Chapter 2 — Global Livestream, Her Dress Shows My Name

The Chairman frowned slightly.

“Ha Tinh, can you confirm that the core idea of the 'Son Hai Van' collection that you brought to the contest came from Ms. Ha Mat?”

"That's right."

My voice was very calm.

"The original idea was Ha Mat's. I just developed it further."

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have used her idea to enter the contest."

This speech was written to me by Chu Minh Vien last night. I didn't change a single word. Also reads very fluently. In the corner of the room, a muffled curse rang out. I didn't turn back. But I know it's To Niem. She is my college roommate. Currently working as an editor for a fashion magazine. I'm here today as a reporter. The Chairman signaled the secretary to take notes, then looked towards Chu Minh Vien.

“Professor Chu, as Ms. Ha Mat's instructor, can you provide supporting documents?”

Chu Minh Vien opened the stack of documents in front of him. He took out several time-stamped screenshots and scanned copies of the sketches, and showed them to the council members one by one.

"This is a pattern sketch that appeared in Ha Mat's class notes from two years ago. The core structure has a very high similarity to Ha Tinh's contest work."

"In addition, this is a photo extracted from the surveillance camera while Ha Tinh was studying in my office."

“You can see her many times looking at Ha Mat's design book.”

I glanced at those documents. In my previous life, I risked my life to explain that the timeline in those photos did not match. That the pen strokes on the sketches matter. But no one would listen. Because Chu Minh Vien is the most prestigious National Style design teacher in the industry. His words are iron proof. And I am just an ordinary student who was guided by him. In this life, I won't explain anymore.

“I have no opinion.”

The Chairman quickly announced the results of the processing. Cancel Ha Tinh's eligibility to compete. Transfer the exam slot to Ha Mat. Delete all of Ha Tinh's winning achievements from the Association's database. Retain your design practice certificate. But it was accompanied by a ban from participating in competitions for two years. After the announcement was completed, Chu Minh Vien was the first person to stand up. He walked in front of me and patted my shoulder. His tone was like a gentle father comforting his erring child.

“Think outside the box.”

“Young people making mistakes are not scary.”

“The scariest thing is not daring to admit mistakes.”

“You made the right choice today.”

His hand is very heavy. On my shoulders. The knuckles were still silently clenched. That's no consolation. It's a warning. What he means is: Well done. Don't regret it. Ha Mat stepped forward from behind. She bent down, came close to my ear, and said softly:

“Thank you, Tinh Tinh.”

"Don't worry. When I win the award, I will definitely mention your help in my acceptance speech."

Having finished speaking, she stood up straight. Smiling with relief at the surrounding reporters. Several cameras simultaneously made shutter sounds. The front page headlines of tomorrow's design websites will probably be:

"Original author Ha Mat shed tears and forgave his juniors for plagiarism, the truth was finally revealed."

I bowed my head and walked out of the meeting room. To Niem blocked me middle of the hallway. She was so angry that her face turned white.

“Ha Tinh, are you crazy?”

“I watched you draw those manuscripts with my own eyes!”

“From the first stroke of a pen to every last stitch, I witnessed it all!”

“On what basis do you have to bear this crime for her?”

“What are you afraid of?”

“Afraid of Chu Minh Vien?”

“Who the hell is he?”

“An old man who only knows how to use his students' works to polish his name!”

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a more hidden corner.

“Speak softly.”

“I don't mince words!”

“I have to scream so everyone can hear!”

I looked straight into her eyes.

“Do me a favor.”

She paused.

“From today onwards, no matter what the outside says about me, don't speak up to defend me.”

“Don't come looking for me either.”

“For the next three months, pretend you don't know me.”

“What did you say?”

“Three months later, you will understand.”

To Niem opened his mouth. The expression gradually changed from indignation to confusion. I won't explain further. Just turned around and left. When he walked to the gate of the building, Luc Ngan's car was parked on the side of the road. He rolled down the window. On his face was a perfectly fitting expression of heartbreak.

“Get in the car.”

“I'll take you home.”

I circled around his car. Go straight towards the bus stop. In the rearview mirror, the hurt look on Luc Ngan's face quickly turned into frustration. But just in the blink of an eye. Immediately after that, he regained his usual calmness. He picked up the phone and made a call. I couldn't hear what he said. But I know the person who received the call was Ha Mat. Because in his previous life, at this exact moment, he called her and said:

"Don't worry, she got it, she won't turn back."

The bus arrives. I got in the car and sat in the last row. Outside the window, Luc Ngan's car slowly followed. After following two stations, he turned around and left. I leaned my head against the glass door. The glass is cold. The phone in my pocket vibrated. It's a text message from an unknown number:

"Ha Tinh, I saw the news about today's hearing. There are some things that are not convenient to talk about here. Can we meet to talk?"

Sender: Tan Lang. I stared at that name for a few seconds. Chu Minh Vien's youngest student. Two courses lower than me. In his previous life, a year after I died, he posted a very long article online, using his real identity to accuse Chu Minh Vien of appropriating his students' creative achievements for many years. That article did not create any stir. Because Chu Minh Vien's network of relationships is too large. After that, Tan Lang left the design industry. It is said that he went to a small city to work as an art teacher. But in this life, on the day of the hearing, he proactively contacted me. I don't answer. Just turn the phone face down. It's not time yet. News of the hearing spread very quickly. On the third day, when I went to the Association to complete the procedures to cancel my eligibility to participate in the exam, the girl at the reception desk looked at me with completely different eyes. Not contempt. It's a look that's a mixture of curiosity and a bit of gloating. It's like seeing someone who once stood very tall suddenly fall down. Finally standing on equal footing with me. After completing the procedure, as soon as I walked out, I saw Chu Minh Vien leading Ha Mat and a few judges inside industry came back from lunch. Today Ha Mat is wearing a dress from the "Son Hai Van" collection. That dress was sewn by me. As for the hidden pattern on the collar, I stayed up three nights in a row to embroider it.