This chapter is dedicated to bee_bora and mouniprashu.
Yu Yuan turned to find who the voice sounded from. There was a group of people walking toward them. The most eye-catching of them was the man leading the group. He looked to be in his late twenties and was dressed in a luxurious purple suit.
His cold slanted eyes constantly sized people up, making them feel like they were being eyed by a poisonous snake. One could tell he looked down on people a lot. He was good-looking, but his temperament made people want to avoid him.
This was Yan Hui, the person in charge of Lustrous.
His eyes fell on Li Na, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "Miss Li, it's really you. I thought you would be too busy trying to fix your company to be here. Or aren't you currently facing a crisis?"
While Li Na and Yan Hui were about to cross swords, preparations for the final competition were still ongoing. A lot of hustling and bustling went on as staff worked hard to put everything in place.
Now they were moving the jewelry pieces submitted by the contestants. To avoid accidents, they were moved one after the other. The person in charge of this was a stout-looking man called Wang Zian.
Wang Zian was an accomplished designer who had won many awards abroad, but he didn't have a strong foothold in Country A. Being part of the coordinators for this competition was a chance to be recognized in his home country, so he embraced this opportunity even if some of his peers would have refused.
Wang Zian examined every jewelry piece to ensure there was no damage. This time only 4 companies made it to the finale. After examining the third piece, Wang Zian took a look at the last.
"Ok, it's all good. Be careful as you move it. If any accidents occur you all will be held accountable."
As they carried the last piece, Wang Zian's eyes lingered on it for a while. For some reason, he found it somewhat familiar.
At this moment as well, the designers from Bejeweled were together discussing their odds in this competition. Many of them were pessimistic and sought confirmation from their fellow designers who took part in creating the competition piece.
"Brother Ye, where do you think we'll place by the end of the competition."
Song Ye was one of the core designers at Bejeweled. The other designers refused to give a clue about the jewelry piece submitted. Only Song Ye who had a warm and outgoing personality was willing to say a few words.
"You all should relax. We already made it this far. Even if we come last we won't return empty-handed. But I'm sure we'll do better than that," Song Ye comforted.
A snort sounded. "What sort of benefit can there be from last place? Can't you see that our reputation has plummeted already? Who would be willing to work with us after this competition?"
The speaker was a female. She had long curly hair and plump red lips. While she spoke, part of her attention was on her manicured nails, showing her disregard. Her name was Tan Lin. She was also a designer at Bejeweled.
Tan Lin's talent in jewelry design was only so-so, and she didn't like to work hard. Yet she couldn't see her flaws. She thought of herself as very talented. Therefore she was arrogant and held disdain for her fellow designers. Her attitude caused her to be unable to get along with her colleagues.
Song Ye's face flushed a little. "Tan Lin, watch your words!"
"What am I wrong? Can you say that everyone present at this competition hasn't heard of us or won't hear of us eventually?"
This statement Song Ye couldn't find a retort to and it was the main reason everyone was worried. After people from Lustrous started the rumor that their company bribed some evaluators, everyone was skeptical about their success. What was strange and what they didn't understand was how the rumor spread so fast.
At the Donovan Jewelry Design Competition, the evaluations were very strict. Still, this single truth was no match for the hundreds of lies that had spread.
Strange gazes accompanied them wherever they went. At this rate, no one would be willing to work with them after this competition.
"Still, you shouldn't be so pessimistic. Don't you want us to do well?" another designer questioned.
Tan Lin scoffed and looked away. After today, she wouldn't be part of this broken company.
The conversation had ended, and many remained discouraged.
Suddenly someone burst into the room. "Guys, Yan Hui has arrived and Miss Li is having a confrontation with him."
Ehn?
Everyone stood up and rushed to the scene.
Back to where Yu Yuan was.
"What happens in my company is none of your business," Li Na retorted.
"Bejeweled was once hailed as the black horse major jewelry design companies like ours should watch out for. So, of course, it's my business." He paused a little and added, "Although, it seems like my previous worry was useless. Bejeweled is becoming more and more like a one-hit wonder."
This jab pointed at the fact that Bejeweled had been unable to release new pieces of jewelry design making other people feel like they were gradually reaching the end of their road.
Li Na clenched her hands while trying to restrain herself. "Take that back!"
Yan Hui smiled. "I also think you entering this competition is a last-ditch effort."
"Yan Hui, you are speaking nonsense. We are not declining. We made it this far into the competition and it's proof of our strength "
Yan Hui acted like he just remembered something. "Ahhh, That's one thing I'm curious about. How did your company make it this far into the competition."
Li Na frowned, "What are you trying to imply?"
"Nothing really. I just heard a rumor that your family once sponsored a few of this competition's evaluators. But I'm sure my little speculations are incorrect. After all, your company might be in a tough spot but you wouldn't stoop so low."
Hearing this, the little crowd that had gathered at some point started whispering among themselves.
Li Na's eyes reddened. As she angrily opened her mouth to retort, Yu Yuan stopped her.
"As Young Master Yan mentioned earlier they are just rumors and they haven't been proven true. Young Master Yan shouldn't let people question your intelligence by making such speculations based on rumors."
The designers from Bejeweled arrived just in time to witness Yu Yuan's retort.
The smile on Yan Hui's face receded a little. "And you are?"
Yu Yuan smiled and replied, "You don't need to concern yourself about my identity. I heard the judges this time are very strict and allow no room for foul play."
"So?"
"Therefore, Young Master Yan shouldn't worry about Bejeweled getting undeserved credit. Anyone who engages in dirty tricks behind the scene won't escape unscathed."
What Yu Yuan said might have sounded like reassurance, but Yan Hui felt uneasy for some reason. He quickly shook it off. His plan was watertight. Bejeweled would taste defeat in his hands once again. Then he would watch them run around in circles trying to save themselves.
Thinking in this manner, his gaze became more condescending. He sneered, "Staying here any longer is a waste of time." Then, he brought his people to leave. Although it looked a little like he was fleeing because of his guilty conscience.
As Yu Yuan watched them leave, a quiet smile formed on her face. Then, she looked at Li Na who was still fuming in anger, and patted her head. "Why are you acting like a pufferfish? Didn't we put everything in place earlier?"
Li Na's anger deflated a little. "I know but he always finds a way to anger me."
"Very soon, you'll be able to vent properly. The competition is about to start you need to go."
They said their goodbyes, and Li Na took her designers to leave.
The designers were still befuddled as they didn't know what had fully transpired, but they followed anyway.
******
Interview
Author: We are getting closer to knowing what this mysterious plot that has been mentioned many times since Chapter 2 is all about. Will it be revealed in the next chapter?
Yu Yuan: Aren't you the author?
Author: ......🙃
Author's Note
I was shocked when I viewed this book on Sunday only to discover views had broken over 500. I was really happy and excited. Guys, thank you for your support and votes. None of them goes unnoticed. ❤️❤️
See ya next week. ✨✨