Chapter 64: It Must Be Her

The judge's words were clearly highly biased; allowing Yunsheng Studio to present evidence while refusing Floating Water to do so was obviously unfair.

Li Yan seemed to have been prepared, sneered, and arrogantly said, "Since that's the case, we'll present evidence together!"

Just as she finished speaking, Xie Zian calmly said, "Hold on!"

He stepped forward, looked at the two people before him, finally fixed his gaze on Xi Wan, and said slowly, "I have an old friend who once created a design similar to the two of your works; aside from the plum‑blossom ribbon on the wrist, there are slight differences. I think the ends are the same, and your design concepts should be close to hers. So why don't each of you tell me what special significance your plum‑blossom ribbon holds? The one resembling my old friend would be the owner of the design sketch!"

The meaning of the plum‑blossom ribbon?

Li Yan frowned, feeling a surge of irritation.

How could she know what the plum‑blossom ribbon means!

But… after glancing at Xi Wan, a sense of unwillingness rose in her heart, and she quickly spoke first:

"Plum blossoms stand proud against snow and frost, unafraid of the bitter cold; their noble character matches the ancient‑style elements and elegant qualities in the design, which is why we chose the plum‑blossom ribbon."

After she finished, she looked at Xie Zian with expectation.

Xie Zian nodded, then turned his gaze to Xi Wan and asked, "And you?"

Everyone waited for Xi Wan's answer. Yet she calmly uttered a few words: "When I was drawing, a plum blossom fell; I thought it was beautiful, so I added it on a whim, with no particular meaning."

Sneering laughter rang out repeatedly.

"What kind of answer is that?"

"Well, of course a design has meaning!"

"Exactly, so it must be that she plagiarized Li Yan."

…

Yet amid the ridicule and mockery, Xie Zian looked at the masked and hat‑clad Xi Wan in disbelief, the corners of his eyes flushing red.

"Yes, your answer is very similar to what my old friend said."

His voice hoarse, he said slowly.

The crowd inside was instantly startled.

Li Yan's face turned urgent as she defended, "Impossible! She plagiarized me; you're mistaken!"

Other members of Floating Water followed suit, saying, "Teacher Xie, you must be mistaken; it has to be that woman who plagiarized!"

"Exactly! It's that woman who plagiarized!"

However, Xie Zian looked at the crowd and said, "I have stated that the principle Wanwan expounded is the true concept of this design sketch. I announce that Floating Water is disqualified for plagiarism; the others may continue the competition."

The venue erupted in a roar.

Floating Water's members were also very dissatisfied, their faces angry as they protested, but Xie Zian only uttered, "If you have any grievances, you may present your drafts and evidence here to prove your innocence!"

Gradually, the voices of doubt faded.

The security politely escorted Li Yan and the others out.

From start to finish, Xie Zian's gaze never left Xi Wan.

Until the preliminary round ended, seeing Lu Xiwán preparing to leave, Xie Zian hurried after her, his expression agitated: "Lu Xiwán…"

However, the crowd inside the venue was too dense; by the time Xie Zian pushed through, Lu Xiwán's figure had already vanished in the throng…

Xie Zian stopped in place, his fingers gradually tightening.

Unaware, Xie Zian's eyes reddened, and he trembled as he took out his phone.

"Fu Er, I think I saw Lu Xiwán."

A clamor came from the other end of the line, then the busy tone cut off.

Ten minutes later, Fu Sijue arrived at the competition site and saw only Xie Zian sitting in a chair, lost in thought.

"Wanwan where?" Fu Sijue, unable to mind his image, grabbed Xie Zian and asked anxiously.

Xie Zian shook his head regretfully, "She's already gone, but she participated in Huacai Fashion Week under the name Wan."

Fu Sijue looked at Xie Zian, his ink‑black eyes swirling with intense emotion.

"I'll send people to investigate right now—" he was cut off before finishing.

"Don't alert her yet."

Xie Zian glanced around the venue, "She looks on stage just like Lu Xiwán."

—her whole being radiant.

Xie Zian was certain that person was Lu Xiwán.