Chapter 186: Plagiarism

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Ruan Nuo trailed Cheng Mo Han out of the conference room. “Boss, I apologize. I’ve completed the purchase. The necklace has been reserved.”

Cheng Mo Han’s expression remained unchanged at the news. “Increase the price until the other party backs down.”

“Boss, it seems the other party isn’t short of funds.” Ruan Nuo added, “I heard it’s a super VIP from FY…”

Cheng Mo Han asserted, “We need to secure it before sunset.”

“Yes!” Ruan Nuo understood that acquiring what his boss desired took precedence, even if FY had mentioned the other party being an influential figure nobody could afford to offend. A joke, really. Was there anyone his boss couldn’t afford to offend?

“Oh, by the way, Boss, there’s a nationwide fashion design competition. The organizers have invited you to be a judge.”

Although the Cheng family’s corporation wasn’t primarily focused on clothing, Cheng Mo Han held a prestigious position. He possessed remarkable talent in design, and a shirt he designed in his youth had caused a sensation in the fashion industry. Since taking over the corporation, he had been preoccupied with business and frequent business trips, neglecting his hobbies and rarely returning home.

The organizers sought notable figures to add prestige to the event. Having Cheng Mo Han as a judge would undoubtedly elevate the competition’s stature.

“I don’t have the time.” Cheng Mo Han dismissed the notion of investing time in such a minor competition. His return this time was to see his sister.

Following that, he anticipated a busy schedule, keeping him away from home for several months.

“Understood, I’ll politely decline on your behalf.”

Fang Yuan had just returned to the company when Wang Ning hurriedly approached her. “President Fang, something’s happened. Among the 30 new products the company is set to launch tomorrow, 26 are identical to the new products released by a rival company today. Moreover, these products are rapidly selling on all major platforms!”

Fang Yuan’s expression turned icy. ‘How is this possible? Someone must be behind this!’

Wang Ning was agitated. “We have no leads right now because these 26 new products were designed by Gu Panpan’s team. President Zhao scolded her in a meeting just now, accusing Gu of setting her up…”

Fang Yuan inquired, “How is she handling it?”

“She’s been crying incessantly.”

Fang Yuan rushed into the elevator. Upon entering the Designing Department, she was met with Zhao Quan’s heated tirade.

“Cry all you want! How dare you cry? It’s as if I’ve wronged you!”

“These are the new products my competitor released today. I paid a premium to acquire them. Open your eyes and take a good look. Have I wronged you!”

Zhao Quan casually grabbed a handful of clothes and threw them at Gu Panpan.

Gu Panpan was stunned. Gazing at the new products before her, she felt unjustly accused. “I genuinely don’t know…”

Zhao Quan retorted, “You must have copied the designs from my competitor!”

“I didn’t!” Gu Panpan choked back tears. “I designed all of this on my own…” “Don’t slander me!” Zhou Hao, the head of the design department, stood up. “Panpan isn’t that kind of person! She’s highly skilled in design. There’s no need for her to copy others!”

“How do you explain the current situation, then?” Zhao Quan pointed at the clothes on the table, demanding an answer. “It’s not just one piece of similarity; it’s 26. Can you provide a reasonable explanation?”

Zhou Hao couldn’t justify the situation upon looking at the clothes, but he insisted, “Panpan sketches every day. Everyone in the department has witnessed it…”

“That’s correct. Panpan wouldn’t stoop to copying. These styles were all her creations!”

“She’s consistently the first to arrive and the last to leave. Once, 1 left my key in the office, and she was still there when I came back to retrieve it…”

“Panpan is incredibly professional. She would never stoop to such a thing!”

“I believe in her!”

“I have faith in her too!”

Zhao Quan sneered and retorted, “Perhaps she’s memorized the style and puts on a show of sketching it in front of you every day!”

“I didn’t…” Gu Panpan cried in despair, “I designed these myself. If anyone is plagiarizing, it’s them copying my work!”

Zhao Quan burst into laughter upon hearing this. “The other party is Charm Cloth! A leading company in the fashion industry. The designer behind these 26 pieces is none other than the renowned Yin Shang! Who are you? Just a small fry. She doesn’t even know you. How could she possibly copy your work?”

“I…” Gu Panpan struggled to articulate a defense.

“If you’re truly skilled in design, why haven’t I seen you produce such quality work before?”

Gu Panpan hastily clarified, “Before creating these pieces, I received guidance from President Fang and was consistently inspired by her to design them!” Without Fang Yuan’s guidance, she would still be going in circles!

Zhao Quan sneered. “So, it seems President Fang advised you to copy someone else’s work?”

“No!” Gu Panpan was indignant and flustered.. “You can insult me, but you cannot insult President Fang!”