Volume One, Chapter 18: What Should She Do About Her Xixi?

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After finishing, Fu Xicheng took Cheng Muyan in his arms and strode away.

Su Tingwan’s entire spirit collapsed.

She slid down from the car, lowering her head in discomfort, burying it in her knees.

She returned to the venue, still clinging to a sliver of hope.

Xixi was dead.

It was impossible for Fu Xicheng to go and see Xixi.

Perhaps he could believe her words and return to her the first place that originally belonged to her.

But judging by his attitude just now, tonight’s outcome was utterly beyond any chance of reversal.

One million— to the wealthy, it was pocket change.

But for ordinary people, earning one million was not something achievable in a short time.

What was to become of her Xixi?

After a while, Su Tingwan composed herself and went upstairs for makeup and styling.

……

At the awards ceremony,

the host went through the program on stage.

Su Tingwan waited backstage with the other finalists for the results.

Cheng Muyan sat at the front, wearing the latest haute couture from brand X’s upcoming spring collection, which Fu Xicheng had helped her acquire.

She was the first to debut it today.

Someone behind recognized it and hesitantly asked, “Muyan, is that brand X’s newest spring haute couture?”

“Mm,” Cheng Muyan replied softly.

“Your boyfriend treats you so well, I’m so jealous.”

Cheng Muyan’s affectionate gaze turned toward Fu Xicheng, seated in the first row, her tone gentle, “Yes, he loves me and treats me very well.”

After speaking, amid the crowd’s flattering compliments and admiration, she glanced faintly toward the shadows behind.

There sat Su Tingwan.

……

On stage,

the host smoothly proceeded to the final award segment.

He opened the envelope and loudly announced the winner.

“The first place in this competition is—”

“Cheng Muyan.”

A cold smile curled on Su Tingwan’s lips.

She already knew the result, but when those words were spoken, she still couldn’t help but clench her fists tightly.

She raised her eyes to look toward the first row.

Fu Xicheng sat there with elegant dignity. Sensing her gaze, he looked back at her.

His eyes were icy, devoid of any warmth.

The host continued to announce the rankings—

“Second place, Su Tingwan.”

“Third place, Huang Ying.”

With the announcements complete, applause erupted.

The host then said—

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“Please welcome the award recipients to the stage.”

Cheng Muyan was the first to rise, walking confidently and gracefully to the stage.

Her makeup exquisite, her haute couture gown stunning.

The moment she appeared, she instantly became the center of attention.

Thunderous applause filled the hall.

Cheng Muyan’s smile deepened.

This greatly satisfied her vanity.

However, her moment in the spotlight lasted only a few seconds.

The moment Su Tingwan followed closely behind and stood beside her, the entire audience’s gaze shifted away from Cheng Muyan and towards Su Tingwan.

Including Fu Xicheng.

Cheng Muyan even caught a flash of astonishment in Fu Xicheng’s eyes.

Her smile barely held.

Her meticulous appearance could not compare to Su Tingwan’s casual ensemble.

Lifting her skirt slightly, Cheng Muyan clenched her hands tightly just to maintain a composed smile.

The three stood side by side on the stage.

The host continued the program.

“Now, please welcome Fu Xicheng, president of the Fu Group, to present the award to our first-place winner, Ms. Cheng Muyan.”

Most people present had only heard of Fu Xicheng’s name but never seen him.

No one expected he would appear at this competition.

The tall, handsome man’s presence immediately drew everyone’s attention back to Cheng Muyan.

Including Su Tingwan.

Her lips maintained a polite smile, but the warmth did not reach her eyes.

She watched coldly as Fu Xicheng handed the money meant for Xixi’s burial plot directly to Cheng Muyan.

Hatred surged in her heart.

Noticing Su Tingwan’s gaze, Fu Xicheng’s eyes flickered briefly.

When Cheng Muyan linked her arm with his for a photo, Fu Xicheng did not refuse.

