Chapter 110: Secrets of the Collar Stays

Lan Jues sudden appearance in front of Tang Mi took her off guard. She unconsciously lifted her hand to ward him off, but her professor deftly sidestepped and pushed her hand away until she was warding nothing but air.

Dont misunderstand Miss Mi, he said. Id simply like you to examine my collar. Tell me if you notice anything.

Tang Mi was still off-balance, but eventually recovered. Her pretty face adopted a red tint, and her heart sped up.

What man would dare approach her like this! Even Tang Xiao kept his distance. Where he a student, hed find her foot firmly planted between his legs in the blink of an eye. Of course there was nothing she could do here; he was no student, the Director watched from behind him, and he wasnt breaking any rules.

As they stood toe-to-toe, Lan Jue half a head taller than she, Tang Mi could smell the Professors debonair cologne. With his suit, vest, kerchief and tie this only perfected his refined mystique.

It looks fine though the tie is a little crooked. She took only a cursory glance at his collar before speaking.

Take a more careful look. See if you cant spot it.

Tang Mi muttered a dark curse at herself and, suppressing her displeasure, looked again. This time she saw it.

Hm, the collars ends are at an outward angle, just enough to accommodate the thickness of the tie knot. On either side the collar naturally droops down, giving it symmetry.

Lan Jue retreated a few steps, clapping his hands. Very good, a fine observation. So why, then, is my collar like this?

Custom made, a young man in the class offered.

Lan Jue shook his head. There are different methods of tying a tie. Each one results in different width and thickness for the tie knot. Likewise each one requires a different collar. So does this mean I have custom shirts for every sort of knot I wish to tie? Far too wasteful. In fact my necktie this afternoon is not crooked its the color of the shirt. It isnt completely fitting with a very formal tie. As a result I tied this Simple Knot. It looks more vibrant. And as for the secrets of the collar, Ill enlighten you

As he spoke he fiddled with one side of his collar, extricating something.

Im fairly certain everyone heres worn a shirt. But Im absolutely sure youve never turned over the collar. Take a look. He opened his fist to reveal a one centimeter wide, five centimeter long strip of metal, rounded on one end and sharp on the other.

This is called a collar stay. As the name implies, it helps the collar stay in the shape intended. Generally speaking even higher class name brands employ plastic collar stays. The problem with those is that they only keep the collar straight and smooth they dont allow for adjustment of the angle. The ones I have here are pure silver 1. I can make adjustments according to my needs, for whatever necktie I choose. This is how the collar works not tailored.

The students looked on in rapt attention. Evidently none had heard this secret before. Director Wu fiddled with his collar, partially hidden in the back row.

Lan Jue replaced the collar stay. If you dont tell anyone, no one will know your collar stay is composed of a precious metal. No one, except for those with good taste. Theyll take one look at your collar and know precisely how it is youve managed that angle. I once knew a local official who used twenty-two karat gold stays, not for anyone elses satisfaction but his own. He knew they were twenty-two karat gold. Pure gold, obviously, would have been too soft for a stay. Unsuitable unless you add another metal. These werent for status, for how could they be if no one saw them? This was his surprise package, his hidden coquettishness. Think about it what if one day your girlfriend has your shirt for some reason and discovers a golden collar stay? Shed look at you differently, wouldnt she? I dare say shed be more smitten.

More laughter, this time less forced. Be it male or female student each looked upon him with bright eyes and bright expression.

Most people think ornamentation and accessories are a womans fancy. What use have men for accessories? Isnt that girly? Well Im here to tell you that this sort of thinking is entirely wrong. In truth a mans necessary accessories arent much fewer than a womans.. only, they are less visually available. Collar stays, cufflinks, wrist watches, breastpins, even a delicate bracelet things easily missed, but when briefly revealed increase your charm and charisma tenfold.

He paused here and took his jacket back from Tang Mi. He gave her a brief smile, and motioned for her to return to her seat. She looked back at him for a moment before making for the back row.

He slipped his jacket back on. Now I know what youre thinking. Professor Lan, you wish to say, Unless youre very familiar with a woman, your girlfriend for example, wont your secret remain hidden? In fact, thats not the case. Take a look. He turned then and showed his back to the gathered youngsters.

