41

The day Shi Yue's neck wound disappeared, she finally received a message from the competition committee—

[All participants are requested to return to the design venue at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow. The committee will announce the results of the investigation and re-record the award ceremony for the fourth round of the competition.]

Shi Yue blinked and looked at Leng Yanmi beside her. "The investigation results are out?"

Leng Yanmi: "Yes."

"Shi Fang… did she really cheat?" Shi Yue bit her lip.

Leng Yanmi deliberately kept her guessing. "What do you think?"

According to the original plot of the novel, Shi Fang didn't have much design talent to begin with. She made it through the preliminary rounds by using 'borrowed designs'—after all, her backer, Shi Wen, had been in the fashion industry for years, and finding a designer to ghostwrite for her wasn't difficult.

Shi Yue suddenly sighed.

Leng Yanmi turned her head upon hearing the sigh. "You feel bad for her?"

"No," Shi Yue denied. "They brought this upon themselves. If the cheating is proven true, they should pay the price."

Leng Yanmi reached out, stroked her hair, and pulled her into an embrace.

That night, Shi Yue's phone rang non-stop—sometimes it was Shi Fang calling, other times it was messages from Shi Wen. She made a call to her mother, Jiang Fu, asking her to stay away for a while, then simply turned off her phone, pretending to know nothing.

The next morning, the two woke up early, and after breakfast, Leng Yanmi prepared to take her to the venue.

When they reached the entrance, Leng Yanmi suddenly remembered she had left a document in the bedroom. She went back to get it, but after two minutes, she hadn't returned.

Thinking she might be having trouble finding it, Shi Yue went to help.

When she opened the bedroom door, she found Leng Yanmi sitting on the bedside, lost in thought. She walked over and called out, "Auntie?"

Leng Yanmi was holding a familiar pill bottle. Hearing the voice, she looked up at her.

Shi Yue asked, "Did you find the document?"

"I did," Leng Yanmi paused before asking, "Have you… not been taking your medicine these past few days?"

"What medicine?" Shi Yue noticed the bottle in her hand. "You mean the pheromone suppressant?"

She shrugged. "No, I haven't."

Leng Yanmi opened the bottle. The seal was still intact, the aluminum foil unbroken.

Seeing this, her brow furrowed, and her already complicated expression twisted even more. "You haven't been taking it…"

Shi Yue rubbed her nose. "I've told you, I feel perfectly fine. I don't have any of the strange symptoms you mentioned. If there's no issue, why take the medicine?"

Leng Yanmi raised her head, scrutinizing her intently.

A minute later, she finally asked, "You're really okay? It's been five days since the marking, and you haven't felt anything strange?"

Shi Yue thought for a moment, touching her chin. "Well, I don't feel the constant urge to stick to you like I did before. Does that count as strange?"

Leng Yanmi gritted her teeth. "Of course it counts!"

"Pfft." Shi Yue bent over, laughing.

After the playful exchange, she checked the time and urged, "Come on, if we don't leave soon, we'll be late."

Leng Yanmi exhaled deeply and softly responded, "Okay."

She picked up the file folder and placed the pill bottle in Shi Yue's hand. "Take it with you. If you feel uncomfortable, take a couple of pills."

Shi Yue resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

Although she didn't understand Leng Yanmi's obsession with the medicine, she appreciated her concern. So, she said nothing more, obediently placing the bottle in her handbag with a smile. "Alright, I've got it with me."

Satisfied, Leng Yanmi nodded, and the two finally headed out.

The car arrived at the venue, and Leng Yanmi reminded her, "I have several important meetings today. I've already arranged for a driver to pick you up afterward. If anything happens during the recording, just contact Zhang Zhuo or call me directly."

Shi Yue laughed at her concern. "It's just a re recording of the award ceremony. Is there really a need for such detailed instructions? Focus on your work, no need to worry about me."

She leaned over and kissed her on the corner of the lips. "By the way, will you be home for dinner tonight?"

"I'll be back," Leng Yanmi nodded.

Shi Yue got out of the car, waved goodbye, and said, "Take care on the road, I'll wait for you."

Then she cheerfully walked into the venue, found her dressing room, and began getting ready to go on stage.

Around 9:30 a.m., there was a knock on her door. Shi Yue assumed it was a member of the competition committee and casually called out, "Come in."

Shi Fang stormed in, locking the door behind her.

Shi Yue was stunned. "What are you doing here?"

"Why didn't you answer your phone?!" Shi Fang didn't answer but instead questioned her. "Do you have any idea how desperate I've been?!"

Shi Yue sneered, leaning back in her chair. "And what does your desperation have to do with me?"

"Shi Yue!" Shi Fang took two quick steps forward, eyes filled with malice, as if she wanted to grab her by the collar. "We're family. Are you really going to watch them ruin me?"

Shi Yue couldn't help but find it amusing.

