Chapter 2153: Backing

Definitely wouldn’t trouble a younger generation.

“You call him Grandpa Lu, so you are—”

The elderly gentleman scrutinized her for a brief moment and, before she could answer, said, “I remember now, the designer that Shen’s kept under wraps was you, right? I’ve heard that Mr. Lu mentioned you many times. Ever since you were young, he wanted to whisk you away to be his disciple, but your grandfather wouldn’t let him. However, your talent in design always left him full of praise. Whenever we old friends talked, he never uttered a single criticism. That’s you, isn’t it?”

Nan Jiaojiao was a bit embarrassed by the praise.

Rose made things difficult for her, and she never wavered, yet she blushed at the praise from her elders’ friends.

She smiled humbly, “That’s me, sorry to make you laugh.”

“Laugh at what, young lady? You’re very impressive, with a bright future ahead. Don’t waste your talent. With your current status, just be yourself. Don’t let your heart stray. If it turns corrupted, you’re done for. You’re still young, plan your future well.”

Nan Jiaojiao took the advice to heart, “Thank you, sir, for your guidance.”

“It’s not really guidance, just don’t mind my nagging. I’m just here with my granddaughter to watch a show. I usually don’t like these things, but you’ve used the twenty-four solar terms and seasons in your designs in such a novel way. My granddaughter is so fond of it. I’m cheeky enough to say here that I want to order a set. I don’t care if you play favorites, as long as you can fit me in the queue.”

Pei Dongshi quickly responded, “Of course, your interest is an honor for E.Y and Jiaojiao.”

Nan Jiaojiao glanced at him. Anyone who could make Pei Dongshi behave respectfully as a junior must be a significant figure. Though in Rongcheng City, few could surpass Bo Yanching and the Lu Family, there were still many with considerable status.

Though curious, she knew now wasn’t the time to ask.

The old gentleman laughed heartily, “I actually wanted to leave earlier. It’s too crowded, and I’m worried about my dear granddaughter getting squeezed. So, I stayed to see what’s happening. Now I’ve seen enough, and staying isn’t interesting. I’ll have to trouble President Pei to see us out.”

“Of course, I’ll arrange for someone to escort you out. I’m sorry for the trouble today. Perhaps Jiaojiao and I can call on you another day to extend our apologies.”

Pei Dongshi’s words were well-spoken; naturally, the old gentleman wouldn’t reject his kindness. The atmosphere between the two became amiable as they exchanged pleasantries.

Following the old gentleman was his granddaughter, about the same age as Nan Jiaojiao, wearing a custom-made dress that was elegant, not ostentatious, matching her own temperament. She winked cheekily at Nan Jiaojiao, lifted her skirt, and turned to leave.

Pei Dongshi arranged for Qiao Shan to escort them out, but he personally walked them to the door before returning.

Nan Jiaojiao indeed didn’t know that elderly gentleman, but quite a few people at the scene recognized him.

The earlier episode essentially backed Nan Jiaojiao up.

Now, who copied whom, it was clear to anyone with discerning eyes.

Rose had become the biggest joke of the event.

She was nearly unable to stand, wanting to escape. With so many eyes on her, she couldn’t bear to lose the hard-won attention. But the situation had developed far beyond her expectations.

Even if she was going down the wrong path to the end, she had to insist that Nan Jiaojiao had plagiarized, or she was finished.

“Miss Nan’s act is quite something, finding herself such a good excuse and backing. If I weren’t sure the design was mine, I’d actually believe you were innocent. I have the drafts and original sketches here, with the dates of every amendment. No matter how you spin it, it’s useless.”