Chapter 14 — When I Don't Need Them Anymore

Having finished speaking, I returned to my showroom. To Uyen Ninh's side became much colder. The people who used to surround her have now been reduced by more than half. She stood in front of her work, her fingers tightening on the hem of her dress. The perfect weakness on that face... Finally, a crack opened. That evening, the conference held a party. Designers, judges, brand representatives were all present. At first I didn't plan to go. Chu Nghien pulled me back again.

“You must go.”

“Today's story is not over yet.”

“Dinner parties are the real social battlefield.”

The party was held on the top floor of the convention center. Soft light. Wine glasses clinked together amid intermittent laughter. When I arrived, I saw some unexpected faces. Co's father and Co's mother were standing in a corner talking to a businessman. They also participate in the sponsorship category of this conference. From afar, Co's mother was the first person to see me. Her expression stiffened for a moment, then immediately forced a smile. I looked at her.

“Lady Gu.”

That call made her choke up a bit.

"Nien An, I know that the previous things made you suffer a lot of self-pity. But now you are famous abroad and have achievements, I am really happy for you."

"After all, we are all family, is there anything we can't sit down and talk about?"

I raised my glass of water.

“I have already signed the relationship severance paper.”

“There is no such thing as family anymore.”

Ba Co also came. His hair is much grayer than a year ago.

"How are you talking to your mother? No matter what, she is the one who gave birth to you."

“Born me.”

“Then lock me in a dark room regardless of whether I live or die.”

“Born me.”

“Then forced me to take To Uyen Ninh's place in the detention center.”

My voice is not loud. But several people standing nearby heard it. Some people pretend not to hear. Some people secretly looked a few more times. Co's father's face began to look ugly.

"That's all over, we regret it too. You can..."

I put down the glass of water.

“Mr. Co, my blueprint was stolen by your adopted daughter.”

“She used it to open a company to make money.”

“After being exposed, have you ever sought her out to settle the matter?”

“Have you ever made her publicly apologize?”

“Have you ever kicked her out of that house?”

He couldn't answer. Co's mother's eyes turned red.

"Nien An, Uyen Ninh... they also suffered a lot of resentment, so they..."

I don't want to listen anymore. I passed by them. Not stopping even once. After walking about five meters, a voice was heard from behind.

“Sister, what a coincidence.”

To Uyen Ninh was holding a glass of wine and standing to my right. Today she changed into a long black dress, her makeup lighter than in the afternoon. There are two people behind. One is Tien Nhuy. The other person I have never met.

“There is something I want to tell you directly.”

To Uyen Ninh said. Then smiled softly. Completely different from the weak look on stage this afternoon. This smile is very cold.

“Your performance on stage today was very good, the judges were also very satisfied.”

“But sister, do you think you can do anything for me just by bringing out a few original manuscripts?”

Her voice was very low. But the neighboring tables were clearly listening.

“My brand has more than three hundred cooperation points in the country, There are investors, there are distribution channels.”

“What about you?”

“A small studio, a few crushed stones.”

“Even if everyone knew I used your designs, so what?”

“The market is mine.”

“The customer is mine.”

“The brand name is ‘Uyen Ninh Jewelry’, not An Lac.”

“What are you going to do with me?”

“Do you think winning today means winning the future?”

I looked at her.

“Are you done talking yet?”

“Done talking.”

“Then I'll tell you something too.”

I took out an envelope from my bag. Pulled out a piece of paper and put it in front of her. To Uyen Ninh lowered her head and looked down. Her face slowly changed under the light. It is a legal document.

“I filed a copyright infringement complaint against the core design patent of the brand ‘Uyen Ninh Jewelry’.”

“Documents include all of my original designs and inspection reports.”

“The notice of acceptance was sent three days ago.”

“This means…”

"All products related to that design of your brand, during the infringement trial, will face the risk of being removed from the market and banned from sale."

To Uyen Ninh's fingers trembled slightly. But she quickly controlled herself.

“Are you threatening me?”

“Not a threat.”

“It's an announcement.”