The days that followed Lu Cheng's arrival were nothing short of chaotic for Su Nian. Despite the relief of having him by her side, the tension between her and Camila had reached a boiling point. It was no longer just a battle of words—it was becoming personal, and Su Nian couldn't ignore the creeping feeling that she was being watched at every corner.
But it wasn't just Camila that she had to contend with.
Lu Cheng's presence, though comforting, added a layer of complexity to her life in Paris. His protectiveness was undeniable, but at times, it felt suffocating. Su Nian didn't want him to be her shield; she wanted to stand on her own two feet. Yet, with the constant threats from Camila, her strength was being tested in ways she never imagined.
It was the day before the final presentation for the competition. Su Nian had been up all night, finishing the last details of her designs. As she walked into the workshop, her mind was focused, but something was off. The air felt different, charged with anticipation.
And then, as she set down her sketchbook and began unpacking her materials, she saw it—a note, folded neatly, placed on top of her design portfolio.
She opened it, her eyes scanning the words:
"Don't bother. This competition isn't for people like you. You don't belong here, Su Nian. Everyone knows how you got in. You're just a pawn in someone's game. You should quit before you embarrass yourself."
Su Nian's breath caught in her throat. The words were sharp and venomous, each one designed to break her spirit. It was clear Camila had crossed a line, but Su Nian wasn't going to let it stop her. Not now.
With shaking hands, she crumpled the note, tossing it into the trash. Her resolve hardened. This wasn't just about the competition anymore. This was about proving that she deserved to be here—deserved to be more than just someone's shadow.
That evening, as Su Nian sat in the small café across from the academy, she called Lu Cheng. Her fingers trembled slightly as she dialed his number. He picked up after the second ring.
"Nian Nian," his voice came through, deep and comforting, but there was a note of concern. "Are you okay? You don't sound like yourself."
"I'm fine," she replied, trying to sound more convincing than she felt. "I just… I need to tell you something."
"Whatever it is, you can tell me," he said, his tone gentle yet firm.
Su Nian took a deep breath, the weight of everything pressing down on her. "It's about Camila. She's spreading rumors about me. She put a note in my things today. She's trying to make me feel like I don't belong here."
There was a long silence on the other end, and then, finally, Lu Cheng spoke. "I'm going to take care of it."
"No," Su Nian interjected quickly. "I don't want you to interfere. I can handle it. I have to prove that I belong here on my own."
"I understand that you want to stand on your own, but you don't have to do it alone," Lu Cheng's voice softened, but there was still an edge to it. "I won't let anyone make you feel less than you are. I'm coming tomorrow."
Su Nian's heart fluttered at the thought of him being there, but she couldn't help the unease that twisted in her stomach. "Lu Cheng… I don't want you to fight my battles for me. I want to fight my own. I need to stand up for myself."
"I get it," he said, his voice filled with a strange mix of pride and protectiveness. "But Nian Nian, you don't have to do it alone. We're partners, remember?"
The words hit her harder than she expected. Partners. It was a reminder of their bond, their commitment to each other, even across the distance.
"Okay," she whispered, conceding. "But let's handle this together."
The day of the final presentation arrived with a sense of impending doom hanging over Su Nian. She had been working for weeks, pouring her heart and soul into every stitch and fabric. But now, with Camila's attacks weighing heavily on her mind, the pressure was greater than ever.
Su Nian walked into the academy's main hall, where the final runway would be held. Her designs were displayed on mannequins, each one a reflection of her journey—her hard work, her passion, and her dreams.
But as she took a moment to breathe and gather herself, she noticed something chilling.
Camila was standing at the far side of the room, laughing with a group of students. But there was something different in her expression today—something malicious.
Before Su Nian could make her way to her space, Clara grabbed her arm. "Su Nian, don't look over there," she said urgently. "Camila just sent a message to the judges. She's trying to sabotage you."
Su Nian froze. "What do you mean?"
"She told them that your designs weren't original, that you copied them from someone else," Clara explained, her face filled with worry. "She's spreading lies about you, and now she's trying to make sure you don't win."
Su Nian's blood ran cold. "How can she do that? This is supposed to be about talent, not rumors."
"I know," Clara said, her voice trembling. "But she's relentless. She'll do anything to win."
Su Nian's fists clenched at her sides, the anger and frustration bubbling up. She had been through so much to get here. She couldn't let someone like Camila tear it all down.
As the competition began, Su Nian stood backstage, waiting for her turn to present her collection. Her nerves were on edge, and her mind raced with thoughts of what Camila had done. She had worked too hard to let this happen.
Suddenly, a figure appeared in the doorway. Su Nian turned, her heart leaping in her chest when she saw Lu Cheng standing there, his presence like a force of nature.
He was dressed in a sharp suit, his eyes locking onto hers with a look that was both intense and protective. Without a word, he walked toward her, his gaze sweeping over her as if he were checking for any signs of distress.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low but firm.
"I'm fine," Su Nian replied, though the uncertainty in her eyes betrayed her.
"I heard everything," he said quietly, taking a step closer. "And I'm not going to let her get away with this."
Su Nian shook her head, her emotions swirling. "Lu Cheng, please. I need to do this on my own. I've worked for this. I can't let her win. I can't let her take away what I've worked so hard for."
Lu Cheng's face softened, his hand reaching out to gently hold hers. "I'm not going to take away your chance to fight, Nian Nian. I'm just here to stand by you. To remind you that you're not alone."
The weight of his words settled into her chest, and for the first time in days, she felt a sense of peace. Maybe she couldn't fight this battle alone, but with Lu Cheng by her side, she didn't have to.