Despite his initial call being for Chesen, there were still audible murmurs of doubt below.
Did Mills' voice and the name Chesen alone prove Shi Xin Xin was Chesen? What if it was an act?
"Where are you now?" Mills sensed something was amiss.
"China, Yun City bidding conference, the one I asked you to decline before. It's my fault for being too low-key, some people don't believe I am Chesen."
Shi Xin Xin spoke to Mills as if they were chatting and joking.
"What? You still need to attend a bidding conference? Wait there."
Mills hung up the phone, and Shi Xin Xin didn't know what his plan was.
Soon, her phone displayed a video call invitation again.
She tapped to answer, and everyone saw a magnified handsome face on the large electronic screen. Mills was a universally recognized handsome man, both domestically and internationally, with deep-set eyes and a strong facial structure that made him appear lazier and more charming.
At first, he held the phone close to his face, then moved it away, revealing his upper body.
He wore the Chesen private custom accessory chain around his neck, which hung down to his chest. His shirt was deliberately unbuttoned, revealing a bit of his collarbone.
This subtle hint of skin made him incredibly alluring.
Seeing his attire, Shi Xin Xin knew he was putting on a show again.
"That... that is Chesen's private custom chain! She designs them based on her mood!"
A sharp-eyed female designer grabbed the arm of a nearby female assistant and exclaimed excitedly. The hushed whispers in the venue immediately vanished.
All eyes turned to her.
She quickly shut her mouth, feeling extremely awkward.
"Ahem... discerning taste, this was specially customized for me by Chesen, right, Chesen?"
Mills' phone could only show the first few rows of the venue, but he could hear everything clearly.
He raised an eyebrow and saw Chesen, who was Shi Xin Xin, standing in the front row, arms crossed, looking at him with a threatening expression.
Mills' gaze was full of clear provocation, as if to say: If you dare to contradict me, I won't clarify for you today.
Sheng Chen Jin had been unhappy since he heard Mills' voice. Now, seeing this handsome foreigner flirting with Shi Xin Xin in full view of everyone, he didn't know where to vent his unprovoked anger.
He chuckled.
"Designers, have you ever seen anyone whose designs are more brilliant than Chesen's? The only possibility is that she herself is surpassing herself."
"She's hiding her true identity, using another persona to win the honor and ideals that belong to her."
"You must understand, Chesen doesn't need to participate in bidding conferences like this to gain anything."
"Whatever she wants, she can have. And yet she goes through all this trouble to deal with your doubts."
"Chesen, good luck."
Before anyone could snap out of their contemplation, Mills hung up. The electronic screen paused for a moment on his handsome face before returning to the design drafts.
Shi Xin Xin nodded at the host and walked off the stage with Sheng Chen Jin. The host quickly regained control and announced the winner of the bid.
There was no need for doubt; since Chesen herself had entered the competition, what further evaluation was needed?
Listening to the crowd's reactions, Shi Xin Xin sighed almost imperceptibly. Indeed, having her alias exposed only brought temporary satisfaction.
She had initially thought it would be difficult for CL to stand out among many excellent companies and win the bid. However, revealing her identity was a last resort. It was merely a means of counter-attack because she had been framed.
"The bidding winners for this event, Shengshi and CL Group, have secured the cooperation opportunity for this world peace themed project with scores of 10, 10, 10, 10, and 9 points, awarded by the judges in order."
The audience agreed with the 10s; the companies' strength and capital were evident. However, the 9-point score was clearly from Ms. Hua Shu.
This was because they all knew that Hua Shu's scores for others usually ranged between 6 and 7 points.
That single nine in a sea of tens was particularly conspicuous.
"A question for Ms. Hua Shu: what was the reason for the 9-point score?"
The host received a message from the organizers backstage via his earpiece.
At this moment, the organizing staff sending the message was trembling. A dagger, emitting a chilling gleam, was held at his throat.
The man in black behind him let out a cold smile from beneath his mask. Hua Shu must have had some dissatisfaction with Shi Xin Xin's design. Then... they could make some trouble.
How would her reputation as Chesen remain stable on the pedestal of the design industry?
The host frowned, feeling the question was rather impolite, but as a mere host, he had to follow the organizers' instructions.
"Ms. Hua Shu, Chesen herself is here today, and everyone is very satisfied with her work. May I ask why your score was specifically 9 points?"
The host looked at Hua Shu with an apologetic expression.
Hua Shu understood and picked up the microphone, smiling.
"She is my star disciple. I didn't give her a perfect score to prevent her from becoming arrogant."
Shi Xin Xin scoffed: Humph, what a temper. Who asked her to give a 9?
Everyone's jaws dropped. They all knew Hua Shu had a star disciple, but who would have thought it was the renowned Chesen, who was also the woman named Shi Xin Xin today.
The crowd: My jaw is getting tired. My heart is also getting tired.
Today has brought too many surprises.
Hua Shu's slightly temperamental response was clearly a sign of her protection towards Shi Xin Xin. This showed their excellent master-disciple relationship.
How could Shi Xin Xin be so lucky!
The crowd was going crazy!
Shi Xin Xin was genuinely happy now. With her master's statement, it saved her a lot of trouble.
She also began to smile, in a good mood.
Sheng Chen Jin had been observing the emotions of the woman beside him throughout.
The host smiled gratefully.
The bid results had been announced; the rest was for everyone to clink glasses and mingle.
The organizers had prepared fine wine and delicacies in the vast venue.
Now Hua Shu could have intimate conversations with her beautiful disciple. The few of them, accompanied by each other, went to the lounge. Yan Hao was pulled aside by other collaborators for a few drinks.
He quickly excused himself and followed them.
"Junior disciple, you truly opened my eyes."
Yan Hao smiled with gentle refinement. Those who were watching Yan Hao were secretly shocked.
Did Chesen already have such charm that Mr. Yan Hao would actively seek her acquaintance?
Then, they saw Shi Xin Xin boldly place her hand on Yan Hao's shoulder and pat it vigorously.
"Senior disciple is joking. How can a small designer compare to a renowned royal entrepreneur like yourself?"
Shi Xin Xin's tone had a hint of gritted teeth.
Those onlookers were even more astonished: So they knew each other.
Indeed, only those who are equally outstanding can become friends with such outstanding people.
Everyone felt that if anyone were to tell them now that Shi Xin Xin didn't know those people, it would be utterly unbelievable.
Feng Yu was distracted, nervously observing his surroundings, fearing that Zhu Guo might angrily bring in some disreputable thugs to the venue.