Chapter 122: The Grand Prize Winner...

Jin Xiu stood before the office’s floor-to-ceiling window.

Suddenly, rain began to fall outside.

His thoughts had been immersed for a long time.

Their reunion in adulthood was just as dramatic.

Even after more than a decade apart, he recognized her instantly.

At that time, her life had also suffered a major blow.

He had always believed that such a bright and open-hearted girl would surely become a beacon of light.

But back then, she was plagued by severe insomnia and heavy burdens.

Though appearing carefree on the surface, her heart was riddled with wounds.

It was then he resolved to love her wholeheartedly.

So he became her kept man, doing everything possible to love, please, and heal her.

Even though he knew she only saw him as a kept man.

He understood that loving her was only possible in that role.

But everything changed with the sudden return of Wan Hua Bo.

The calm surface had rippled.

Perhaps soon, it would erupt into a towering wave,

Sweeping everyone into its depths.

What power did he have to protect her?

Very little.

Her sister, the so-called eldest princess who ruled a business empire with an iron hand,

Was truly a madwoman.

One who could lose her mind at any moment, thoroughly and completely.

Without thorough preparation, he could only hide his true intentions.

Only keep his distance from her!

Perhaps now was the best outcome.

Jin Xiu watched the rain grow heavier outside,

Gazing at the misty world drenched in the downpour.

He did not want Ci You Jiang to be dragged into this dark, filthy, bottomless feud among the wealthy.

One misstep could shatter her completely.

———

Meanwhile, the Paris Fashion Design Competition was still in full swing.

Backstage at the competition,

Xiao Xiao Jiang, watching Ci You Jiang lead her model back, clenched her teeth in fury.

She hadn’t expected Ci You’s design to be so stunning.

Especially the final design of the falling hem,

It was pure cunning taken to the extreme.

Xiao Xiao Jiang’s gaze locked tightly on the runway’s big screen.

At that moment, the giant screen was tallying Ci You Jiang’s overall score.

Her piece had truly amazed all the judges.

But there was one disadvantage.

The judges scored during the model’s presentation.

Some judges habitually scored as soon as the model appeared.

Therefore, most gave their scores before the hem fell.

Yet, the scoring system couldn’t be changed.

If only the hem had fallen just one minute later, Ci You Jiang’s score might have been even higher.

Finally, the overall score was announced:

Ninety-five points.

When Xiao Xiao Jiang saw this score, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn’t higher than hers.

This meant she might not lose.

Ci You Jiang’s “Hourglass of Time” was excellent,

But her own “Four Seasons Garden” had an edge in color and visual impact.

The livestream was comparing these two pieces,

And the consensus was they were neck and neck, difficult to distinguish.

Ultimately, it would come down to the judges’ final decision.

The entire show had lasted six hours.

Once all designers had presented their works,

Only the awards ceremony remained.

Awards would be based on the overall scores.

Various awards would be given among the top ten designers by score.

In other words, the top ten all had international awards; the type of award was decided by the judges.

Among the hundred designers, the highest score was ninety-five.

Shared by Ci You Jiang and Xiao Xiao Jiang.

Naturally, many speculated about their relationship.

Domestic netizens had uncovered the truth:

One was the scion of the Jiang family, the other an adopted daughter.

The story of the true and false heiress was the talk of the internet.

Of course, “Qing Ben Jia Ren” became the biggest winner of the competition.

They had struck gold.

“Isn’t Qing Ben Jia Ren a second-tier domestic fashion brand? When did they become so powerful?”

“I saw their clothes at a boutique yesterday. Some were quite nice, but nothing outstanding. Didn’t expect their designer to be this amazing.”

“I’ve followed Qing Ben Jia Ren for years. Three years ago, their designs were truly stunning—better looking than many big brands. But recently, something changed. I thought they switched designers.”

“I don’t understand design, but I know Qing Ben Jia Ren. Great fortune is coming their way.”

Outside the screen, Jin Hui was already overwhelmed with excitement.

Between his two daughters, whether Ci You or Xiao Xiao,

What mattered most to him was the fashion brand he had built with his own hands.

Whoever brought the greater benefit to the company was his true daughter.

Now, both Xiao Xiao and Ci You stood on the podium.

The whole world was discussing the brand.

This was the company’s and brand’s moment to shine.

Such honor and pride were incomparable.

Xiao Xiao Jiang and Ci You Jiang stood together on the stage.

Models wearing their designs performed a final collective runway walk.

Ci You Jiang’s “Hourglass of Time” no longer had the long hem,

But still gave a visual shock.

“Four Seasons Garden” was the same.

Each had their supporters among the judges.

———

Soon, the international category awards began.

Xiao Xiao Jiang stood on stage, extremely nervous.

She wasn’t afraid of not winning.

On the contrary, she feared winning.

Because once she won a category award, it meant missing the highest honor: the Golden Top Award.

Category awards no longer satisfied her appetite.

Her target now was the competition’s highest prize, the Golden Top Award.

From the overall scores, she and Ci You Jiang were the strongest contenders.

After all, they both had a score of ninety-five.

It was almost certain the Golden Top Award would go to one of them.

Xiao Xiao Jiang’s nerves were at their peak.

She glanced secretly at Ci You Jiang across from her.

She looked composed, elegant, calm, with no sign of nervousness. A faint smile lingered on her face.

As if she had come to watch the show, not to compete.

An act!

She must be pretending!

Her heart thought she was as nervous as herself.

Or was she just that confident in her work?

Did she believe her “Hourglass of Time” would surely surpass “Four Seasons Garden”?

How arrogant!

“Now, I announce the winner of the Best Design Award—the designer of Qing Ben Jia Ren, Ci You Jiang.”

“Designer, please come to the stage to receive your award!”

At this announcement,

Xiao Xiao Jiang nearly screamed with excitement.

Ci You Jiang had won the Best Design Award.

Though it was just a category award,

And in theory, the Golden Top Award could overlap with a category award,

In the many years since the competition’s founding, no one had ever won both.

Meaning, with Ci You Jiang winning this category award,

The Golden Top Award was hers!

Watching Ci You Jiang accept the award,

Xiao Xiao Jiang was thrilled beyond words.

The awards continued.

Xiao Xiao Jiang prayed silently not to be called for a category award.

Indeed, as the category awards were announced one by one, her name was never called.

Only the Golden Top Award remained.

Deep down, Xiao Xiao Jiang was certain.

Her smile was radiant, as if the Golden Top Award was already hers.

“Now, I announce the winner of this competition’s Golden Top Award is...”

The host deliberately slowed their tone, building suspense.