Stop There, Daddy

Looking at Chang Ning’s work, both the judges and the audience fell into animated discussion. Their opinions varied. The atmosphere instantly heated up.

“Dad, Mommy’s going to win, right?”

Although Wen Baobao could not understand the design, he heard the loud voices of discussion. Recalling the great effort Wen Shuyue had put into this contest, Wen Baobao hesitantly asked He Siming about it.

He Siming’s eyes fell on Chang Ning’s work. After hearing Wen Baobao’s question, he smiled and stroked Wen Baobao’s head. He looked at Wen Baobao seriously and made a reply with a voice of absolute certainty.

“You should have faith in your mom. She’ll surely win!” He Siming’s words were like a shot in the arm to Wen Baobao. It was as if his voice had some kind of magical power. Wen Baobao did not worry about that anymore. He stared fixedly at the garment on the stage, his eyes twinkling.

Wen Shuyue, sitting in a corner, carefully observed Chang Ning’s work. This time around, Chang Ning’s design was stunning as well. Wen Shuyue was astonished. Having noticed the judges’ different facial expressions, Wen Shuyue began to get nervous.

She clenched her fists and kept breathing deeply in an effort to compose herself.

A smile of satisfaction touched Chang Ning’s mouth as she sensed the atmosphere in the venue. This was indeed what she wanted to see, though she had to admit that she had been amazed somewhat when Wen Shuyue revealed her work a few moments ago, but Chang Ning was unwilling to admit defeat.

“Ms. Chang Ning does have unnatural talent for fashion design. I have to say this design of yours is perfect, and your theme is quite novel.”

After the judges exchanged opinions with each other for some time, one of them finally spoke. On hearing his words, Chang Ning thanked him in a very courteous way.

After Chang Ning displayed her work, all the other three players walked onto the stage. Wen Shuyue was standing on Chang Ning’s left. She sensed Chang Ning’s powerful brooding air, but Wen Shuyue refused to be outdone. Though nervous, she managed to maintain a confident smile.

Wen Shuyue’s mouth curved in a faint smile as she saw He Siming and Wen Baobao who were sitting in a corner. She believed that this time her position would not disappoint her.

“This year’s final is very competitive. Ms. Wen Shuyue’s and Ms. Chang Ning’s works are particularly impressive. I have to admit that your designs are both very ingenious. They’re quite stunning. After some deliberation, we’ve made a decision. I hereby declare…”

A judge stood up, holding the results in his hands. His eyes moved back and forth between Wen Shuyue and Chang Ning, which intensified Wen Shuyue’s nervousness.

Chang Ning beside her also clenched her fists in spite of herself. The competition did not matter much to her, but her bet with Wen Shuyue was still valid. Chang Ning did not want to lose.

“I hereby declare that the champion of this contest is…”

On hearing his words, everybody shut their mouth. The atmosphere in the venue climaxed.

“Chang Ning!”

On hearing that name, Wen Shuyue felt as if something in her head had exploded. She thought that she lost the contest, but before her dejection swept over her, the judge spoke again the next second.

“Wen Shuyue and Chang Ning finished in joint first place! Let’s welcome the two champions!”

Wen Shuyue stood transfixed in disbelief at the latter half of the judge’s words. She had thought that she stood no chance. It had never occurred to her that she and Chang Ning would finish in joint first place. Wen Shuyue’s eyes reddened. Chang Ning, after hearing the judge’s words, was also incredulous, but she had to admit that this time Wen Shuyue’s design was very good.

Chang Ning turned to look at Wen Shuyue. The hostility in her eyes was gone. Wen Shuyue had proved herself with her work.

Wen Shuyue looked at the trophy in her arms, beside herself with excitement. Chang Ning walked to Wen Shuyue’s side, reached out her arms and hugged her.

“This time around you really convinced me with your performance. Congratulations!”

Chang Ning, looking Wen Shuyue in the eye, said those words seriously.

Wen Shuyue replied, “You have my congratulations as well.”

After the two of them went backstage, Wen Shuyue sat in a chair. For a long while, she was unable to recover herself. The shock caused by the dramatic twist was too much.

Chang Ning had collected her things. Originally, she planned to leave, but then she noticed that Wen Shuyue was sitting there motionless. Chang Ning smilingly shook her head, walked up to Wen Shuyue and sat down.

“Why do I feel you’re having trouble accepting the fact that this is really happening? What’s wrong? Are you still not confident about your design? I have to admit this design of yours is really awesome!”

Wen Shuyue’s face broke into a smile at Chang Ning’s words, but suddenly Wen Shuyue thought of something, and her smile broadened into a sly grin.

“I wonder what we should do with our bet.”

The contest was over, and Wen Shuyue’s mood lightened a lot. After hearing Wen Shuyue’s words, Chang Ning shook her head resignedly.

Chang Ning said, “Well, there’s nothing we can do. Originally, I wanted to defeat you to have you quit fashion design forever. It never crossed my mind we’d finish in joint first place. I think our only choice is to admit that we tied.”

Looking at Chang Ning’s resigned face, Wen Shuyue dissolved into giggles. Her melancholy vanished. She looked at Chang Ning, feeling somewhat thankful.

“Actually, it never occurred to me you’d take this competition so seriously. Look at the dark circles under your eyes. It seems I really should change my opinions about you.”

Chang Ning inexplicably said those words. Having noticed the puzzlement on Wen Shuyue’s face, Chang Ning reached out her hand and pointed at Wen Shuyue’s eyes.

Only then did Wen Shuyue realize that these day she had been designing clothes all along, and she had hardly slept, which was why her shadows were very obvious.

“Apart from anything else, I made a bet with you, so I had to exert myself.”

“You strike me as the sort of person I want to get acquainted with. What do you say we make friends with each other? Please forgive me for my previous rudeness and forget those misunderstandings.”

With that Chang Ning placed her hand on Wen Shuyue’s shoulder, feeling that Wen Shuyue was really the kind of people she liked. Chang Ning was determined to make friends with her.

Having noticed that Chang Ning was acting like they were on familiar terms with each other, Wen Shuyue gave an involuntary smile and nodded. “It’s a great pleasure to be friends with you.”Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.