Shen Siwen’s ring design was exquisitely lovely with a Ranchu goldfish curled fluidly around. A beautiful red ruby bedecked the forehead of the adorable white-colored goldfish. What was most astonishing was the contemporary shape of that fish.
The bracelet was also of the same goldfish theme but featured the Koi fish. Making up the bracelet was one whole Koi fish curled up nose to tail, with red rubies festooned onto its scales in an overlapping pattern that was simply gorgeous.
Finally, the brooch came in the shape of a Lionhead goldfish. The forehead looked like a beautiful blooming peony flower, while its little tail was adorably delicate.
These three designs were not audacious nor novel. The inspiration and concept were simple and straightforward, with not enough fire to its soul. Nevertheless, they were ingeniously designed and delightfully precious.
The traditional design methods and exquisite style were right on point with the tastes of many in the crowd. More importantly, the designs were very marketable and appealed to the majority of the audience, making it very easy for her to get high points.
After all, most members of the audience were visual creatures and naturally would not appreciate the importance of soul and meaning behind a creation.
Wen Xinya couldn’t help sighing in admiration. Shen Siwen was indeed a highly experienced jewelry designer. She was not only skilled but also knew how to appeal to the masses.
It looked like her greatest competition as of now would still be Shen Siwen.
Shen Siwen said, “My designs were inspired by the fish tank in my hotel room.”
Shen Siwen had a sweet visage and her voice was also gentle and delicate. Her words sounded rather childish, but even so, her endearing appearance was such that no one felt turned off but were instead charmed by her.
Shen Siwen continued, “After discovering the rules of the grand finals, the organizers stopped all my communication with the outside world. There were also all sorts of restrictions even if I was just going out for a stroll. At that time, I was gazing at the little goldfish swimming so blithely inside their tank and suddenly envied their carefree lives. Inspiration struck me then, and I came up with these three designs.”
Compared to Wen Xinya’s extensive knowledge and vivid narration, making use of Greek mythology to decipher her creations and give everyone a sense of novelty and intrigue—Shen Siwen’s explanation was simple and straightforward. At first, it might have sounded ordinary and undistinguished, but she exuded such innocence that her lovely and winsome designs took on an exceptional shine.
Uniqueness had its good points and made it easy for one to stand out.
On the other hand, being straightforward also had its strengths. Used in the right way, it could lead to an effortless victory.
The host smiled. “Let’s have our judges give their scoring.”
Teacher Jill expressed appreciation for Shen Siwen’s designs but also pointed out some of the inadequacies. In the end, he gave her 90 points.
The other judges also gave their scores.
The highest was 98 points, while the lowest was 89.
Shen Siwen’s scoring by the judges were not as high as Wen Xinya’s.
Shen Siwen’s face seemed to crack slightly, but she quickly recomposed herself. No one noticed, but she couldn’t help casting a quick glance at Wen Xinya.
Soon after, the audience’s scores were also presented. As Wen Xinya expected, the average audience score was 96—four points higher than her.
A smile finally bloomed upon Shen Siwen’s face. These four points would be the ammunition she needed to counterattack Wen Xinya.
The host asked, “Does everyone wish to know who will emerge on top? Would it be the bold and unconventional Wen Xinya, or the adorable and appealing Shen Siwen?”
“Yes!” The atmosphere once again rose to a fevered pitch.
The host called out, “Next, let us see the overall average score.”
The overall average score would be a combination of the scoring awarded by the audience and the judges.
Everyone held their breaths in anticipation.
Meanwhile, Shen Siwen’s nerves were completely frayed. She stared at the screen with widened eyes. Her two hands were nervously balled up into tight fists. She kept up a silent prayer in her heart: I must get more than 95 points. I must defeat Wen Xinya. I must be the champion!
The figures on the screen jumped rapidly, making Shen Siwen feel rather dizzy. Her heart pounded as quickly as the moving numbers, wildly and without restraint. Beads of sweat crowded around her forehead and nose.
It was just 30 seconds but felt as long as lifetime, yet at the same time felt like it was over in a flash.
Very quickly, Shen Siwen’s overall score finally emerged on the big screen.
93 points!
Two points less than Wen Xinya.
Shen Siwen nearly lost the smile on her face. However, she had participated in many major jewelry design competitions and had tasted defeat before. As such, she still managed to maintain her composure.
Wen Xinya instantly understood why Shen Siwen had lost to her.
Actually, Shen Siwen’s designs were rather outstanding.
Shen Siwen lost to Wen Xinya because her score by the judges was lower.
It must be pointed out that in major jewelry design competitions, the judges’ scoring stood a higher percentage than others.
The judges’ eyes differed from that of the audience as well as others in the trade. Judges had exceptionally strict critique standards and they held the soul and meaning behind a creation with the highest regard, as well as a designer’s talent, skill, and experience.
And the Milan World Expo International Jewelry Design Competition was a platform that focused purely on the aesthetics of the jewelry design. Although it did have a commercial aspect, the main goal was still to display a designer’s abilities. The marketability of the design played second fiddle.
Shen Siwen had participated in too many jewelry design competitions, the majority of which were held for commercial purposes. As a result, she had forgotten the underlying nature of the Milan World Expo International Jewelry Design Competition.
“What a pity. Miss Shen’s overall score is lower than Miss Wen’s by two points. At this moment, Miss Wen’s score remains the highest. There are still two competitors who have yet to present their designs. I wonder if these two will be able to successfully surpass the current record? We will eagerly look forward to the outcome!”
Shen Siwen’s face went a few shades paler. She gazed at Wen Xinya with an expression that revealed an unwillingness to accept defeat. She looked as if Wen Xinya had snatched away something that belonged to her.
Wen Xinya was very sensitive and felt Shen Siwen’s gaze, which she returned with a look of her own. Those clear eyes glittering like black agates, sharp but lustrous, radiating a refined and enigmatic allure.
Shen Siwen was caught off-guard by those piercing eyes, which looked as if it beheld an immense power and could draw anyone in. Her heart jumped with sheepish embarrassment, making her get all flustered.
