Chapter 69: At the Cosmetics Competition

Three days later, at the International Cosmetics Innovation Competition in Country M.

Standing before a grand vanity mirror, Qiao Xi gave her reflection a final once-over. She wore a pearl-white satin gown, but her face was a shade too pale, lips pressed tight betraying the storm inside her.

“Nervous?”

She hadn’t noticed when Fu Yancheng had appeared behind her. Dressed in a black suit, the judge’s badge on his chest declared not just his authority, but also the weight of the Fu Group.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said softly. “I’ve looked into the rules—the anonymous evaluation round is absolutely fair.”

She glanced at him through the mirror, searching those deep eyes, and forced a faint smile.

“But I’m not just representing myself—I’m representing the Fu Group. What if… what if I really mess up?”

“Then mess up,” Fu Yancheng replied with a teasing arch of his brow, indulgence in his voice. “The Fu Group can afford to support you.”

Her eyes widened at his words, and he let out a low chuckle, his fingers gently brushing her cheek.

“I’m joking. My Xi Xi never loses.”

Just then, staff arrived to call her to the stage. Qiao Xi tensed, about to turn away, but Fu Yancheng caught her hand.

Before the eyes of the crowd, the ever-cool and distinguished president of the Fu Group knelt on one knee, carefully fastening the delicate straps of her high heels.

“All set,” he murmured, rising and wrapping an arm around her waist. “Now the whole room knows you have someone backing you.”

Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she bashfully tapped his shoulder.

Fu Yancheng sobered, gazing into her eyes. “Remember, Xi Xi—whether you win or not… just standing here, you’re already my greatest pride.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. He gently wiped them away, then steadied her shoulders, turning her toward the dazzling stage lights.

“Go. Show everyone what true genius looks like.”

Standing center stage, she glanced back to see Fu Yancheng at the judges’ table in the dimmest corner, his gaze cutting through the crowd, cheering her on with a silent gesture.

In that moment, every trace of anxiety transformed into courage.

Soon, the host’s voice rang out, full of energy: “Next, please welcome the legendary Dr. Q, Ms. Qi Qi, from the field of cosmetic engineering!”

The hall fell instantly silent.

Beneath the spotlight, a woman in a custom silver-gray suit walked forward, gold-rimmed glasses perched elegantly on her nose. She bowed to the judges, her cool, sharp gaze lingering on Fu Yancheng a moment longer than on the others.

“It’s an honor to represent the Radiance team today and present our latest research,” Qi Qi’s voice came through the microphone—gentle yet confident.

Fu Yancheng leaned forward, admiration flickering in his eyes.

“Who would have thought the mysterious Dr. Q is so young and accomplished,” he said quietly to the judge beside him, his words just loud enough for Qiao Xi to hear.

She watched the woman bask in the glory that should have been hers. Glancing at the man she cared about most—now so focused on a woman who had stolen her work—she clenched her fists.

The presentation finally ended to thunderous applause. Qi Qi smiled and thanked the audience but instead of returning to her seat, made her way backstage.

In the camera’s blind spot, she brushed past Qiao Xi. Tilting her head, she spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear, a soft laugh in her tone: “Qiao Xi, isn’t it? I’ve heard so much about you. Oh, and by the way…”

Her gaze flicked pointedly toward the judges, voice laced with challenge, “President Fu seems to be quite taken with ‘Dr. Q.’ Thank you for that.”

With the poise of a victor, Qi Qi glided away, leaving Qiao Xi’s eyes cold as frost.

It was her turn.

She would reclaim her honor, openly and with dignity.

Composed, Qiao Xi took the stage without a showy introduction; she presented her work directly.

“I am Qiao Xi, chief engineer of the Fu Group. What you see here is our core product…”

She explained the ingredients and innovations. The judges murmured with interest and approval.

In the audience, Qi Qi’s face paled slightly. She knew better than anyone how formidable Qiao Xi was.

The demonstration ended to applause, Fu Yancheng the first to stand and clap.

Yet, as the first day’s scores were announced, the results surprised many.

Qi Qi of the Radiance team took the lead.

Though Qiao Xi trailed by a hair’s breadth, her astonishing performance had already captured the attention of the entire competition.

The clamor of the first day faded.

Fu Yancheng found Qiao Xi amid the dispersing crowd, her slender silhouette alone at the podium gathering her materials.

He naturally took the files from her hand, draping his other arm around her shoulders. “Come on, let’s get something to eat.”

“I know a great French place. The chef’s soufflé is unrivaled.”

Fu Yancheng drove her down a lively side street, full of local color.

Inside the restaurant, he pulled out her chair, ordered her favorite dishes, and added a signature soufflé at the end.

As they waited for dessert, Fu Yancheng noticed Qiao Xi’s brows still knit in worry. He reached across the table, covering her hand with his.

“You were outstanding today,” he said. “I heard the judges’ feedback—they were deeply impressed by our product’s innovation.”

Qiao Xi sighed, frustration in her voice. “But I still lost the first round…”

Fu Yancheng shook his head, his gaze earnest and gentle.

“Listen, Xi Xi. Dr. Q has spent years perfecting her craft. Her skills and reputation are legendary in this industry.”

“To lose to someone like that is no disgrace. On the contrary, it proves your research is already on par with hers.”

He paused as the waiter set down a golden, airy soufflé, sliding the dessert toward her with a softened tone.

“Besides, the competition is just beginning.”

“I have absolute faith in my chief engineer. Eat something sweet, regain your energy, and let’s fight again tomorrow.”

Seeing trust and support shining in his eyes, and the tempting dessert before her, the knot in Qiao Xi’s heart slowly unraveled.

A faint smile curled at her lips.

Meanwhile, in a luxury hotel across town, Qi Qi had shed her gentle, intellectual façade. Cigarette between her fingers, she stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, phone pressed to her ear—a nameless number flashing on the screen.

Red lips exhaling a plume of smoke, her voice was icy.

“We won the first round, but it was too close. That Qiao Xi… she’s more trouble than we anticipated.”

A processed electronic voice replied from the other end, “What do you mean?”

“Her research is solid. You saw the judges’ reaction today.”

Qi Qi’s gaze sharpened, sinister in the haze of smoke. “She can’t be allowed a second chance to present.”

“Tomorrow is the product testing round. I want her entry to have a little… mishap.”

She paused, her tone turning ruthless.

“Tamper with her sample. I want it to fail completely during efficacy testing. And make sure it’s clean.”

The voice hesitated. “High risk. The Fu Group is watching closely.”

“Double the price,” Qi Qi said coldly. “I want results. She cannot reach the final round—there must be no mistake.”

She hung up and stubbed her cigarette out in the crystal ashtray with a vicious twist.