"Another round of applause for you and your collection!"
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"Clap, clap, clap...."
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After swallowing several gulps, the host continued.
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"There are more than four hundred finalists in this exhibition. Both the design and tailoring techniques are unique. But we can't deny that the dresses we see on stage right now are the most perfect. Both Gaston himself and the judges from the world of fashion have acknowledged your collection. Apart from Limone's passing, did you have any other inspiration, Nongnapat?"
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The host asked a question in French, exactly according to the script in his hand! But Nongnapat herself had changed. Before, she had thought of three answers in advance. She had prepared herself to tell the truth that she used Emanuel Gaston as a model because she liked him... But what could she do when everything was not as she thought?
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The young woman bowed her head slightly, accepting the compliment. While waving to everyone below, even though no one wanted it.
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"What should we do? If we say it like we rehearsed, the people below will definitely boo us. But shouldn't we believe in our true feelings? Gaston! Why does your irrationality confuse me so much…"
The slender figure who won the award thought to herself. She stood still for a long time. The sharp face staring at her made her nervous and didn't know what to do. It was like her brain wouldn't give her any instructions. Nongnapas just used her instincts to respond.
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"Love!"
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"I put love into my designs!"
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"It's true that this contest was held to commemorate Ms. Limone, but I didn't use her work as a model. I just used her ideas. Limone once told us all, "We shouldn't neglect the basic utility of clothing. The function of clothing is to cover the body and keep the wearer warm." That's why love and goodwill are my top priority. I even place love higher than design work because they can be passed on to each other in any form… "
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"We all have people we love, and people we miss. We all have people we want to give good things to. And this is my inspiration. Because I love you, Limone, so I created it. And because I have someone I love so much, I designed this dress for him, hoping that one day he will have the chance to wear it…"
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The soft applause gradually grew louder. They honestly accepted the dress that Nongnapat had submitted from the beginning. At first glance, they knew that her skills were extraordinary. Plus, listening to her ideas made everyone think… What are new designers doing now? They forgot what Limone taught! They focus on design, focus on modernity. Few people care about the wearer like Nongnapat did.
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"What's wrong with being Thai? The people who caused trouble in the land of the three aggregates under the shadow of the single-eyed coconut shell, what does it have to do with a designer with work of her caliber?" If they could speak Thai, they would probably say something like this. The atmosphere in the event area was noticeably better. Some of the honorable guests even stood up and applauded her. While many ladies still had to wipe tears from their cheeks because of the impression
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Gaston must be crazy for not knowing what is what, and even hurting the little woman with words and gestures that should not be imitated. That time, he still did not stop! The more he saw that the people in the event had changed their attitudes, the more he could not accept it! He rushed in and grabbed the microphone from the host's hand again... This time, he even interrupted the conversation in the middle!
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"That's right. I was wondering why your collection, Nongnapat, was more outstanding than others. Hearing you say it today, I understand clearly that it is because of love..."
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"That's why I thought your work was the winner. It is because your work is very similar to the work of Limone, my "lover". So much so that I had to organize this event because I could not stand thinking about her. Limone is a kind-hearted woman who always thinks of others before herself. The more I see your dresses that use the same concept as hers in design, the more I feel guilty..."
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"I can't do anything but carry the loss on my shoulders. I really feel guilty for taking her to end her life in that land. If I hadn't taken her, Limona would still be alive by now. She should have said that golden sentence herself, not from your mouth!!!"
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It seemed that Gaston was not going to let this go easily. Didier had to do something to end everything gently. He tried to whisper something to the female host, nodding and making hand signals that only he and the backstage team knew.
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"If I could turn back time, I would never have held this contest. I would… I… I… Hello, hello… Hello… L… L."
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A few seconds later, the microphone Gaston was holding was muted. He turned to Didier and glared at him, his face twisted in anger and his temples throbbing. However, before the chairman could say anything, the female host intervened to resolve the situation appropriately.
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"Alright, now is the right time. After we had a full interview with the creators, we arrived at the highlight of today's event…"
"Please invite President Emmanuel Gaston to present the trophies and cash prizes to the winners in front of the stage… clap clap clap clap."
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The polite applause broke out again. Even though the stage presentation was abrupt and unnatural, Nongnapha could tell that Gaston was not very happy... He was not like the god she had taken a picture of in her phone. Especially when they had to stand close together, receive the trophy, and take a photo together, Nongnapha did not feel excited at all. It shouldn't be like this. At the very least, her face should be as red as a tamarind. Her ears should be burning a bit. But it didn't! Come to think of it, playing the webcam in Harlem felt much better.
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All around Gaston, there was nothing but coldness. There were no smiles or compliments. On top of that, Nongnapha could feel the hatred that this man was radiating. Gaston was too scary to fall in love with. Nongnapha herself did not like this kind of thing. She wanted to just accept it and be done with it, open the envelope, count the money, and charter a plane back to Thailand to be done with it... But then she was grabbed by the female host while she was walking down from the stage!