Coincidentally, the other party saw Shen Qi's design and expressed a liking for it, wanting to have a proper discussion with her. So, Shen Qi had to leave immediately after finishing her scenes in the film crew. Before that, she still needed to create a corresponding design based on the other party's test. If she could gain their approval this time, Shen Qi could officially pursue her designer certification and position. Thus, Shen Qi was very busy, extremely busy.
The film crew worked overtime nonstop, shooting outdoor scenes followed by indoor ones. The cast and crew were all working around the clock. Because Shen Qi's time was tight, they prioritized filming the male and female leads' scenes. The remaining unimportant shots and retakes, Shen Qi had to let go. After finishing the final scenes of the leads, Shen Qi had to set off.
Once Shen Qi left, the other bosses had no reason to stay. When they heard Shen Qi was going to meet a brand owner, those four men unanimously said they happened to be heading to that city too. Shen Qi was instantly speechless.
"I'm going to discuss design with them," Shen Qi said, eyeing the four men suspiciously. "What are you all going for?"
Learning that Cui Yuelan was still stuck on the mountain miserably copying scriptures, He Yining felt relieved and said to Shen Qi, "Coincidentally, my brand is also participating in a designer competition in that city."
"Xiao Qi, the Feng family also has a clothing brand," Feng Manlun replied leisurely.
Fan Sheng and Fan Li spread their hands and said in unison, "Anyone would be interested in a designer competition, right?"
Wait? A designer competition? When did this happen? Why didn't I know? The bewildered look on Shen Qi's face made the four men chuckle. Apparently, she was still in the dark.
"Mr. Charles invited you to that city to discuss matters but didn't tell you about the designer competition?" He Yining said with a half-smile, looking at Shen Qi. "Seems like Mr. Charles is getting old and forgetful!"
Shen Qi opened her mouth, then turned to Feng Manlun. "What's going on?"
"This designer competition is a national and even global event held every few years. As long as you have design talent, with no age, occupation, or nationality restrictions, and can produce solid designs, you can gain favor from international brands and be hired as their designer," Feng Manlun explained with a smile.
"So you're going to scout designers?" Shen Qi finally caught on.
"Yes, scouting designers is a key task for every company," Feng Manlun nodded with a smile.
Fan Sheng and Fan Li couldn't help reaching out together to pat Shen Qi's head. "Xiao Qi is so cute."
Cute, my foot! I really had no idea at all. Shen Qi glared at them. "You knew all along and didn't tell me?"
"We thought you already knew!" Fan Sheng and Fan Li replied pitifully.
Fine, you win! Shen Qi pinched her chin and said, "So, the teacher's purpose in sending me there isn't just to discuss my design with them, but also to use this stage to test my learning, right?"
"You've hit the nail on the head!" He Yining tapped Shen Qi's nose. "So, next, do you want to do some emergency training?"
"What?" Shen Qi was stunned.
"We've all prepared a very systematic and extensive course for you to help you quickly improve your skills to meet the competition standards," Feng Manlun said slowly. "The teacher just laid the foundation; the rest depends on your growth."
Shen Qi had only heard of artists doing special training, not designers. Still, she was really interested in this competition. No matter how far she got, it would be a powerful way to test herself. So, when she heard about the extensive training, she agreed without hesitation.
This year's designer competition was set in M City. The contest was divided into several sections: clothing, shoes and bags, jewelry, character styling, and men's accessories. These tested a person's comprehensive design ability as well as their foundation and depth. He Yining and the others took turns explaining the competition rules to Shen Qi and found past competition questions for her to practice on.
The competition date was set for National Day. So, everyone arrived early in M City to prepare. Fan Sheng and Fan Li had a small villa in the city center, not too big—three floors above ground and one below. In M City's prime real estate, it was quite luxurious. Shen Qi noticed an interesting phenomenon: He Yining and Feng Manlun preferred building their homes in quiet suburban spots, while Fan Sheng and Fan Li liked bustling city centers. Since the competition was in the downtown area, Fan Sheng and Fan Li's villa naturally got requisitioned.
