Hearing Zhao Qinghui's words, everyone was instantly angry. "You…"
However, one thing was right. Everyone present was not a professional. No one could compare to Zhao Qinghui in terms of music. Moreover, he was clearly biased toward Yao Mengqing. He was just short of telling everyone that he wanted to avenge Yao Mengqing by targeting Qiao Xi.
Qiao Xi was not annoyed in the slightest and just smiled lightly. "As long as Mr. Zhao is happy, it doesn't matter who everyone likes. It's fine as long as Miss Yao is happy."
Yao Mengqing suppressed her anger and forced a smile.
This time… she had won, so it did not matter. Qiao Xi could say whatever she wanted.
Zhao Qinghui was a famous musician. He represented the highest level of music. Who could retort him? If he said that Qiao Xi's performance was emotionless, then it meant that she was emotionless!
Zhao Qinghui nodded in satisfaction. "I still have to ask, do you have any objections to the competition's results back then? If you don't…"
At this moment, a man suddenly stood up and shouted, "Wait!"
The man had European features, fair skin, and light blue eyes. His Chinese was a little awkward, but he said anxiously, "Miss Qiao, please wait a moment."
Qiao Xi turned around. The person hurriedly bowed to Old Master Li. "I'm sorry, Mr. Li. For the sake of ensuring fairness in the international violin competition, I might have to take up a little of your time."
Old Master Li nodded without hesitation, then the man quickly said, "Miss Qiao, I'm really grateful that you performed such a stunning piece. In fact, you're not even at the level of a contestant. You're more than qualified to be a judge for the competition."
As soon as he finished speaking, the banquet hall fell silent. Everyone was dumbfounded.
Zhao Qinghui and Yao Mengqing's expressions were very ugly.
She could be a judge for an international competition?
Yao Mengqing's face was pale. She bit her lip so hard that her nails dug into her palms.
The woman beside Yao Mengqing was indignant. "Nonsense! Mr. Zhao said that Mengqing's standard is higher and she's fully deserving of being the champion. You said that Qiao Xi can be a judge. Could it be that you're denying Mr. Zhao's professionalism?
"Or are you looking down on the champion of the international violin competition?"
The atmosphere was tense. Everyone was staring at the few people in front of them with burning gazes. Something big was going to happen today!
Speaking of which, who was this foreigner? Why did he deny Mr. Zhao's comments and praise Qiao Xi for being good enough to become a judge?
With Mr. Zhao's ego, he would definitely not be able to take this lying down and would definitely compete for supremacy.
The man frowned, then looked at the woman beside Yao Mengqing. "Miss, please don't instigate a fight. I'm not looking down on the champion of the international violin competition."
The woman beside Yao Mengqing was Lin Weiwei from the Lin family, Lin Jie's younger sister. She knew that Yao Mengqing and Gu Zheng had grown up together, so she had always been by Yao Mengqing's side as her lackey. It was all for the sake of helping Yao Mengqing when she married into the Gu family and became Mrs. Gu.
Unexpectedly, Qiao Xi became Mrs. Gu first. Her dream of attaining riches was shattered, so she naturally felt resentment.
Lin Weiwei looked disdainful. "If you're not looking down on her, then what are you doing?"
The man said without hesitation, "I'm just looking down on Miss Yao Mengqing. I'm not looking down on the champion!"
Lin Weiwei was instantly speechless, and her face turned pale.
Being mocked in public, Yao Mengqing's face alternated between red and white. She was so angry that her entire body was trembling. She suppressed the anger in her heart.
The man continued to attack. "Zhao Qinghui, as a judge for the international violin competition, you secretly manipulated things and oppressed an outstanding contestant like Qiao Xi. What explanation do you have? What right do you have to be a judge?"
Lin Weiwei roared and retorted, "Shut up! Who do you think you are?! Do you have the right to speak here? Sister Mengqing is the champion! You have no right to say anything!"
If Qiao Xi really became a judge, wouldn't it be equivalent to slapping Yao Mengqing's face? Moreover, it would be equivalent to announcing to the world that Yao Mengqing's victory back then was a conspiracy!