Fireballs 2

Meanwhile, on the other side, Cedric's entourage was at it again. "It's just third place. Do they have to look like they won an Oscar's?" 

"They're lousy. Of course, they would be happy about such lousy achievements." 

But was it lousy, really? Even though the reward for the third place wasn't that impressive, it meant a lot to many people, especially Ah Chen, to whom art was just a minor he was doing to pass the time. In fact, no matter what prize he won, it was inferior to a single word of congratulations from Li Lanni. Why would he mind?

"Next up, the second place is number 24." The screen displayed number 24's 301 votes. 

Cedric sneered. Damn it! How could he only get one vote more than Ah Chen's? That was worse than losing, alright? 

His streak of bad luck was going a little overboard, huh.

To evade his humiliation, he didn't stand. He would rather forfeit his award than go up the stage and accept that he just got one more vote than Ah Chen. It was second place anyway, and he didn't care about anything that wasn't first.

Si Yulin looked displeased by Cedric's rude behavior. But when she saw the winner's entry, her face lit up. 

"The grand winner is Fireballs by number 15! Congratulations." The screen showed number 15's 605 votes. The votes actually doubled!! Cedric was infuriated. It was like a slap across his handsome face.

As the grand winner was announced, the screen also displayed the painting 'Fireball.' 

Instantly, the hall was filled with the gasps of the viewers. 

"Whoa! Too beautiful!! Too lifelike! How can a painting be so beautiful?!"

"I almost thought I saw that dragon coming at me!" 

"Which grandmaster painted that? Is it the legendary Cedric of Hun He?" 

When Cedric heard this, he almost fainted from anger. What Cedric?!?! That person got double votes than him, okay? In fact, the worst part was that he had to admit that 'Fireballs' was indeed worthy of being the winner. 

Li Lanni was still absent-minded when the girl beside her saw her number; she excitedly nudged her. "Lanni, it's your number! Go!" 

"Huh?" Lianni was shocked. She was... the winner? 

Was this a dream of sorts? 

When it sunk in, her first reaction was not to go to the stage, but to glance at Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu bit her lip. She knew it! 

She knew she wouldn't win. She had been so nervous that she couldn't complete her painting on time and submitted an incomplete entry. She knew that no matter how beautiful it was, no one would like anything that wasn't complete. Why did she still hope for it? 

"Excuse me; I need to use the restroom." She fled right after saying this. 

Li Lanni glanced at Chen Yu's fleeing back, then at the stage. After hesitating for a few seconds, she walked to the stage. 

When the audience saw a beautiful girl walking up to the stage and receive the award, they were stunned.

"It's a girl?!" 

"Such a bold painting, I expected the artist to be a guy. I even thought it was Cedric from Hun He." 

Ah Chen overheard the chatter and snorted. "Please, how could you even think of comparing Lianni with Cedric. Are you blind? I told you Lanni would surely win." His goddess was the best, okay? 

The competition officially ended after Li Lanni received the contract for the first prize. 

When she was getting down the stage, she was called out by Si Yulin.  

"Hi, Li Lanni. Your painting was so stunning and lifelike. I have no words to describe it. The moment I saw it, I fell in love with it. If you are willing, can you sell it to me? I can fulfill all your demands as long as they are reasonable."  Li Lanni was shocked by Si Yulin's sudden proposal.  She didn't think that her painting would attract Si Yulin's attention to this extent. She was flattered, but she had to reject the offer. It was rare that she could paint so nicely, and she had even won an award for it. Of course, she had to bring it home and show it to her mother. 

"Ms. Si, I am flattered that you have taken a liking to my painting. But I apologize I can't sell this painting."

Si Yulin looked disappointed. "You really can't? Please think about if for a few days?" 

"I'm sorry. I really can't." Li Lanni was firm. 

Si Yulin was a little unhappy that she couldn't have the painting, but thinking about how Li Lanni would soon be a trainee at Star Art International, she felt better. 

...

Li Lanni couldn't possibly reject the award on stage since it would be slapping Star Art International in the face. 

So, she waited until it ended and approached one of the organizers.