Chapter 118
The showcase began. Designer number one presented a starry night gown adorned with crystals, shimmering like a galaxy—a design symbolizing the timelessness of the universe. As the model walked the runway, the designer explained their creative concept. Each model had three minutes to showcase their design, after which the designer escorted them offstage. Judges scored the design during the model's runway walk, and each score was publicly displayed on the screen behind the stage. The system calculated an overall score; Designer number one received an impressive 80.
Next, Shirley took the stage. Her model wore a magnificent gown made entirely of vibrant, fresh flowers—a dazzling array of colors and sizes creating a visual symphony. The voluminous gown trailed gracefully, releasing a sweet fragrance. Shirley introduced her piece, “This is ‘Four Seasons Garden,’ symbolizing the cyclical passage of time through the four seasons…” The audience, particularly the judges, reacted with awe. After her introduction, Shirley and her model gracefully exited. Shirley's score: a remarkable 95, surpassing last year's Golden Pinnacle Award winner's score of 93.
A wave of pride and exhilaration washed over Shirley. She immediately accessed the livestream, boasting nearly a billion viewers, where the response to her creation was overwhelmingly positive. Shirley's name was quickly associated with genius.
Justin and Selena watched the livestream. They were astonished by Shirley's "Four Seasons Garden." Justin, while always appreciating Shirley's talent, felt her past works lacked finesse; brilliant moments were often marred by clumsiness. But this creation was perfect, radiating a captivating spirit. Justin exclaimed, "I never imagined our daughter would be such a genius! A true prodigy!" Selena, however, felt a sense of familiarity with the design.
(Time stamp: 16:24 Wed, Nov 6 BBG. Chapter 118, 0451%)
Shirley, her spirits soaring, reviewed the online praise. However, a glance at Cynthia's work sparked unease. Shirley, experienced in the design world, recognized Cynthia's creation as a serious threat. If Cynthia won the Golden Pinnacle Award, Shirley would lose 20 percent of the company's shares—a fate she refused to accept.
Meanwhile, Cynthia was perfecting her masterpiece, preparing for her appearance as the 22nd contestant. The dress, fitted on the model, required final adjustments due to its unique material. A crowd gathered, watching her work. Shirley blended in, her gaze falling on the high-heeled shoes. To ensure focus on the designs, all models wore uniform shoes provided by the event organizers—dazzling crystal stilettos, customized for each model's size. The shoes were neatly arranged, un attended.
Shirley stealthily retrieved a pair of heels intended for Cynthia's model. After a tense few minutes, she returned them. She smirked, thinking, "Cynthia, let's see how you manage now."
Thirty minutes before showtime, Cynthia's assistant brought the heels. As the model tried them on, disaster struck. Her ankle twisted, sending her crashing down, tearing the exquisite gown. The gown, crafted using a fabric mold and layers of sand mixed with vibrant colors and crystals, was breathtaking but unforgivingly hard. The fall caused significant damage. Gasps filled the room.
Cynthia helped the model up. The model repeatedly apologized. Cynthia examined the heels; both heels were snapped off, showing clear marks of being sliced.
Cynthia's gaze fell on Shirley, lurking in the corner with her phone, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Cynthia knew who was responsible.
Cynthia's assistant, Annie Garcia, a Clusian girl from Royal Design Academy, had worked tirelessly for 48 hours on the dress. Witnessing the damage, Annie wept. Cynthia, however, had to act quickly. While some seams could be repaired, the model's injured ankle rendered her unable to walk.
Annie cried, "Cynthia, what are we going to do? Even if we mend the dress, we have no model!" The gown was custom-made for the model's six-foot-plus frame.
Suddenly, Preston appeared. "Cynthia, when do you go on stage?" Seeing Preston, Cynthia felt a glimmer of hope. "Preston, I need your help!"
(Chapter 118, 51%证 Π)