Chapter 112: To Pale in Comparison

The finals would be held in a month.

The final round would be different from previous years. This time, the finals would be broadcast live for everyone worldwide.

The organisers aggressively advertised the finals to promote the event and attract the public’s attention.

As the final two contestants of the finals, Lu An’an and Gu Anning instantly became the hot topics of discussion in the interview.

The value of the two rose accordingly.

Some of Lu An’an’s previous designs became the go-to targets for wealthy women interested in the latest fashion.

Gu Anning’s designs seemed to pale in comparison.

Some even speculated whether the designs Gu Anning submitted for the finals were her own since they appeared very different from her usual style.

“I’m so angry! How dare they question me!” The more Gu Anning thought of the public’s reception of her submission, the angrier she got. In a rage, she slammed her drawing board on her desk.

Han Ziyuan looked at her coldly from the side and said slowly, “You should know how you got into the finals. Why are you angry now?”

…

“But how can they say I’m inferior to Lu An’an?” Gu Anning threw a fit as she complained, “How am I not as good as that woman? Even the sales of my recent works can’t compare to hers! Why do her designs command so much attention when mine doesn’t?”

The more Gu Anning thought about it, the angrier she got. Her recent works were not selling for as much as she had hoped, and her older ones only sold after receiving a 70% discount. She was the running joke in her circle of peers.

To participate in such a famous design competition, only for the value of her works to depreciate… She was one-of-a-kind, and not in a good way.

“I can only say that you went too far,” Han Ziyuan said, dragging her words as she did. “You know what the public is like. Crouching tigers and hidden dragons abound. You stole Lu An’an’s designs and paraded them as your own without making any changes.”

“You may have fooled the masses, but what about the professionals?”

Han Ziyuan sneered at Gu Anning, saying, “If I were you, I would keep a low profile. It would be best to remain composed and act only when necessary.”

Gu Anning seethed, unwilling to accept the situation for what it was. “Why does Lu An’an have to surpass me in everything?!”

“Since you hate her so much, you should put in all your effort to win the finals. Don’t let others look down on you,” Han Ziyuan responded tartly, offering Gu Anning a hard look.

Gu Anning immediately deflated. “My designs aren’t as good as Lu An’an’s… How can I win this competition when her designs are always better than mine?”

A slight frown appeared on Han Ziyuan’s face. Gu Anning’s inaptitude was grating on her nerves. “Don’t worry so much, and finish the design you’re working on.”

Seeing Han Ziyuan leave arrogantly, Gu Anning felt a little dissatisfied.

They both liked Yan Yunge, and Han Ziyuan was hardly better than she was, yet she always had her nose in the air, looking down on her in every one of their conversations.

What did Han Ziyuan possess that she did not? Did she think she was better just because Yan Yunge was her childhood sweetheart?

If that were the case, why had she not married Yan Yunge when she had the chance?

Her thoughts ran wild, fanning her frustrations as they did. Gripping her pencil tightly, she took out her annoyance on her unfinished design.

Meanwhile…

Lu An’an’s studio was brightly lit. Sitting at her desk, Lu An’an sketched a draft of her latest design in pencil.

She had moved everything from home to the studio to better prepare for the finals.

Chen Huan feared she would overwork herself, so he frequently dropped by to see how she was doing. Only after he ascertained she was in a good state did he leave her to her work.

“Sister An’an, I made you some chrysanthemum tea. Drink it while it’s hot,” an assistant of hers said politely, “You’ve been working all day. You must be very tired.”

“Thank you.” Lu An’an took a sip of the Chrysanthemum tea.

“Sister An’an, everyone in our studio thinks very highly of you. We believe you’ll win this year’s design competition!”