After the judging from the industry professionals on the first day and the subsequent fermentation of public opinion online, [NozAK!]'s booth did not reopen from the second day onward. As for Ko Ogino himself, he was thrown into the eye of a media firestorm.
It wasn't just this joint exhibition and the [TGC]; the entire fashion world would likely never again accept this vile and incompetent plagiarist.
However, for Chihaya Tetsuya, Ogino's fate was long since irrelevant.
What he was currently facing was a happy, yet thorny, problem.
"An in-interview...?"
"Yes, our chief editor would like to do an exclusive feature on [Starry Sky]!"
The person extending the interview invitation was the assistant to the chief editor of the Paris fashion magazine, [Ocelot], from the day before. The assistant looked to be only in her twenties, and her attire, style, and personal aura were all on par with a professional model's.
Just looking at the "caliber" of this assistant was enough to see the depth and strength of [Ocelot]. As for what an exclusive interview with this overseas fashion magazine signified for the entire industry—
"According to our chief editor, she seems to firmly believe that the philosophy of [Starry Sky] will greatly change the fashion industry in the near future! As a magazine that leads global fashion trends, we have a responsibility to be its first supporter!"
"Isn't that praise a little too over the top?!"
Tetsuya couldn't help but shake his head.
"Changing the fashion industry... for a newcomer like me, that's a bit of an overstatement. I'm just designing to express my own ideas—"
"Fashion trends aren't dictated by the designer's will alone. The environment of the times, cultural backgrounds, economic levels, and even elements of luck that no one can predict can all contribute to a new trend!" the assistant said. "And this interview won't directly assert that your philosophy is the future of fashion. We simply want to understand the story of [Starry Sky] and your professional experience as a designer. You just need to relax and answer a few questions as if we were just chatting!"
"But... I've never been interviewed before. What if my answers aren't proper and I cause trouble for [Ocelot]—"
"Don't worry. Generally, for this type of magazine interview, someone is responsible for polishing and editing the transcript."
Just then, Miyata Uika and Hoshino Ai, who both had considerable interview experience, came to his side.
"And for a legitimate magazine like [Ocelot], they will definitely have the interviewee review the final draft before it's published, so you don't need to worry about the final quality at all, Tetsuya-san."
"That's right, exactly!"
The assistant nodded with a smile.
"As a world-renowned fashion magazine, we would never do something so rash as to tarnish our own reputation!"
"Mmm..."
If winning the top spot at this joint exhibition represented the industry's recognition of his designs, then being featured in a French fashion magazine was basically stepping one foot directly into the world of high-end fashion.
Even if [Starry Sky]'s current path was mainly aimed at a younger demographic, as its head designer, he would henceforth receive a high degree of attention from the entire fashion industry.
In other words, this interview was an opportunity with nothing but benefits for him.
"I understand. I accept the exclusive interview with [Ocelot]."
In order to reach his goal even a day sooner, Tetsuya finally overcame the nervousness and timidity in his heart.
The assistant's face immediately lit up with a smile as she nodded.
"Thank you very much for your cooperation! In that case, we'll notify you of the specific interview time after you and Jean-san have arrived in France!"
"Okay, I understand... Eh? Wait a minute."
Tetsuya's expression suddenly froze.
"How do you know that I'm going to France with Jean-san?"
"Jean-san said so himself. Last night, he basically bragged to everyone he knows, saying things like 'I've taken on an incredibly amazing student in Japan,' and 'I'll let you all see for yourselves when we get to Paris'..."
The assistant added with a faint smile, "And after seeing your designs in person, I think I understand why both the chief editor and Jean-san are so optimistic about you. Even I'm about to become your fan."
"Not at all, you're giving me far too much credit..."
For the low-key and steady Tetsuya, this kind of premature boasting before he had even achieved anything placed a great deal of pressure on him.
However, this nervousness was limited to him alone.
Almost everyone who participated in this joint exhibition was certain that, regardless of the final judging results, his [Starry Sky] would be the best-selling brand in the latter half of the year.
Just as he was about to ask for more information about Paris, he was suddenly called from several different directions at once.
Nagasaki Soyo: "Tetsuya, the Mitsumine Trading Company placed an order for the entire collection, and they're asking if we can sell them this planetarium too!"
Togawa Sakiko: "Tetsuya-kun? The Geika Institute of Fashion has added another order. It seems they want to use your clothes as practical teaching materials."
Chihaya Anon: "Big brother! The official [Starry Sky] account has received a ton of messages from e-commerce platforms, come take a look!"
"Hold on, I'm coming!"
Even with his entire household called in to help receive guests, Tetsuya was still too busy to get away. Even the taciturn Wakaba Mutsumi had been roped in to help distribute order forms and change the sample clothes on display.
"Well then, I won't take up any more of your valuable time."
Seeing how swamped he was, the assistant said considerately, "Allow me to congratulate you in advance on the outstanding results your [Starry Sky] has achieved at this joint exhibition."
With that, she took her leave.
At the same time, Ai couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "As expected of the fashion industry, even an editor's assistant is that amazing..."
Sakiko was right. We absolutely have to make our move on him before he goes to France.
And just to be safe, it's best to knock him out to the point where he's powerless to fight back for the entire next week!
Gazing at Tetsuya's side profile, a general goal began to form in Ai's mind...
...
The second day of the joint exhibition thus came to a close amidst Tetsuya's frantic activity.
And even after the exhibition had ended for the day, Tetsuya, who had spent the whole time talking to clients, was still at his workbench, communicating with the production factory. Not only that, but the long list of e-commerce platforms Anon had given him had also become an urgent task that denied him any rest.
In the past, as his assistant, Soyo would have convinced him to wait until after the exhibition was over, tally all the orders, and then communicate more efficiently. This time, however... she didn't. Instead, she chose to compensate in another way.
"Tetsuya, it's time for dinner."
Soyo said to him as he was checking orders at his workbench.
"I made a lot of food that will help you regain your energy. Eat up before you continue working."
"Mhm, got it!"
Tetsuya put down his ballpoint pen and said gratefully, "Thank you for your hard work, Soyo."
"Not at all, it's what I should be doing," she replied with a smile. "Tomorrow is the last day of the joint exhibition. Just one more day of hard work and then you can get a good rest."
"Ah, you're right!"
After two full days of high-intensity work, Tetsuya gave a huge stretch.
"After tomorrow is over, I'm definitely going to get a long, long sleep!"
"Mhm, that's right—"
As Soyo spoke, she cast an imperceptible glance at her phone screen.
In their four-person group chat, a photo just sent by Sakiko clearly showed a plastic bag with a pharmacy logo. Inside the bag, aside from the agreed-upon sleeping aid, was another large box of "safety equipment"...
"...You will absolutely get a long, long sleep."
Gazing at the completely unaware man before her, Soyo said with a smile.