The competition began.
Many contestants, both male and female, participated.
The competition was divided into four preliminary rounds. The winners of these rounds would then compete one last time to determine the ultimate champion.
The name of this grand competition was: Starlight.
Contestants were required to surrender all electronic devices, including mobile phones. They were not even allowed to bring pens or paper.
They could only wear the uniforms provided by the organizers. Women had to tie up their hair, while men were required to have buzz cuts.
Those whose hairstyles did not meet the requirements were disqualified on the spot.
Despite the rather stringent regulations, the prizes were incredibly generous: the opportunity to attend the foremost design institution in Country E and become the personal disciple of the renowned design master, Qing Niao.
Of course, contestants were permitted to wear masks to conceal their identities, protecting them from potential sabotage. This was part of the organizers' commitment to safeguarding the designers.
However, those who were confident or had strong backing could choose to compete with their faces revealed.
Their design creations would then be auctioned by listed companies on-site, and the products would subsequently be released for sale.
As for Nan Shiqing...
Her reputation had already been established. With the design drafts from Mu Yinyin, she had become an object of admiration and reverence for many.
She aspired to become Qing Niao's personal disciple and, more importantly, aimed to make her name renowned through this competition.
Indeed, many were already unconsciously looking in her direction, their eyes filled with eager anticipation.
Many began to wonder how wonderful it would be if they could be as outstanding as Nan Shiqing.
However...
Nan Shiqing was currently...
She no longer possessed her usual pride. Instead, her heart was filled with anxiety, as she had begun searching the venue for a familiar figure.
Mu Yinyin...
Having come here, she must be here for design. So, among the many designers, was she present?
However...
There were too many contestants, and after searching for a while, she couldn't find her. She also dared not glance around too conspicuously, so she could only forcefully suppress her inner tension and prepare for the competition...
Amidst the commotion, someone slowly walked to the center of the stage. A man in a blue-black suit, holding a microphone, approached the stage. He stood in the center and smiled politely at everyone, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our competition venue in person..."
The official speeches continued one after another. However, few had the patience to listen until the rules were announced. Then, everyone began to listen attentively.
"Alright, I've said enough. Let's not waste everyone's time. Our competition—officially begins! Please follow me, contestants."
Many had already familiarized themselves with the process and knew that the competition was not held on-site. Most followed along with ease.
Soon, they were led into a valley, alive with the vibrancy of spring and the melodious chirping of birds.
As everyone waited, the organizers directly announced through the microphone: "The theme for this challenge is Spring. Here are your props, please come and collect them."
The so-called props were a drawing board and a piece of drawing paper.
The most crucial items were missing.
Everyone was utterly bewildered. They looked at each other, wondering if additional materials would be provided.
However... after waiting for a while without receiving any drawing brushes, someone couldn't help but ask, "Esteemed examiner, are you sure you're not joking with us? How are we supposed to draw without brushes? Moreover, one sheet of paper is clearly not enough, and there are no paints either!"
The man who spoke voiced the thoughts of everyone present. They all turned to look at the examiner.
The examiner was an elderly gentleman. He lightly pursed his lips and said dismissively, "An excellent creator wouldn't be concerned with such trivial matters. I have already given you the theme. As for materials, behold, are these not them?"
The vast, open expanse of nature, adorned with red flowers and green foliage.
Designing with Spring as the theme, without fine brush tips, made it difficult to render.
Immediately, someone refuted the elder's words, "This is for design drafts, not for abstract plein air sketching in the countryside. If it were abstract sketching, I could provide you with a drawing right now!"
"This theme, coupled with the current environment, are you sure you're not trying to make things difficult for us?"
"The theme is set. Because no tools were provided, you have two hours. You must make good use of your time." With these words, the elder walked away with his hands behind his back, offering no further hints and no intention of providing drawing brushes.
In this Starlight Competition, no contestant was allowed any companions.
Therefore, Fu Siye and Qi Mo could only wait in the reception room of the company where they had reported.
A cup of tea was placed before each of them. The aroma of the tea was faint, but neither of them made a move to lift their cups.
Fu Siye frowned slightly, clearly surprised by Qi Mo's presence there.
However, the next moment, as if remembering something, he recalled that Ai Mi seemed to be someone who enjoyed design. A sneer flickered across Fu Siye's eyes.
"Mr. Fu truly cares for his girlfriend," Qi Mo said with a half-smile, appearing exceptionally composed.
He had investigated everything about Mu Yinyin and how could he not know that Mu Yinyin and Fu Siye had appeared at the civil affairs bureau together some time ago? How could he not know about Mu Yinyin's past?
For such a contemptible woman, he had hurt Mu Yinyin repeatedly. Fu Siye didn't know whether to call him a complete scumbag or thank him for his abandonment.
Fu Siye was amused to the point of laughter. "How can I compare to Young Master Qi? You have a woman by your side, yet you still have eyes for another."
Before Qi Mo could respond, he sarcastically continued, "Mr. Qi is so busy, how do you manage to extricate yourself so freely?"
Extricate yourself so freely.
Fu Siye was referring to Qi Mo being caught between Mu Yinyin and Ai Mi, straddling two boats.
Moreover, Qi Mo already had a fiancée!
Qi Mo investigated Mu Yinyin, and he himself was also being investigated.
Given Qi Mo's status, it wasn't difficult to know him.
"Then, Mr. Fu, would you like to learn?" As Qi Mo scoffed, the large display screen in front of them showed footage of contestants taking the exam.
This competition was outdoors and broadcast live throughout.
However, they both noticed a commonality: the contestants had no drawing brushes or paints, and they were improvising with materials found on-site.
The camera suddenly zoomed in on a girl wearing a mask with a grotesque demon face.
Fu Siye's gaze paused. This person, why did she look so familiar?
But the mask's contrast was too stark, making it impossible to confirm for a moment. Fu Siye's brow furrowed even deeper.
He watched as she picked up a dry twig, broke it gently, and thus created a pointed tip.