Matriarch Kang pulled Kang Qingzhi into her arms and stroked her head gently. She shouted affectionately, "My good granddaughter!"
Everyone looked at them. Actually, everyone knew very well that there was a high chance that Kang Qingzhi would be the champion this time. It was not only because she was capable but also because she had a good family background. No one else was her match.
"Qingzhi, are you feeling well?" Kang Jichuan was a little worried.
Kang Qingzhi smiled and replied, "I'm fine. Brother, don't worry. I've already made preparations. No matter what the questions are this time, I'll be fine!"
"Our Qingzhi is indeed outstanding. Um…" Old Madam Kang wanted to say something, but she suddenly stopped. Then, she frowned unhappily. "That kind of person shouldn't be standing on the same stage as Qingzhi."
Kang Qingzhi held Old Madam Kang's hand and said in a gentle and helpless voice, "Grandma, don't say that. Sister Xi Xi is also…"
"Qingzhi! You're still defending her at a time like this!" At the mention of Qiao Xi, Old Madam Kang could not suppress the anger in her heart and snorted. "I get angry whenever she's mentioned! How unlucky!"
Old Madam Kang was burning with anger. Coincidentally, the event location was very quiet at this time, so everyone heard her voice and looked over.
Actually, everyone knew very well that the person Old Madam Kang was talking about was Bright Moon, the perfumer who was almost eliminated from the competition. The contestants did not have much of a reaction when they found out that Bright Moon had seduced the judges. Why was Old Madam Kang so angry? Could it be that she was afraid that Bright Moon would snatch Kang Qingzhi's championship title?
Kang Qingzhi saw the strange gazes around her and pretended to be worried. "Grandma, I believe my sister wouldn't do such a thing. There must be a misunderstanding…"
"Miss Kang!" A voice from afar interrupted Kang Qingzhi. The other party was a staff member of the perfume competition. "Miss Kang, the competition is about to start. Hurry up and return to the competition area!"
Kang Qingzhi nodded and looked at Old Madam Kang pitifully. "Grandma, just listen to me this once. Don't blame Sister."
With that, she looked at Kang Jichuan and Kang Ru. Her eyes turned slightly red. "Brother, Dad, I know… I've let my sister down. It's all because of me that she was misunderstood. After the competition ends, I have to vouch for my sister. Even if I have to lose my future, I have to clear my sister's name."
Old Madam Kang's voice was sharp. "Qingzhi! Are you crazy?"
Kang Qingzhi's tears trickled down. She leaned into Old Madam Kang's arms and sobbed softly. "Grandma, she's Dad's biological daughter, after all! It wasn't easy for Dad to find her. I don't want Dad to be sad. Moreover, I don't think Sister Xi Xi would do such a thing. Even if everyone criticizes her, I have to protect her…"
Kang Jichuan widened his eyes with complicated emotions. Xi Xi had made things difficult for Qingzhi time and again, but Qingzhi still wanted to clear Xi Xi's name.
However, after Qingzhi won the championship, wouldn't it affect her reputation if she defended someone who seduced the judges?
At this moment, Xu Ling walked over with a few friends. One of the female participants said in a disdainful tone, "Does Bright Moon still have the cheek to participate in the competition? She seduced the judges. How disgusting!"
When Kang Qingzhi heard this, she instantly turned around and said in a trembling voice, "I won't allow you to say that. The matter of Sister Bright Moon seducing the judges hasn't been investigated clearly. Moreover, she has already withdrawn from the competition. Don't insult her."
When she said the last sentence, Kang Qingzhi's voice carried a trace of tears. She even bowed 90 degrees to everyone. "She might have done something wrong, but that doesn't mean that she's that kind of person. She might have had her reasons. I apologize on her behalf. If you have to scold someone, scold me."
Xu Ling hurriedly went forward to comfort her. "Qingzhi, what does this have to do with you? She doesn't love herself and did such a scandalous thing. Why are you protecting her? No matter how much you sacrifice for her, she won't be grateful to you!"
Everyone knew that Kang Qingzhi's status was noble, so they all comforted her. "Yes! Miss Kang, Bright Moon relied on selling her body to get to where she is today, while you relied on your ability and talent. The two of you are worlds apart. You don't have to suffer for such a woman!"
"It's been so many days. So many people have stood up for her, but she doesn't dare to say a word. Miss Kang, your health isn't good to begin with, yet you still have to explain yourself for that kind of woman. Bright Moon is really heartless!"