Chapter 387 Surprised or Shocked?
"Really? I too believe she possesses talent. We are a nation rich in concealed talent, unlike your homeland," came the retort.
Paige bristled at the comment, a spark of anger igniting within her before she quickly masked it with a taunting smile.
"This competition is being broadcast worldwide," she warned. "Do try to refrain from shedding tears when you're defeated. It would be a shame to disgrace your nation."
"Rest assured, I won't be the one in need of tissues," the reply was swift and sharp.
"Did you remember to pack enough for yourself?""You...""I observed your last three matches in Europe, and to be frank, they were nothing short of disastrous. I'm baffled as to where you find the audacity to boast in my presence."
"You...""Enough of this idle chatter. Why not demonstrate your true abilities in the forthcoming match instead of wasting your breath on empty threats?"
The words resonated with the second and third-place winners from the American region, eliciting a round of approving applause."So, you must be Abigail? You're quite fierce! You managed to silence her completely..."
"These people are all talk. She was spouting nonsense in my presence as well. However, out of respect for our fellow countrymen, I refrained from confronting her directly. Abi, you're remarkable! I'm Lily, the runner-up from the previous competition. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
"I'm Megan, the third-place winner last time. Did you mention that you watched Paige's match live? Where were you able to find it? I've been unable to locate any footage online."
"Same here, I've been searching for ages..."
"Well..." Abigail responded, a mischievous grin playing on her lips as she chose to keep her secret.The truth was, she had watched footage from all the contestants' previous competitions, not just Paige's.
These videos were all supplied by her friend Abella!'Understanding your enemy is key,' Abigail mused.However, what piqued Abigail's curiosity was the surprise Abella had alluded to earlier. 'What could it possibly be?'
At the judges' table, Abella addressed the man beside her with a sweet, "Hello, brother."
"Have you had breakfast yet?" Steven's voice softened as he spoke to his sister. He had reluctantly agreed to judge the competition that day, simply to spend more quality time with her.Steven had even shared a photograph with Ethan and Blake, eagerly awaiting their responses.
As expected, they both responded with the same dismissive word: "Scram."Abella obediently answered, "Yes, I've eaten."The spectators were taken aback.
The typically aloof American judge, Steven, had a surprisingly tender side.'Is he doting on that girl?' they wondered."Did Phillipe drop you off last night?"
"Yes, he's currently attending to business at the French branch."
"I'll show you around our family business here after the competition."
"Sounds good."The competition's first event commenced promptly.Initially, Abigail remained composed.
However, upon spotting Abella seated at the judges' table, she froze. To her surprise, a nameplate marked 'QY' was prominently displayed in front of Abella's seat.
A sensation akin to a lightning strike overwhelmed Abigail. Disbelief clouded her mind. The figure she had worshipped, the esteemed Master QY, whom she had longed to encounter through the competition, had been in her company all along.Abella observed her with a glint of amusement in her eyes.
"I thought you'd seen it all, that nothing could catch you off guard," she jested, noting Abigail's struggle to regain her composure.Abigail was left speechless, her mind replaying the instances when Abella had effortlessly enhanced her sketches with a few deft strokes, transforming them into something spectacular.
Back then, Abigail had noticed a resemblance between Abella's audacious design style and that of QY—an expression that was both fierce and liberating. She had even pondered over QY's gender and age.
Abella had assured her that QY was indeed a woman and not of advanced age. Abigail had persistently inquired if Abella had met QY.Reflecting on it now, she felt a wave of foolishness wash over her for not recognizing the esteemed Master who had been right under her nose!Indeed, life would have taken a drastically different turn without Abella's influence.
Abigail had craved QY's autograph, but being an unknown entity, it seemed impossible to cross paths with the celebrity.It was Abella who had nudged her to participate in the competition.
Abigail remembered how she needed an assistant to enter, but lacking influence and confidence, none of her colleagues were willing to step into that role. The harsh reality of their mediocrity was glaringly evident.As a designer, the fear of failure in a significant competition was a deterrent.
However, it was Abella who had stepped up, instilling the courage and confidence that Abigail needed. In the nick of time, just before the registration deadline, they successfully submitted the application.
Abella had been a pillar of support throughout her design journey, not only refining her work and offering advice but also defending her reputation when necessary.Abigail recollected the incident when her work was unjustly accused of plagiarism.
In a flurry, Abella had revamped the design. The 23 modifications were Abella's handiwork, but she allowed Abigail to execute it live to demonstrate her skills to everyone. That broadcast reached an audience of 1.29 million viewers, not only catapulting her to fame but also, on Abella's advice, enabling her to release security footage that showed
Benjamin sneaking into Abella's office to steal designs. Her innocence was vindicated, and the company reaped the benefits of the attention and subsequent orders.Before the regional competition in America commenced, Abella imparted numerous design techniques and tricks. On one occasion, while Abigail insisted on treating Abella to some grilled skewers, they were accosted by a gang sent by a rival, and Abella was injured while protecting her.
Despite this, the very next day, Abella insisted on accompanying her to the competition.Abella's assistance was immeasurable, and it was her presence that enabled Abigail to stand there today, prepared to represent her country in an international competition.
Had Abella merely signed an autograph as QY back then, or had she not taken Abigail under her wing, Abigail's life could have taken a completely different trajectory.Tears welled up in Abigail's eyes as she looked at Abella, her gaze filled with gratitude and emotion.
Abella's lips curled into a smirk, and she thought, 'What a silly girl. Don't cry.'
The host recited the competition rules, and the contestants were then set free to showcase their talents.The first challenge was straightforward. The organizers provided fabric and accessories, requesting contestants to create an outfit that best represented their country.
Under Abella's guidance, Abigail had been an eager learner, absorbing every trick and technique along with hundreds of video tutorials.
Now, every bit of that knowledge flashed through her mind as she expertly cut the fabric, her movements significantly more refined than before.Admiration gleamed in Abella's eyes.
Her protégé had made impressive progress.Steven glanced at his sister, understanding that she was present today solely for Abigail's sake.
Despite numerous invitations in the past, his sister had always declined to appear as a judge...'If only she had shown her face back then, perhaps I would have recognized her. And she could have spared herself some hardship and come home earlier,' he thought.
"Isn't that the assistant from the previous America's Fashion Design Contest, number 16?" A judge suddenly recognized Abella but wasn't certain, considering that she was seated on the judging panel under the identity of QY.
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