That's how bad people think. They never realize their own mistakes. They always blame others and say things like, 'They're trying to destroy me'.

To be honest, Shi Yue didn't even feel like reasoning with her. She knew it would be pointless.

So, she spread her hands and asked, "What do you want me to do?"

"You have a way! I know you do!" Shi Fang finally showed a hint of pleading, her legs giving out as she sank to the floor. "Seduce Leng Mingchuan, beg the Leng family to stop targeting me, okay?

"Remember the first round of the competition? You were almost beaten down by Shen Lingling, and with just one look from Leng Yanmi, they protected you. You can do it, help me too."

Shi Yue lowered her head, looking at her with pity. "In the first round, I was able to clear my name because the accusations against me were false.

"But what about you?"

She paused for a moment, giving Shi Fang time to react before continuing. "The committee is restarting the recording, which means they must have gathered significant evidence. If you're innocent, you wouldn't need my help.

"But if there's something wrong with your designs, do you think anyone can help you?"

Shi Fang's face turned pale for a moment. "I-I don't know what they found, I'm afraid they're framing me."

"Then show them proof that you're innocent."

Shi Fang froze, then her gaze gradually hardened.

"So, you won't help me with this? Shi Yue, we're family. Do you think you'll have a good time in the show if they drag me down?"

"Tch," Shi Yue spread her hands, "Do you think this is still an era where guilt by association works?"

She sighed. "But you're right about one thing, Shi Fang, we are family." She stood up. "If you have any sense left, I'll give you some advice."

Shi Fang's eyes brightened, as if grasping at a lifeline. "What is it?"

"Admit your mistakes and change for the better." Shi Yue looked at her with pity. "What will you and Uncle achieve by continuing like this? Learn from this lesson so you don't make bigger mistakes in the future.

"If you can wake up to reality, it's not too late."

Shi Fang's smile vanished.

Her fists clenched. "Are you mocking me?!"

Shi Yue's gaze turned cold. "If that's what you think, I have nothing more to say."

She walked to the door, opened it, and said, "Leave. I can't help you."

"You'll regret this," Shi Fang stormed out, her high heels clattering angrily across the floor.

Shi Yue closed the door, sealing off the noise and chaos, and let out a long sigh.

Soon after, the recording began. The four designers stood in the familiar central stage of the venue once more.

Shi Yue glanced at Zhou Leya, noticing that she looked much better than before. Sensing her gaze, Zhou Leya moved closer to stand next to her.

Shi Yue made small talk. "How's your week been?"

"Not bad." Zhou Leya smiled at her, "Don't worry about me. No matter the outcome, I'll accept it with peace of mind."

She looked ahead. "I know I have a lot to improve on. Falling here isn't so bad."

Shi Yue squeezed her hand gently. "Your talent and hard work won't go unnoticed."

Zhou Leya's eyes grew misty with emotion at the encouragement.

A few minutes later, the host arrived with a microphone and cue cards. Her expression was much more serious than usual.

"I'm about to announce the results of the investigation into the fourth round of the competition. It's deeply regrettable…" Her gaze landed directly on Shi Fang. "We have reached the most unfortunate conclusion."

Shi Fang wobbled, nearly losing her balance.

The host continued, "But I believe that all the committee members, and every competitor who participated fairly in this competition, won't be discouraged by the truth.

"We will always uphold fairness, justice, and transparency in facing every challenge."

The venue was completely silent. The host raised her cue card and announced clearly, "After investigation, the committee has confirmed that contestant Shi Fang was involved in cheating. On the day of the fourth round, Shi Fang entered the restroom to avoid the cameras and used communication devices that were not affected by signal interference to send the exam questions outside. She received a design draft 12 hours later from external sources.

"As a result, the committee declares that Shi Fang's results for the fourth round are null and void!"

Zhou Leya took two seconds to process this, her eyes suddenly lighting up—

If Shi Fang's results were invalid, did that mean she was the third-place finisher and wouldn't be eliminated?

Shi Fang screamed, "No! I don't accept this!"

She rushed to the host, snatching the cue card from her hand. "Do you have proof? What gives you the right to say I cheated?!"

The host looked at her with disdain. "Are you still trying to deny it?"

Shi Fang stubbornly retorted, "I didn't do it, why should I admit it?"

"Heh." The host sneered.

She stepped aside, gesturing to a corner of the stage. "Then, Shi Fang, do you recognize this person?"

In the corner, a staff member brought Yu Zhen in front of the crowd.

Her eyes were dark and her hair disheveled, she looked extremely anxious and afraid. Upon seeing Shi Fang, she immediately averted her gaze.

"Who is she?!" Shi Fang tried to hold her ground. "I… I don't know her."

The host was unfazed and directly stated, "Yu Zhen, currently employed as a design director at a local fashion company, was once one of your father's trusted subordinates.

"You claim not to know her. Are you joking?"

