Host! I told you to do a task! I didn't tell you to bbb.

Time slowly passed until the day of the final.

The dome of the city art museum was bathed in the soft glow of the morning light, and the entrance to the exhibition hall was already bustling with people.

Media reporters aimed their cameras at the exhibition area.

Even several well-known art critics in the industry were invited to attend, making the atmosphere even more solemn and enthusiastic than during the preliminary rounds.

Liu Yunshu wore a carefully selected pearl white evening gown.

The skirt is made of soft silk, which flows like water when you walk.

It is embroidered with fine, starlight-like patterns in silver thread, which shimmer with an extremely soft and delicate luster in the morning light.

This outfit made her already fair and translucent skin look even more radiant.

Like a gardenia quietly blooming in the morning light, its petals still glistening with dewdrops, it is pure and elegant.

Jiang Chi stood beside her, his light gray casual suit perfectly outlining his tall and straight figure.

He wasn't wearing a tie, and the top two buttons of his shirt collar were casually undone, giving him a clean, crisp, and unrestrained look.

His gaze remained fixed on Liu Yunshu the entire time, his palm tightly holding her hand.

His fingertips repeatedly caressed her slightly cool knuckles, his tone full of encouragement:

"Don't be nervous. You draw so well, you'll definitely succeed. No matter the outcome, you'll always be the most amazing painter in my heart."

Liu Yunshu looked up at him, her eyes filled with dependence.

A soft smile curved her lips, her fingertips gently grasped his hand, her voice soft yet firm:

"Yeah, I'm not nervous with you here."

As soon as the two reached the entrance of the exhibition hall, they saw Liu Chengyan standing by a pillar not far away.

Wearing a well-tailored dark gray suit with an exquisite tie, he exuded a calm and reserved aura.

Behind the gold-rimmed glasses, his gaze swept across the crowd and landed precisely on Liu Yunshu, a hint of barely perceptible amazement flashing in his eyes.

Then a gentle smile appeared on her lips as she slowly walked towards them.

"Miss Liu, Mr. Jiang."

He spoke calmly, his gaze first falling on Liu Yunshu, then sweeping over the silver thread on her skirt, his voice carrying just the right amount of praise.

"This outfit suits you very well today; it's both elegant and lively."

Liu Yunshu's cheeks flushed slightly, and she subconsciously leaned closer to Jiang Chi, softly thanking him, "Thank you, Mr. Liu."

Jiang Chi unconsciously tightened his grip on Liu Yunshu's hand, knowing that the person in front of him was Yunshu's important business partner.

Yet, a subtle, inexplicable unease arose in my heart.

He suppressed his slight unease, maintained basic politeness, and nodded to Ryu Seung-yeon: "Mr. Ryu."

Liu Chengyan naturally noticed Jiang Chi's subtle actions, and a faint sneer flashed in his eyes.

His expression remained gentle, his gaze fixed on their clasped hands, his tone calm:

"All the finalist works have been displayed. Ms. Liu's 'Ferris Wheel at Sunset' is in the center of the main exhibition area and has attracted a lot of attention from the judges."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned slightly to the side and made a "please" gesture, his posture elegant.

Jiang Chi led Liu Yunshu into the exhibition hall, but felt a chill inexplicably run down his back.

Inside the main exhibition area, the Ferris Wheel at sunset was highlighted by spotlights.

The sunset painted half the sky on the canvas, and the golden and red light and shadows shone on the metal frame of the Ferris wheel, giving it a warm glow.

The two people in the cabin clung to each other, their fingers intertwined, their affection palpable, and even the air seemed to be filled with a sweet warmth.

The delicate brushstrokes perfectly blend the softness of the sunset, the stillness of the Ferris wheel, and the sweetness of lovers.

This attracted many viewers to stop and admire, with camera shutters clicking incessantly.

Liu Yunshu stood in front of the painting, her fingertips gently gripping Jiang Chi's sleeve. Looking at the scene she had painted, her eyes were full of tender smiles.

Jiang Chi looked down at her, gently patted the top of her head with his palm, and his voice was full of pride:

"Yunshu, look, everyone really likes your paintings."

Just then, the judging panel slowly walked over, led by none other than Mr. Xu, a highly authoritative veteran painter in the industry.

Old Xu carefully examined the painting, nodding frequently, his tone full of admiration:

"Excellent, excellent. It's rare to have such skill and artistic conception at such a young age. Especially the gentleness hidden in the painting is very touching."

The other judges echoed her sentiments, and Liu Yunshu blushed slightly upon hearing the praise, softly thanking them, "Thank you for your recognition, judges."

Jiang Chi stood beside her, watching her receive recognition. He was even happier than when he won an award himself, and he couldn't hide the smile in his eyes.

After the judges left, Liu Chengyan walked up to Liu Yunshu, his tone still gentle:

"It seems like you have a great chance of winning. I'll throw you a celebration party when the results are in."

"Thank you, Mr. Liu, but..."

Liu Yunshu hesitated for a moment, her voice soft and sweet.

"Let's wait for the results before making any decisions. I'm afraid I haven't done a good enough job."

"You are good, good enough."

Liu Chengyan interrupted her, his tone firm, his gaze fixed on her eyes with an unquestionable seriousness.

"In my eyes, you are the best."

His gaze was so intense that Liu Yunshu instinctively looked away.

A faint blush rose to her cheeks, and she quickly changed the subject:

"I...I'm going to check out the other contestants' work. Chi, will you come with me?"

