Confidence

"The term 'youth' certainly doesn't only refer to teenagers but also includes young adults up to their thirties. However, defining the participants based on this range would result in an overwhelming number of contestants. It would also be unfair to younger participants whose writing skills are not yet mature, which would be detrimental to the competition's future development."

Wang Shiyu smiled at Xu Qingling and continued before she could speak, "Therefore, I propose dividing the competition into two groups: one for teenagers and one for young adults. Teenagers can participate in the young adults' group, but not vice versa. This way, the imbalance in skill levels is minimized."

"Of course, even within the teenagers' and young adults' groups, there need to be age limits for the participants. For instance, the young adults' group could include those aged 22 to 32, while the teenagers' group could include those aged 13 to 21. This would accommodate both middle school students and university attendees. Although there might still be some disparities in skill levels, this is the desired effect."

"Under such an arrangement, if a younger participant manages to outperform older competitors and win the championship, it would create a significant buzz and draw widespread attention, thus enhancing the competition's influence. Don't you agree, Chu Lian?" Wang Shiyu's words seemed designed to draw Chu Lian into the conversation, showcasing her efforts to include her.

Regardless of whether her idea was feasible, her triumphant smile indicated that her concern was not the competition's outcome but Chu Lian's participation. She acknowledged Chu Lian's talent and potential but didn't believe someone of her age could contribute valuable opinions in such a setting. It wasn't about talent or intelligence but about experience and composure.

Her actions were driven by a desire to restore her brother's confidence, which had been shaken by his admiration for Chu Lian. As her family's pride and future support, Wang Shiyu wouldn't allow any woman to affect him before he became independent. If anyone could influence him, it should be her, not someone else.

Wang Shiyu knew well how to shatter someone's halo, making them seem ordinary. Her precise timing even surprised Wang Hao, while Xu Qingling was astonished at Wang Shiyu's sudden shift in target.

Wang Shiyu then turned to face Chu Lian, twirling her long hair with her fingers, eager to see Chu Lian fail. She had prepared for this moment for a long time, ready to ruin Chu Lian's image, regardless of the consequences. She was determined to protect her brother at all costs.

Of course, she knew this might not pose a significant challenge for Chu Lian, but she wasn't worried. Wang Shiyu had many tricks up her sleeve, confident that Chu Lian couldn't handle all of them. One mistake would bring Chu Lian down from her pedestal.

Wang Shiyu intended to pull her brother out of his idealized dream of Chu Lian before he fell too deeply.

The principal's intention to enliven the atmosphere provided Wang Shiyu the perfect opportunity to force Chu Lian into the spotlight.

Seeing the shy girl under everyone's gaze in the conference room, Wang Shiyu's smile grew more relaxed. It seemed she had overestimated her.

But her smile froze in the next moment because the girl who had been shy a second ago suddenly gathered all her unease and nervousness, showing a confident smile. She turned gently, and her gaze didn't linger on Wang Shiyu at all.

"According to Sister Wang's suggestion, dividing the competition into two groups is a good method. Moreover, if a very young participant progresses to the finals in an unbeatable manner and wins the championship, it would be sensational. If I were to participate, I could achieve this without anyone's help."

At this point, her voice became powerful, "Whether the championship is for the youth group or the young adult group, it is easily within my grasp."

"Therefore, I suggest adopting Sister Wang Shiyu's method of dividing by age groups for the first Youth Literature Competition. We can see how this first competition goes and decide on future arrangements."

"As for the format and theme or how this competition should be held, I believe you all are more knowledgeable than I am, so I won't say more."

With that, she sat down, not expressing any further opinions. Indeed, others in the room were far more experienced and professional. How to organize a literature competition would be well-discussed and arranged by them. Anything she said would merely be a suggestion that might be accepted. The final decision still lay with them.

However, her approach surprised the others. They hadn't expected her to be so clear-headed.

Initially, they weren't very interested in the girls' proposals, but Xu Qingling and Wang Shiyu's responses intrigued them. As opinions from young people's perspectives, their suggestions could serve as good references.

Chu Lian's approach, though, left them astonished. This young girl clearly understood that the previous two proposals were sufficient to start the discussion, and she didn't need to add anything more. So she simply supported Wang Shiyu's idea and expressed her confidence.

They doubted that Chu Lian could truly win the young adult group championship or even the youth group championship under Wang Shiyu's proposal. However, she displayed a confidence and pride that surpassed the other two, making her seem exceptionally radiant.

Chu Lian's words, spoken with measured confidence, didn't come off as arrogance but rather inspired curiosity about her capabilities. Even if she was a literary prodigy, wasn't she too confident?

At this point, Chu Lian stood up, taking the hand of Li Xiuer, who had also been asked for her opinion but had been overshadowed by the other three. She said, "Class is about to start. We should go. You all can continue your meeting. Mom, remember to buy groceries and get me something to eat. I want ginger-braised duck tonight. I'll take Tina with me, so don't worry."

As she reached the conference room door, she seemed to recall something and turned back, giving everyone a big smile, "If you want to see if I can achieve it, you will find out tomorrow when my second book starts serialization."

"Good luck with the meeting, Mom. Goodbye, Principal. Goodbye, Sister Xu Qingling..." Her voice echoed down the hallway, but she only bid farewell to three people, leaving the others frowning.

"My daughter is still young and may have spoken out of turn. Please forgive her. But I assume no one would hold a grudge against a little girl? If anyone is upset, you can talk to me. Just be prepared for the consequences."

Seeing some displeased expressions, Li Mingxue spoke. But her disdainful smile at the end silenced them. Her identity was unknown to most, but those who knew were significantly intimidated, enough to refrain from provoking her.

"Looks like everyone is ready. Let's start the meeting," the elderly principal said slowly, with a satisfied smile.