Chapter 497: My Mother’s Belonging
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Meng Xia was also a bit shocked. “Yes, sister, how is your ring exactly the same as mine?”
However, she quickly calculated that Song Fan must have known about the ring’s design from the start but didn’t have the original ring. Her face grew more smug, thinking that if Song Fan was accused of stealing someone else’s design, she wouldn’t be able to stay in the industry. Then, the jewelry brand would be hers.
“There are so many similar designs in jewelry. Pearl rings look alike, don’t they?” Song Fan stood up, smiling as she asked.
Meng Xia wanted to make things difficult for her, but facing this question, she didn’t know how to respond and could only nod stiffly.
“Exactly. Some jewelry is just based on similar designs,” Song Fan shrugged. “This batch of my designs includes many inspired by ancient hairpins. Should someone from that dynasty come to me in a dream and accuse me of stealing?”
The attendees chuckled. It was common for designs to be inspired by historical pieces. It was hard to define what constituted design theft.
Seeing that no one continued the discussion, Song Fan calmly explained several designs. Her attitude was composed, and her explanations were detailed.
Besides Li Na and Kevin, everyone else agreed with Song Fan’s design philosophy. Only these two knew that this wasn’t Song Fan’s final version.
In fact, Song Fan had prepared a double layer of designs from the start, never fully trusting Meng Xia in the department. The events proved her caution was justified.
“That’s my design concept. Any questions?” Song Fan asked simply, gaining approval from most of the room.
But Meng Xia wasn’t like most people. Especially when no one challenged Song Fan about stealing her design, she grew angry.
“President Song, what about the fact that our designs are identical?” Meng Xia asked loudly, displeased.
Song Fan was expected to provide an excuse, but Song Yi interrupted instead. “We’re all family. Since Song Fan has a complete set of designs and you only have one ring, we should launch the new product based on Song Fan’s designs.”
Others nodded, acknowledging that Song Fan’s designs were more intricate and cohesive, unlike a solitary ring.
But Meng Xia wasn’t willing to be sidelined. “My ring can also be a new product! It’s clearly high-end. If mass-produced, it would make a lot of money!”
She looked at Song Yi eagerly, but he only gave her a cold stare, making her realize he was angry.
Before she could recover, Song Fan spoke, “Your ring? Are you sure?”
Meng Xia wanted to nod but instinctively felt it was a bad idea.
Even without her reaction, Song Fan guessed, “Pink pearls are rare, especially one with a mirrored surface. Besides, this ring isn’t yours!”
“Of course it’s mine!” Meng Xia retorted. “Why else would I bring out such a valuable ring?”
Li Na couldn’t stand it anymore. “This ring looks aged. The gold plating is worn. How could it be newly made?”
“And,” she continued, “how was the pearl set?”
“What’s the utilization rate of pearls in making ring faces? What’s the diameter of the pearl?”
Meng Xia hadn’t considered these details. She thought she could claim the design as hers, letting the Song Corporation’s team replicate it and take all the credit. But Li Na was ruining her plan.
“I, I hired someone to make it,” Meng Xia finally said, thinking it was a good excuse. “Just because I can’t make rings doesn’t mean no one can.”
“Then show us your design drawings. Let’s see them!” Li Na pressed on.
Meng Xia stepped back, clearly at a loss.
She eventually mumbled that she didn’t know jewelry needed design drawings. She had simply explained her idea to a craftsman.
“This pearl is worth at least a million. What kind of disreputable craftsman would dare make a ring without a design drawing?” Li Na scoffed, raising her voice. “All of President Song’s designs have original sketches, and she’s registered them online!”
Li Na defiantly looked at Song Fan, signaling her to present the registration evidence.
Song Fan sighed, not explaining much, and asked Song Yi, “Dad, why is my mother’s belonging in your foster daughter’s hands?”