"Okay, I'll go with you."

He frowned slightly, tightened his grip on Liu Yunshu's hand, and led her to other exhibition areas.

Liu Chengyan stood there, watching the two figures walk away side by side.

The smile on his lips gradually faded, and the gaze behind his gold-rimmed glasses became deep and unfathomable.

"What? Did you get the short end of the stick?"

Shen Hanyi's voice carried a hint of mockery as he slowly approached from behind.

His gaze fell on Liu Chengyan's somber profile, a knowing smile hidden in his eyes.

"That young couple has a great relationship. You, the 'talent scout' who came out of nowhere, probably won't have it so easy."

Liu Chengyan didn't turn around, but simply raised his hand to adjust the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, the lenses reflecting a cold light.

His voice was deep and steady, devoid of emotion: "Isn't it challenging because it's not that easy?"

He paused, his gaze still following Liu Yunshu's figure in the distance, his tone revealing a strong sense of confidence and control:

"Don't worry. I, Liu Chengyan, have never failed to get what I set my sights on. It's just a matter of time."

Shen Hanyi raised an eyebrow, a rare hint of admonition creeping into her mind.

"So Miss Liu is that attractive to you? You could have any woman you wanted, why do you have to..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a cold glance from Liu Chengyan.

That gaze, sharp as an icicle through the glasses, carried an undeniable sense of pressure, instantly causing Shen Han to shut his mouth in a tactful manner.

"She's different."

Liu Chengyan's voice was deep and resolute, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the cuffs of his suit, and his eyes swirling with an undercurrent that no one else could understand.

Undeterred, Shen Hanyi muttered under her breath, "What's different?"

Liu Chengyan did not respond to him, but slowly raised his eyes and looked at the two people admiring the painting side by side not far away.

She's different; how can she be the same as everyone else?

It's an attraction that comes from the soul!

He couldn't help but want to protect her under his wings, and even more so, to completely imprison her in his palm, so that she could never leave him again.

Shen Hanyi followed his gaze and saw Liu Yunshu looking up at Jiang Chi.

Her eyes were filled with a soft, dependent light, the curve of her lips was gentle and sweet, and even her hair exuded a girlish charm.

He wisely chose to remain silent, it seems that this President Liu is completely entangled.

This young couple is really going to have their peace disrupted by him.

Not long after, an announcement came over the loudspeaker in the center of the exhibition hall, informing all contestants and guests to proceed to the main stage to prepare for the announcement of the final results.

Liu Yunshu's heart raced instantly. She gripped Jiang Chi's hand tightly with her fingertips until her knuckles turned white, and her eyes were filled with nervous tears.

Jiang Chi held her hand tightly, the warmth of his palm seeping through her skin, his voice gentle yet firm:

"Don't panic, I'm here with you. No matter the outcome, you're the best."

Liu Yunshu took a deep breath, nodded, and was led by him, slowly walking towards the main stage with the flow of people.

Liu Chengyan followed slowly.

The spotlights on the main stage suddenly turned on, and the host walked onto the stage with a microphone, opening the show with a smile.

The applause from the audience was thunderous, but it couldn't drown out Liu Yunshu's rapid heartbeat.

She stood in a corner of the contestants' area, her fingertips icy cold, as Jiang Chi held her hand.

Jiang Chi noticed her nervousness and reassured her in a low voice, "Don't be afraid, it'll be over soon."

Liu Yunshu looked up at him, her eyes slightly red, and nodded, but she still couldn't help but look down at the audience.

My gaze unexpectedly met that of Ryu Seung-yeon, who was sitting in the first row of the guest seats, his posture upright.

Noticing her gaze, he slowly curved his lips into a smile and gave her a reassuring look.

The certainty in his eyes inexplicably calmed her down a bit.

On stage, the host began announcing the winners one by one.

Starting with the awards for excellence and third prize, one name after another was read out, and applause rang out time and time again.

Liu Yunshu's heart soared and then sank with each name that was mentioned.

She held her breath, her fingertips were icy cold, almost digging into Jiang Chi's palm.

Until the host cleared his throat, his voice carried throughout the entire exhibition hall through the microphone:

"Next, we will announce the gold medal winner of this youth painting competition."

"Her works, with their delicate brushstrokes, depict the tenderness unique to youth, hiding love in light and shadow, which moved all the judges."

"She is—Liu Yunshu!"

With a "buzz," Liu Yunshu's mind went blank.

The applause and cheers around me sounded like they were coming through a thick layer of cotton.

She stood there, stunned, tears slowly welling up in her eyes, and didn't even realize that Jiang Chi was excitedly hugging her.

"Yun Shu! You won! You got the gold medal!"

Jiang Chi's voice was filled with undisguised joy. He cupped her face in his hands and lowered his head to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Liu Yunshu then came to her senses, her eyes welled up with tears, but she smiled, her eyes crinkling:

"Ah Chi, I... I really won the gold medal?"

"Of course it's true!" Jiang Chi wiped away her tears, his eyes filled with pride.

She was invited by the host to walk onto the stage, her steps still a little unsteady.

Standing under the spotlight, looking at the sea of ​​people below the stage, she started to get nervous again, her palms sweating profusely.

It wasn't until she accepted the trophy and certificate from Mr. Xu that she heard his gentle voice:

"Little girl, keep up the good work! Your paintings contain the purest love, and you have a bright future ahead of you."

Liu Yunshu accepted this highest honor with both hands, her cheeks flushed, and bowed deeply to the judges and the audience.