Following this, several more jewelry companies presented their completed pendants, but none met Ma Xiaoling’s discerning eye.
Compared to Murong Ba's "Angel and Demon," all others were merely common baubles.
Finally, all companies had submitted their entries.
The result was evident.
Only two pendants remained, while Kai Xuan Jewelry's pendant lay undisturbed, untouched by Ma Xiaoling.
Yet, Ma Xiaoling had uttered the words "like" for Murong Ba's pendant.
The championship could only belong to Murong Ba.
A collective sigh of disappointment rippled through the crowd, yet it was a defeat accepted with full conviction.
The host confirmed, "All invited jewelry companies have submitted their pendants. It appears none are missing. Therefore, it is time to announce the champion."
As he spoke, a voice cut through the air.
"Wait a moment!"
Turning, everyone saw Lu Ming walking forward unhurriedly, a man in tow.
Upon seeing the man, Murong Ba's expression shifted dramatically.
"How is he still alive?" Murong Ba exclaimed, incredulous.
The man was Chen Yingong!
A man gravely ill, who should have long since perished, had miraculously survived and now appeared at Ma Xiaoling's 20th birthday banquet.
It was nothing short of a miracle.
"How is this possible?" Murong Ba distinctly recalled Qiu Zhen stating that Chen Yingong was dead. "Damn it, Qiu Zhen is becoming increasingly unreliable."
Murong Ba felt a flicker of unease.
He was not merely a hot-tempered tyrant; Murong Ba possessed an exceptional eye for talent.
He was acutely aware of Chen Yingong's world-class skill.
Even the most outstanding sculptors and designers at Wangchao Jewelry could not compare to Chen Yingong's prowess.
Murong Ba clenched his fist covertly, watching as Chen Yingong strode to the stage.
Lu Ming smiled and addressed Ma Xiaoling, "Miss Ma, I have one more pendant to present to you. Please, take a look."
Ma Xiaoling glanced at him and inquired, "Who are you? Which jewelry company do you represent?"
Lu Ming answered truthfully, "I am Lu Ming from Kai Xuan Jewelry."
Kai Xuan Jewelry?
Upon hearing the name, Ma Xiaoling couldn't help but cast a glance at Kai Xuan's pendant already displayed on the stage.
She asked with a hint of confusion, "Didn't Kai Xuan Jewelry already submit a pendant? How can there be another one?"
Murong Ba immediately chimed in, "Indeed, a jewelry company can only submit one pendant. What is this, cheating? If every company were to send two, wouldn't this banquet descend into chaos?"
The host also added, "According to the rules, a jewelry company can indeed only submit one item. So, Lu Ming, please take your pendant and leave."
Rules were rules and could not be bent.
Murong Ba felt a sense of relief. Even if Chen Yingong's pendant was exquisitely designed, it could not be presented if it violated the rules.
There was no need to fear.
Chen Yingong stated clearly, "Miss Ma, the materials for this pendant are derived from the same source as the Kai Xuan pendant. To be precise, it's not two separate pendants, but rather one material yielding two pieces. They belong to a single system."
Murong Ba chuckled, "Hogwash and nonsense. Be off with you. This is no place for your kind."
Chen Yingong pleaded, "Miss Ma, this pendant is custom-made for you, with an exceptionally intricate design. I implore you to at least take a look. I guarantee you won't be disappointed."
This statement piqued Ma Xiaoling's interest.
Ma Xiaoling had a deep passion for jewelry, especially pendants, her favorite item.
However...
The rules could not be broken.
Thus, Ma Xiaoling addressed Lu Ming, "Your approach is rather unorthodox. However, given your sincerity, I can grant you an opportunity. Tell you what, Lu Ming, if you can punish yourself by drinking three cups, I will examine your pendant. How about that?"
Punishing oneself with three cups was hardly a significant penalty.
Lu Ming nodded, "No problem."
Ma Xiaoling instructed, "Someone, pour Lu Ming three cups of wine."
Everyone present could see that Ma Xiaoling was offering Lu Ming an out, or perhaps, giving herself an excuse.
After all, Ma Xiaoling herself wished to see the pendant.
Punishing oneself with three cups – what sort of penalty was that?
It was absurd.
However, to everyone's astonishment, the server brought out a bottle of 62-proof premium liquor and, on the tray, three enormous beer mugs!
Filled to the brim, each mug would hold at least half a catty.
My word, this meant Lu Ming was expected to down one and a half catties of 62-proof liquor in one go? Could a normal person possibly drink that?
Lu Ming did not appear to be an experienced drinker.
Finishing three such cups rapidly would likely result in him spitting blood and dying!
The server exchanged a glance with Murong Ba, and both smirked; only then did the crowd realize that the server was Murong Ba's man, deliberately trying to set Lu Ming up.
Ma Xiaoling also noticed this.
But the words had been spoken, and it was no longer feasible to backtrack.
Drink he must.
If Lu Ming couldn't even stomach these three cups, Ma Xiaoling saw no reason to view his pendant.
And so...
Lu Ming picked up the liquor bottle and, with a gurgling sound, filled all three enormous beer mugs to the brim.
Three full cups of 62-proof liquor.
Even a seasoned drinker would not dare to down them all at once; it was a life-threatening feat.
Chen Yingong quietly advised, "Mr. Lu, please take care of yourself! If it's truly impossible, let me drink it. You gave me my life, and I am willing to die for you."
"Hahahaha," Lu Ming erupted in laughter. Three cups? Death? Not likely.
He lifted one cup, looked at Ma Xiaoling, and said, "Thank you, Miss Ma, for the esteemed drink."
With that said.
He threw his head back and downed the entire cup in a single gulp.
Gulp, gulp, gulp, he drank heartily.
In less than ten seconds, half a catty of liquor vanished, yet Lu Ming remained unfazed, showing no signs of intoxication, as if he had merely drunk a glass of water.
Immediately after, Lu Ming held a cup in each hand and simultaneously brought them to his lips!
The two remaining cups, like rivers merging into the sea, were swiftly emptied, not a drop of liquor remaining.
Lu Ming wiped his mouth and said with a smile, "Delicious, truly delicious!"
Everyone present turned their gaze to Lu Ming.
"Good heavens, is he even human? He can drink that much?"
"Was that even liquor?"
"Of course, can't you smell it? Such a potent aroma, I could smell it from ten meters away."
"Downing a catty and a half in one go, even plain water would be difficult to stomach!"
"He's practically a monster."
Lu Ming stood there as if nothing had happened. Forget spitting blood, his complexion hadn't even changed.
Truly, just two words: immense capacity!
Even Ma Xiaoling couldn't help but applaud, "Mr. Lu, you have an incredible capacity for drink. Very well, the three cups have been served as punishment. Please, present your pendant now."