Applause rang out again.
Shen Qi also clapped earnestly and wholeheartedly. He Yining's words were well-spoken and practical. A bet is a bet—that's how the rules of this world work.
After He Yining finished speaking, others stepped forward to encourage the contestants. Once the big bosses were done, it was time for the fourteen eliminated contestants to give their self-statements.
When it was Liu Yi's turn, she glanced at Wen Yibo and said flatly, "I have nothing to say. I lost, and I accept the result. Maybe it's because my focus was divided. Making it this far is already lucky for me. So, I have no words. Thank you, everyone."
Wen Yibo looked somewhat disappointed as he watched Liu Yi turn and leave. He couldn't help but whisper to Fan Sheng, "She's just leaving like that?"
"What else?" Fan Sheng replied quietly. "Her heart isn't in this."
Fan Li also murmured, "Liu Yi is a 60kg female boxer. Being a designer doesn't really matter to her."
Wen Yibo stared at Liu Yi's cool, handsome retreating figure and muttered under his breath, "If she leaves the competition, how am I supposed to give her things?"
It was Shen Qi's turn to take the stage for her self-statement. As she stepped up, everyone's eyes snapped to her.
Shen Qi bowed solemnly to the big bosses. Wen Yibo, Fan Sheng, Fan Li, and Feng Manlun instinctively shifted aside, not accepting her bow. He Yining's phoenix eyes deepened with a hint of a smile.
The other brand bosses and head designers showed a flicker of panic on their faces. Just moments ago, Shen Qi's true identity had spread through their circles, thanks to none other than David, the semifinal host. David, an old acquaintance of Charles, had learned Shen Qi's real identity from him. The news that the wife of the He Group's president had hidden her identity to compete in such a beginner-level contest left the clueless onlookers feeling uneasy.
He Yining sat calmly, chatting with a brand owner. "I heard you've taken a liking to our Xiao Qi's designs?"
The brand owner started sweating. "Mr. He, you misunderstand. I wouldn't dare try to poach Mrs. He!"
He Yining maintained an expression that said, "Don't worry, I'm just having a chat," and said slowly, "I support wherever Xiao Qi wants to work. Of course, salary and such..."
"No, no," the other man kept wiping his sweat. "We wouldn't dare compete with the He Group's finances."
At that moment, Shen Qi finally began her statement. "Standing here today is already a kind of success. That might sound cliché, but it's truly how I feel."
The group shook their heads in unison. "Not at all, not at all."
"Thank you to the organizing committee, the staff, the judges for their detailed feedback, and all the contestants I've journeyed with. I've gained so much from this experience. Winning or losing isn't that important to me anymore. What matters most is understanding my own shortcomings." Shen Qi continued.
"Not at all, not at all," the group shook their heads again.
"I don't have much more to fight for. I think I still have a long way to go before becoming a true designer. But I genuinely love this field, so I'll keep working hard! Next time I compete, I'll give it my all to express my vision. Thank you, everyone." Shen Qi quickly wrapped up her statement.
"Good, good, good," the group responded politely.
Who would dare to take her on? She was the second young mistress of the He family—a goddess to be revered on their turf!
"Please, hold on a moment," the CEO of the company that had earlier shown interest in Shen Qi's designs bravely called out to her. "Can we talk privately?"
Shen Qi nodded with a smile. "Of course."
The two stepped away from the crowd to discuss their business.
"I'm the one who was interested in your designs earlier," the man said, his mouth feeling bitter. He'd originally planned to buy Shen Qi's designs cheaply. Now? Would he dare to haggle? He Yining would crush him in a heartbeat!
"Oh, hello," Shen Qi said politely, nodding with a smile. "My teacher mentioned you seemed interested in my work."
"Yes, indeed," he quickly replied. "I saw the buttons you designed—they're really good. I'd like to buy them all."
Shen Qi nodded. Before she could ask, he added, "I'll offer five million for these drawings. What do you think?"
