David nodded in unison with the judges present. The contestants below were also whispering among themselves. Liu Yi looked at Shen Qi with an encouraging gaze. Cui Yuelan merely let out a cold snort, offering no reaction. "So, I want the people of this world to live a refined life, not one of blind conformity," Shen Qi continued. "Buttons may be small, but they bear the weight of an entire nation. That's why I've named today's collection 'Beauty of the Realm.' These buttons are crafted from premium crystal, polished to perfection, and can be paired with corresponding colors based on the garment's hue. The crystal base is made of sterling silver with an antique finish, highlighting a sense of timeless elegance. The emphasis is on dignified grace, poised composure, and steady grandeur." David smiled and said, "I think 'Realm as Matchmaker' sounds even better—using the realm as a matchmaker, sincerity as the betrothal gift. This series of buttons is perfect for formal wear, suitable for grand occasions like weddings and capable of anchoring any Chinese-style banquet." Shen Qi nodded with a smile. "Teacher David's point is well taken." After introducing this series, Shen Qi picked up another set of buttons and explained, "The previous series was designed for Eastern Asian clientele, while this one, named 'Dream Goddess,' is specifically tailored for various Western-style evening banquets. Therefore, the materials lean toward opulence, using precious metals and gemstones as raw materials." Shen Qi lifted the final series and introduced it, saying, "This one is specially designed for children, featuring bows and even a candy scent. Pink is the color of princesses, so this series is the most exaggerated and the sweetest. I've named it 'Sweet Dreams.'" David nodded, his face full of admiration. The other judges were also murmuring among themselves, exchanging their opinions. After presenting her work, Shen Qi, with David's approval, nervously returned to her seat to await his final score. In another room, everything was being broadcast live on a large screen. He Yining swirled his wine glass gently, the clear liquid moving in a steady rhythm. "Using the realm as a matchmaker, sincerity as the betrothal gift." A faint smile curled at the corner of He Yining's lips. "I wonder when you'll finally receive this heartfelt intention of mine." As soon as Shen Qi sat down, Liu Yi gave her a thumbs-up. "Xiao Qi, that was amazing!" Shen Qi couldn't help but let out a breath. "Did I say anything wrong?" "Not at all! You spoke wonderfully!" Liu Yi replied with a grin. "Your score is bound to be high! Look, David seems quite satisfied with your presentation." "I hope so." Shen Qi nodded. "I was so nervous!" After discussing with the other judges, David finally revealed the final score: 8 points. Seeing this score, Shen Qi breathed a slight sigh of relief. Because before this, very few had managed to reach 8 points! That meant her chances of advancing to the finals were still promising! After evaluating Shen Qi's work, several more contestants were reviewed in succession. Perhaps because Shen Qi's work had set such a high standard, the subsequent pieces didn't shine as brightly. Thus, David's scores weren't particularly high. This live grading method truly felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. Some rejoiced, while others grieved. Finally, it was Cui Yuelan's turn to be evaluated, and Shen Qi perked up, instinctively glancing at her. Cui Yuelan shot a somewhat venomous look at David. David quickly found Cui Yuelan among the crowd and returned her gaze. Their exchange was brief, almost imperceptible. David's evaluation of Cui Yuelan was quite standard, showing no signs of bias, though the score he gave wasn't low—0.2 points higher than Shen Qi's. After the score was announced, Cui Yuelan's face remained expressionless. Liu Yi lowered her voice and said, "It seems there's less manipulation in this competition now. David's score is fairly reasonable." Shen Qi nodded. Indeed, that was the case. Shen Qi had to admit that Cui Yuelan did have some talent. Or rather, she had been in the design world longer than Shen Qi, with more experience. On that front alone, it made sense for her to score 0.2 points higher than Shen Qi. Shen Qi felt no resentment at being outperformed by Cui Yuelan. This competition aimed to select 20 out of 65 people. Scores mattered, but they also didn't. It all depended on the remaining contestants' scores. Starting from the bottom, 45 people would be cut. Liu Yi's score soon came out, slightly lower than Shen Qi's at 7.9 points. Yet Liu Yi expressed she was already content! "Xiao Qi, I really have to thank you for your reminder—it sparked a new idea in me. If I make it to the finals, half the credit goes to you." Liu Yi patted Shen Qi on the shoulder and said, "I heard that after advancing to the finals, we get one chance to contact the outside world. Have you thought about who you'd call?" Shen Qi shook her head. "I'll give you my chance. I