The inside of Beauty was in a commotion due to everything that suddenly took everyone by surprise. Not only in the audience, but also in the back as Yue Ling's design team and assistant stood in front of the many monitor screens.
Each person could not help but smile proudly at the screen of their beautiful boss.
They had long waited for this day to come. Even if they did not win first place. As long as the world knows who De L'amour's designer is that is all that matters.
Liu Shan chokes a sob and wipes away the tears that have yet to shed. He had been with Yue Ling since the start of her path to become a fashion designer. At first, he did not understand why she wanted to keep her identity hidden, but now he does. It was indeed for a moment like this.
"Wow Liu Shan. You're already a grown man, how can you cry at a time like this?"
From the side, Gui Zhongmin jokingly spoke. Of course, he would not tell anyone that he only did so because he needed to distract himself from shedding his own tears. Luckily, he saw the assistant's teary eyes.
"Hmmf. I am a grown man."
Liu Shan snorts at the man and wipes his other eye of any tears. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stuck his chest out.
"But, it takes a real grown man to shed these magical tears."
"…."
Gui Zhongmin and the rest of everyone in the room were struck dumbfounded. Was that really something to be proud of? Then again, it is Liu Shan.
On the opposite side of De L'amour, Ning Mei's expression wasn't so good. Her face darkened and turned uglier by the second.
"Is Ning Mei alright?"
"I don't know, but if she doesn't want words to spread about her, she should hide that look on her face."
Two female models of An Qing couldn't help but whisper to each other. This was their first time working together and they thought the rookie was very professional. However, seeing her face now, doubt rose inside them.
Maybe Ning Mei isn't as sweet and kind as they had thought.
As a professional model, one should never express their true feelings in the eyes of others if they wish to keep a good image.
"Both of you shut up!"
Ning Mei glares viciously at both models. She had heard their conversation just as much as anyone else in the same room.
So what if her innocent image is ripped off. As of right now, she cannot contain her anger and no one else matters.
"If both of you still want to remain in this industry, I suggest you keep your both shut and scram!"
"…"
Both models were rendered speechless at Ning Mei's change of attitude towards them. Neither could refute a word to the tiny rookie as if she were of higher superiority.
Which was the truth. Their popularity as models was higher than Ning Mei's, but when it came to family background, theirs was inferior. One word from the rookie and her brother can destroy their career in seconds.
Afraid of what might happen, both women quickly shut their mouth and turn to leave.
Ning Mei scuffs at the two models before turning back to look at the screen. Seeing Yue Ling smiling happily on the stage, she clench her fists tightly.
Not only did Yue Ling stole her spotlight, the slut even stole her man. The one standing next to Lu Tian should have been her, not Yue Ling!
Oblivious to the feelings of those in the back, Wu Jing smiles to the audience, then he looks at Yue Ling.
"Miss Han, your sudden appearance tonight not only shocked the world, but with you publicizing as De L'amour's designer, it has also taken everyone by surprise. Can I ask why the sudden reveal after so many years?"
Saying this, he moves the microphone towards her as the audience seemed to lean forward to hear her answer.
Met with the many curious eyes on her, Yue Ling sighs inside with a soft smile. She had already suspected this to happen and was prepared for it.
"Before I explain my sudden reveal, I would like to thank everyone for taking their time in joining tonight's event. For those who are unaware, I am Han Yue Ling and I apologize for shocking some of you with this news. However, after tonight, I hope everyone becomes familiar with not only the brand, but also with who it's designer is."
As her words finished, what she did not know was that, it was not some who were shocked, but it was all. Every person sitting in the audience had millions of questions that they wanted to ask, but before anyone could voice their thoughts, Wu Jing quickly spoke.
"Miss Han, as your reveal as De L'amour's designer, what are your thoughts about your competitor being An Qing?"
Wu Jing's sudden question quickly caught everyone's attention. The same question was asked to Chen Limei and they heard her response, so how does Yue Ling feel about this?
Hearing the question, Yue Ling did not hesitate to answer. Her eyes scan the faces of the people below and smiles.
"I am truly thankful to An Qing for representing De L'amour these past years. For the effort they put in the past, I am grateful and will remember."
Saying this, she turns to face Chen Limei with a polite smile. One that makes others think of her as a woman who considers Chen Limei a close friend.
"As they decided to represent their own designs this year, I, myself decided to represent my own."
As Yue Ling's words of generosity sounds inside Beauty, everyone nods their head in understanding. However, only Chen Limei's face drained of all colors.
The model's smile was indeed that of no threat, but only she knows the real meaning behind those words.
It was Yue Ling's hidden warning to her. As she (Chen Limei) was the one who forced An Qing into breaching their contract, so now she must pay the price.
Chen Limei dug her nails painfully into her palms as she clench her fists tightly. However, due to the camera's still recording and her being in front of many prestige families in Imperial, her only choice left was to maintain her composure and smile.
By chance, Wu Jing was able to get a quick glance of Chen Limei's expression and he sneers inside. Serves the woman for trying to have a big head.
"What about first place? What does Miss Han think about De L'amour's chances of winning this year's award?"
He couldn't help but ask another question he had asked Chen Limei. He has long known about Yue Ling's identity as a designer since she was still a model, but he does not know how she feels about winning or losing. Even he is curious to hear her response.
Glancing over to the gray hair man, Yue Ling kept her smile. She does not answer right away but turns to look at the audience.
Until her bluish green eyes landed on a certain person amongst the many people, her entire being softens.
It was her yeye. He sat up front and center with a proud look on his face.
For a quick second, her eyes turned moist as a smile of heart throbbing pain replaces the smile on her. However, it appeared so quickly that before anyone could notice, it already disappeared.
"A wise man once told me. Life is like a continuous battlefield. Whether you win or lose, you will always learn to keep going. Instead of aiming to win, remember to embrace the hardship you shared in the battle with those who were with you in that moment."
Her last word fell and she moves her eyes away from her yeye as her words continue.
"So, whether De L'amour wins tonight or not, I am and will forever be grateful."
Down in the audience, Grandfather Ji did not show a change in his stern and strong expression. However, if one were to look very closely, one can see his lower lip trembling.
Never did he think she would remember those words to this day. As they were the exact words, he once said to her when she first started pursuing her dream of becoming a fashion designer.