Chapter 161

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Cheng Yuqi reveled in the camera’s attention, savoring the imagined discomfort in Fang Yuan’s heart hidden amidst the crowd. This realization only heightened her delight, causing her smile to radiate even brighter as she presented her most captivating appearance for the lenses.

Meanwhile, Fang Yuan strolled behind the bustling crowd, engrossed in her WeChat messages.

[Senior, neither you nor Elder Qian attended this year’s award ceremony. My subordinates persistently urged me to come, but with neither of you in attendance, it’s rather dull. I’m losing interest in going out.]

Fang Yuan responded casually: [Oh, I just arrived at the scene.]

Surprised, the other party exclaimed: [Senior, you’re here? Fantastic! I’ll join you shortly. Where are you? Should I send someone to fetch you?]

Fang Yuan declined: [There’s no need. I’ve already entered the theater.]

[That’s wonderful. Your presence will surely thrill the juniors!]

Fang Yuan clarified, realizing a misunderstanding: [I’m here as an audience.]

The other party grasped the situation. The senior must be keen on observing this year’s winners and the ceremony as an audience to gauge the standards.

[I heard from my subordinates that this year’s winners are impressive, but I’m unfamiliar with their works, making it challenging to assess their standards.] [Senior, if Elder Qian knewyou were here, he’d regret missing out. He’s been eager to see you and mentioned it recently. Had he known you were coming, he’d have definitely secured the guest spot.]

Amidst this conversation, a sharp-eyed reporter noticed Fang Yuan’s conspicuous presence. Captivated by her clean and beautiful face and elegant demeanor, the photographer discreetly aimed the camera her way, capturing a few clandestine shots.

In the audience’s sixth row, Fang Jiayi stole glances at her phone, noting the time -9:30 in the morning – and anxiously awaited Lu Chen, who had neither arrived nor sent a message.

On the flip side, Fang Liguo spotted his old friend and greeted him with a warm smile, “Qinghui, what brings you here?”

“Liguo, your daughter secured second place. Congratulations…” Bi Qinghui shook Fang Liguo’s hand with a hint of surprise, “My daughter only clinched the fifth spot…”

“Oh, rankings aren’t everything. Participation is what matters. Jiayi just had a stroke of luck,” Fang Liguo offered a few courteous words to his friend.

Song Ling, encountering her old friend Lia, expressed her surprise, “You’re here accompanying your daughter too. How did she fare?”

“Let’s not dwell on that trivial matter. After twelve years of study, she only managed to secure eighth place. Not as diligent as Jiayi, who effortlessly claimed second place in one attempt.”

“No, no…” Song Ling responded diplomatically. After the pleasantries, she leaned in to whisper to Fang Jiayi, “Where’s Lu Chen? Why isn’t he here yet?”

“He…” Fang Jiayi had contacted him the previous night, but he mentioned checking his availability for the day.

In the morning, she even sent him a WeChat message. He responded that he was somewhat occupied and would discuss it later, leaving uncertainty about his attendance.

“It’s his mother’s influence, I’m sure! She must be behind this. He used to be so dedicated to you…” Song Ling felt a twinge of frustration. “Once you achieve fame, let his mother regret her actions!”

“Mom, don’t worry. I trust Brother Lu Chen will come…”

“Quickly send him another WeChat message. The ceremony is about to commence! Let him witness your moment of glory!”

“Alright…” Fang Jiayi gathered her resolve and sent Lu Chen a photo of the venue.

[Brother Lu Chen, I’ve saved a seat for you. If you’re busy, it’s okay if you can’t make it.]

She appended a kiss emoji to her message.

Meanwhile, on the other side…

Lu Chen lingered at the theater entrance, hesitating to step out of the car. Fang Jiayi’s WeChat message remained unanswered as he gazed ahead, lost in thought.

“Hasn’t Lu Chen replied yet?” Song Ling inquired.

“Try sending a few more messages, be more enthusiastic. First, figure out if he’s busy, then we can talk about the award ceremony.”

“If that doesn’t work, use some intimate emojis and soften your words. Coax him to join us.”

“Boys can’t resist when girls are a bit coquettish.”

“He still hasn’t replied after more than ten minutes? Is the signal here bad? Try checking your phone again. Why don’t you go out and call him?”

Fang Jiayi, already distressed and irritated by her mother’s persistence, stood up and announced, “I’m going to the restroom.”

“Jiayi…” Song Ling understood her daughter’s frustration but felt compelled to intervene. Lu Chen was an exceptional catch, and opportunities like this were rare. She couldn’t afford to let him slip away.

“Don’t rush Jiayi. You can’t always lower yourself and beg her!” Fang Liguo, unable to endure the constant advice, finally interjected..