won't report my results to the He family until I've reached the end, and my brother is in Germany for treatment, so he can't take my calls. He Yining and my teacher will probably know the results before I do anyway, so I have no one to notify." Hearing this, Liu Yi pinched Shen Qi's cheek and said, "Listen to you, sounding so pitiful. It's heartbreaking. If we advance, come with me to make the call. Even if you don't make one, stand by my side and pretend you did." Shen Qi couldn't help but laugh. Pretending to have made a call? That was a new one! The two chatted quietly for a bit, easing the tension of the evaluation. After David finished scoring everyone, all the results instantly appeared on the large screen. The system automatically sorted them by score. Swish, swish, swish. The names and photos of the top 20 were immediately displayed on the screen. Seeing their own pictures, Shen Qi and Liu Yi burst into tears of joy and embraced each other! Great, just great! They had advanced together again! The advancing contestants were all overwhelmed with excitement. Meanwhile, those who didn't make it looked utterly dejected. The 20 who advanced knew they had caught the eye of CEOs and lead designers from various large, medium, and small brands! As long as they could join these companies, learn more, and have a platform to showcase their talents, success was within reach! Shen Qi noticed that Cui Yuelan had also advanced smoothly. After all, if she herself had made it, there was no way Cui Yuelan, with her higher score, would have failed. After seeing the results, Cui Yuelan said nothing and left the meeting room. The eliminated contestants wept, hugging their acquaintances goodbye. Shen Qi also went to embrace those who had unfortunately been cut, exchanging words of encouragement—wishing the remaining ones continued luck and comforting the departing ones to try again next time! Once the finalist list was announced, the remaining 20 contestants immediately received better treatment. Not only were their rooms upgraded, but each was also granted a privilege: a half-hour phone call in a room prepared by the organizing committee. Shen Qi was dragged by Liu Yi to the communication room and directly into a booth. Only then did Shen Qi realize the phones here were satellite video phones. Everyone had reached a psychological limit by this point; without encouragement and comfort from family, few could hold on much longer, right? Liu Yi deftly dialed a number. The phone rang for a long time before connecting. Shen Qi saw a beautiful woman with a face mask on approach gracefully and heard a voice from the receiver: "Finished the competition? Did you lose?" Liu Yi was exasperated. "Mom, is that any way to curse your own daughter?" Mom? That young-looking woman was Liu Yi's mother? She looked at most thirty! Shen Qi's eyes nearly popped out! No wonder Liu Yi had said that when she walked with her mom, people mistook them for a couple! "Oh, who's this little beauty?" Liu Yi's mother ignored her own tomboy daughter and took an interest in Shen Qi standing nearby. "Little beauty, don't be fooled—my Liu Yi isn't a boy!" Shen Qi was momentarily stunned. Liu Yi? Yi? Which character? Liu Yi's mother's Mandarin was very standard—she wouldn't mispronounce her own daughter's name, would she? Seeing Shen Qi's puzzled expression, Liu Yi's mother caught on and chuckled. "Did Xiao Yi tell you her name is Liu Yi, with the character for 'righteousness'?" Shen Qi nodded. That was indeed the case. Liu Yi's mother sighed. "Actually, her name is Liu Yi, with the character for 'pleasant.' She didn't like it, so she pestered her dad until he changed it to 'righteousness.' But to me, she'll always be Xiao Yi!" Liu Yi covered her face. "Mom, can you save me some face in front of my friend?" Shen Qi covered her mouth, laughing, her eyes crinkling with mirth. "Let me formally introduce you. Mom, this is Shen Qi, a good friend I just made—she's exactly your type!" Liu Yi said to her mother on the screen. "Xiao Qi, this is my mom, Xu Yunxi. She's over forty but still pretends to be an unmarried young woman. Don't mind her." Shen Qi couldn't hold back and burst out laughing. This mother-daughter duo was hilarious! Xu Yunxi, unconvinced, peeled off her face mask, leaned closer to the camera, and said to Shen Qi, "Xiao Qi, tell me, do I look good?" Shen Qi nodded repeatedly. "Auntie, you take such good care of yourself! You look like my older sister! So beautiful!" Xu Yunxi was finally satisfied. "When does the competition end? Come play at our house with Xiao Yi! I love girls who are refined, cute, and sensible like you—way better than our Xiao Yi!" Before Shen Qi could answer, Liu Yi cut in, "Mom, you said it! I invited Xiao Qi to our place a few days ago too. You'd better tidy up the house so you don't embarrass us!" "Hey, are you my daughter or my nemesis?" Xu Yunxi glared, then immediately turned back to Shen Qi with a smile. "Xiao Qi, what do you like to eat? Auntie has plenty of goodies here!"