Chapter 434 Provocation
Emma watched Phoenix walk away, a slight smile playing on her lips.
It seemed Phoenix was pleased with the design she had provided.
But Emma didn't say much, instead focusing on her own work. Even though she was a special guest and not competing, she still needed to submit a design.
Soon, the other designers began submitting their pieces as well. As the deadline approached, a collective sigh of relief filled the room.
"Finally done! This design really took a lot out of me!"
"Yeah, I hope the judges like my work!"
As they packed up their tools, the designers chatted amongst themselves, occasionally glancing in the direction Phoenix had gone, their eyes full of mockery and disdain.
"She was the first to submit, how ridiculous!"
"Exactly, with her attitude, what good could she possibly design? Probably something she prepared in advance!"
The judges began carefully reviewing each jewelry design.
The contestants, feeling a bit bored, gathered in small groups to chat. The atmosphere was tense yet subtle, and no one wanted to sit with Phoenix, treating her like an unwelcome guest.
Their dislike for her was palpable.
Phoenix sat in her spot, looking around, a cold smile on her lips.
These useless, mediocre people! All they know was to flatter Emma.
Just wait until she won first place; then they would all be fawning over her!
People were always so quick to suck up to those in power.
They loved a good show, right?
Well, she would make sure this show was unforgettable!
"I have a suggestion," Phoenix said, her smile fading slightly, her tone polite and seemingly considerate, "Since we're all just waiting, why don't we take a look at Emma's design? What do you all think?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the atmosphere livened up. Some contestants nodded eagerly, their eyes shining with excitement. "Great idea! Emma's designs are legendary in the industry!"
"Yeah, we'd love to know where she gets her inspiration from!"
Emma smiled slightly, understanding Phoenix's ploy, and responded with action. "Alright, I'll share my design and the thought process behind it."
The host quickly moved to display Emma's design on the big screen. The audience gathered around, eyes glued to the intricate jewelry designs, murmuring in admiration.
"This design is incredible, the details are perfect!"
"The color combinations are so innovative, full of inspiration!"
"This isn't just jewelry, it's art!"
While everyone was immersed in praise, Phoenix was stunned. She nervously compared her own design to Emma's, a growing sense of unease filling her.
Phoenix thought, 'How can this be? Emma's design is completely different from mine!' Her carefully planned exposure was suddenly on shaky ground.
Suppressing her doubts, she mustered the courage to speak up. "Wait a minute! Emma, this design is different from your usual style. I suspect you might have copied it. Can you provide proof of originality?"
The air grew tense, and everyone turned to Emma, their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation, as if a trial was about to begin.
Emma smirked, having anticipated Phoenix's question. She cleared her throat and began to explain calmly, "Actually, this design was inspired by the geometric shapes found in nature, like honeycombs and flower petals. I incorporated these elements into my jewelry designs, each piece conveying the beauty and harmony of nature. My designs went through multiple experiments and revisions, with deep meaning behind every detail."
Her voice was gentle yet firm, gradually capturing the attention of those around her. The audience listened intently, expressing their admiration.
Meanwhile, Phoenix grew increasingly anxious, thinking of how to counterattack. "But can you show us some sketches or records to prove the originality of these designs?"
Emma continued, "Of course. I have documented the entire creative process, which I can show everyone. I value not just the final product, but the creative thought behind it."
She displayed her sketches, photos of her inspirations, and detailed design documents, including every revision made during the process. "These are the records of each stage of my original work."
But Phoenix wasn't ready to give up. "These documents don't prove you didn't get the topic in advance or that you didn't have outside help."
Her words caused a stir, and the audience began whispering, their eyes shifting between Emma and Phoenix. "Could Emma really have gotten the topic beforehand?"
"I have evidence!" Phoenix exclaimed, as if holding a decisive weapon. "I know you contacted Stellar Creations Design Studio and commissioned them to make your jewelry pieces. One of their designers even told me you got the topic in advance! This isn't just a baseless accusation; it's clear you cheated!"
The room erupted in chatter, the contestants stunned and unsure, their gazes crossing, as if rumors and past scandals were about to surface. Trust in Emma quickly turned to suspicion.
"This is a serious issue! If this is true, how can we talk about fairness in the competition?" one serious-looking contestant muttered.
The crowd's emotions flared like dry tinder catching fire, demanding answers. "We need an explanation!"
"It's unfair!"
Seeing the chaos, a glint of satisfaction flashed in Phoenix's eyes as she continued to stoke the flames. "Everyone, calm down. I have more crucial evidence." She pulled out a photo from her bag, proudly showing it to the crowd. "I got this by chance! Look, it's a photo of judge Valentin meeting with Emma in private! It's obvious she knew the topic in advance!"
The crowd gasped, their eyes fixed on the photo, discussions breaking out. Valentin was known for being a strict judge. If he had private dealings with Emma, the competition's results would seem predetermined.
They were all just stepping stones!
"How can this be? Are we going to let someone so unfair judge our work?" one contestant said angrily.
Though many eyes were on Emma, her high status in the jewelry design world meant few dared to openly challenge her, only sneaking glances.
Despite being pushed to the center of the storm, Emma remained calm.
Phoenix found her composed demeanor infuriating.
How can she stay so calm when everything's falling apart?
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