The crowd erupted.

Everyone knew Fu Xicheng was married with children and had always been known for his integrity outside.

This was the first time he had been so intimate with another woman in public.

Given the brand of the dress Cheng Muyan wore, backstage whispers speculated she might be the famed Mrs. Fu.

“Look, Muyan and Mr. Fu’s silhouettes are exactly the same as the ones leaked about a month ago when Mr. Fu privately booked Disneyland to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.”

These words reminded Su Tingwan of the day her daughter was cremated.

Her gaze toward Fu Xicheng grew even colder.

Until the host spoke again.

“Next, please welcome Lu Yuncheng, president of the Lu Group, to present the award to our second-place winner, Ms. Su Tingwan.”

At the mention of Lu Yuncheng’s name, the crowd murmured again.

The Lu family was also a century-old prominent family in Jing City, with Lu Yuncheng as this generation’s head.

He and Fu Xicheng were the two most outstanding figures among all the great families of Jing City in this era.

Amidst the murmurs, Su Tingwan looked toward the spotlight.

A tall, handsome man in a dark gray suit slowly stood up.

His features were refined yet carried the imposing aura of a leader. He stepped onto the stage and accepted the trophy from the host.

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He gave a slight nod, his demeanor distant.

Then, approaching Su Tingwan, the aloofness vanished, and a faint smile curved his lips. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

The coldness in Su Tingwan’s eyes dissipated, replaced by a sincere smile as she took the trophy.

During the photo session,

they stood side by side, a perfect match of talent and beauty.

Backstage, excitement buzzed again.

Everyone spoke of these two influential figures, long rumored but rarely seen together.

Fu Xicheng was clearly there for Cheng Muyan.

Could Lu Yuncheng be there for Su Tingwan?

Listening to the backstage whispers, Fu Xicheng’s expression darkened as he watched Su Tingwan smile at Lu Yuncheng and the special manner in which Lu Yuncheng regarded Su Tingwan.

On stage, the host continued.

“Finally, please welcome Gu Ye, chief designer of Carlisle Jewelry Company, to present the award to our third-place winner, Ms. Huang Ying.”

Gu Ye stepped on stage and presented the award to Huang Ying.

After the award ceremony,

Gu Ye turned to Cheng Muyan, “Welcome to join Carlisle Jewelry Company. Best of luck.”

Cheng Muyan immediately clasped Gu Ye’s hand, basking in this unique moment of glory.

“Teacher Gu, I’m honored to join Carlisle Jewelry Company as your intern designer. I look forward to learning from you.”

The first-place prize of one million was significant, but more importantly for Cheng Muyan, this meant she could join Carlisle Jewelry Company as Gu Ye’s intern.

Gu Ye’s mentor was Sang Ning.

Sang Ning was the founder of Carlisle Jewelry Company and a genius designer acclaimed both domestically and internationally.

Her designs were beloved by many prominent ladies and socialites.

Sang Ning’s vast network spanned military, political, business circles, and even foreign royal families.

Gaining Sang Ning’s favor and becoming her apprentice

was equivalent to inheriting all these connections.

These were exactly what Fu’s father valued.

“Your designs are good; I have high hopes for you. Keep it up.”

Gu Ye glanced at Fu Xicheng, then politely encouraged Cheng Muyan.

Cheng Muyan was overjoyed, “Thank you, Teacher. I will work hard.”

So what if Su Tingwan’s talent was greater?

So what if her designs were better?

Now, the first-place winner was her!

The one who got into Carlisle Jewelry Company was also her!

The jewelry competition was held once every three years.

Even if Su Tingwan had another chance to win first place three years later,

by then Cheng Muyan would have already achieved success and fame.

Su Tingwan would never rise again as long as she was here.

Just as Cheng Muyan was reveling in her triumph,

Gu Ye’s voice rang out again, “I have one more piece of good news to announce.”