Public opinion fermented all day, not calming down, but intensifying.
Even Jiang Zhi came to see me laughing. "Sister, you married into the Lu family for a marriage alliance. Tell me, what have you done? You're being criticized so quickly! I feel unlucky to have the same last name as you."
Jiang Qing's face grimaced. "I told you long ago to suppress public opinion. You're Mrs. Lu now, how can you be criticized like this? You're not participating in the competition, so what nonsense are you talking about?"
"Dad, do you know me? How do you know I'm not participating?"
Jiang Qing's first reaction wasn't encouragement, but questioning. "You can draw? You'd better not embarrass yourself. Before, you were embarrassing the Jiang family, but now that you're married, you're embarrassing both families."
Jiang Zhi crossed her arms, a defiant expression on her face. "That's right, sister, you don't think marrying someone will change anything, do you? You're a worthless person who can't do anything."
Jiang Wanwan wasn't a worthless person; she simply lacked confidence. In addition, Jiang Zhi always deliberately provoked trouble, and the teachers deliberately discouraged Jiang Wanwan. Over time, Jiang Wanwan stopped attending those classes.
As a result, in the eyes of the Jiang family, she was a useless person who knew nothing. On the contrary, Jiang Zhi became more and more outstanding under Jiang Qing's training.
But unfortunately, I have been a top student since childhood, and I can do more than just draw.
As a teenager, I was also the focus of the Su family's training and won many awards.
Now that Jiang Wanwan is dead, I will have to play with this little green tea girl.
"So, sister signed up too?"
Jiang Zhi raised the corner of her mouth proudly. "Of course. Although my skills can't compare to those famous painters, I heard there are many awards this time. Winning a newcomer award would be great."
Jiang Qing patted her head with satisfaction. "Your sister is sensible and capable. Don't embarrass yourself!"
I finally understand Jiang Wanwan's previous sadness. We are all members of the Jiang family, so why can't her father ever see her? But seeing this scene didn't make me sad, it was rather amusing. "Then I'll just wish my sister a good ranking."
Before the battle officially began, Su Ning'an was already using rumors to attack me from all sides, laying the groundwork for her.
I wasn't panicking, because the first round was an online voting round.
Thanks to Su Ning'an, my work immediately garnered attention online.
Although S's fans initially criticized it, after seeing my work, many of them became fans, while those who hated it turned away.
"Although the style is different from S's, the color combination is absolutely amazing! The imagery is so stunning."
"What if they just randomly picked a codename and it just happened to be the same name? With all due respect, this artist is quite talented!"
"Could she be the real S?"
In this age of public opinion, public opinion is like a knife; wielded well, it can be used to my advantage.
Su Ning'an had no idea that all her hard work in stirring up public opinion would ultimately become my stepping stone." Initially, her vote count was far ahead, but my "Newborn" saw a surge in votes after trending, and I was about to overtake her.
Even without seeing it, I knew Su Ning'an was furious.
She spent so much money, and while some die-hard fans still joined her in criticizing me, I also attracted a large number of new fans.
In my spare time, I went to see Jiang Zhi. Her vote count was just barely above the finals threshold.
Perhaps the Jiang family was manipulating the votes, so I took a look at her work.
It was the product of a typical rote learning system—not bad, but not particularly stunning either.
How dare you challenge me with such skill?
Knowing I was far ahead, I stopped caring and waited patiently for the finals.
I've been in the studio these past two days, practicing over and over again.
I must show the Su and Jiang families that their neglected daughter is the true shining pearl!
The day of the competition was approaching, and I woke up early. I came out wearing a white shirt, jeans, and a bun with my hair tied up in a coat.
Jiang Wanwan is naturally young and beautiful, and without any extravagant attire, she looks even more youthful and energetic.
In the mirror, I seemed to see myself from years ago.
How wonderful! Isn't this the life I always wanted?
When I came out, Lu Yanchen looked at me with a touch of wonder.
"You're doing well this way," he said seriously.
Yes, I want to recapture those years I missed in this life.
"Yanchen, thank you so much for this time."
I don't fight a battle unprepared, and this time, he helped me a lot again.
"I said, between husband and wife, thank yous aren't necessary, Wanwan. I'm looking forward to the moment you win."
My heart tightened. "You... really think I can win?"
His eyes were gentle. "You're so talented. Not only will you win, but you'll win beautifully."
No one in the Su or Jiang families believed in me and encouraged me so much.
Even my mother expressed her concern for me last night. She wasn't afraid of anything else, just that my loss would negatively impact the Jiang family's shares. Jiang Qing would then turn against me again, and she felt sorry for her daughter.
It was understandable that she didn't know my level and didn't believe me, but Lu Yanchen's support for me like a diehard fanboy did make me feel a little embarrassed.
He pulled me onto his lap and hugged my waist from behind, "Mrs. Lu, you're the best in the world."
It would be a lie to say I wasn't touched. I nodded, "Yes, I will definitely win."
Arriving at the venue, I saw many familiar faces in the VIP area.
Fu Xici had come specifically to cheer on Su Ning'an. There was no sentimentality involved, but there was a vested interest. He looked at me and taunted me without hesitation: "Miss Jiang, why didn't I see your name on the finalist list? You didn't even make it to the finals, did you?"
I glanced at his gloating expression. "Whether I made it to the finals or not is another matter. Why call me Miss Jiang? Please call me Mrs. Lu."
Fu Xici: "..."
I sneered: "Your facial wound just healed, and it seems you want a beating again? You dare to mess with me, don't you?" Fu Xici: "..."
Mrs. Fu glanced at me. She was still a little wary of me, but she didn't show it, only restraining her son.
Mrs. Su sat beside her, and they seemed to be getting along much better.
Both of them were dressed very lavishly today, especially Mrs. Su, who had dyed her hair to hide the gray hair, looking much better.
She glanced at me. "Miss Jiang is here too. Did you see how far ahead my daughter is in the votes?"
Su Ning'an and I were now practically neck and neck, and I wasn't panicking at all. "I see. Your daughter is truly outstanding. I hope she maintains that excellence."
Jiang Zhi was even more glamorous. The Jiang family was all present today, and I finally got to meet the legendary Old White Lotus, Jiang Zhi's mother.
She held Jiang Qing's arm, looking like the queen of the house.
When she saw me, she even gave me a fake hello, "Wanwan, are you here to cheer Zhi'er on too? You're so thoughtful."
Jiang Qing knew I had a feud with Jiang Zhi, so he certainly wouldn't be so kind. He frowned and scolded me, "You didn't even make the finals, what are you doing here? You're embarrassing! Get back now."
Before I could reply, a cold male voice rang out, "The competition hasn't even started yet, how can Uncle Jiang know Wanwan is embarrassing herself?"
Jiang Zhi put her hands on her hips. "What? Did she even make the finals?"
I replied casually, "Yes, I did."