The jewelry-making process was tedious and complex, after all. Even the industry elites present wouldn't dare claim they could single-handedly turn their own designs into finished pieces.
"But honestly, I'd love to see what Designer No. 4's sketch looks like as a finished product. If the design is that stunning, the final piece must be even more breathtaking!"
"This is what makes Daphne Rainsford’s competitions so legendary. It’s just so exciting!"
***
The audience was buzzing with discussion.
Up on the stage, however, the confident expressions of several designers began to crumble.
Hailey had been full of confidence, her head held high, just waiting for the theme of the second round to be announced.
Then she would take three minutes to brainstorm.
And with her brilliant design, she would dazzle everyone.
It would be the perfect way to cement her image as a genius in everyone's minds.
But she never expected Daphne to go off-script.
She was actually asking them, a group of designers, to create the finished pieces?
Hailey was the first to speak up. "Ms. Rainsford, we're designers, not artisans. Isn't a design competition about the sketches?"
Evidently, after the first round, the praise had gone to Hailey’s head. She truly saw herself as the jewelry world's "Star of Eternity."
She even secretly believed that her talent had been so clearly displayed that she was bound to attract the attention of industry giants.
Even if Daphne wanted to take her on as a personal apprentice, she would have to coax and plead before Hailey would reluctantly agree.
Because of this, Hailey spoke bluntly and without courtesy.
Daphne stood up, her expression serious. "A competent jewelry designer must know their work inside and out. The second round will test each designer's hands-on skills, as well as their command and understanding of their own designs."

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