Chapter 120: A Shocking Revelation

“My word! Is this actually Mo Di’s work? How is this possible?”

Lu An’an nodded along, “That’s right. This is a replica of Mo Di’s work. Some might say that this is her maiden piece which launched her to fame in the fashion industry. Back then, she was madly in love with a man. Unfortunately, the love of her life got into an accident, becoming one of her greatest regrets. Therefore, she did not want to put it up for anyone to see.”

Lu An’an gestured at the two models and said, “As you can see, this piece is dated, and anyone with knowledge of the industry would know that it bears characteristics of the last century. I modified it slightly to create a wedding dress more suited to the current trends.”

“Now that you mention it, I do see the shadow of Mo Di’s work in Lu An’an’s piece,” another judge interjected with some surprise. “But how did you chance upon Mo Di’s design draft?”

“My husband once took me to a private exhibition hosting Mo Di’s works. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the design draft then,” Lu An’an explained.

“Why did you choose to use Mo Di’s work as your final piece?”

“I knew someone would copy my idea since it’s happened to me throughout the competition. That person is standing on stage today,” Lu An’an paused, allowing her words to sink in, “I deliberately borrowed ideas from a small but famous designer to lure her out into the open. I didn’t expect to catch her, hook, line and sinker.”

Lu An’an’s words caused an uproar.

Netizens began wildly investigating Gu Anning’s origins.

Lu An’an’s words were reasonable, swaying public opinion in her favour. Gu Anning’s silence only seemed to lend credence to the truth revealed.

…

It was obvious whose work had been copied.

“I had a hunch the copycat would try and steal my work again, so I decided to borrow Mo Di’s piece to see if they would try and copy it as they’d done before.”

“And… I was right.” Lu An’an sneered at Gu Anning, “If you had an ounce of knowledge, you would have known from the start that this isn’t a piece that would work.”

Gu Anning paled. Her mind drew a blank. She wanted to end Lu An’an’s career, but the tables had turned, and now she was likely to lose hers.

All cameras were on her. Gu Anning felt a chill run down her spine.

This was it. It was the end. Her career, her reputation… all of it had gone up in flames.

“As a designer, your work should reflect yourself, your passion, soul and dignity. What does it say of yourself if the only thing you know how to do is to copy others?” Lu An’an’s words cut deep into Gu Anning.

As she spoke, she arrived by the model’s side. She fished out a lighter from her pocket and lit the dress aflame.

The model wearing her dress spun in a circle. Like a butterfly out of its cocoon, the ashen remains of the dress fluttered, disappearing in fiery motes.

In its place was a gorgeous wedding dress studded with water diamonds.

Lu An’an’s dress was dazzling. One could see it glimmering even from a distance.

The sudden transformation stunned the judges.

The reporters and cameramen on site were moved by the display, frantically waving their microphones and recording equipment to be the first to report the latest scoop.

Lu An’an beamed with pride, confident in her work. She turned to Gu Anning, enunciating each word clearly, “Do you see this? This is a real designer’s work. A work without a soul is an artist without a heart.”

Gu Anning bowed her head in defeat. She knew she had lost, suffering a crushing defeat. She no longer had a place to call her own in the fashion world.

The spotlights swivelled to Lu An’an, and she basked in the glory of her victory.

She, like her dress, shone with such brilliance it was almost blinding.

In the audience stands, Han Ziyuan’s expression turned unsightly.

Gu Anning’s defeat meant her plan would be exposed to the public.

Yan Yunge looked over his shoulder at Han Ziyuan and said, “Your end will not be pleasant if you continue down this path. I’ll let you off today, but from here on out, I never want to see you again. Leave.”

Han Ziyuan trembled as she glared at Yan Yunge. “Did you know the outcome from the start?”

“No, I didn’t.” Yan Yunge stared, mesmerised by the girl on stage. A smile tugged at his lips, “I believe in Lu An’an. I know she’ll overcome any obstacles in her path.”

Han Ziyuan bit her lips and cried, tears blurring her vision of Yan Yunge.

“Leave. I won’t hold you responsible on account of our past relationship. Remember what I said; from now on, we are strangers to each other. Don’t ever appear before me again.”

Han Ziyuan left.

The competition erupted in loud cheers. Countless colourful ribbons streamed from the ceiling, falling on the competition stage.

Lu An’an ushered in the most glorious moment of her life.

Her rise to stardom occurred overnight. Lu An’an became a highly sought-after designer in the fashion world.

Chen Huan watched the finals with mixed feelings. When he saw Lu An’an’s final work, he was so shocked that he could not speak.

He knew that Lu An’an was talented, but he did not expect that Lu An’an’s talent was even more heaven-defying than he had imagined.

Lu An’an’s wedding dress caused a sensation on the internet.

It instantly became the most popular topic, trending on forums and news outlets.

Lu An’an deserved the championship title more than anyone else with her final wedding dress’s design.

After the competition ended, many famous people and celebrities contacted Lu an’an through various channels, hoping to buy her masterpiece.

However, Lu An’an refused one after another.

“Someone offered 70 million for your wedding dress, but you refused to sell it.”

Yan Yunge looked at her and could not help but laugh. “I thought you would give in.”

“This wedding dress means a lot to me.” Lu An’an looked at the glimmering dress and smiled. “I didn’t design this wedding dress for the competition. I designed it for my wedding.”

An indescribable sensation welled up in Yan Yunge’s chest. “Really? I thought you only designed it for the competition.”

“That measly competition is not worth my effort.” Lu An’an looked up at Yan Yunge and smiled shyly. “Are you happy?”

“I’m very happy.”

“How’s the wedding planning going?” She asked, a teasing smile on her face.

“I’ll arrange it however way you’d like. Just say the word, and it’ll be done,” Yan Yunge hugged her, planting a chaste kiss on her lips. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

–

A month later…

On Qingfeng Island, waves splashed against the shore.

Lu An’an put on the wedding dress she designed, walking towards Yan Yunge’s under everyone’s expectant gazes.

Friends and family cheered, their expressions alight with joy.

“Yan Yunge, do you take Lu An’an as your lawful wife? To have and to hold from this day forth, for better or worse, richer or poor, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you apart?

Yan Yunge looked at Lu An’an affectionately and said, “I do.”

“Lu An’an, do you take Yan Yunge as your lawful husband? To have and to hold from this day forth, for better or worse, richer or poor, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you apart?”

Lu An’an looked at Yan Yunge through the delicate veil and said, “I have been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

“I do.”

The audience burst into thunderous applause.