Shen Qi hadn't expected so many people nationwide to love this line of work. In just a few days, M City was buzzing with participants, and all hotels were fully booked. Even some family inns were packed. Latecomers with no place to stay set up tents and camped in parks.
Cui Yuelan, who had finally finished copying the scriptures, was moved to tears by her own efforts! She never wanted to curry favor with the He family matriarch again! She hadn't seen He Yining in nearly a month! If she'd known this old lady was so hard to deal with, she'd never have used that tactic! Cui Yuelan respectfully went to the He family mansion and reported to the matriarch, "Madam, the scriptures you requested are all copied."
Before the matriarch could nitpick, Cui Yuelan proactively admitted her flaws: "I know my handwriting is ugly, but I copied them sincerely. Madam, I truly want to stay here with you, but as you know, the designer competition, held every few years, is about to start. I studied design in Europe, and I can't miss such a grand event."
The matriarch seemed to have anticipated Cui Yuelan's intentions. She slowly lifted her teacup, brushed the tea leaves, and said, "You want to go to M City for the competition?"
"Yes, I'm not the kind of young lady who relies on family protection. I want to prove myself with my own strength and hands. Please grant me this, Madam." Having learned her lesson over the past month, Cui Yuelan no longer dared to show her arrogant demeanor. No matter how she raged on the mountain, it was useless; the butler was like a spring, unmoved no matter how hard she pressed. So, Cui Yuelan finally understood that the more she acted out, the harder the matriarch would push back. Thus, she stated her goal plainly and respectfully from the start.
"It's good for young people to have ambition," the matriarch said lightly. "Since you're determined to prove yourself, how can I stop you?"
Hearing the matriarch's response, Cui Yuelan was almost overjoyed! She never expected the matriarch to agree so readily! God, was this a dream?
After seeing Cui Yuelan off, the butler asked the matriarch in confusion, "Now that the second young mistress is also in M City for the competition, won't they run into each other if Cui Yuelan goes?"
"I've already bought her a month's time. Whether she and Yining have a connection depends on their own fate," the matriarch said slowly. "She will face more hardships and challenges ahead, and enemies are the fastest catalysts for her growth. If she can't level up quickly, it means she's not fit for the position of the He family's young mistress."
The butler suddenly understood. "Indeed. This is a good opportunity and a good test for them."
The matriarch gave the butler a deep look. "You seem to like Shen Qi?"
The butler's eyes sharpened, and he immediately bowed his head. "What you like, I like. After all, I am your man."
The matriarch chuckled softly but said nothing more.
As National Day approached, Shen Qi's days were utterly grueling. Wen Yibo later joined them, coming to watch the fun—specifically, Shen Qi's fun. Shen Qi was in intense training every day. Luckily, she had studied aesthetics in college and had accumulated some experience over the past two years of work, so she barely kept up with the trainers' pace.
Registration day arrived quickly. Finally freed from the heavy training, Shen Qi took her ID and the downloaded registration form to the designated spot to queue for on-site confirmation. When she arrived, the line was already long. She stood obediently at the end. Not long after, she heard a familiar voice behind her: "Miss, can I buy your spot?"
Cui Yuelan? What was she doing here? Was she haunting her? Was she also here to register for the designer competition? Unbelievable!
The girl Cui Yuelan asked replied, "Sorry, not for sale! How many design students are poor? I don't care about your money! If you want to register, go to the back and wait your turn!"
Cui Yuelan was about to lose her temper when she looked up and saw Shen Qi ahead. Her eyes lit up, and she rushed over. Suppressing her irritation, she said humbly, "Miss Shen, you're here too? Can I cut in line in front of you? Or I could buy your spot! I arrived late and don't even have a place to stay. If I waste time queuing, I won't have time to find a hotel."
Shen Qi glanced at the others glaring at Cui Yuelan and had to say, "As you can see, we're all waiting in line properly. If I make an exception for you, how can I explain it to those behind me?"
"Exactly! This woman is ridiculous! If you want to compete, come early! Cutting in line now? What's your excuse?" people behind shouted at Cui Yuelan. "We're all queuing! You think you're the only one with a tight schedule? We all have reasons too!"