Chapter 89 - I Have My Reasons (2/2)
”Oh, my apologies for forgetting the most important point. Her fashion sense was close to nonexistent because of her awful choices. Definitely, those designs were not her own creation and that made me look into her admission files carefully. To be fair, I reviewed and observed her works after admissions for a few months and compared it to the portfolio that she used for admission. Totally a different feel to the designs.”
”I caught her redhanded during a contest that we held to celebrate the institute's anniversary and she was banned from all design schools after we found out that she actually did extensive plagiarism using pieces of famous works. Of course, she was also expelled from the institute. Anyways, now that her art portfolio is confirmed to be another fake, I announce that Yin, Karen will not be able to step foot into any design careers ever again.”
Reporters took pictures and wrote down these strong lines for the next headline. Professor Luo Xia continued, ”I almost forgot to mention that Miss. Susu could feel free to sue for copyrights and plagiarism for monetary purposes. Obviously there are many more to what miss. Karen had done, but that would be solely up to Miss. Susu to decide.”
Susu faced the audience and looked at Professor Luo Xia, ”Thank you very much for clarifying everything and even helped me point out this copycat in public. I would definitely pursue legal actions against Miss. Karen. Although we are stepsisters, she has done many disgusting things in the past. At least for this one, I can hold it against her and publicize it.”
”My pleasure. Now, let's get back to announcing the winners for the contest. First place goes to Yin, Susu. As for the second and third place, we will have to discuss further to give out the names. Congratulations and let's all give a round of applause to Miss. Susu's amazing work!” The crowd followed Professor Luo Xia's lead and cheered for Susu's wonderful presentation. Everyone thought that her designs would definitely be worth more in value than the prize of this event.
After the event ended and contestants had left, Susu waited for Professor Luo Xia by the entrance of the event hall.
”Professor Luo Xia, please give me a few minutes of your time.” Her sweet, gentle voice made him stop in his steps. He turned around, hiding a hint of sadness and showed her a smile.
”Yes?” he answered.
”I want to thank you once again for clearing my name and helping me gain justice. I really appreciate it.” She thanked him once again because she thought that thanking someone should be done privately in terms of manners.
”No biggie. I would've done it for anyone else if I caught such a huge rat snooping around and thinking about being a big shot by copying somebody's work. If that's all...” his words were then cut off by hers.
”I really want to know how you found me.” she bit her lips and spat out the first question that she could think of. Her mind was in a small mess where she couldn't really figure out how he managed to trace from just the initials of the artwork to her.
”What do you mean?”
”My initials are common out there. It could mean a lot of things, and the designer may not be me. How come you were so sure that the rose stamp belonged to me and that I had another method of proving myself? How come you were so confident in my designs? how come-”
This time, he cut her off. ”I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but all I can tell you for now is that I have confidence in you and your talents. I've seen your work before, and it is rare for someone to be as talented as you. Besides, it runs in your blood...” His voice trailed off, and she missed the last few words that he said.
”I'm sorry, but could you repeat the last few words that you just said?” She blinked and had more question ready for him.
He shook his head and smiled, ”nothing. I was just mumbling to myself. I said with such great talent; it is difficult for anyone to imitate your work. I recognized your unique style and am extremely proud to see your unlimited potential in the future. I have an appointment to attend to, so I will meet you perhaps next time.”
Susu held her tongue and nodded, ”alright. Then next time you must answer my questions. I still have a lot of inquiries about design that I need your opinion and guidance.
After they separated, Professor Luo Xia met up with Zhi Hei in the parking lot where Zhi Hei brought out an envelope and handed it to him. ”Thank you,” Professor Luo xia took the envelope and carefully opened it after getting into the car. It was the rosebud stamp that Susu had folded during the event.
His eyes turned slightly watery when he pulled the initials that acted like the stem carefully and watched the rose blossom and close. ”She's definitely your daughter...Zi Lan. She's just like you.”
Zhi Hei looked at him and asked, ”Why did you want me to collect the stamp design for you? I don't think you need it for any academic works.”
”I have my reasons.” Professor Luo Xia put the rosebud back in the envelope and continued the conversation with Zhi Hei about his upcoming plans.