Backstage during the competition, seeing the judges refuse her request to continue, everyone was at a stalemate until He Zinian made a phone call.
"If Chen Lishu is doing this risky thing for wealth and status, then I can only say she is incredibly foolish! To be frank, Chen Lishu is our adopted daughter. You should all be aware of the status of the He family in China and Country M, right?
If she truly needed this opportunity that badly, our He family could open channels for her in both countries with a single word. Why would she need to tarnish her own reputation? I firmly believe there's an issue with the design submission, but it absolutely won't be my sister. I demand the competition continues; the truth will surely be revealed in the end.
Of course, if my sister chooses to lie and deceive everyone, including me, then our He family will accept our misfortune and be willing to spend more money to compensate for the losses in this competition!" He Zinian's tone was quite relaxed as he said this, showing no sign of believing Chen Lishu was lying!
Since the He family had even made a call, those present naturally had no objections. After all, they didn't have the influence to oppose the He family, not even the Empress!
Hearing that the competition would continue, Alice's heart sank. For some reason, she felt that this matter was not as simple as she had imagined, and there might be a tough battle ahead!
But she was the one who plagiarized. Once this matter was proven, Alice couldn't even bear to think about the consequences! She might be driven out of Country M, and the people of China would not take in a plagiarist like her. Most crucially, her younger brother would once again face ostracism from those in the slums!
Thinking of this, Alice strongly protested, "This competition is just to promote friendly relations between the two countries. There's no need to focus so much on the outcome. I don't think this matter should be blown out of proportion!
Miss Chen, you plagiarized my work. I can choose not to pursue this matter. As long as you apologize to me in front of everyone, we can settle our past grievances in China."
Chen Lishu's lips seemed to curl as if she had heard a joke, and she couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle lightly, "What if I insist on continuing this competition?
Since you are so confident in your work, why fear a 'plagiarist' like me? Isn't it more likely that Miss Alice copied this work from me?!"
Alice opened her mouth, momentarily speechless and unsure how to retort. The Empress, standing on the stage, saw this and said calmly, "Alright, let's not delay the competition any further. Alice is someone I've watched grow up; she wouldn't do such a thing. Miss Chen also doesn't need to use provocation to escalate the conflict!"
With the Empress's words spoken, Alice had no other choice but to lower her head, tightly clench her dress, and say with a forced resolve, "Then let's continue the competition."
This competition was originally an internal competition for Country M. Chen Lishu, a Chinese participant, was essentially a challenger, so her turn was scheduled last.
Chen Lishu looked at the empty backstage, her head aching as she instinctively pressed her hand to her forehead. The competition issue was resolved, but now no one was willing to be a model to showcase the clothes. What should she do?
Just as Chen Lishu was racking her brain, her gaze suddenly fell upon Su Nian. That's right! Su Nian was a former special forces soldier, so her figure was naturally impeccable. Tall and slender, with all the right curves, and that cool, elegant demeanor, she was no less impressive than professional models!
Meanwhile, Su Nian, who was frowning and trying to help Chen Lishu, felt an intense gaze sweeping over her. Three black lines instantly appeared on her forehead. She had no idea why, but she had a premonition of something ominous!
Chen Lishu's voice, like a demonic spell, echoed in her ears, "Su Nian."
"Madam," Su Nian responded guiltily. Then she thought that she hadn't done anything wrong, so why should she feel guilty? She puffed out her chest, trying to prove something.
Chen Lishu explained her plan. After hearing it, Su Nian instantly deflated, "Madam, isn't this inappropriate? I'm not a professional model. I'm afraid if I don't walk well, I'll ruin your entire fashion show!"
Chen Lishu said indifferently, "What are you afraid of? They're looking at the clothes, not you! If you refuse to help me because you think you're not tall enough, and this dress can't be showcased, I'm afraid the accusation of plagiarism will truly stick!"
Seeing Chen Lishu's pitiful expression, for some inexplicable reason, Su Nian blurted out her agreement. Only when she saw Chen Lishu's smug look did she realize she had been tricked!
She said with a hint of helplessness, "Madam, if you do this, it's rather unethical!"
Chen Lishu smiled, "Consider it a favor. In a foreign land, you're the only one who can help me right now!"
With the words spoken, there was no room for refusal, so Su Nian could only look intently at the stage. She had absolutely no experience in runway walking and could only learn it on the spot!
It had to be said that Country M's design techniques were indeed superior to theirs. The evening gowns were designed more boldly, appearing very luxurious! Chinese designs also had their unique characteristics, but designers always produced rather petite and uninspired clothes, which were not suitable for grand occasions!
One by one, the works appeared before the audience, and the judges awarded high scores. The show quickly approached its end, with only Chen Lishu's and Alice's works left. Everyone watched the center stage with expectant, as well as schadenfreude-filled eyes.
Soon, Alice's model walked out wearing the submitted design. When they saw the model, appearing like an angel fallen to earth, with a sense of familiarity mixed with a touch of aloofness, the audience erupted in cheers!
"This gown is absolutely stunning! It accentuates every curve of a woman, and the pure white fabric gives a sense of divinity. For such an excellent piece, I'm very curious to see how the plagiarism will be framed!"
"This gown is beyond divine. Surely the plagiarist wouldn't be able to create an identical dress? I say people from China are simply scoundrels. They plagiarize but then find all sorts of excuses to claim our creations as their own!
I strongly suspect that this Chinese contestant will claim, 'Who can prove my dress is plagiarized? Who saw us designing the clothes?'"
At these words, the crowd burst into laughter. Some who were working abroad and came to support their country lowered their heads in shame. Knowing the outcome would be like this, they felt too embarrassed to come and cheer.