"Entry number 246, congratulations to the designer Xu Ze for acquiring third place in this competition!"
Since it was anonymous, the host first announced the number, and then the corresponding designer went on stage to receive the award.
Third place went to Xu Ze, a consistently excellent and stable performer from their department.
Second place was taken by the dark horse, Chen Dong.
The host excitedly broadcasted from the stage, and the atmosphere on-site surged repeatedly.
Gu Xiaoer's heart gradually sank. With third and second place gone, could there still be a chance for first place? She didn't have blind confidence to that extent.
The results were now in the final stage of being announced. All the students on-site were eagerly anticipating, whether they were confident in taking a shot or had already met defeat, all were curiously looking around, waiting to see who the ultimate winner would be. If it turned out to be a classmate they knew, they would hurry to ingratiate themselves, as entering Shenghan would mean becoming a distinguished designer.
However, just when the host was supposed to announce the first-place winner, they walked down from the podium with the microphone, heading towards Shenghan's design department head, Bai Xiaoyu. Everyone's gaze followed the host, filled with curiosity.
Could it be that Minister Bai would announce the first place?
Bai Xiaoyu took the microphone, his long legs carrying him up to the podium in just a couple of steps. His indifferent gaze swept around, pausing for a few seconds somewhere in the hall, quickly moving on afterwards.
Gu Xiaoer felt an inexplicable stir in her heart; why did she sense that Minister Bai was looking at her a moment ago? That glance suddenly raised her hopes again. Who could be the first-place winner?
Bai Xiaoyu stood firm on the podium, gesturing for silence from the audience below.
"The jury has already determined a candidate for first place this year. However, there is an issue that has left us quite puzzled," Bai Xiaoyu began indifferently, his gaze falling in Gu Xiaoer's direction without any expression.
"Xiao Er, Minister Bai is looking at you! Could it mean you are the winner?" Ai Le, sitting next to Gu Xiaoer, had clearly noticed Bai Xiaoyu's gaze. Gripping Gu Xiaoer's hand nervously, she trembled as she voiced this possibility.
"I don't know..." Gu Xiaoer was also certain, just confused as to why he was looking at her. Could she really be the first-place winner? Could something so fortunate happen? And what was the puzzling issue Minister Bai had just mentioned?
"Now, I propose a little game. First, we would like to invite student Ning Fangyuan with entry number 132 on stage to discuss her design concept."
As soon as Bai Xiaoyu finished speaking, all eyes turned in Ning Fangyuan's direction.
Ning Fangyuan was a distinguished student from the architectural design department, known for her diligence and hard work, as well as being a favorite of the teachers. Now, Minister Bai had specifically called her out to present her design concept.
It had to be Ning Fangyuan for first place!
Surprised and bewildered, Ning Fangyuan looked around, hesitantly pointing at herself; could it really be her being called? With a little nudge from her friends, she made her way to the podium amidst enthusiastic and envious applause, her steps light.
"Thank you, judges, for the opportunity to come on stage..." Ning Fangyuan was obviously a bit nervous and shy, with blushing cheeks and a timid look in her eyes; her voice was also slightly trembling.
"My design concept was inspired by 'home' and 'freedom.' As everyone knows, the theme of our design this time is a resort. Vacation signifies freedom, but what if you could also enjoy the warmth of home while on vacation? Wouldn't that be even more perfect? Thus, I designed a..."
When it came to her own design work, she became much more fluid, talking non-stop for five minutes.
"Next, could we please have student Gu Xiaoer with entry number 155 come on stage and discuss her design concept."