Hearing Chen Lishu's words, Gu Xingdong finally understood what she was planning. To alleviate her pressure, he could only dissect it piece by piece: "How do you know for sure that this man is by the Empress's side?"
"Didn't you hear Ziyu say it? This man is the one the Empress loves but cannot have. This means the matter caused quite a stir! If she didn't truly like him, would this matter become common knowledge?
If you ask me, this man might be imprisoned by her side. If that's not the case, the Empress must know his whereabouts and information!" Chen Lishu said with exceptional confidence as she uttered the last sentence.
Gu Xingdong's interest was immediately piqued: "How can you be so sure?"
Chen Lishu winked playfully, her expression exceptionally proud as she said, "Women pay close attention to those they care about. If the two are not together, she will constantly monitor that man's movements.
I don't know how long that researcher has been missing. We have no clues whatsoever. If we can extract some useful information from the Empress's mouth, there will be a glimmer of hope for my godmother's condition!"
Speaking of Madam He's condition, Gu Xingdong also felt a sense of pity. Having lived together for so many days, he had long treated them as family. Now that such a thing had happened, he felt uncomfortable.
So Gu Xingdong slowly tightened his grip on Chen Lishu's arm, surveyed the competition entries, and said with a solemn expression, "Your dress is already perfect. Besides, what flaws can I spot? I'm not a professional."
Upon hearing this, Chen Lishu raised an eyebrow and said, "Who says so? These dresses are designed to be worn by people. If you think this dress isn't perfect, then the work itself is not perfect!
In the eyes of us professionals, design work strives for perfection. Only you would consider it from multiple angles, such as the practicality of the dress!"
Gu Xingdong quickly agreed, "Yes, yes, yes. The moment you drew the design sketch, I thought it was excellent. Seeing the actual product now, even after looking at it many times, I can't help but feel amazed.
You don't need to be so nervous. Have more confidence in yourself! You don't have to see the Empress and inquire about her man's information all by yourself. You have me, and Grandpa He, and the others!
The reason the Empress has chosen to remain ignorant this time is likely because the He family's influence has threatened the economic development of country M, and she wants to take action to suppress the He family!
However, she dares not make things too awkward. After all, the He family already has some status in country M. As long as Brother He steps forward and joins forces with He Zinian's threat, she will naturally go with the flow."
Listening to Gu Xingdong's words, Chen Lishu felt they made a lot of sense. So she crossed her arms and looked up at him, saying, "You've had this idea all along, yet you watched me run around in a panic. Were you intentionally trying to laugh at me?"
Faced with Chen Lishu's accusation, Gu Xingdong shrugged innocently, "Framed! I didn't think along these lines at first. After all, our influence is only truly established in China. When it comes to country M, we are still somewhat helpless!
I originally thought you would also consider this point and focus on the competition, leaving everything to He Zinian and Brother He to handle. I didn't expect you to be overly concerned!"
"You're right, but she's a queen, and her thoughts might not be that simple. I suspect she might have other tricks up her sleeve. Even if my guess is wrong, the Empress is definitely trying to get something from the He family.
I don't want anyone to have ideas about my family. The competition will be broadcast live between the two countries. If I can win this competition, I might be able to seize the opportunity to make a request. In front of the vast number of netizens, she wouldn't dare go back on her word!"
As Chen Lishu said this, her expression softened slightly. With a backup plan, she felt a little relieved about Madam He's condition. As long as she could get information about that man and inquire about the key principles of the neurotoxin, she believed that He Ziyu's ability would surely enable him to develop an antidote!
Time quickly passed, and it was the last day of the competition. Not only was Chen Lishu's side receiving much attention, but Alice also received greetings from country M.
"How many chances do you think you have of winning this competition?"
Looking at the extremely noble Empress on the video feed, Alice felt extremely flustered. Her eyes darted around for a moment, and after a brief pause, she said with some lack of confidence, "About a ninety percent chance!"
Seeing Alice's timid demeanor, Lidorviana frowned, her imposing presence radiating authority. "Since you have a ninety percent chance, why aren't you speaking with your chest puffed out? Have you picked up their rudeness after living in China for so long?
This competition should not only have a ninety percent chance of winning; you should confidently tell me you have a hundred percent chance. Your designs are not only famous in country M but also in other surrounding countries. If you lose to a little girl from the countryside, it won't just be your face that's lost, but also the face of country M!
I want to see what clothes you've designed recently. Why are you so lacking in confidence! It just so happens that I have someone here who can give you a reference. What are you still doing here? Hurry up and bring out your competition entries!"
Alice licked her lips, lowered her head, and responded with an "yes." Then, she instructed someone to bring out her competition entry. When Lidorviana saw the dress, she was so surprised that she covered her mouth with her hand. Then, in a gentle and emotional voice, she excitedly pulled the person outside the video, saying, "Darling, come and take a look quickly. After the competition ends, how about we use this entry as a wedding dress?"
Seeing Lidorviana's change, Alice couldn't help but feel curious. Who was that person outside the video? They could make the Empress's tone soften so much, as if she were a girl in love.
When that person appeared on the video, she was even more surprised. It was a man with refined features and a distinctive presence. At first glance, it was obvious he was Chinese!
The man glanced at Alice's design, and a spark appeared in his cloudy eyes. Then, he excitedly asked, "Did you design this dress?"
Alice was momentarily stunned by his question, and the Empress urged at that moment, "What are you standing there foolishly for? Hurry up and talk about your ideas and inspiration for this competition entry! Perhaps he can discuss the issues with the dress with you, allowing you to win this competition better!"