Shi Xin Xin and Sheng Chen Jin walked onto the stage in unison.
The powerful aura, composed demeanor, and relaxed, confident discourse elicited envious expressions from those below.
Sheng Chen Jin's formidable financial backing behind him, coupled with Shi Xin Xin's unparalleled design proposals and inspiration.
Undoubtedly inspired admiration.
This was a true meeting of titans, not the cliché battle of deities.
Their collaboration was a match made in heaven.
Sheng Chen Jin's business acumen was globally recognized, capable of leading Sheng Shi to the pinnacle single-handedly.
However, Shi Xin Xin's abilities were little known.
Her fame abroad stemmed solely from her being from the Shi family.
Hearing her pure pronunciation, no less refined than Sheng Chen Jin's, as she confidently introduced her work.
Everyone could see the international luminaries on the judging panel showing keen interest, a hint of curiosity in their eyes.
Finally, they concluded their presentation, and a foreign judge picked up the microphone.
"My dear Ms. Shi, may I ask why your creation is not a piece of jewelry that people can simply wear, but rather chosen to be presented in such an innovative collectible format?"
Before designing, Shi Xin Xin had meticulously deliberated on the theme, attempting to draw inspiration and break free from ordinary constraints of thought.
She smiled gently.
"Peace is precious, and we protect this hard-won peace; this is the philosophy behind the collectible format."
"Yet, peace also safeguards countless lives, and this is the meaning of the olive branch and the dove of peace."
Shi Xin Xin concisely articulated her design philosophy. The judge who had asked the question's eyes lit up with great brilliance.
He had to admit, such a design was bold and novel, and perfectly aligned with the theme of this tender.
This tender was indeed not a conventional real estate bid, but was specifically organized for the maintenance of international peace.
Such an event occurred only once every few years.
Several judges exchanged glances, seemingly having already decided the winner of this bid.
Shi Xin Xin, however, was not particularly overjoyed. She had prepared herself to face various challenges from her competitors.
Seeing Shi Xin Xin win over the judges so effortlessly, Sheng Chen Jin felt an unusual emotion toward collaboration for the first time in his life.
He was inexplicably excited at this moment. He turned his gentle gaze towards Shi Xin Xin, only to find that she did not appear relaxed at all, seemingly dissatisfied with the current situation.
He also frowned.
At this moment, a judge named David, who had been intently studying the design sketches as if lost in them, snapped back to attention.
His gaze, filled with inquiry, fixed upon Shi Xin Xin.
Receiving his gaze, Shi Xin Xin gently extended her hand, palm facing upwards, tilting it slightly. Her expression seemed to say, "Please, feel free."
He smiled politely, his face serious, and picked up the microphone, even standing up.
"Ms. Shi, please forgive my intrusion, but earlier Ms. Hua Shu introduced Cesen's exclusive segmentation method. If I am not mistaken, the segmentation method in your design sketch is the same as Cesen's?"
His eyes held no other emotion, only a dedication to design.
Following the previous incident, he was doing his best to uphold fairness and impartiality in design.
Shi Xin Xin understood and was relieved that someone had finally noticed this point.
Otherwise, if the issue were raised after they left, it would be much harder to resolve than now.
Sheng Chen Jin watched the unfolding drama with interest. If he wasn't mistaken, Cesen was Shi Xin Xin herself.
His intervention would be superfluous.
However, upon hearing this, Yan Hao instinctively looked at Sheng Chen Jin, his eyes filled with unspoken questions.
Yan Hao naturally believed that Shi Xin Xin would never resort to plagiarism; his junior sister was the best. But how could this man know something he himself was unaware of?
Sheng Chen Jin understood the meaning behind Yan Hao's gaze and sensed that Yan Hao had misunderstood something. He met Yan Hao's eyes steadily, a slight, almost imperceptible smile curving his lips.
Yan Hao coldly observed the man beside Shi Xin Xin on stage, engaging in what seemed like a childish provocation.
Sheng Chen Jin: "May I have more such misunderstandings, please? Thank you."
"Professor David indeed has eyes like a hawk."
At these words, those in the audience who had doubted that Shi Xin Xin and Cesen might use the same segmentation method felt a pang of disappointment.
It was rare to encounter such excellent work, but was it also plagiarism?
Murmurs of discussion began to rise from the crowd.
Sun Ke, sitting in the audience, felt utterly embarrassed. The probing and mocking glances from those around her were driving her mad.
Seeing Shi Xin Xin so confident and charming, she was nearly consumed by jealousy. Now, seeing someone expose Shi Xin Xin's underhanded methods, she finally looked up.
Ms. Hua Shu had not given her face earlier; should she now unceremoniously expose Shi Xin Xin?
However, unlike Sun Ke's flustered reaction to exposure, Shi Xin Xin's face remained composed, as if nothing had happened.
David, seeing Shi Xin Xin's attitude, seemed to understand something and was about to apologize and sit down.
Unexpectedly, Shi Xin Xin also posed a question to him.
"Professor David, what are your thoughts on this work, which plagiarizes Cesen, and the previous work that was plagiarized?"
The crowd, upon hearing her admit that this work plagiarized Cesen, felt a profound disappointment. Yet, seeing her elegantly inquire, they couldn't help but feel curious.
David, understanding her intent, realized that this young lady was preparing to resolve the matter completely, leaving no room for discussion or misunderstanding.
"Compared to 'Peace,' 'Olive and Dove' can only be said to be no less, and perhaps even more so."
David's expression softened, and he smiled courteously.
"Therefore, you are either Cesen yourself, or a designer far more talented than Cesen."
After speaking, David sat down.
"I would like to reintroduce myself. I am Cesen." Shi Xin Xin faced everyone in the audience.
The venue erupted in an uproar. Some astute individuals were shocked, while others continued to insist Shi Xin Xin was a plagiarist. A portion even believed Shi Xin Xin and David were colluding to deceive everyone.
Amidst the clamor, everyone noticed Ms. Hua Shu, who was raising her microphone to speak.
"Shi Xin Xin is indeed Cesen; I can attest to that. I'm sure you all heard her eloquent discussion on the segmentation method earlier."
Shi Xin Xin felt that some people would simply not believe it. She was arranging for the host and backstage to connect her mobile phone.
"Please listen carefully to the voice on the other end."
The call was quickly connected, displaying "Mills" on the large screen. Everyone heard a slightly languid, magnetic voice.
"Cesen, you've finally found time to call me."
He was an American with standard Mandarin, but with an American accent, and a highly recognizable voice.