"Five million!" Shen Qi's eyes went wide. She was stunned by the price. When had a novice's designs become so valuable? She'd initially expected at most a hundred thousand! But he'd thrown out five million!
"Ah, not satisfied? How about eight million?" He wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking apologetic. "You know, our brand is mid-range, focusing on products under a thousand yuan, so we can't compare with top luxury labels..."
Shen Qi snapped back to reality, waving her hands. "No, that's not what I meant..."
"Still not happy?" His back was drenched. "One million—really, I can't go higher!"
Before Shen Qi could say another word, he'd raised the price twice. Seeing his nervousness, she quickly said, "No, you misunderstand! I don't think my designs are worth that much. I've only been in this field for a few months. I know my skill level. My teacher has guided me well, but I lack depth. I'm thrilled you like my drawings, but I can't accept this price. Please just pay me the market rate."
The man glanced instinctively at He Yining in the distance. He Yining gave a casual look, and the man said firmly, "No, no, one million it is! I really love this design!"
"But you'll lose money!" Shen Qi protested.
"How could I? I want to collect it!" He was almost afraid she'd refuse to sell, quickly pulling out his checkbook, scribbling, and tearing off the check to hand to Shen Qi respectfully. "I'll have the contract sent over later. This is your commission."
Shen Qi was dumbfounded. What was going on? Why was her process so different from everyone else's? Who pays before signing a contract?
When Shen Qi returned, she was still in a daze. Liu Yi, not knowing what had happened, thought Shen Qi was upset about the competition results. She slung an arm around Shen Qi's shoulder. "Don't be sad! Now that the competition's over, we can leave the hotel. Tonight, I'm treating you to a feast! Eat away your worries!"
Shen Qi couldn't help but laugh. "You're the one who wants to eat, aren't you? I just made some money, so tonight's on me. What do you want?"
"Really? I won't hold back!" Liu Yi grinned. "I heard M City has a famous snack street—tons of food you can eat while walking. Sounds amazing!"
"Great!" Shen Qi agreed. "It's settled!"
After the event, some contestants kept pitching their talents to desired companies, while others, like Shen Qi, accepted reality and returned to their normal lives. Everyone went back to their hotel rooms, packed up, and prepared to leave.
Just as Shen Qi finished packing, someone delivered their sealed phones, computers, and other belongings. After confirming nothing was damaged, the person left.
Shen Qi and Liu Yi dragged their suitcases out of the room. The organizing committee arranged for checkout, gave them souvenirs, and saw them off.
At the entrance, they ran into He Yining and Wen Yibo. The four of them stopped almost simultaneously.
He Yining's gaze fell on Shen Qi, then swept over her suitcase. "I'll have Xiao Chun drive you."
"No need," Shen Qi said, gripping her suitcase tighter. "I'll stay with Xiao Yi."
"If you don't like the Fan brothers' villa, the He Group's hotels have chains in M City too," He Yining continued.
"Don't bother. Xiao Yi has already booked a hotel," Shen Qi refused again.
A flicker of disappointment crossed He Yining's eyes. "Oh, I see."
"If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave." Shen Qi nodded at Wen Yibo. "Goodbye."
With that, she turned to leave. After just two steps, her wrist was suddenly grabbed.
"Come with me," He Yining said authoritatively. "I need to talk to you."
Shen Qi tried to resist, but the grip on her wrist tightened.
"Take her suitcase," He Yining ordered, tossing it to Wen Yibo. He then scooped Shen Qi up in his arms, carrying her assertively into the elevator and straight to his room door.
Shen Qi pushed at him. "What are you doing?"
"Do? Are you that eager for me to do you?" He Yining replied domineeringly. "Fine, I'll grant your wish today!"
Shen Qi couldn't believe how crude he was being, twisting her words so blatantly. This was the hotel lobby, with people everywhere! How could he say such things? If he wasn't embarrassed, she was!
Shen Qi felt a burning heat spread from her ears to her cheeks.