Soon, the contestant ranked third was done with her explanation and it was Natalie’s turn.
Natalie went up to the stage and accepted the small baton from the third-placed designer. Flashing a smile at the audience, she began to explain, “My design concept is very simple actually. As we all know, ethnic minority garments have one thing in common, which is embroidery. Besides having skills, color plays the most important role…”
Seeing how graceful and sophisticated Natalie looked on stage, Jasmine’s eyes turned red from jealousy and her hands which were resting on her thighs balled into fists, wrinkling the fabric in the process.
She knew that if she was the one on stage, she wouldn’t be able to describe the design concept so meticulously like Natalie did even if the design was her own.
And this was the difference between them. Natalie’s brilliance only served to amplify Jasmine’s incompetence.
Natalie spoke on stage for nearly ten minutes before finally wrapping it up.
Alfred was the first to applaud her for giving a riveting and elaborate description, especially impressed by some of the intricate details.
“Very impressive, Nat!” Alfred looked at Natalie with eyes that gleamed with adoration and admiration.
Natalie bowed her head to hide her shy smile. “Thank you, Alfred. I appreciate it.”
“Don’t thank me. Your talent and designing skills deserve such praise. There are not many local designers who can fight their way onto the international stage. I’m getting up in years now, so our country’s fashion industry will have to rely on your generation to thrive. Good luck!” Alfred patted her shoulder with a hopeful and optimistic gaze.
Natalie nodded firmly and couldn’t stop herself from embracing this elderly man who had devoted his life to develop the country’s fashion industry. “Don’t worry, Alfred. I won’t let you down.”
“I believe in you.” Alfred returned her hug.
Shane watched this scene while turning the pen in his hand.
Not just Alfred, but even he himself believed that Natalie would one day become the top fashion designer in the country.
Natalie released Alfred and turned around to fix her gaze on Jasmine below the stage. Her eyes gleamed as she offered the latter a meaningful smile. “Ms. Jasmine, it’s your turn now.”
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