Shi Fang's face turned white. "I… I really don't remember."

Yu Zhen glanced at her, then sighed heavily.

Shi Fang was on the verge of collapsing. "What's with that look? What are you trying to say? Do you know me?"

Yu Zhen shook her head. "Miss Shi Fang… stop struggling, it's all too late."

Shi Fang covered her ears and shouted, "I don't understand what you're saying."

She turned to the host again, shouting angrily, "You found some crazy woman to frame me, and now you want to convict me? I want to see my lawyer! I'll sue you all!"

"You're welcome to," the host's face darkened. "Shi Fang, I've really underestimated you. You won't cry until you see the coffin, will you?"

Suddenly, she raised her hand, pointing to the large screen beside her. The staff, understanding her cue, immediately activated the projector.

The screen displayed a computer with Shi Fang's fourth-round winning design.

The host's explanation followed. "You've been difficult, constantly obstructing our investigation. While we didn't find direct evidence from you, no one can cover up their mistakes forever.

"Following the clues, we found Yu Zhen and restored the conversations you had on the day of the competition, as well as the winning design from her computer!"

Shi Fang froze, collapsing to the ground.

Shen Lingling, standing nearest to her, backed away in disgust.

The host took the opportunity to press further, stepping forward and sternly questioning, "Now that both the evidence and testimony are in hand, what else do you have to deny?"

Shi Fang was dumbfounded, and tears streamed down her face.

The host looked away in disgust. "We've already submitted the evidence to the judicial authorities, and law enforcement will arrive soon to question you.

"You don't deserve to stand here. Get off the stage and prepare for trial."

At that moment, Shi Fang finally snapped out of her daze.

She looked around in panic, then locked onto Shi Yue, crawling over and clinging to her legs. "Shi Yue, please, Shi Yue, please save me!"

Compared to her earlier arrogance in the dressing room, Shi Fang, now sobbing and begging, finally seemed to know how to lower her pride.

But Shi Yue's response remained unchanged. "Shi Fang, I can't help you. You must face the consequences of your actions."

Shi Fang pointed at Yu Zhen beside her. "Yu Zhen is a key member of Shi Nuo. If you won't help me, will you just stand by and watch her get taken down with me?"

Shi Yue followed her gaze to Yu Zhen and sighed in regret.

She did feel sorry for Yu Zhen. She had been a loyal member to Shi Nuo for many years, but she had gone astray and made such a grave mistake.

"I've already said, those who bring trouble upon themselves must bear the consequences."

Down below, Zhang Zhuo, fearing Shi Fang might do something drastic, signaled two Alpha staff members to escort her off the stage.

The venue finally returned to peace.

The host smiled, trying to lighten the atmosphere and brought the event back on track. "Since Shi Fang's score has been nullified, the rankings for the top three will now move up accordingly.

"I now officially announce the top three of the fourth round—

"Shi Yue, Shen Lingling, and Zhou Leya!"

The crowd erupted in applause. Zhou Leya's eyes reddened, and she covered her mouth, crying uncontrollably.

Shi Yue patted her shoulder comfortingly, then accepted the medal from the host with a smile. "Thank you."

"Shi Yue is the only contestant to have won two medals in the elimination rounds, giving her a ten point advantage going into the upcoming score based rounds. The other two contestants need to step up their game! The final winner is still undecided."

The host excitedly announced, "In the upcoming score based rounds, we hope to see spectacular performances from everyone!"

Amidst confetti and applause, the elimination rounds of the Competition finally came to a close.

As Shi Yue basked in the crowd's admiration, she thought of Leng Yanmi, who was busy with meetings at the company, and felt a slight tinge of loneliness.

After the recording ended, she said goodbye to the others and got into the luxury car Leng Yanmi had sent to pick her up. Unable to resist, she dialed Leng Yanmi's number.

The phone rang for over twenty seconds before it was answered. Shi Yue hesitated. "Auntie? Is it a good time to talk?"

Leng Yanmi glanced at the ten executives in the meeting room and replied, "It's fine."

Shi Yue smiled with relief.

She quickly recapped the day's events and mentioned that she had won first place.

"Congratulations." Leng Yanmi's voice carried a hint of a smile. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see you accept the award in person. I've always known you deserved all the applause and cheers."

Shi Yue couldn't stop smiling.

Although she didn't want to end the call, she knew Leng Yanmi was busy—if it weren't for something urgent, she would have been there to congratulate her in person.

So, she bid farewell, and quickly but softly added, "I love you."

Before Leng Yanmi could respond, she hung up.

"Driver, excuse me," Shi Yue called out to the driver in front, "we're changing course."

The driver slowed down. "Miss Shi, where would you like to go?"

"To Leng Group Headquarters."

The driver, familiar with the location, responded with a simple "Yes" and promptly adjusted the route, speeding toward Leng Yanmi's location.