After work, the employees hopped onto the shuttle in groups, heading to a fancy buffet restaurant in Craneville that was well-known for its steep prices, averaging about $500 per person. Many had wanted to try it out, but the cost had deterred them until now.
The restaurant was entirely booked by Brittany for the evening. Other than a few VIP clients, everyone there was part of the YULI team.
Brittany sat at a table with Jared and the managers from the design and public relations departments.
"So, Ms. Lynette, the competition is heating up. What are your plans moving forward?" asked the PR manager, Yuri's pick, who was fully aligned with Brittany's vision.
"We'll be launching a new line." Brittany ordered a steak, cutting a piece and savoring it slowly, enjoying the rich flavor as it melted in her mouth.
"Sounds good."
Jared, having been reprimanded earlier, had lost his appetite.
Brittany pretended not to notice and continued eating until she excused herself to visit the restroom.
While Brittany was away, Elijah spotted her and swiftly approached. "Brittany."
She turned, a puzzled look on her face. "Do we know each other?"
"Hello, I'm Hugh. We were seniors and juniors back in college." Elijah smiled warmly. "I heard you were injured recently. Are you fully recovered now?"
"Yes, I'm better, thank you." Brittany recognized him as someone from her past, though she couldn't recall any specifics. "I'm sorry, I seem to have forgotten a lot about those days." "No worries, we'll just get to know each other again."
They exchanged contact information, and Elijah asked, "Are you here dining alone?"
"No, it's a company dinner," Brittany replied truthfully.
Brittany's assistant appeared, and Brittany bid Elijah goodbye, returning to the bustling dining hall.
After a hearty meal, the employees dispersed, and Brittany headed home, receiving a message from Elijah: [Bri, are you free tomorrow night?]
Brittany's schedule was tightly packed, divided into countless segments.
[Sorry, I'm free in three days. Is it something urgent?]
[Three days it is. See you then.]
Brittany agreed happily.
As the design competition progressed, it gained momentum with a constant emergence of talented designers. On the final day, Brittany, the host, attended and watched as one designer after another showcased their work.
The standout wasn't an established name but a dark horse named Zinnia, a college student whose designs outshone many seasoned professionals. Her skills were raw, driven more by pure talent, making her a top contender.
At the climax of the event, Zinnia clinched the championship with a nearly perfect design, eliciting gasps and thunderous applause from the audience.
As Brittany handed over the trophy, she experienced a moment of déjà vu, as if she once stood in the same spot.
"Thank you, Ms. Lynette," Zinnia said, beaming with joy.
"Congratulations," Brittany replied, genuinely smiling.
Offstage, Brittany approached Zinnia alone. "Would you be interested in joining YULI?"
Among all the contestants, Zinnia's work had been Brittany's favorite.
Zinnia had long admired Brittany, whose reputation resonated loudly in Craneville.
"Ms. Lynette, I've always looked up to you as my idol. I would love to work with you."
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