Chapter 70: Let's Make a Bet

The next day arrived.

The International Cosmetics Innovation Competition entered its crucial second day—the stage of product testing and efficacy verification.

The atmosphere in the venue was even tenser than on the first day. One by one, each major team’s product was sent into the laboratory for evaluation by the expert panel.

When it was the Fu Group’s turn, Qiao Xi personally handed the sealed sample to the staff.

However, as her sample was placed under the high-powered electron microscope, an anomaly occurred.

On the large screen, the golden, lively particles that were supposed to appear now looked dull and viscous. There were even signs of crystallization.

A low murmur rippled through the judges’ seats.

Qi Qi, seated with the Radiance team, could not suppress the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Fu Group, please explain the reason for the data anomaly,” the chief judge asked in a grave tone.

All eyes turned to Qiao Xi.

Fu Yancheng straightened in his seat among the judges, his brow furrowed, concern and inquiry flickering in his gaze.

Qiao Xi’s heart sank, but after a brief moment of panic, she forced herself to remain calm.

This was not the sample she knew!

Taking a deep breath, she did not rush to defend herself. Instead, she stepped forward and spoke steadily, “Sir, may I request an immediate compositional analysis of the sample?”

Her request was promptly approved.

As they waited for the results, the venue fell into a heavy silence.

Qiao Xi’s mind raced, recalling every step of the preparation and sealing process.

Something was wrong—someone must have tampered with her sample!

Just then, the analysis was completed.

The report clearly indicated the presence of an abnormally high concentration of stabilizer in the sample, a compound that would severely damage its active structure.

“The results are clear, Fu Group,” one of the judges said, his tone tinged with regret. “It seems there was a major error in your sample preparation—”

“It was not an error!” Qiao Xi interrupted decisively.

Holding up the analysis report, her gaze swept sharply across the judges.

“This is the result of a deliberately added foreign substance. Someone tampered with my sample!”

She immediately turned to the staff. “I request access to the surveillance footage from the sample transfer area. Furthermore, I apply to reconstitute the sample on-site using backup base materials, under supervision, right now!”

This bold request sent a ripple of astonishment through the crowd.

To attempt an on-site reconstitution under such immense pressure and time constraints was nearly impossible.

Without hesitation, Fu Yancheng spoke up, “I vouch for Engineer Qiao Xi’s application on behalf of myself and the Fu Group. Please, allow us the chance to clear the truth.”

After a brief deliberation, the organizing committee agreed.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire assembly, Qiao Xi held her breath and operated the instruments with practiced skill.

A fresh vial of liquid was born in her hands and swiftly placed into the analysis device.

The entire venue was collectively holding its breath.

Ten minutes later, the data displayed on the large screen not only met but slightly exceeded the results she had submitted in her theoretical report.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, the hall broke out into enthusiastic applause.

Amazement and admiration were written on the faces of the judges.

Fu Yancheng looked at Qiao Xi, his gaze filled with pride beyond measure.

Qiao Xi was slightly out of breath, sweat beading at her temple, but she stood tall and straight.

She looked toward Qi Qi, her eyes clear and unflinching.

The smile on Qi Qi’s face had long since frozen, her expression turning ashen.

She could only watch as Qiao Xi not only turned the tables but won the acclaim of the entire hall, her teeth clenched in frustration.

The final scores for the round were announced.

Although Qiao Xi displayed astonishing professional prowess during the on-site reconstitution, the committee considered all aspects of the competition in their evaluation.

In the end, Qi Qi still won the second round by a slim margin.

Qiao Xi pressed her lips together at the result but accepted the decision.

After the event, Qi Qi, with the composure and smile of a victor, approached Fu Yancheng, who was chatting with several judges.

“Mr. Fu,” she greeted, her voice gentle as she extended her hand, “it’s an honor to meet you. It’s been a privilege to compete against such a formidable opponent as the Fu Group.”

Fu Yancheng shook her hand out of courtesy. “Dr. Q, you flatter us. Your team’s work is equally impressive.”

But his thoughts were still mostly on Qiao Xi, who had just suffered such injustice.

Qi Qi, catching the note of admiration in his voice, smiled even more warmly.

“The Fu Group’s research and talent pool truly live up to their reputation,” she said. “To be honest, I greatly admire the enterprise style and vision you foster. Perhaps… there could be opportunities for cooperation in the future?”

Hearing such praise for his company—especially from Dr. Q, whom he had long respected—softened Fu Yancheng’s expression considerably.

“Radiance and Dr. Q are the true benchmarks of the industry,” he replied, offering a rare businesslike smile. “I look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.”

This brief exchange did not escape Qiao Xi, who was nearby gathering her things.

She saw the rare, appreciative smile on Fu Yancheng’s face, and her heart felt as if it had been sharply pricked, a surge of sourness and bitterness rising within her.

Qi Qi caught sight of Qiao Xi’s hasty departure from the corner of her eye, and her lips curled in a triumphant arc.

As Fu Yancheng was soon surrounded by senior judges discussing the earlier “sample incident,” Qi Qi quietly slipped away.

She caught up with Qiao Xi at the corner of a backstage corridor, blocking her path as she was preparing to leave alone.

“Engineer Qiao, please wait,” Qi Qi called, her voice still gentle, but her gaze was now openly provocative.

Qiao Xi stopped, her face expressionless. “Dr. Qi, what is it?”

Qi Qi gave a light laugh and stepped closer, lowering her voice so only the two of them could hear. “You were rather impressive up there, turning the tide. I’ll give you that. But in the end, I still won.”

She smiled, adding, “What use is it, proving your innocence? In the end, competitions are about scores and victories.”

Then she added meaningfully, “Mr. Fu appreciates those with real ability—people like me.”

Qiao Xi’s expression remained calm. “What are you trying to say?”

“I just think a top-tier group like the Fu family shouldn’t need an engineer who has ‘accidents’ at critical moments,” Qi Qi said, her smile turning vicious and arrogant.

“How about a wager? Let’s bet on the final outcome of this competition. If you lose and I take the championship—”

She enunciated each word, “You will leave the Fu Group of your own accord and never appear before Fu Yancheng again. Well? Do you dare?”

Qiao Xi barely hesitated, her clear eyes meeting Qi Qi’s provocation head-on.

“All right,” she answered, her voice firm as steel. “I accept.”

“But if I win, I want you to publicly admit, in front of everyone, that you tampered with today’s sample, and to apologize to me and the Fu Group.”

Qi Qi raised her eyebrows as if hearing a joke. “Agreed.”

“Engineer Qiao, you’d better start packing your things.”

With that, she turned and strode away, heels tapping the floor with the arrogance of certain victory.

Qiao Xi stood where she was, watching her retreating figure, her fists clenched tightly.

After the surge of emotion ebbed, the heavy pressure set in—but at the same time, a fierce determination not to be defeated blazed in her heart.