This particular coat is a double vent. So, say Im walking down the street and a breeze catches my clothes. The back flaps ever so slightly, and there the lining is revealed. Oops! My secret is known.

Another ripple of laughter. Jin Yan and Wu Junyi also couldnt help but lend their voice to the mirthful chorus. Every eye watched Lan Jue, waiting for his next move.

Hua Li sat in a distant corner, watching the lecture from a distance. At some point the mask hed used to hide his face had been removed, and as he watched his high-spirited friend a knowing smile spread across his pretty features.

Never had Lan Jue expected one day hed be a teacher, much less Hua Li. But here he stood, standing before a classroom of rapt pupils.

Now, folding pocket kerchiefs and wearing ties. There are quite a few ways to tie a tie. We have the common, popular knots like the four-in-hand, Windsor

He demonstrated each knot as he said them, pulling strips of cloth from behind the podium and passing them around the room. Director Wu took the lull in the lecture as a chance to speak to Jin Yan, beside him.

Professor Jin, what do you think of this young mans class?

Its only the second time Ive attended, she began without hesitation, but I cant not acknowledge my interest. I hadnt expected one would have to pay such particular attention to a suit. Its also the first time Ive heard of collar stays. I feel like this knowledge, for etiquette and common sense, is of great benefits to the students. What do you think, Director?

He only gave a small, secretive smile. At the very least, its not a disadvantage.

Jin Yan continued. I might as well be one of his students. Im already looking forward to what hell tech next.

Its not just you. Even at my age Im learning a great deal from his lectures. Ill probably have to go home and adjust my own suits after this. Show them off to the old lady.

Time flies when youre having fun, so the saying goes, and for the students of Professor Lans class the saying held true. In what felt like no time at all, the class was coming to an end.

As the bell rang, none of the students were in a rush to leave. After all the Professor still had one style of tie hed yet to show off. Time didnt seem a factor, and even Director Wu didnt remind Lan Jue that he was delaying the students from their other classes. Ten minutes later, all was said and done.

I really do apologies. First for my classes and then for my time management. Thursday afternoon we have our next class. Frankly speaking todays class was mostly for the benefit of our male students, but the next one will be aimed at our young ladies. In the interest of advanced notice well be discussing jewelry. There are a wide array of jewelry accessories and one class wont be able to cover them all, but Ill bring a few pieces to show off. And thats where well end today. Class dismissed, thank you.

Lan Jue finished with another formal bow.

Professor Lan, can you tell me if I did this right? One of his students rushed at the podium to get his attention. Others followed until it was as though Lan Jue was penned in by a swarm.

Hua Li slipped his mask back on his face, but not before muttering jealously under his breath. I should be the one getting the star treatment. This guy

It took a good ten minutes for Lan Jue to extricate himself from the horde. His suit had been horribly wrinkled in the process, and someones dirty fingers had stained the sleeves. He didnt know whether to laugh or cry. Hed have to send it to the dry-cleaners when he returned.

Professor professor, over here! Lan Jue spied Tang Xiaos puffy head peaking from around the corner of the hallway. He waved his master over.

Lan Jue nodded and made his way over.

Jin Tao and Tang Xiao were both waiting out of sight of the others. As Lan Jue came up, Jin Tao couldnt help but immediately start blabbering. Professor, what suit do you think would make me look most handsome?

Lan Jue gently shoved the punks head. Handsome means an absence of grotesque shape. First you have to shave that hideous thing on your head.

Got it! He turned then to the chortling Tang Xiao, repeatedly slapping the kids belly. And what are you laughing about tubby? If were talking about grotesque you got some adjustments to make yourself! Five minutes at a hairdressing and Im golden, but this thing youre smuggling here? Hah!

Not in the face! Are you looking for another beating?!

I advise you both to save your strength, Lan Jue interjected ominously. Suddenly there was another at Lan Jues side.

Jin Tao looked at the newly arrived Hua Li. Oh hi. Are you also one of the Professors pupils?

Hua Li chuckled. No, Im a friend.

1. Because thats not wasteful at all.