Although she thought it was odd, she couldn't figure it out no matter how much she pondered, so she simply gave up.
Maybe they really did see potential in her?
She brought the matter up to Yancy Shaw. Spending so much time together, she'd grown used to sharing her thoughts with him. Whenever she felt uncertain, she'd ask for his advice, thinking that, after a while, he might find her clingy or bothersome.
But on the contrary, Yancy Shaw was always patient, listening to every word she said with genuine attention.
After hearing her out, Yancy Shaw didn't think anything was amiss.
“They probably just think your designs fit what they're looking for,” he offered casually.
Lauren Shaw eyed him suspiciously. “How do you know my designs match their taste? Compared to those star designers, my work is way out of their league.”
“Or maybe,” Yancy Shaw countered, “they see your potential.”
She'd considered this, too, but it still seemed unlikely.
Pulling her gently onto his lap, Yancy Shaw wrapped his arm around her waist. “If you don’t want to go, then don’t go. You don’t have to bend over backwards for anyone.”
Lauren Shaw lowered her eyes, thinking it over. “I’ll go. Even if it’s just to grow and gain more experience.”
Whether or not she could make it to the finals wasn’t the point—it was good enough just to get out there and see the world.
She felt an increasing warmth behind her, something didn't feel right. With her back pressed against his chest and only a thin layer of fabric between them, his warmth was almost feverish.
“It’s getting late. We should rest soon,” Lauren Shaw murmured shyly, ducking her head.
Yancy Shaw let her go, saying, “Go wash up first.”
Lauren Shaw was surprised—she’d only been acting reserved on purpose, but this man was such a gentleman!
Noticing her thoughts, Yancy Shaw leaned in, whispering in her ear, “Wash up first. Wait for me in bed.”
Her cheeks went crimson, and she protested playfully, “You’re terrible.” But obediently, she made her way to the bathroom.
Unfortunately, her good mood didn’t last—her period had started. Looks like any plans for a deep “discussion” about married life would have to wait.
------
The scene shifted to the original design competition. Lauren Shaw had received an invitation and ran into Eva Snow backstage.
Eva Snow’s gaze was surprised, but her disdain was obvious as she mocked, “What are you doing here? This place doesn’t really seem like your league.”
She’d looked into Lauren Shaw’s background—her studio had only been around for three years. In terms of credentials, she had no business standing here.
Lauren Shaw raised an eyebrow, calm and unruffled. “Then, Miss Xue, who do you think belongs here?”
“Far as I know, your brand’s only been around for a short three years—you shouldn’t even qualify for the competition. Why come and embarrass yourself?” Eva Snow folded her arms, regarding her with thinly veiled amusement.
Backstage was full of designers—most quite well-known. After hearing Eva Snow speak, many glanced over at Lauren Shaw, a touch of curiosity in their eyes.
Lauren Shaw had expected this—that was part of why she’d been hesitant to join; she knew her credentials were barely enough.
But since she was here, she’d braced herself for questions.
“Hasn’t Miss Xue only been in the design industry for two years? Plus, as I heard it, you only got into this show because of your family connections.”
At this, Eva Snow’s face darkened.
“That’s nonsense. I majored in design in college. My brand’s been established for over ten years.”
Lauren Shaw smiled lightly. “Your brand was created by your aunt, Mandy Snow, not you. You just inherited it.”
She swept her gaze over the gathered designers.
“I know I’m no match for the rest of you, but I trust the organizers had their reasons for inviting me. There’s really no need to question their decision or push people so hard.”
Eva Snow glared, but with everyone watching, she couldn’t blow up, and had to swallow her anger.
Everything Lauren Shaw said was fair. The others knew she’d been invited by the producers—it wasn’t the same as signing up on her own. She couldn’t be easily offended.
In contrast, Miss Xue’s aggressive attitude put them off—it was safer to watch the drama quietly from the sidelines.
------
At the preliminary round, all the designers took their places. The director explained the rules: choose your fabric within the allotted time and finish your design within six hours. Judges would score each piece accordingly.
As the competition began, tensions ran high. Lauren Shaw selected her fabrics and started cutting.
Meanwhile, outside in the studio audience, Bryce Shaw sat watching the designers busy at work, his gaze settling on Lauren Shaw.
His assistant, noticing, whispered, “Director Shen, usually you’d never come to something this…boring. What brings you here today?”
Bryce Shaw fished his phone from his pocket, snapped a photo of Lauren Shaw, and sent it to Yancy Shaw.
Then he turned to his assistant with a smile, “Am I really that dull, normally?”
The assistant chuckled but stayed silent. He more or less knew why the boss had spent so much sponsoring this competition—for a woman. He might not know who, but he was sure she wasn’t ordinary.
------
Six hours passed in a flash. The designers laid down their tools as the staff collected their finished works. Everyone waited backstage for the results. Out of twenty designers in the prelims, only eight would move on to the finals.
“I hear there’ll be celebrities at the finals—to partner with us designers. The winning team gets a contract with Shengmei Group!”
“Shengmei Group is the fashion giant in Ancheng. If we sign with them, our brand could go global!”
Lauren Shaw listened to their chatter but didn’t think much of it.
Eva Snow sneered, “Do you really think any brand can just waltz onto the international stage? You still need talent and strength. Some people should stop daydreaming.” She shot Lauren Shaw a meaningful look.
Her words offended more than just Lauren Shaw, but others chose not to stir up trouble—just giving her a disgruntled glance.
An hour later, the list of finalists was announced. Lauren Shaw, sitting quietly in the corner, stared in disbelief when her name was called—was there a mistake?
The host looked at her oddly. “Miss Li, are you questioning me? The judges picked these names. If you have any doubts, please speak to the organizers.”
To everyone else, it looked like she was just excited, too stunned to react.
In truth, Lauren Shaw had never expected to reach the finals; she only came hoping to support the event, not to win.