"I knew it! With De L'amour's outstanding designs, Han Yue Ling is meant to win first place!"
"As expected of the true champion! Every year, An Qing won only because of De L'amour. Now that De L'amour has represented themselves, it's not surprise that An Qing lost."
After Lu Tian announced the winner, the audience cheer in applause and words full of praises. However, only Chen Limei muted everything out with eyes staring out into emptiness. In a quiet voice, she repeatedly murmurs to herself in disbelief.
"How can this be? What went wrong?"
Without a care for the woman's feelings, Yue Ling stood from her seat with a smile and steps onto the stage. She gestures a polite bow to the audience then another one to the judges before walking over to Lu Tian and Wu Jing.
In her steady steps, she approaches the two men as the crystal award is given to Lu Tian and a bouquet of orchid and dried flowers is given to Wu Jing. Both men stares in her direction in awe with a hint of proudness written on their faces.
"Congratulations, Yue Ling."
Lu Tian's expressionless face changes into a soft one as he hands the award to his wife. He is truly proud of her accomplishment in something she cares about. Especially when he gets to witness and spend this moment with her.
From the side, Wu Jing who was suddenly blocked by the aloof man pokes his head out from the side. He steps into view and didn't care about what Lu Tian will do to him as he cuts in with a face full of smiles and hands Yue Ling the bouquet of flowers.
"Congratulations, Yue Ling! I knew you would win!"
"Thank you both."
Yue Ling smiles to both men and turn to face the audience. Her left arm wraps around the bouquet holding it in place. She lightly lifts up her right hand holding the award and flashes her straight white teeth with a cheesy grin curls on her lip to the audience and cameras.
"YES—!!!"
In the back, Liu Shan exclaims loudly with his eyes tightly squeezed shut. Both his arms raise into fists with both index fingers pointing out in the air as he runs in a circle like a wild bull.
"Yes—!! We're number 1—!!"
At the same time, the twins Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin fell to their knees. One sighs aloud while the other held his head. Both men felt as if a large mountain had been lifted from their shoulders. The nervous wreck they had been feeling dissipated into thin air at the announcement of the winner.
"Inu! Your mommy did it! She won!"
Ju Suo's petite figure jumps in joy as she turns to hug the Samoyed. However, before she could take a step, she quickly stops herself.
"Never mind. Ju Suo will give you a high five in the air."
Saying this, she could only stretch out her arm out in midair as if to high five the Samoyed, because Inu's expression at this moment was full of happiness until she wanted to hug him. His face was as if saying, 'Hug me and I will turn you into a panda again.'
On the stage, Wu Jing hands Yue Ling a microphone, but with her hands full, she smiles apologetically to him before turning to an female employee on standby and hands the items to her.
"I'll hold them."
Before the employee could step onto the stage, Lu Tian made a move first. He had long returned to his indifferent temperament but leisurely takes the award and bouquet from his wife.
As her man, it is his duty to carry her things for her.
"…."
Yue Ling was at a loss for all words. Having the items taken from her before she could say anything, she could only smile a chuckle to him.
"Thank you."
She turns back to look at Wu Jing and takes the microphone.
Wu Jing stares at the two people and he shook his head as no one can tell what he is thinking about at this moment. He quickly brushes off any thoughts he had and brought the microphone closer to his lip.
"Miss Han, congratulations on winning this year's annual Fall Fashion Show. Is there anything you would like to say?"
Yue Ling stood in the center between both men and she takes a deep breath. Never did she thought she would be the one standing up here to receive the award. In the past, she may have modeled for An Qing but when it came to the award, it was Chen Limei who stood up here.
Glancing at the award in Lu Tian's hand, a faint smile curl on her lip before she lift her hand holding the microphone and looks back at the audience.
"I would like to thank An Qing and the judges for allowing me this opportunity to receive this award. No words can express how I am feeling at this moment. Not only the judges but my also my team. Without their hard help, none of these designs would have come to life."
Within her speech, she couldn't help but let out a sigh. Her eyes wonder to her grandfather in the audience.
"I am also thankful to the ones who have pushes me throughout the years to better myself. With their love and support, I am who I am today."
Her eyes glance away to the cameras broadcasting and her words continue.
"To my fans here and to those who are watching from home. Although, I was a model that you all supported, I hope that my sudden public appearance as a designer does not stop you all from supporting me."
Her speech continued through the night as she thanked everyone who has been by her side and pushing her in this complicated path. As her speech nears its end, she held the microphone with both her hands and brings the microphone closer to her mouth with her eyes staring ahead.
"I have mentioned many people, and I know you probably thought I have forgotten about you, but I haven't."
She slowly turns to her side and her bluish green eyes meets the dark pupils of the aloof man. She sighs a smile to him and part her lips.
"Thank you for being by my side and being here with me today."