The Empress's lips curved upwards slightly as she heard the shouts from the audience. "It seems we've already won this competition!" she murmured.
Qin Shen, however, disagreed. "I don't think that's certain. Perhaps there's a twist in this story?"
Hearing this, Lidoviana turned to Qin Shen with surprise. "But didn't we agree at the beginning that Alice would win this competition? Do you perhaps fancy that child and want to help her?"
"Didn't you hear me mention a twist? The design drafts are identical. I'm quite curious to see the outfit that child designs!" Qin Shen's voice was filled with excitement, a demeanor Lidoviana had never seen before. For some reason, a premonition of unease arose within her; she felt that the young woman before her was far more dangerous than she had imagined.
Soon, it was Chen Lishu's turn to appear. Su Nian took a deep breath as Chen Lishu cheered her on, then walked out with feigned composure.
As she appeared, the previously boisterous arena fell silent. Everyone looked at the outfit on Su Nian with disbelief. After a long moment, the crowd began to discuss excitedly:
"How come I feel Chen Lishu's design leans more towards the intended effect of the original draft? This dazzling appearance, isn't that the luxury and eye-catching appeal many women desire?"
"What nonsense are you spouting? Didn't you see the style of the design draft leans more towards—"
"The commenter above, aren't you a traitor sent by country M to deliberately disrupt people's morale? I hope the police see this comment and act quickly. We mustn't dampen the unity of our countrymen!"
"..."
Meanwhile, in the M country arena, Lidoviana looked coldly at Chen Lishu. "Your design is indeed outstanding, but you've committed a grave offense: plagiarism. Therefore, I have the right to give your work a score of zero.
I invited you here to foster goodwill between our two nations, and I didn't wish to make things too awkward. However, Alice is a child I've watched grow up, and I don't want her to be wronged in this matter. So, I kindly ask Miss Chen to apologize to her. We will let this matter go then!"
"Well said, 'let it go.' Does the Empress truly believe that because I am participating alone in this competition and have no one backing me, she can bully me?
You've accused me of plagiarism from the start. If it's plagiarism, then you must present evidence to prove it. If there's no evidence, how can you expect me to apologize?!"
A coldness appeared on Chen Lishu's face. She could feel the targeted hostility emanating from the Empress. Could it be because of the He family?
Lidoviana opened her mouth, about to say something, when Qin Shen reminded her in her ear, "The plagiarist is Alice. I don't advise you to escalate this matter; it might affect M country's reputation.
This girl is my friend, and you don't need to show her such strong hostility. She's about the age of my daughter, and besides, she's married. There's no possibility between us. I purely admire her as a person.
Don't you think the dress she designed is indeed more beautiful than Alice's? When we video-called Alice earlier and asked about her design concept, do you remember how Alice replied?
Our wedding is just around the corner. Imagine wearing that gown; wouldn't you become the most dazzling presence in the entire venue? Alright, stop this fuss and handle it discreetly. Don't lose face in front of so many people!"
Hearing the man's words, a hint of hesitation appeared on Lidoviana's face. She didn't want her personal emotions to lead her entire country into controversy.
Lidoviana asked with some hesitation, "Is it really Alice who plagiarized?"
Qin Shen nodded with a hint of helplessness. "The two works are laid out before you. You're an intelligent person; you must have some idea who plagiarized."
Lidoviana paused for a moment, her aggressive demeanor softening considerably. She took a deep breath and slowly asked, "Alice, please tell everyone now, what is your design concept?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Alice's mind went completely blank. After a moment of rapid thought, she slowly said, "To be honest, my creative inspiration comes from Miss Chen."