Duan Shengwei, the head of the Culinary Association.
The cameras panned to him at once. The hall falling into a hush.
He smiled as he approached Mianmian, eyes filled with pride. "I knew it.." he said. "When I tasted your food that day at the dinner, I knew my foresight wasn't wrong. I told myself, this woman will shake the future of Chinese cuisine."
He clasped her shoulder firmly. "And now you have. Outstanding indeed.."
Her lips parted, lost for words.
"If you are willing.." he continued, his voice carrying, "the Association will prepare a branch of your restaurant right here in Beijing."
The room gasped. It was a rare honor, Beijing, was China's culinary capital, where only the greatest stood. And now she had the chance to make her mark.
Mianmian's eyes burned. She bowed deeply, her voice steady when she finally spoke. "It would be my honor.."
The hall thundered with applause.
Confetti rained, judges beamed, cameras flashed.
