Chapter 333: Competition Start
Translator: _Min_ |
The host announced with excitement, “Welcome, everyone, to the Suzhou Embroidery Competition hosted by the Gu Group!”
Upon hearing the host’s words, the audience erupted into applause, their cheers filled with exhilaration.
The host continued, “Now, let me introduce our judge, the esteemed Master Zhen Chan!”
The moment Master Zhen Chan’s name was mentioned, the contestants were stunned into silence. After a few seconds, they regained their composure and expressed their disbelief, “Master Zhen Chan herself!”
“It’s really Master Zhen Chan.”
“My goodness, Master Zhen Chan is such a mystery. I never imagined I’d see her one day.”
“Who is Master Zhen Chan?”
“You don’t know Master Zhen Chan? She is the renowned inheritor of the Suzhou embroidery intangible cultural heritage!”
Wei Jia’s eyes shone brightly as she gazed at Zhen Chan.
Her interest in Suzhou embroidery stemmed from witnessing Master Zhen Chan’s competition years ago. However, despite her efforts to find the master afterwards, she had been unable to locate her. To her astonishment, she had the chance to see Master Zhen Chan in person today!
Li Ying, noticing Wei Jia’s tearful eyes, rolled her eyes disdainfully and said, “Country bumpkin, it’s just someone skilled in Suzhou embroidery, and you’re acting so pathetic.”
Mao Ni, Wei Jia’s friend, stood up angrily, as she fought for her friend, “How can you speak like that, Li Ying? She…”
Wei Jia stopped Mao Ni and gently shook her head, whispering, “Nini, this is the competition. Let’s not bother with Li Ying. The most important thing now is what’s coming up next.”
Mao Ni felt unsatisfied but conceded to Wei Jia’s reasoning, suppressing her urge to confront Li Ying.
Gu Dai was sitting not far from Wei Jia and Li Ying and heard their conversation clearly. Her gaze towards Li Ying cooled.
It seemed her judgment yesterday wasn’t about appearances, but intuition warning her.
The host regained control of the excited crowd at the sight of Zhen Chan and continued, “Besides Master Zhen Chan, we have several other judges!”
After introducing the judges, the host’s gaze fell on Gu Dai, gesturing towards her with a smile, “Among them, we have a special guest.”
The crowd, puzzled, turned to look, but upon seeing Gu Dai, they were struck speechless.
They had never seen such a beautiful woman.
Gu Dai, without makeup and her hair tied in a simple low ponytail, wore a milk-white cheongsam embroidered with bamboo.
Despite her simplicity, her delicate features and gentle smile made her incredibly radiant.
Gu Dai, surprised by the silent admiration, tentatively said, “Hello everyone…”
“Hello, hello!”
“Miss, your voice is so ethereal, and you’re so beautiful, with such a great aura!”
“Big sister, I’m a girl, but is there a chance we can be together?”
“Everyone, calm down, don’t scare the beautiful lady! But she is really beautiful, I like her so much!”
Blushing slightly, not expecting everyone’s warm greetings, Gu Dai responded softly, “Thank you for your kindness. Everyone, do your best in the competition and show your best skills!”
The crowd’s cheers grew louder, unable to help but admire Gu Dai’s beauty and cuteness.
The host, experienced in managing various events, encountered such a lively and bustling atmosphere for the first time. He even felt slightly overwhelmed, unable to control the situation. In search of assistance, his gaze turned pleadingly towards Gu Dai.
Gu Dai announced, “This competition will be conducted in a fully enclosed format. Let’s wait for the host to announce the start.”
“Alright!”
Seizing the calmer moment, the host declared, “The Suzhou Embroidery Competition officially begins now!”
The contest’s theme was open, allowing everyone to express themselves freely.
During the competition, Gu Dai sat beside Zhen Chan.
Zhen Chan, observing the contestants’ work, nodded with satisfaction and remarked, “I didn’t expect so many people in our country to still be dedicated to Suzhou embroidery. I feel those two young ladies did well, the one on the left even better than the one on the right.”
Gu Dai followed Zhen Chan’s gaze to see Wei Jia on the left and Li Ying on the right.
Li Ying’s work was standard, but it appeared somewhat rough compared to Wei Jia’s vibrant creations using a special embroidery technique.
Gu Dai nodded in agreement.
Li Ying, sitting farther away, couldn’t hear what Zhen Chan and Gu Dai were discussing, but she assumed they were praising her..