Jin Yun was stunned by her quick reply. This designer named Wen Yan was more outstanding than she had imagined.
The onlookers were even more astonished, some even starting to live stream. They wanted to record the duel between the genius designer and the newcomer.
Yuan Jiaruo walked to Wen Yan's side, asking with feigned concern, "Sister-in-law, you really didn't need to take this competition seriously. Miss Jin is a top designer. Our professor told us that Miss Jin's design skills rank among the top few in the world."
Wen Yan remained unfazed. "So what?"
Hearing this, Su Jingxin was the first to object. She had always regarded Jin Yun as the person she respected most. Now that Wen Yan had said this publicly, she stepped forward, looking at Wen Yan sarcastically. "Miss Wen, do you think you are better than my master?"
"Miss Wen, you are truly confident."
Song Na chuckled and added, "Jingxin, Miss Wen isn't from the capital, and she was kicked out by the Wen family long ago. Living in the countryside, she would naturally be very arrogant."
"If that's your logic, then I've also lived in the countryside, so am I arrogant too?" A man's cold voice echoed from outside the hall.
Wen Yan turned and saw Leng Xunze, dressed in a light gray suit, exuding an air of noble elegance, his brows slightly furrowed in displeasure.
Song Na and Su Jingxin's expressions changed drastically as they saw Leng Xunze enter. Song Na quickly explained, "Xunze, I didn't mean it that way."
Wen Ya's gaze fell on Leng Xunze, and a surge of intense jealousy welled up within her. Wen Yan was too lucky. However, she would soon be ruined.
Feng Yan's expression shifted slightly upon seeing Leng Xunze. Everyone instinctively made way.
Yuan Jiaruo exclaimed excitedly, "Brother Xunze, you're here."
"Whether you continue the competition or stop, I support you," Leng Xunze said, nodding to Yuan Jiaruo first, then his gaze settled on Wen Yan, his voice clear.
Wen Yan met his dark eyes, a warmth rising in her heart. "Thank you." This scene made the surrounding crowd envious.
Feng Yan's eyes darkened. Just as he was about to speak, his phone suddenly rang. He had to step aside to answer it.
Song Na was so angry she wanted to rush forward, but she knew she had no reason or standing to do so now, so she suppressed her hatred.
Wen Yan walked towards a dress with a novel design and found its craftsmanship to be extremely sophisticated. The elements were complex yet harmoniously integrated, truly making her eyes light up.
Jin Yun looked at Wen Yan and asked, "Who goes first?"
"Miss Jin, you are the senior, you go first," Wen Yan said, turning her head to Jin Yun and inviting her politely.
Jin Yun did not refuse. She pointed to the dress she had chosen and began to explain, "This garment incorporates the romance of a starry night and some ancient Chinese elements, perfectly showcasing all its merits. And most importantly, the designer has utilized color matching to the extreme. The combination of blue and black makes this gown even more striking."
The crowd marveled, "This trip was truly worthwhile. It's not often we get to hear Miss Jin's evaluation!" Everyone applauded, their admiration evident.
Su Jingxin felt a strong surge of excitement hearing others praise her master. She knew her master was always the best.
Song Na's lips curved slightly. This competition was a foregone conclusion, originally intended to humiliate Wen Yan. This outcome was exactly what she wanted. Wen Ya was impatient to see Wen Yan embarrassed.
Jin Yun smiled faintly. "Miss Wen, it's your turn."
Wen Yan nodded. She stared at the dress before her, identifying only three elements, but she had felt earlier that there should be a fourth. However, no matter how she looked, she couldn't find the fourth element. Had she misjudged?
After a while, the crowd fell silent, their gazes fixed on Wen Yan. Finally, someone with good temper couldn't help but speak, "Miss Wen, you explained so well just now. Why are you silent now?"
"Yeah, perhaps she's stumped."
"That's hard to say."
Wen Yan, accustomed to people's fickle praise and criticism, remained calm and silent. She hadn't expected to gain an unexpected bonus when she arrived; she could incorporate this element into her own designs.
Su Jingxin felt that Wen Yan was pretending to know what she didn't. At this moment, she felt a sense of triumph. "Miss Wen, we are waiting for your critique! Why aren't you speaking?"
Wen Yan replied expressionlessly, "What's the hurry? The wager didn't specify a time limit."
Su Jingxin sneered, "Are you expecting us to wait indefinitely?"
"Miss Wen, if you can't provide a critique, just admit defeat gracefully, and we won't pursue it further."
"Miss Wen, please don't disappoint me!" Jin Yun stood aside, her face filled with superiority.
Yuan Jiaruo, on the side, was also sweating for Wen Yan. She could tell from her earlier words that her sister-in-law's critique was accurate. But her opponent was Jin Yun!
The other two designers in the studio remained silent. Zhuo Feng looked at Wen Yan and cheered her on, "President Wen, I believe in you."
Wen Yan glanced at Zhuo Feng. "Thank you."
Just as everyone thought Wen Yan would continue to stall and lost patience, Wen Yan spoke, "There are four elements in this gown."
At these words, even Jin Yun seemed surprised. "Miss Wen, anyone studying design knows that no matter how high a designer's skill, it's impossible to incorporate four elements into a single gown. Even my designed gown only uses three elements. I doubt if you understand design at all?"
The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves. "Indeed, Miss Jin, with her skill, can only use three elements. Miss Wen isn't just spouting nonsense, is she?"
"She's misleading other designers just to win."
"Why are you all looking at her with prejudice? Let Miss Wen finish before you judge!"
Su Jingxin's face wore a triumphant smile. "My teacher is a top designer. If she says there isn't a fourth element, then there isn't."
"I don't think this competition needs to continue. Miss Wen, just admit defeat."
Leng Xunze's gaze remained on Wen Yan. He was eager to hear her different perspective.
Wen Ya chimed in, "Sister, you've never even attended a design class. Although I don't want to expose you publicly, you really shouldn't mislead others any further."
At this moment, the entire venue erupted. Jin Yun, upon hearing that Wen Yan hadn't even attended a design class yet dared to speak so boldly, her face turned cold. "Miss Wen, you are simply insulting the design profession."