other side of the globe, Huo Lingtian watched the news interview on television. Even though he had been pushed to the very brink of endurance, he was thoroughly pleased by those words. "All of mine, you say? Heh..." In the quiet, dark night, a soft, blissful chuckle echoed through the study.

Huo Lingtian gazed at the high-spirited woman on the screen, a woman whose demeanor grew increasingly aligned with his own. *Heh, baby, have you noticed that your actions, postures, and expressions are all stamped with your husband's mold?* Huo Lingtian checked the calendar. Two weeks—he had endured a full two weeks without seeing his precious. The little scamp had run off on her own, and Huo Lingtian's limits simply could not withstand such prolonged loneliness and yearning. Yet at that moment, Rong Qing's love and trust seemed to inject a surge of strength into him, making it seem... making it seem like he could endure just a little bit longer...

He sat in the study for who knows how long until the lights suddenly went out and darkness enveloped the room. Huo Lingtian hugged a quilt and returned alone to the bedroom to sleep, as if only this could alleviate the bone-deep ache of longing.

With matters in the United States temporarily concluded, Huo Tianci—under the tearful, pitiful protests of his little American girlfriend Lily who was reluctant to part with him—finally embarked on the journey back home to China with his mommy. Unlike the restless excitement he had displayed upon arriving, the little fellow slumped like a wilted vegetable, lying lazily on the couch with a thoroughly listless expression.

Rong Qing sat down beside her baby, gently stroking Huo Tianci's soft hair, her heart melting with tenderness. The mother and son curled up together on the couch in quiet, extraordinary warmth.

"Mommy, do you think the bad daddy misses us?" Huo Tianci nestled in his mommy's arms, his little face filled with melancholy. Having left home for over half a month, he felt an empty void inside; he missed the bad daddy he used to detest so much more than he could bear. No matter how wonderful or novel America was, Huo Tianci wanted to go home.

Rong Qing laughed softly. Despite how this father and son always bickered like sworn enemies at home, was this not simply their unique way of interacting? Thinking of how Lingtian had whispered "I miss you" into the phone the previous night, a wave of sweet emotion rippled through her heart. "He misses you. He definitely misses my baby."

Hearing the satisfying answer, the little fellow's wilted face finally blossomed with a hint of a smile. He brightly tugged at Rong Qing's arm and said, "Qingqing, let's hurry back. Baby misses daddy, too! Next time, it would be best if we all went out to play together." Expectant joy hung on Huo Tianci's face.

Rong Qing stroked the little guy's soft hair, her heart swelling with even greater tenderness and happiness. Lowering her gaze, she held her baby close and replied, "Alright, next time we'll all go together."

The airplane soared slowly from the skies above New York, bound for the vast expanse of China. At six o'clock the following morning, the flight landed. As Rong Qing led baby Huo Tianci off the plane, they were greeted by an enthusiastic welcome from the entire staff of the Vianna company, along with numerous fans from various places.

*Clap, clap, clap...* Enthusiastic applause welcomed the Vianna team upon their triumphant return. At this international fashion exhibition, Vianna stood as the sole top-tier luxury brand, granting the nation its own proprietary fashion label. This was not only the pride of every employee at Vianna, but the glory of the entire country.

Experiencing such a grand spectacle for the first time, surrounded by flowers and applause, Huo Tianci appeared remarkably composed. His little face was full of poise and calm as his small hand tightly grasped his mommy's large hand, staying close by her side. Rong Qing had never realized that on Huo Tianci's path of growth, the most profound influence upon him would not be a father possessed of global wealth, nor the immense financial foundation of the Huo family, but rather Rong Qing herself—once a star, and now the president of a fashion brand.

Walking behind his mommy, feeling the heartfelt congratulations and gratitude from the employees and the crowd, this stirring and touching experience made Huo Tianci understand the goal of striving forward and the posture of earning people's respect. Following closely behind his mother as a tiny yet resolute figure, Huo Tianci matured instantly in that very moment.

