Yu Sen's words were high praise for Song Xi, but Song Xi herself was far from confident.
Yu Sen and the other two designers then proceeded to critique the remaining proposals, receiving mixed reviews.
When it came to Mi Xuan, Shi Xiangxue pointed out her most critical mistake.
That was contacting the client without authorization, an act of overstepping boundaries and a major taboo in the industry.
Mi Xuan lowered her head in shame, admitting her ambition to be recognized for her work. Although she knew her actions were not advisable, she ultimately disregarded the rules for more screen time and to showcase her abilities.
After the critiques concluded, everyone returned to their seats.
Wen Junying unreservedly gave Song Xi a thumbs-up.
Gao Yuan, usually introverted, quietly said in Song Xi's direction, "Amazing."
"Song Xi, as expected of you!"
Jin Ying linked arms with Song Xi and whispered, "My proposal... my agent was afraid I'd embarrass myself, so they hired someone..."
The unspoken words were clear.
Song Xi nodded, "It's good."
Just then, Zhai Yixuan walked over.
Her voice was soft and nonchalant, "How did you come up with this idea?"
"Did you really think of it yourself?"
Hearing this, Song Xi wasn't angry yet, but Jin Ying reacted strongly.
"Of course, Song Xi thought of it. She was talking to me about it this morning!"
Song Xi glanced at her, "When did she talk to you about it?"
Mi Xuan was taken aback, not understanding why Jin Ying was defending Song Xi so fiercely. She wasn't interrogating, but rather pondering why she hadn't thought of it herself at the time.
After Zhai Yixuan walked away, Jin Ying patted her chest, giving Song Xi a reassuring look.
Song Xi found it amusing.
"Do you have a problem with Mi Xuan?"
This was the second time Jin Ying had brought it up, mainly because she had seen Mi Xuan staring intently at Song Xi again, with an unreadable expression.
Song Xi paused, then looked up. Mi Xuan had already turned her head away.
Jin Ying interpreted, "Love turned to hate?"
Song Xi responded with a single word, "Scram!"
After lunch, the three designers were to select their apprentices, with each designer choosing two.
Although they spoke of Yu Sen as cold and strict, their words revealed a strong desire to be chosen. After all, Old Yu was the top-tier among the three designers. Not only could they learn valuable skills, but they would also gain access to the best resources, a significant temptation for them as artists.
"Song Xi, which group do you want to join?" Wen Junying suddenly asked during lunch. "I feel like Old Yu quite admires you."
Whether intentional or not, his words seemed to put her on the spot.
Song Xi could only jokingly reply, "To be honest, I'm interested in all three teachers."
Wen Junying raised an eyebrow.
Jin Ying immediately chimed in, in a "scolding" tone, to help Song Xi out, "Song Xi, that's too much! You can only choose one!"
"Exactly," Wen Junying picked up the conversation with a smile. "At least give the rest of us a chance."
Seeing that teasing Song Xi yielded no results, Wen Junying shifted the topic to Zhai Yixuan.
After all, she appeared the most naive, not as "cunning" as Song Xi.
"Which group do you want to join?"
Zhai Yixuan didn't react at first, surprised the question was directed at her.
It was Mi Xuan beside her who nudged her arm, prompting Zhai Yixuan to slowly look up, her expression one of innocent confusion.
"Hm?"
Wen Junying cupped her forehead.
Gao Yuan, sitting opposite Zhai Yixuan, repeated with a flushed ear, "Teacher Wen is asking which group you want to join."
Zhai Yixuan suddenly understood, but her thinking process was as slow as a crawling snail.
Just as everyone was losing patience and about to disperse, the young girl softly said, "Teacher Yu's group."
Oh?
Everyone's gaze converged on Song Xi and Zhai Yixuan.
At this moment, Mi Xuan, who had remained silent, blurted out, "I also want to join Teacher Yu's group!"
!?
A strong sense of interest lit up in Wen Junying's eyes.
Let them fight!
One mountain cannot hold two tigers, let alone three women! The production team would surely not lack for buzz now.