Chapter 8 Thanks, I’m Fine

Cristelle forked a piece of broccoli, but she forgot that she had put too much paprika. She choked on the spice and started to cough. Linford instantly pushed a cup of water before her. It was his glass. Everyone around the table went frozen. What did their boss just do? Cristelle surpassed the next fit of cough. She smiled at Linford, "Thanks. But I'm fine." Cristelle didn't want to drink from his cup. She had already been bothered by gossip. She didn't want to make it worse. Cristelle struggled to compose herself, "No need, I'm fine now." Cristelle's face was red from choking, and she pushed back the bowl of soup. Linford remained expressionless as he continued with his lunch. Juliette scoffed internally. She put a piece of pepper in her mouth as well. When she started to cough, Linford didn't even bother to look up. It was so unfair. They were working in the same department, yet Linford only recognized Cristelle! "The design competition is in a couple of months. How are your preparations?" Linford found a random topic. Izzy smiled and replied, "Everyone in our department is working hard for the competition." Juliette quickly added, "Izzy's the most hardworking among us. She works overtime almost every day." After that, Juliette cast a look at Cristelle. Cristelle pretended she didn't see that. But she was getting curious as they brought up this competition, "What competition are you guys talking about? Why didn't I know?" Izzy acted surprised, "You don't know about this? It's our annual fashion design competition. The competition winner will be assigned to the 20th floor and work with Fritzi. It's a magnificent chance to become a full-fledged fashion designer if you have the dream." Cristelle blinked. She didn't know this until today. It surely sounded like an amazing opportunity. Juliette added, "And the prize money the winner gets is also pretty generous. I heard it's more than 200 grand." Cristelle quickly asked, "What does the second-place winner get?" "There is no second place. We only generate one winner," Linford added, "That's why the competition is quite fierce." Cristelle blinked, "I see." If she could get the money, she wouldn't need to be worried about Candace's medical bills. Cristelle's fists balled up under the desk. Linford poked at the steak on his plate as he added calmly, "Today's the last day for competitors to sign in. Details can be found on the company page. If you want to be a part of the competition, you need to hurry it up now, Cristelle." Cristelle quickly finished her lunch and headed back to the office to register for the competition. Izzy, Juliette, and the rest of the team decided to stay at the cafeteria for a while. "The competition's just around the corner. Will our new girl participate?" "There's not enough time. It's not just the design. The dress also needs to be made. Material selection and tailoring will take most of the time. She wouldn't be able to make it so soon." Juliette rolled her eyes, "Did you even notice her face when I mentioned the prize money? She's so fucking cheap." The colleagues started to laugh again since Linford had already left. Izzy didn't join the laugh. She was still thinking about the way Linford looked at Cristelle. He seemed so concerned when she choked. Izzy felt both furious and jealous. She had been secretly in love with Linford for five years. Going to the 20th floor and being seen by her handsome boss was her dream. During the last competition, she had been so close. She had been so close to being able to work on the 20th floor and managed to see Linford every single day, but she had failed. **** Cristelle registered for the competition instantly when she walked back into the office. And then, she started to draw new drafts in her notebook again. Izzy walked back as well. The longer she stared at Cristelle's pretty face, the angrier she became. Linford probably also noticed her because of that pretty face. Izzy knew she was a perfect woman, but she just didn't have a beautiful face. She knew how shallow most men were. She just didn't expect Linford to be the same. "Cristelle, you didn't even finish your lunch. Why did you come back so soon?" Izzy walked over, perfectly hiding her jealousy. She hid her real thoughts really well. Cristelle smiled, "I'm full. You're always so sweet, Izzy." "There are only two months left before the competition. Do you really want to compete?" Izzy asked directly. Cristelle, however, seemed a bit defeated, "I just registered in, actually. But I know myself. I won't hold my hopes high. I just want to try... You know... It's just a test." Cristelle has calmed down right now. This company was filled with talented people. Cristelle didn't believe she would become the most standing-out one. Besides, if she gave herself under too much pressure, she probably wouldn't be able to make it. She should relax. Maybe she would excel that way. Izzy got nervous as she noticed how composed Cristelle was toward the competition. "Yep, that's my girl," Izzy forced out a smile, "I believe you will make it." "No... Izzy, you're more talented than I am," Cristelle said genuinely. She felt so lucky to have a friend like Izzy in this company. This girl was so open and kind. And she seemed to care about her a lot. Cristelle had no idea what this "good colleague" had been thinking all this time. When the work hours were over, Cristelle started to collect her things again. Izzy walked over and asked, "Are you gonna leave again, Cristelle?" Cristelle nodded embarrassingly, "I still have something to handle back home. Sorry for not being able to work overtime." Izzy grabbed her laptop and shoved it in Cristelle's hands, "I bet you don't have a laptop back at home. It will be so inconvenient for an amazing designer like yourself. Here, take this one and use it." Cristelle wanted to give it back, but Izzy insisted, "Please, Cristelle, just take this. I got plenty at home. I'm giving this to you because I know you can really use it. Please don't turn me down if you treat me as your friend." Izzy was right. She really did need this.