Willis replied, "Being the newcomer, I think you should first get familiar with the environment. The company will carry out a small-scale fashion show next month where every designer will showcase their creation. You're expected to take part in it too."
"Huh?" This caught Li Shengxia by utter surprise. She did not expect to exhibit her own designs to the public in a month's time. That was way sooner than she anticipated.
Of course, the other designers were more astonished by the news than her.
"What? Manager, don't you think it's reckless to showcase a newcomer's creation? What if she does something that taints the company's image?"
The voice belonged to Jian Dan, the diligent designer who had been in the industry for numerous years. However, she waited for three years after entering this company to acquire her first exhibition opportunity. Why should this young girl be given such unfair privilege?
"I've seen Shengxia's previous creations and I thought they are more creatively inspiring compared to the work of over eighty percent of the top-grade designers. She's undoubtedly talented although she's new to the industry. I believe she would accomplish something great with time. Besides, talents need to be nurtured. How is that unfair when everyone gets the same opportunity?"
Upon hearing the evident bias in his voice, the corners of Jian Dan's lips curled into a cold smile as she imagined the ways the new girl had persuaded him into landing a position in this company.
Li Shengxia felt uncomfortable at that enigmatic smile being flashed at her as if that tiny change in expression could execute her by dismemberment.
The sarcasm was audible in Jian Dan's voice. "This company doesn't just accept anyone. I bet she's not qualified to even become a tea lady in the design department, given her experience and educational background. I wonder what kind of talent was it that landed her the role as a formal employee effortlessly?
"Jian Dan! That's enough." Willis was beginning to get agitated.
"What's wrong with what I said?" She threw a cold glance at Li Shengxia before starting to bombard her with questions.
"Do you have the credentials as a designer? At which level? Which design school did you graduate from? Which famous designer was your tutor? How many years have you been in the fashion designing industry? Have you been awarded for any of your creations?"
These sharp questions were inevitable during the interview stage when applying for a role in the Emperor Heritage Design Department. Everyone present was chosen after being sieved through several rounds of selections thus they had all faced these questions before.
These people who had the qualifications naturally were able to answer fluently. On the other hand, Li Shengxia did not even graduate from design school!
Tan Qing looked at the woman with a funny expression and at the same time anticipating the emotions that would cloud her features in the next few seconds.
This new girl appeared fresh and sweet, not the kind that would sell herself out, but somehow this was the path she had chosen for herself.
"I don't have all that," Li Shengxia replied, "But I think the quintessence of designing is the inspiration. The creation spoke for itself instead of the designer's resume."
"Ha, great answer." A look of disdain flashed across Jian Dan's face. "It seems like Manager passed you through the application without even holding an interview? And you call this natural talent? Can you honestly say you didn't get this job through the back door?"
Willis' face fell. He was in a relationship with Jian Dan before getting promoted but the two of them cut ties after he became her superior.
Jian Dan was not one who liked using personal connections for favors at the workplace. She rather broke up with the man for the sake of her career instead of attracting rumors. Therefore, she despised women that used men for personal gains.
However, had she any idea who that woman was? The crown prince assigned her this position personally! Was she trying to give up on her career?
Willis reproached her coldly. "Jian Dan! That's enough! Do you know who you're speaking to?"
"Oh, I'm sure you're very familiar with her." A sardonic smile washed over her face as if she had made up her mind that Li Shengxia and Willis were engaged in an unusual relationship.
"Jian Dan! Slandering without proof affects the company poorly!" Willis said in a serious manner.
"What is done by night appears by day," the woman replied flatly.
Li Shengxia understood why she was misunderstood but she was not in the position to defend herself. In fact, she had acquired a position in the company thanks to her connection with Mo Nianchen. However, that did not mean she was not capable of living up to the expectation.
Designing had always been her dream since young, a childhood dream that she had never once given up. Although the path to her ideal job had been tough due to the problems at home, which resulted in her further pursuing finance management that she was no expert in, that did not lessen the passion she had for designing.
She was not tutored by a famous designer nor did she graduate from one of those prestigious designing schools, but she had a good foundation, to begin with.
She disliked judging someone based on their educational background thus she did not like the high and mighty behavior Jian Dan showed.
The latter intended to defeat her opponent but was she capable of doing so?
"Senior," Li Shengxia finally spoke, "My ability and creation decide how I get here and if I get to stay. This is a fact that you can't change with any amount of slander. Perhaps having an impressive resume is important to you but I think the person who can produce more bestsellers gets the final say."
Pianpian was a long-haired woman who looked only a couple of years older than Li Shengxia. She did not seem much interested in the newcomer as she had been preoccupied, scribbling away with her head lowered all this time. However, she glanced quickly at the newcomer in astonishment when the latter said. A couple of seconds later, she resumed her task.
Jian Dan attempted a smirk. "Do you think you can come up with better creations than me?"
Disdain was evident in her voice. She looked at the newcomer, who had definitely overestimated her own strength. How dared she compete with an internationally famous top-grade designer on market influence? What a ridiculous joke!
Li Shengxia returned the glance before saying respectfully, "Senior, I'm familiar with your creations. For instance, Adam's Temptation, which you showcased in the last exhibition. It's a great touch of creativity to reveal a small gap on the left side of the dress."
Jian Dan did not expect the woman to have seen her work before. She raised her eyebrows smugly before replying nonchalantly, "Of course, do you think just anyone can be awarded?" She was an internationally famous top-grade designer. Who would have the boldness to criticize her creation?
"I also know Eve's Temptation was the creation that set the path for your career in the industry. It's a creative, straightforward, and daring piece of work. The area in front of the chest was hollowed out in the shape of two half-bitten apples." Li Shengxia paused for effect before speaking again, "This creation of yours successfully made you the most outstanding designer among the new talents."
"Why are you telling me this?"
Jian Dan frowned slightly as if she had a premonition of something bad. The others present at the scene gradually focused their attention on these two people.