The preliminary judging resumed after the thirty-minute recess.
Xia Xinya's empty seat attracted almost as much attention as the designs on the exhibition platform. Students whispered among themselves, but no one dared to speak too loudly after Professor Zhao's warning.
Although the judges continued evaluating the remaining entries, the atmosphere had changed.
Some students were excited by the scandal, while others appeared nervous about their own work. A few even took out their portfolios and hurriedly checked whether they could explain every detail if questioned.
Xia Weiwei sat beside Lou and watched the presentations quietly.
"You're calmer than I expected," Lou whispered.
"What should I do? Stand on the table and celebrate?"
"I would pay to see that."
"You would also record it and use the video to blackmail me for the rest of my life."
"Of course. That is what best friends are for."
Weiwei suppressed a laugh.
"Besides, the investigation isn't over."