It took over two hours after Rong Qing had warmly greeted the staff, posed for photos with fans, and declined reporter interviews before she finally settled into the car. As he had for a decade, the man showed not a shred of impatience. While waiting quietly, he gazed lovingly at Rong Qing as she moved through the crowd; only in this way could his restless thoughts find stillness.

"We're going home." With the engine starting and these simple words, the wait for a returning wife was filled with warmth. On the journey of life, no matter which person traveled afar, there was always someone keeping a light burning for you in the distance, longing for you and waiting for your return—this was what home truly meant.

After returning home, the scale of Vianna's overseas expansion was placed on the agenda, with various countries extending invitations to the brand. As a top-tier luxury fashion house, Vianna consistently maintained a rigorous and diligent work ethic, expanding its business and recruiting top talent to officially become a world-class corporation. Once she had navigated this busy period, Rong Qing directly hired a general manager with a handsome salary, stepping back to become a hands-off boss and peacefully enjoying the life of a wealthy matron within the family clan.

Huo Tianci also transitioned from the junior kindergarten class to senior kindergarten to continue his education. Following his trip to America, the once mischievous Huo Tianci finally settled down, no longer showing resistance to the academic schedule arranged by the family. Meanwhile, the little friend Huo Tianci had befriended, Huo Peng程, was ultimately recognized by the matriarch and entered into the Huo family genealogy, subsequently receiving a formal education at the Huo family descendants' school.

Life in the Huo estate grew stable and peaceful. Grandfather Huo's frail health of previous days gradually improved, and Huo Lingtian led the Huo family toward ever-greater prosperity. As the reigning matriarch, Rong Qing swiftly secured absolute authority within the household. The entire grand estate united as one, ushering in a rare era of peace and stability for the Huo family.

Years later, on a certain day, Huo Tianci began to shoot up from the adorable little crown prince he once was. Not yet nine years old, the child grew tall and slender, the contours of his face becoming increasingly handsome, while his posture and bearing gradually mirrored those of Huo Lingtian. Yet those expressive black eyes retained the shadow of the superstar Rong Qing—sharp and captivating. His formerly mischievous and energetic personality had gradually grown cold and aloof, revealing warmth only in the presence of his family.

Rong Qing was now a graceful woman in her thirties, yet the passage of time had not brought many changes to this peerless beauty. She remained as youthful and captivating as she had been in the beginning, her figure as slender and flawless as a young girl's, and her skin as tender and radiant as ever. Lazily reclining in a lounge chair beside the estate's grape trellis, she allowed the gentle sunlight to lull her toward drowsiness.

"Achoo~ Ugh..." The exquisitely rosy complexion of the stunning beauty suddenly turned pale, and a wave of sourness surged up from her chest. It took several preserved plums to finally suppress the urge to vomit.

"Could it be that I ate too much for lunch today?" Her big baby, Huo Tianci, had come home to share a meal with her today, and in her high spirits, she had couldn't help but eat an extra bowl. *Sigh,* Rong Qing patted her lower belly; it felt round and bloated. Sure enough, she had simply eaten too much...

Rong Qing did not take the matter to heart. However, over the next few days, her symptoms of nausea did not subside; instead, they grew increasingly frequent, eventually alerting even Huo Lingtian.

Rong Qing lay pitifully in bed, having thrown up the lunch she had struggled so hard to consume. Meeting Huo Lingtian's stern gaze, which practically radiated an icy chill, Rong Qing couldn't help but shrink her neck timidly. *Wuuu... this really isn't my fault...*

After taking her pulse, the family physician maintained a calm expression. Facing the tense, nervous gazes of Huo Lingtian and Huo Tianci hovering nearby, the doctor finally uttered a few words: "Congratulations, Madam is pregnant."

"Ah!——" Rong Qing, Huo Lingtian, and Huo Tianci were all utterly stunned by the news. Never had they expected that... after a span of nine years, Rong Qing had unfortunately managed to conceive again. "Oh my god!"

The End.

---Author's Note---
It is finally finished. Throwing flower petals... There will be extra chapters, but they will not be updated on a fixed schedule. I've been far too busy lately. Thank you all for your support.