Chapter 334: I’m Definitely First
Translator: _Min_ |
Li Ying looked at Wei Jia with disdain, letting out a cold snort filled with mockery. “Someone like you, a mere country bumpkin, could never create anything worthwhile. You’re bound to fail in this round of competition anyway, so why not just give up now? It would save you the embarrassment of coming in last.”
Wei Jia cast a fleeting glance at Li Ying, then returned her focus to her embroidery, unaffected by the taunts.
Li Ying, witnessing Wei Jia’s unaffected demeanor, rolled her eyes in annoyance.
She had been the center of attention all her life, but Wei Jia’s indifference, as if she didn’t matter at all, irritated her deeply.
Li Ying believed that Wei Jia was just a proud yet poor individual who, despite appearing indifferent on the surface, surely harbored deep envy towards her inside.
Proudly tilting her head, Li Ying imagined herself as the undisputed winner of the competition.
She recalled how Zhen Chan and the other unattractive woman had paid attention to her during the contest, seemingly impressed by her work. She was convinced they had already silently acknowledged her as the victor.
The competition came to a swift conclusion. After the participants had submitted their works for the judges’ evaluation, they took a moment to rest.
Gu Dai had a brief conversation with the judges and decided to step out for some fresh air. As she approached the rooftop, she overheard a heated argument.
Li Ying’s voice was sharp, “Just as I thought, a poor wretch like you can only afford to munch on tasteless, filling-less buns!”
Mao Ni frowned, “Li Ying, Jiajia hasn’t provoked you. Why are you always targeting her?”
Li Ying retorted, “How has she not provoked me? Her very appearance provokes me. I disliked her from the moment I laid eyes on her!”
Li Ying was especially irritated recalling how, whenever she shared a stage with Wei Jia, the men’s attention seemed drawn to her.
But then, assuming a condescending air, Li Ying declared, “I’ll have you know, I won’t bother with you anymore.”
Wei Jia remained unimpressed, waiting for Li Ying to continue as she stared coldly towards her.
Li Ying boasted, “I’m already the top contender in this round, and I’ll undoubtedly win the finals too. Our statuses are worlds apart now; you’re not even worth my time. I’d disdain even to have you shine my shoes!”
After this, Li Ying looked at Wei Jia with contempt.
Wei Jia, unfazed, replied, “The competition isn’t over yet, and the results are still pending. How can you be so sure of your victory?”
Li Ying, with a smug smile curling at the corners of her mouth, proudly proclaimed, “Master Zhen Chan and that unsightly woman, who must have used some trick to become a special guest, watched me during my performance. They even had expressions of satisfaction.”
Mao Ni scoffed, “Jiajia was competing right beside you. Maybe the judges were actually impressed with her. And just because someone glances at you, you assume you’ve won?”
Li Ying trembled with anger, pointing her finger at Wei Jia, “Does she even deserve the judges’ attention? Besides, when the competition results are announced, you’ll see if I’m the champion or not. Just wait and see who gets humiliated then!”
With that, Li Ying stormed off the rooftop, slamming the door behind her with a resounding crash.
Gu Dai emerged from the staircase, her eyes narrowing as she watched Li Ying’s retreating figure.
Back at the judges’ panel, the judges had reached a preliminary decision.
Zhen Chan, holding the works of both Wei Jia and Li Ying, expressed her dilemma, “Both entries are impressive. It’s hard to choose.”
Gu Dai, after a brief glance, decisively pointed at Wei Jia’s work. “This one.”
Zhen Chan, puzzled, asked, “Why?”
Gu Dai explained, “Li Ying’s work, though initially striking, quickly becomes tiring to the eye. It’s flawed upon closer inspection. Wei Jia’s work, on the other hand, is the exact opposite.”
After hearing Gu Dai’s words, Auntie Zhen examined them carefully again and then nodded with a smile. “You’re right, it’s just as you said.”
After saying this, Zhen Chan expressed her surprise. “I didn’t expect you to be knowledgeable about Suzhou Embroidery.”
Gu Dai pursed her lips and smiled lightly. “I studied it a bit in the past, so I know a little.”
Once the two had made their decision, they shared their thoughts with the other judges. Upon hearing this, the judges unanimously agreed, nodding their heads in approval.
After finalizing their decision, everyone waited for the host to announce the final results..