Not only did they not believe what I said, they actually found it hilarious.
"What did you get into? It's a joke. Look at it yourself, where's your name?!"
This was a private competition. Many people, like Jiang Zhi, came for the same reason: to increase their exposure, so they all used their real names.
This is why Su Ningan used her real name instead of S.
Jiang Wanwan wasn't mentioned anywhere among the contestants, so Jiang Zhi naturally didn't take me seriously. Old-fashioned Lin Hui chuckled, hiding her lips from him. "Wanwan, Auntie knows you're so arrogant, always trying to compete with our Zhi'er in everything. If you don't have talent for painting, it's no use forcing yourself."
"Besides, you're married now. Just focus on taking care of your husband and children. Why embarrass yourself again... well, showing up in public would only bring ridicule to the Lu family."
"For the Lu family, Wanwan is always a source of pride, never a disgrace."
Lu Yanchen spoke forcefully. He wouldn't fall for old-fashioned talk. He launched into a retort, "Uncle Jiang, no wonder I think Jiang Zhi is so petty. With a mother like that, the upper beams are crooked, and the lower beams are crooked."
If anyone else had said that, Jiang Qing wouldn't have retorted directly. But it had to be Lu Yanchen, the one who had just taken over the Lu family.
Jiang Qing was even more hesitant to underestimate him, and he was even counting on collaborating with the Lu family!
He had to tone down his response, but his words still hinted at partiality for the old-fashioned mother and daughter. "Yanchen, you don't know. Wanwan has never been as good as Zhi'er since she was little. While the truth may be harsh, they're not wrong."
"Uncle Jiang isn't a very good father if he doesn't even understand his own daughter. No wonder an illegitimate daughter dares to bully the eldest daughter. The Qing Dynasty fell years ago, and monogamy is the new norm, yet Uncle Jiang is still using the tactic of favoring his concubine over his wife."
Lu Yanchen's words embarrassed Jiang Qing. He wanted to explain, but Lu Yanchen simply took my hand and said, "It's okay, baby. If the Jiang family doesn't love you, your husband will."
Hearing Lu Yanchen's corny words, I knew he was deliberately saying them to slap Jiang Qing in the face, but I was still very happy.
"Thank you, husband~"
We walked hand in hand towards my mother. Behind my ear, I heard Jiang Zhi complain, "A cripple..."
She didn't say the last word. Jiang Qing glared at her coldly, and she quickly restrained herself, not daring to utter the word "useless." "Didn't she say she was on the longlist, too? Let's see how she'll embarrass herself later."
"Okay, Zhi'er, let's not talk about anyone else. You have to work hard to bring honor to the Jiang family."
"Mom, don't worry. I'm not that worthless Jiang Wanwan who's trying to puff herself up. I'm on the longlist."
Jiang Zhi still looked disdainful, thinking she was superior and better than me in every way.
Sorry, from today on, I will win back everything Jiang Wanwan lost.
I not only want to win, but I want to win beautifully.
My mom avoids Lin Hui whenever she's around. She looks especially dull in a corner, all alone.
"Mom," I walked up to her, a hint of pity in my eyes. "Why don't you just divorce that scumbag? I'm grown up now, and you don't have to worry about me anymore."
Afterwards, I found out about the man who appeared at the dinner party. He's loved my mom his whole life and hasn't married yet. My mother has been trapped in this unhappy marriage for years, and I truly want to pull her out of it.
Jiang Qing, that scumbag, is simply unworthy of her.
Seeing Lu Yanchen still nearby, a complex expression crossed my mother's face. "Silly child, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Unexpectedly, Lu Yanchen also spoke: "Don't worry, mother-in-law. If you want to leave, I will do my utmost to help you win the lawsuit."
A flicker of surprise crossed my mother's face. She had assumed that Lu Yanchen, as a man, would, like everyone else, advise her to endure. For the greater good, she represented the Xu family.
The Xu family has weakened over the years, relying on the Jiang family's collateral support to survive.
Thus, Jiang Qing quietly enjoyed Xu Lan's efforts, openly raising a family outside, yet refusing to divorce, enjoying the happiness of having two wives.
It's not true that he doesn't love my mother at all. After so many years of marriage, there must be some affection; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so persistent in refusing to divorce. But he couldn't let go of the one outside, and that old, white-blooded woman was a master of her craft, completely dominating Jiang Qing.
My mother endured repeatedly for the Xu family, maintaining this seemingly harmonious situation.
Now, my rebirth is bound to disrupt this situation. Compromise is out of my vocabulary; I only fight if I'm not convinced!
I'm also puzzled that Lu Yanchen wouldn't side with the man when he said this.
"Mom, think about it carefully. Yanchen and I support your divorce. If you're worried about the Xu family, we can find a solution. You've endured and sacrificed too much for this family. Now that our daughter has grown up, I hope you'll live for yourself, not as Mrs. Jiang in name only, but as Miss Xu."
I stroked her face. "Treat the first half of your life like you've met a dog. For the second half, please let go of yourself. Divorce, and you still have me."
My mother looked at me intently, a glint of determination glimmering in her delicate eyes.
I knew my words had touched her heart.
But she still needed a little more push to set her free. "My daughter has truly grown up. No matter what the outcome today, you're my pride."
We hugged, and I whispered in her ear, "Mom, I love you."
She was Jiang Wanwan's only obsession. Seeing Jiang Qing and his family of three enjoying themselves while she silently cheered me on in the corner, my resolve only deepened.
I must help her escape this scumbag!
I let go of my mother, and Lu Yanchen suddenly added, "Wanwan, you're my pride, too."
My mother smiled with tears in her eyes, "Girl, you've truly found a good man. You're happier than me."
I smiled at her, "Yes, Yanchen is great."
Before the match even began, a crowd of enthusiastic spectators had already gathered outside.
A large number of reporters were interviewing Su Ningan, and there were many devoted fans at the scene. Some of these fervent fans adopted their usual celebrity-chasing style, enthusiastically cheering her on.
Su Ningan appeared graceful in front of the camera, declaring she would give her all to achieve a good result and bring glory to her country. Although this was an international competition, inviting artists from around the world to participate,
In the first round of online voting, many niche artists, despite their excellent works, were eliminated due to insufficient votes.
Due to the country's large population base, most of the selected artists were domestic, with some from abroad, but not many.
Thus, as "S," Su Ningan was a strong candidate for the championship.
Some were also curious, "Where is that fake S that's been making so much noise online?"
"Yeah, maybe he's too embarrassed to come? He's just a clown trying to attract attention."
"Fakes only dare to stalk dark corners. How could they dare to embarrass themselves in front of the real thing?"
Even Su Ningan was restless, waiting for S to appear.
As the competition was about to begin, I said goodbye to my mother and headed to the scene. I stood in the crowd with the other contestants. Jiang Zhi chuckled, "You really dare to come?"
"If someone of your caliber can come, why can't I?"
Su Ning'an stared at us, silent. She was always the quiet type.
Jiang Zhi was furious just looking at her. She'd taken her boyfriend away, so she wasn't in a good mood. "What are you looking at, bitch? If you keep looking, I'll gouge your eyes out."
The host decided the order of appearances based on the votes.
"Next, let's welcome the first favorite, Miss Su Ning'an."
Su Ning'an gracefully ascended the stage, her skirt lifted, to enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
"Second place, S, who's only three votes behind the first place and a hot topic online, please come in!"
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the crowd. S was finally about to appear!
Under their gaze, I emerged, lightly dressed, a smile on my face.
"Impossible! How could she be S!" Jiang Zhi couldn't stop laughing.