Chapter 3 — The Dignity of a Signature

I bowed my head and looked at my clothes. A white shirt and black pants are very ordinary, really unremarkable. But at the collar of the shirt there is a hand-sewn embroidered line. That's my design habit. Every piece of clothing I make with my own hands will leave a small mark. Like signature. On the inside of the skirt of the tuxedo Hua Tu Tu is wearing... there is also. I stood up and went backstage to change into that black uniform. On the chest of the shirt are printed four words:

“Working staff.”

After putting it on, I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. The person in the mirror is thirty-one years old. The corners of the eyes have a few light wrinkles. Hair tied in a bun as desired, no makeup. My baggy uniform made me look like a seasonal employee in charge of moving tables and chairs in a hotel. Compared to Hua Tu Tu out there, who is shining from head to toe... Surely no one would believe that the real designer is standing in front of this mirror. The phone vibrates. This is Tham Hao's WeChat message:

"Don't cause trouble when you go on stage later. After handing over the trophy, come down immediately. Don't say another word."

I replied: Then open the chat box with teacher Phuong, type one line:

“Teacher Phuong, what time is the connection?”

Thirty seconds later, Phuong Tri Vien replied:

"Forty-five minutes after the ceremony started, the MC announced the gold award. The image transfer part will be handled by the teacher's side, you just need to make sure the network is stable."

"I got it."

He sent another message:

“Lam Ha, are you sure you want to do that?”

I looked at that text for a long time. Then type three words:

“I'm sure.”

The backstage door was pushed open. An employee poked his head in and urged:

"Are you done changing yet? Hurry up, it's about to start."

I stuffed my phone into my pocket, turned around and walked out. The lights in the hall were now dark. Only the stage is bright. The ceremony officially begins. MC is a very famous host in the world. He wore a dark blue suit, had a loud voice, and knew how to stir up the atmosphere.

"Dear distinguished guests and industry colleagues. Welcome to the twelfth Golden Crane Design Awards! Tonight, we will witness the best creative works of this year, as well as the elite designers behind them..."

Applause echoed throughout the hall. I stood in the backstage waiting area, holding the golden trophy in my hand. The trophy was heavier than I expected. The metal surface was cold, with two words engraved on it: I used my thumb to gently stroke over those two words. The engraving is very deep. Laser engraving. But the person's name below... is not me. The ceremony process is very long. First is the summary video, then the bronze and silver awards are awarded. Every time the winner steps on stage, there is applause and flashing lights below. The ceremony was livestreamed throughout the industry. After only ten minutes of broadcasting, the number of online viewers exceeded two hundred thousand. From backstage, I could see a surveillance screen displaying livestream images and comments. On the screen, countless lines of comments are running continuously:

“Who won the gold award?”

“I heard that this year there are designers born after 95, really cool!”

"It seems to be Hua Tu Tu from Tham Hao company? I've seen her name before."

Hua Tu Tu's name has now spread throughout the design world. From a month ago, Tham Hao had begun to pave the way for her. He spread the news in all kinds of industry and media groups, saying that his company had trained a young design genius who had just debuted and won the Golden Crane Gold Award. Everything was prepared so perfectly. To the point now, the whole industry believes that Hua Tu Tu is the creator of "Quy Khu". After the silver award ended, the MC's voice gradually became more solemn.

“Next… is the most important moment of tonight!”

MC raised his voice.

“Gold Award of the Twelfth Golden Crane Design Award!”

The whole hall was silent for a few seconds. Then the applause exploded even louder than before.

“This year's gold award winning work — 'Quy Khu' — uses classical Eastern aesthetics as its foundation, combined with modern deconstructionism, surpassing four hundred and thirty-seven competing works to win an absolute majority of votes from all seven judges.”

The MC intentionally stopped for a beat, pushing the atmosphere to a climax.

“This is also the first time in the twelve-year history of the Golden Crane Award that a perfect score has occurred!”

Chatter below immediately rang out.

“Oh my god…”

“Perfect score?”

“It's terrible.”

MC smiled:

“Please invite this year's gold award winner — Ms. Hua Tu Tu — to come on stage to receive the award!”

The lights simultaneously shine on the path. Hua Tu Tu stood up from the main table. All eyes and flashes in the hall almost focused on her in the same second. She bowed her head slightly, with a gentle smile, step by step onto the stage. The costume I made with my own hands under the bright lights seemed to fill the galaxy. The skirt of the dress swayed slightly with each step. Below, someone quietly exclaimed:

"You're so young and yet you've won the gold award, your future is definitely great."

Tham Hao sat in the first row under the stage. He crossed his arms across his chest, smiling contentedly. It's like enjoying a masterpiece arranged by your own hands. MC looked backstage.

“Please ask the staff to bring the trophy to the stage.”

I bowed my head and looked at the trophy in my hand. Then take a step up. The stage lights are too bright. It shines directly on my face, burning hot. I wore a black uniform with the word "Officer" printed on it, my hair tied up, no makeup, no jewelry. Standing next to Hua Tu Tu who is shining brightly... I look like a temporary employee helping move props. Hua Tu Tu stopped slightly when he saw me. But very quickly she regained her perfect smile. She held out her hands, preparing to receive the trophy. I gave the trophy to her. The moment my fingertips touched the cold metal, I felt her hand tremble ever so slightly. She took it. Applause echoed throughout the hall. But I don't step aside. I still stood in place. Quietly look at her. The smile on Hua Tu Tu's face suddenly stiffened. She lowered her voice:

“Assistant Lam, you can come down now.”

I didn't move. In the first row of seats under the stage, the smile on Tham Hao's face disappeared. He leaned forward slightly, beckoning me with his hand. The meaning is very clear. Get down now. The MC also realized that there was something unusual about the atmosphere, but still quickly saved the field:

“Let's give a round of applause to congratulate Ms. Hua Tu Tu!”

“Miss Hua, please express your thoughts on receiving the award.”

Hua Tu Tu turned around to face the audience. Begin reading your prepared speech.

“Thank you to the organizers of the Kim Hac tournament, thank you to the judges, thank you to general director Tham Hao for always guiding and instructing me…”

I stood behind her. Immobility. The staff behind the scenes kept waving for me to come down. I don't look at them. I'm waiting. The phone in my pocket vibrated.