Chapter 508: She is the Most Qualified
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Liu Jie had been admiring other designs, noting the rarity of many of the gemstones. He hadn’t seen such fine work in years and was savoring the experience.
But when his granddaughter called him, he hurried over.
“Grandfather! Don’t you think my necklace is a work of Mr. Hua?” Xu Ting clung to his arm coquettishly. “Look at Miss Song’s designs. Aren’t they similar to Mr. Hua’s? Could they be plagiarized?”
Xu Wen had seen Song Fan’s designs beforehand, noticing the signature “Hua” on them. After investigating, she discovered it was indeed Mr. Hua’s signature. She believed that Song Fan’s jewelry was undoubtedly plagiarized and wanted to see how Song Fan would handle the situation.
Liu Jie didn’t want to criticize the younger generation, but he had noticed that many designs bore Mr. Hua’s distinctive style. He had only met Mr. Hua once, through an introduction by Li Feng, when Mr. Hua created a birthday necklace for his wife. Thus, he hesitated to say more.
However, Xu Ting persisted. “Grandfather, you’re a renowned jeweler in the capital. Are you going to stand by while a friend’s designs are stolen?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” Li Na almost lost her temper but restrained herself, remembering the importance of the event. “You don’t understand anything, so don’t speak nonsense!”
Li Na knew Xu Ting well. They had been rivals since childhood, always arguing. Xu Ting insulting Song Fan was intolerable.
Xu Ting didn’t care. Xu Wen had promised her a lead role in a TV drama if she succeeded today, so she had to complete the task.
“Li Na, your grandfather, Li Feng, was a friend of Mr. Hua’s. Don’t cover up for someone just because she’s your boss!” Xu Ting continued. “I knew it. Song Fan wasn’t known as a designer before. This whole charade is just to cover up plagiarism.”
Many attendees were friends of Xu Wen or genuine jewelry enthusiasts. Xu Ting’s words were inflammatory.
“I’ve seen some of Mr. Hua’s designs. Miss Song’s work does look similar.”
“I heard Song Fan was sent to the countryside. Do they have jewelry design schools there? It’s laughable!”
“She might have bought the designs at a high price to enhance her reputation.”
Xu Ting, buoyed by the murmurs of agreement, stood in the center, glaring at Song Fan. “Designers have sketches. If these are yours, show us the sketches. The new designs are out, so there’s no confidentiality issue.”
“If you can’t produce the sketches, it proves you plagiarized. No one should buy these jewels, lest we support such unethical behavior.”
Seeing that the spectacle had reached its peak, Song Fan finally spoke. “These pieces were indeed not designed by me, but I have the design sketches.”
She turned and displayed the prepared sketches on the big screen.
Everyone saw that each sketch bore the signature “Hua,” causing a stir. They hadn’t expected the designs to be plagiarized.
“This… this is indeed Mr. Hua’s handwriting! The style is his as well. These are genuinely Mr. Hua’s sketches!” Liu Jie was excited, having only seen Mr. Hua’s sketches once before.
He stepped forward and grabbed Song Fan’s arm. “Miss Song, are these sketches really drawn by Mr. Hua? Name your price, and I’ll buy them. But you cannot sell these jewels under your name. They aren’t your creations!”
Liu Jie and his wife were avid fans of Mr. Hua and couldn’t stand to see his designs plagiarized.
Seeing him grab Song Fan’s arm, Gu Chen subtly stepped in and separated them. Liu Jie, recognizing Gu Chen, awkwardly let go.
“See? She’s plagiarizing!” Xu Ting, emboldened by her grandfather’s confirmation, grew more excited. “I suggest we leave. There’s nothing to see here. Even the other designers’ works might not be original!”
Li Na, seeing Xu Ting’s smug face, wanted to kick her but was restrained by Wen Chao and Wang Wei.
At that moment, an elderly voice came from the door. “She is the most qualified to display these jewels.”
The room fell silent as everyone turned to see an elderly man entering. His presence commanded respect and curiosity.