Chapter 119

Cynthia had no time to explain. In this crisis, the boy before her felt like a godsend. The original model was tall and had a broader build than most girls. With less than half an hour until showtime, Cynthia couldn't find a suitable female replacement.

Fortunately, Preston was tall, sleek, and thin. Annie's eyes lit up at the sight of him. After a brief explanation from Annie, Preston readily agreed to help. Soon, he was wearing the skirt.

To everyone's surprise, it fit perfectly. Although slim, his frame was naturally larger than the female models'. Cynthia made quick adjustments around a pre-existing tear.

Twenty minutes later, the dazzling skirt fit Preston's sleek frame perfectly. Cynthia surveyed her work with satisfaction. The slightly modified skirt looked custom-made; flawless from top to bottom, Preston's physique enhancing its perfection.

Cynthia recalled Preston's mention of part-time modeling. The skirt looked natural, elegant, almost artistic. Those around them were equally impressed.

In contrast, Shirley stood in the corner, gritting her teeth. She hadn't expected Cynthia to recover so skillfully. "Luck is always on her side!" she thought bitterly. But there was nothing she could do except watch Cynthia carry her work to the display stand. Still, Shirley wasn't overly worried; her own work had already received an impressive score of 95.

Soon, it was Cynthia and Preston's turn. Preston seemed uneasy. "Cynthia, I want to wear a mask. I can't reveal my face on television."

Cynthia was surprised. "Why?" She wondered, Isn't he a part-time model? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

"My family doesn't approve of this industry," Preston explained. "They have high expectations for me, hoping I'll enter finance and make a lot of money rather than pursuing entertainment or the arts."

Cynthia understood. Preston had mentioned his family's poverty. Their combined efforts must have afforded him the opportunity to study abroad, so their high hopes were understandable. Besides, masks were allowed as part of the costume.

Cynthia quickly fashioned a mask: cutting cardboard into an irregular shape, applying glue, sprinkling fine blue crystals, and securing it with steel wire. In five minutes, a blue mask was complete.

Annie was amazed. Cynthia's design talent is truly incredible, she thought. She was even more impressed by Preston's masked appearance. The mask's flowing form covered most of his face, revealing only his eyes and a small portion of his face. Its rim extended to his ear, blending seamlessly with the skirt's upright triangular collar. The blue and gold melded harmoniously; the blue like a life-giving fountain in a barren desert, evoking hope and rebirth. The casually made mask was a stroke of genius.

The host announced the 22nd participant. Cynthia and Preston took the stage, then separated. Preston walked the runway while Cynthia went to the podium.

Preston was professional, walking elegantly in heels; each step light yet strong. He was entirely different from his usual cheerful self, instantly captivating the audience with his elegance and composure.

At the podium, Cynthia introduced her piece: "This is my design, 'Sands of Time.'"

Her introduction took less than a minute. For the next two minutes, she watched quietly, along with the audience and judges. Words seemed unnecessary; the design captivated many, the idea of a sand skirt a stunning surprise. Cynthia expertly managed the interplay of light and shadow, balancing sand colors. The skirt was beautifully highlighted, its flow resembling the sands of time, leaving a lasting impression.

Preston's blue mask was the perfect finishing touch, symbolizing a desert wanderer discovering life amidst despair. It was beautiful, magnificent, and hopeful; unmatched.

As they exited, the skirt began to peel away, the sand melting like a glacier. Fine sand flowed onto the stage, as if time itself were slipping away with each step. Everyone was awestruck. The flowing sand, like that in an hourglass, was fleeting, yet left a moment of eternal beauty.

The dissolving sand was breathtaking; nearly everyone rose in awe. Even after they left, the audience remained captivated, staring at the cascading sand, lost in thought. A profound sense of awe filled the room. After a long moment, thunderous applause erupted.

Millions of viewers flooded the live room with comments:

• "Oh my goodness!"
• "My words of praise aren't enough to express my awe."
• "I thought the skirt was breathtaking, but I didn't expect another surprise. It's truly stunning."
• "How on earth did she do it? She seamlessly integrated the design and concept, timing every step perfectly. How did she pull it off? Is there anyone with a fashion background who can explain it?"
• (Someone explained): "I'm in the fashion industry, and this is definitely not easy to execute."
• (Another added): "You might think it's amazing as a layperson, but we industry experts know just how difficult it is to pull off."
• (Someone asked): "Isn't this Cynthia's work? Don't you know she won seven grand prizes at the Pillere Fashion Design Competition?"