Standing on the academy's helipad, the girl looked up at the slowly descending aircraft. The airflow from its base blew around her, slightly lifting her hair and skirt. After the aircraft came to a complete stop, she stepped forward.
"Hello, I'm Li Xun, the representative of the 'Gothic Doll' brand. Are you Thilan, the student Amorth mentioned?"
Among the group stepping off the aircraft, the leader was a woman in a professional suit skirt. She appeared to be in her thirties, wearing frameless glasses. Upon seeing Thilan and the two students waiting to greet her, she walked straight over.
"Hello, yes, I'm Thilan. I'm responsible for receiving you and discussing the collaboration," the girl nodded. Behind her, Annelie and Colt also bowed slightly.
"Even more beautiful than in the photos, Thilan. As expected of Edess Academy, to have such a lovely and beautiful student," Li Xun smiled, extending her hand for a brief handshake with Thilan before signaling her companions to follow.
Compared to Li Xun's professional attire, the people behind her had more varied styles. Perhaps because designers tend to be more individualistic, their fashion choices were unconventional. Some looked like characters from ancient ballads, others wore wigs, and one even carried a uniquely shaped case.
"Your accommodations have been arranged. Please follow me," Thilan led the way, guiding Li Xun toward the main path. As for the designers behind her, they naturally followed without needing special attention.
Along the way, Li Xun asked questions about the various uniquely designed buildings and gardens on campus, showing great curiosity. Thilan answered her questions, and when she wasn't familiar with something, she let Colt take over.
"So this is the campus where the young ladies and gentlemen live. The environment is even better than I imagined," Li Xun praised.
After settling them in, Thilan took them to the dining hall for a meal. The group was amazed by the luxurious food, even though they weren't strangers to fine dining. It was their first time at a top-tier academy like Edess, and everything felt fresh.
The first two days of the visit didn't involve any official business. Instead, Thilan showed them around the campus, allowing the designers to gather inspiration.
On the afternoon of the second day, Li Xun and Thilan sat in a building shaped like a horizontal "U." The hollow part was an observation restaurant offering various drinks and snacks, while the top was a garden. Among the green grass, white star-shaped flowers swayed in the wind, looking particularly beautiful from a distance.
Unlike an open-air observation deck, this place was shaded from the sun and rain, making it more comfortable. The open design on three sides provided an expansive view of the surrounding scenery.
"Thilan, you're only in your first year? I can't believe it. Amorth told me you're his capable assistant and the current vice president of the student council," Li Xun expressed her surprise after getting to know the girl.
"Let me think, when I was in my first year of high school, I was busy chasing stars and falling in love. I didn't think about studying hard at all," she laughed.
"My high school grades were average, and my college major wasn't related to fashion design. I studied social relations, focusing on psychology."
"How did you end up joining this company then?" the girl asked curiously.
"Well, that's a long story. I actually switched jobs several times because I didn't really like them. I'm the kind of person who enjoys simple happiness. Listening to clients' delicate psychological problems was too much for me. Sometimes, after hearing too much, I couldn't even help myself and would get affected."
"So I eventually stopped working in psychological counseling and decided to cross over to other companies. At the time, 'Gothic Doll' was hiring for a position related to analyzing market demographics, so I joined."
"Actually, whether a fashion design or clothing style becomes popular involves a lot of psychological factors."
"Modern people have various standards and priorities when choosing clothes, unlike in the past when quality was the main focus. Even aesthetics aren't the primary factor anymore. What matters most is whether the clothing can convey the unique message the wearer wants to express."
"For example, a young person who has just entered society and is still ordinary and unremarkable will care deeply about their clothing style."
"This concern manifests in not wanting their clothes to look outdated, wanting them to have some individuality, to highlight their 'excellence,' to avoid a cheap feel, and to avoid potential ridicule or disdain from peers."
"Because most young people just entering society work in basic or entry-level positions, they are at the bottom or lower levels of their companies. This position undoubtedly accumulates some pressure and panic. They urgently want some psychological compensation to dilute this feeling, to distinguish themselves from the mediocre and ordinary people around them."
"The luxury goods women are obsessed with follow a similar logic. Since most women don't work in core positions, they need expensive bags to reflect their worth, to 'intimidate' those around them with these luxurious items, thereby creating 'awe' and unconsciously elevating their status in others' minds."
"In this way, if other men want to invite them to dinner or give them gifts, they won't dare to choose low-end restaurants or give cheap presents."
"Although buying luxury clothes and bags is a significant investment for ordinary young women, if they manage it well, the benefits they reap won't be small. This is why many women easily become addicted to it."
"Psychology... it's really fascinating," the girl marveled at the complexity of the adult world.
"Exactly. In today's fashion industry, many people aren't just buying materials and styles. They hope to gain psychological advantages and confidence from brands or styles."
"Although there are rational people or those who see through these psychological factors, they are ultimately the minority. Most people are irrational or simply follow the crowd, and our market targets these mainstream groups."
"So, collaborating with our academy is also about leveraging Edess Academy's reputation?" the girl tilted her head slightly.
"Admitting it directly might make us seem opportunistic, but in reality, we have no ill intentions. We're just meeting market demands. If people desire and crave such products, we naturally have to follow the market's choice," Li Xun explained.
"It's fine. I'm not blaming you, just reflecting a bit," the girl nodded.
"If this collaboration goes well, it could also benefit the academy's influence. That's why the president asked me to take charge."
The two continued to discuss many topics, from the current popular styles among young people and daily campus life to interesting anecdotes about top-tier academies.
It was clear that Li Xun was very talkative and curious about how students at a top academy like Edess spent their daily lives. Were their schedules packed with rigorous, elite education, or did their affluent backgrounds mean they enjoyed a more relaxed, happiness-focused education without intense competition?
"So, Thilan, can you tell me what your daily life is like?"
Although Li Xun was about twice Thilan's age, her pleading and coquettish demeanor was more adept than the black-haired girl's, making it hard to refuse.
"Uh, alright. Actually, this is part of what I'm showing you during your visit."
After agreeing to Li Xun's request, the girl thought for a moment and began to describe the lifestyle at Edess Academy.
"First, in our academy, students mostly study and participate in activities through clubs..." The girl's voice rippled through the breeze as the white star-shaped flowers in the garden above swayed gently.