CHAPTER 577: CHAPTER 575: COMPLETE VICTORY

The model was clad in fiery red, but that wasn’t what caught everyone’s attention. What truly surprised everyone was the model’s makeup — her entire face was dominated by a huge smile. At first glance, the makeup seemed too bizarre.

Okay, the makeup was not the main focus; it was the clothes that were the theme of the day. Their gaze shifted back to the clothing, and the more they looked, the more joyful they felt. When their eyes accidentally returned to the model’s face, the previously bizarre makeup only added to their joy, with no trace of its initial peculiarity left.

Before everyone could recover from their joy, the second piece was presented. First, they looked at the model’s makeup, which was quite plain this time, lacking any distinctive features, and could even be considered dull. Then, they looked at the clothes. As they continued to watch, they gradually detected an underlying tone; the model wearing these clothes seemed angry, as if the clothes were an extension and expression of her rage.

It was too unbelievable!

Then came the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh pieces...

With the presentation of these seven pieces, the crowd actually went through a full spectrum of emotions: joy, anger, worry, contemplation, sorrow, suffering, and melancholy. After the last melancholic piece, everyone still eagerly awaited the next, looking towards the backstage exit, but after a while, no one else came out.

A judge loudly lamented, which made Mai Qiqi and Wan Chu’er burst into laughter.

It took the host longer to recover than other designers, and with some embarrassment, he took the stage: "Today, I believe everyone, like myself, has truly had an eye-opening experience. This collection is too... too... shocking." He struggled for a moment before reluctantly using ’shocking’ to describe his feelings.

"Alright, may I now invite designer Zimu to the stage."

Yu Zimu walked onto the stage with a composed and serene demeanor.

Lin Jiayi and Rose, sitting in the front row, both appeared a bit stiff, each flashing a hint of foreboding.

"Good evening hosts, judges, and audience." Yu Zimu began calmly.

As soon as he spoke, Rose stood up abruptly, her eyes wide with horror as if she had seen a ghost, trembling as she pointed at Yu Zimu: "You... you..." She couldn’t finish her sentence.

The crowd turned their surprised gazes toward her, and Yu Zimu gave them a faint, inquiring look. Wan Chu’er couldn’t help but think that this Yu Zimu was really mean. His appearance had changed, but his voice had not, it seemed intentional to mock Rose.

Lin Jiayi quickly pulled Rose back to her seat, asking, "What’s wrong?"

Rose ignored her and stared at Yu Zimu, demanding, "What... what’s your real name? Where did you come from?"

Yu Zimu shrugged with an expression of speechlessness, deliberately saying, "Is Miss Rose so admiring of my work that she’s so anxious to know my personal information? No need to rush, everyone will find out. I am the design director Zimu from Time Studio."

The crowd was amused by Yu Zimu’s words, finding him quite humorous for teasing a competitor like that.

Beneath the stage, Mai Qiqi said proudly, "Look, look how high our Director Yu’s status is. He’s silently made such an impression, while Lin Jia’s is just unbearable to witness."

Jiang Lingling and Wan Chu’er both chuckled at Mai Qiqi’s words.

When Lin Jiayi heard that Yu Zimu was from Time Studio, she was dumbfounded; Time was Wan Chu’er and Jiang Lingling’s studio! They had kept it a secret from her! She had thought that only the fool Jiang Lingling made it to the finals.

For a moment, her heart was in turmoil, deeply concerned that today Yu Zimu might win over Rose. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Yu Zimu’s work was more engaging and creative. Today’s gold was supposed to belong to Zhi Mei Studio, and if it were stolen by Wan Chu’er’s Time... She couldn’t bear to imagine that scenario; it would enrage her!

Meanwhile, after hearing what Yu Zimu said and observing his demeanor closely, Rose silently relaxed. This Zimu probably wasn’t that fool; even though the voice was the same, they must not be the same person. That man’s right hand was ruined, and he would never be able to hold a pen or paint again.

Rose gave an apologetic smile and said, "Sorry for losing my composure just now. It’s just that Mr. Mu Zi’s design was stunning."

Yu Zimu chuckled coldly to himself, maintaining a composed expression: "It’s fine."

Below, Wan Chu’er was somewhat perplexed by Yu Zimu. What was he doing? Did he find it more amusing to toy with Rose?

After the interruption from Rose, the event continued, and the host invited Yu Zimu to introduce his design.

"People are inevitably driven by various emotions and desires. The essence of clothing is to serve humans. In my design, I see clothing as an extension and expression of these emotions, aiming to use fashion to alleviate these feelings and achieve a unity between person and garment," Yu Zimu explained. As he finished, a judge exclaimed, "Well said!"

Yu Zimu nodded to the judge like a gentleman, earning the favor of the audience.

Among the judges were several big names in the design industry who couldn’t help but discuss the topic with Yu Zimu on the spot. The audience listened to a lecture on fashion design that was somewhat beyond their understanding.

Others were not so affected, but Lin Jiayi became more anxious the more she listened. As things stood, it would only give Zimu more time to show off and gain the judges’ recognition, which would be very disadvantageous for Zhi Mei Studio.

Anxious as she was, Lin Jiayi had no solution.

Finally, the judges concluded their discussion and began scoring.

Ten points, ten points... ten points, nine points.

Unbelievably, there were nine tens and one nine, one point more than Rose!

Rose wasn’t too bothered - she knew there were always people better than her, as she wasn’t the best even internationally. But Lin Jiayi was almost contorted with frustration, and without waiting for the final result, she excused herself early from the venue, claiming she felt unwell.

The thought of watching Wan Chu’er’s so-called Time Studio become the biggest winner, and seeing Wan Chu’er and Jiang Lingling’s smug satisfaction, was a nightmare!

If Lin Jiayi had stayed, Jiang Lingling would certainly have taken the opportunity to mock her. Better out of sight, out of mind.

It seemed Rose was still lacking a bit. Lin Jiayi felt a touch of dissatisfaction with Rose and started to ponder what to do next. Some schemes quickly entered her mind.

The final round lasted two and a half hours before finally concluding. Yu Zimu deservedly won the gold award. Jiang Lingling finished second to last, one spot better than the preliminary round. Despite this, she was very happy.

Progress was good, even if it was only by one spot. That was an unexpected joy, as Jiang Lingling excitedly remarked.

Besides, their Time Studio’s Director Yu had taken first place. That was enough.

The one presenting the award to Yu Zimu was none other than Yan Hui, who gave strong support. After congratulating Yu Zimu, he publicly asked once more, "Did you say you are from Time Studio?"

Upon receiving a confirmed response, Yan Hui smiled and said, "We’ll be entrusting you with the clothing for our corporate executives in the future."

There was no better advertisement than Yan Hui’s personal endorsement! All members of Time Studio were almost ecstatic, drawing intense envy, jealousy, and resentment from the other contestants.

Fortunately, Lin Jiayi wasn’t there to witness it; otherwise, she might have been green with envy to the point of breathing fire.