"Welcome to all excellent designers for today's competition. I wish you all the best and hope you achieve your desired results."
With the host's announcement, the competition officially began.
Below the stage, two children and Zhan Mohan sat in the front row, ready to be Wei Yumeng's most loyal fans for the day.
"Mom, go!"
Seeing Wei Yumeng walk onto the stage, Zhan Shiqing couldn't hold back and shouted towards the stage.
Zhan Jinzhi rubbed his forehead and had to forcibly pull her back. "This isn't a sports meet, don't cause trouble for Mom."
Zhan Shiqing suddenly realized her impropriety and quickly covered her mouth.
On stage, Wei Yumeng, seeing her two children and Zhan Mohan, felt a surge of confidence.
She would not allow herself to lose this competition in front of her family.
Meanwhile, Pei Yunya looked at Jiang Siyu with only jealousy in her eyes. Her sole purpose today was to prove to Huang Hongan through the competition that she was the rightful successor.
"Next, I will announce the theme of this competition. Please design your works around the theme of warmth and love. You will have one hour."
Upon hearing the theme, Pei Yunya curled her lips. She was confident of winning because...
"You should know that this is a competition, and it's against the rules. If I leak the theme to you privately, and this is discovered, I'll be the one in trouble."
In the coffee shop, the host spoke with a cautious demeanor, not wanting anyone to overhear their conversation.
Pei Yunya, however, appeared confident. "What's so difficult about that? Since I want to prepare in advance through this method and win, I would never betray you. This matter will only be known by the two of us. As long as neither of us speaks of it, no one will ever know."
But the host still seemed worried, his expression hesitant.
"How about this, name your price. As long as you tell me the theme, no matter how much it costs, I'm willing to pay."
Pei Yunya knew very well that the host was merely feigning hesitation to extort more money.
Indeed, the host's demeanor completely changed from his earlier conflicted expression.
"Five hundred thousand. If you give me five hundred thousand, I can tell you the theme."
Ultimately, Pei Yunya paid the money for victory.
The competition originally required contestants to showcase their impromptu design skills. However, she had already designed the best plan beforehand, making numerous revisions and improvements. This was undoubtedly better than improvising on the spot.
Thinking this, she cast a confident smile at Wei Yumeng.
Wei Yumeng felt Pei Yunya's gaze but was entirely focused on the competition, not turning to look at her.
However, down in the audience, Zhan Jinzhi touched his chin and said to Zhan Mohan, "Dad, that aunt is the one who sent Mom the conditional letter before, right?"
Zhan Mohan nodded. "That's right."
"I think something is off about her," Zhan Jinzhi frowned. "Her reaction is very different from the other contestants. When the host announced the theme, everyone else looked surprised, clearly hearing it for the first time. But that aunt didn't show any reaction and instead wore that confident smile."
Zhan Shiqing agreed. "Yeah, she was looking at Mom and smiling just now, like she was sure to win."
Zhan Mohan had also noticed this but couldn't conclude that Pei Yunya was acting suspiciously based on speculation alone. He would have to wait and see how the competition unfolded.
After introducing all the contestants, the host then directed them to the creation venue set up by the organizers.
During this time, no one other than staff members was allowed to enter the contestants' creation spaces.
"I thought we could watch Mom create the whole time," Zhan Shiqing said, sounding disappointed.
However, to keep the audience entertained, some programs were arranged during this period, so it wouldn't be too boring.
"Warmth and love..."
Wei Yumeng pondered the theme repeatedly in her mind.
The theme wasn't difficult for her, considering she had a loving husband and a warm family.
Creating a piece centered around her family would surely fit the theme.
But this approach felt too ordinary. After all, most people would likely think of family upon hearing the theme.
She needed to create something unique to win the competition.
Ten minutes passed, and the host, accompanied by cameras, entered the contestants' creation areas.
This was also a planned segment of the competition, allowing the audience to see the progress of each contestant's design.
"Hello, what kind of design are you planning to create?"
"It's about family. When I heard the theme, my family was the first thing that came to my mind."
The contestant spoke with a happy expression.
The host then asked, "It sounds like you have a very happy family."
"Yes."
"I see your design has already begun. How are you feeling about it so far?"
"I feel I'm in great form and will definitely produce an excellent piece."
From the large screen alone, everyone could sense his confident demeanor.
Next, the host moved to Pei Yunya's design area.
"Ms. Pei, I've heard you are a disciple of Master Huang Hong'an, so I'm sure you'll present an even better work today."
"Of course," Pei Yunya replied smugly. "I've already decided how to create my piece, and I'm confident I'll win today. This is a competition where I'm betting my entire design career."
Her words quickly captured everyone's attention.
"Judging by your words, does this competition hold any significant meaning?"
"Yes, I've made a bet with someone. If I lose, I'll leave the design circle."
The audience began to whisper amongst themselves, surprised by the drama behind the competition.
This further heightened their anticipation for the competition's outcome.
"Then, is there anything you'd like to say to your opponent?" the host asked.
Pei Yunya looked directly at the camera. "I will not lose. I cannot possibly lose to someone who has only studied design for a few months!"
Even though Pei Yunya didn't explicitly name her opponent, the audience could almost guess.
After all, the news of Huang Hong'an taking Jiang Siyu as a disciple had been widely publicized at the time.
It had even sparked considerable debate among designers regarding the possibility of a wealthy wife like Wei Yumeng entering the design circle.
Today's competition would undoubtedly settle the matter.
If Wei Yumeng won, it would prove her strength.
But if she lost, it might become an even bigger joke.