Chapter 544: 0534 Thinking about it, it is still acceptable. Chapter 544: 0534 Thinking about it, it is still acceptable. Hearing this, Su Ran also gave a faint smile, “Long time no see.”
“How about it, dear? Do you have time? Let’s meet.”
Su Ran resisted the urge to roll her eyes, sighing lightly.
“You’re a judge and I’m a competitor, are you sure you want to give others the opportunity to question the fairness of your Y country’s organizers?”
Gael was slightly stunned, and remained silent for a long time.
“Alright, let’s talk over the phone if there’s anything!”
Hearing this, Gael sighed somewhat helplessly.
Indeed, he was one of the organizers from Y country, as well as one of the judges. The entire nation of Y country was currently following the annual World Designer Competition.
His face was also quite recognizable. Meeting with Su Ran, who was a competitor, even just for a casual catch-up, would bring trouble for her.
It would also lead other competitors to question the impartiality of the competition.
“The two batches of materials you took from me before, you didn’t use them in your design?”
Su Ran frowned, “What do you mean ‘took’? Can’t you use a nicer term? That was an exchange of equivalent value.”
Gael couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Are you sure that was an exchange of equivalent value?
“Yes, indeed I didn’t.”
Gael, on the other end of the phone, suddenly felt irritated.
“Why? You clearly said before…”
“I only said it was a possibility.”
Su Ran interrupted him before he could continue, unabashed.
She had indeed said it was a possibility, but she had never said she would definitely use the materials in her design.
Gael was momentarily at a loss for words and took a good while before he could force out a sentence.
“Where are the materials then?”
Su Ran raised an eyebrow, her red lips parted gently.
At this, Gael’s hand holding the phone shook, “d them?”
Su Ran nodded lightly, affirming softly.
Su Ran smiled, “Are you sure you want to know?”
The application of those materials was very broad, it didn’t take much thought to know to whom she had d them.
Gael took a deep breath, clenching his teeth.
“I don’t want to know.”
“I will not question the use of those materials, but in this year’s competition, you must win the championship.”
Su Ran’s expression remained indifferent, and there was no significant change on her face upon hearing Gael’s words.
Finally, Gael hung up the phone, still huffing with annoyance.
The next day, the sunshine was splendid.
The azure sky lent an extreme sense of ethereal beauty to this romantic city.
This year’s competition venue is the same as in previous years, yet the rules of the competition are markedly different from before.
Even now, the organizers have yet to announce how this year’s competition will proceed.
The competition venue has already gathered a considerable number of people; it may be due to the unusual nature of this year’s competition, or possibly because many are participating for the first time. It isn’t hard to see a trace of nervousness on everyone’s faces.
Su Xinyan, clad in a light blue evening dress and wearing exquisite makeup, carries a sweet and generous smile on her face as she stands to the side, chatting and laughing with several women.
Her relaxed and self-assured demeanor attracted the attention of many onlookers.
After all, most people present were very nervous, and now, seeing a competitor who seemed at ease and jovial, kindled a sense of wariness and defensiveness in everyone’s hearts.
Seeing this, a hint of disdain flashed in Su Xinyan’s heart, her facial expression calm and composed.
“Xinyan, I heard you came to Country Y several days ago to prepare for the competition? How is it going? Have you found any new inspiration?”
Abby looked at Su Xinyan excitedly, asking with both excitement and anticipation.
Apart from Lydia, Su Xinyan used to be her greatest rival. Knowing she had no hope of winning this year’s competition, she set her sights on Su Xinyan, who was the most likely to claim victory.
Aligning herself with the future champion would be beneficial for her own design career down the line.
Su Xinyan nodded, “It’s alright. I had a rough idea when the domestic preliminary round ended, now I’m just perfecting the inadequate parts.”
Whether it was the expression on her face or her tone of voice, she exhibited an air of complete confidence.
This made Abby feel a pang of envy, yet also a sudden surge of happiness.
“Seeing how confident you are, it seems this year’s championship is yours for the taking?”
Su Xinyan shook her head, her beautiful face exuding humility.
“Don’t say that. Everyone here is among the world’s finest designers, many are more outstanding, more talented, and more capable than me. The results of the competition are still unknown; everything is still an uncertainty.”
The other women heard this and immediately chimed in with compliments.
“Xinyan, aren’t you being too modest? Who are you? ‘Heart,’ how many people here haven’t heard of your name?”
“Indeed! The youngest ever contestant, the most talented designer, could anyone be better than you?”
“Xinyan is just too low-profile. If you ask me, this year’s champion will definitely be you without a doubt.”
The praise and flattery from the group further inflated Su Xinyan’s already confident and arrogant expression.
Those around heard the name ‘Heart,’ and immediately had a moment of realization, all expressing their amazement.
“So she’s Heart? The one who took fifth place internationally on her first try, and also the youngest contestant in history, a very talented designer.”
“No wonder she’s so confident, it seems she has her sights set on this year’s championship!”
Su Xinyan’s expression became even more smug, and just at that moment–
“Oh? Am I unaware that this year’s championship is hers by default?”
A cool female voice sounded from behind, and a collective gasp spread through the crowd.
Upon hearing this, Abby and others turned around abruptly, then saw a Hua Country woman standing behind them, dressed in a lace, light-colored long dress with stunning looks.
Su Xinyan’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly as she tried to guess the identity of the woman before her, but the people around her had already provided the answer.
“Isn’t this Lydia? Frequently featured on the international stage, claiming third place, and the second runner-up of last year’s World Designer Competition…”
“Last year’s third place? Truly a rare talent in the fashion industry!”
“She has her own brand and studio, and I am a devoted fan.”
Lydia was originally a proud person, but having participated in several competitions, she appeared much more mysterious and low-profile compared to the openly expressive Su Xinyan.
“So it’s Senior Lydia, a pleasure to meet you!”
Su Xinyan wore a humble smile on her face, but in her heart, she held considerable disdain for Lydia.
What’s there to be proud of being just a third-place winner?
Lydia lifted her chin slightly, “I heard you’re aiming for the championship this time? It’s okay to think about some things, but don’t be overly ambitious, dreaming of what belongs to others could lead to stepping on your own feet.”
Su Xinyan’s complexion changed, she glanced around, and looking at the overbearing and imposing Lydia before her, she bit her lip with a look of grievance.
Abby had disliked Lydia for a long time, and now seeing Su Xinyan being bullied by her, she couldn’t help but stand up for her.