sbdcsierra Chapter 51 Gold Award
Chapter 51 Gold Award
"Contestant No. 20's painting vividly recreates the scene of an ancient literati gathering. The figures are all in different poses, some playing the zither, some sipping tea, and some wielding the brush, all appearing so natural and harmonious. I really like this work," one judge exclaimed.
“I also really like this painting. The painter is particularly outstanding in his handling of details. Whether it is the folds of the figures’ clothing or the texture of the tea set, they are all clearly visible. The technique is extremely natural, which is truly admirable,” another judge added.
"What is even more commendable is that this painting not only captures the outward appearance of literati, but also conveys their inner cultural heritage and spiritual pursuits."
"The painting exudes an air of indifference to fame and fortune and a pursuit of spiritual freedom, allowing one to feel the nobility and detachment of ancient literati."
The judges shared their opinions, all appearing very excited, and highly praised Jiang Songchu's work.
They then began discussing the rankings, and the audience seemed to sense something, occasionally glancing at the middle-aged man.
He was already covered in ink and looked rather disheveled; coupled with his gloomy face, he appeared extremely depressed, as if he might explode at any moment.
After an unknown amount of time, the heated discussion and controversy that had been raging on the judges' panel gradually subsided.
The host finally came up on stage with the competition results and began to announce the final list of winners.
"Dear contestants and audience members, thank you for waiting. The list of winners for this year's 'Guomo Danqing Cup' calligraphy and painting competition is in my hands..." The host paused deliberately, whetting everyone's appetite.
Amidst the jeers of the crowd, he slowly read out the list.
"First, we'll announce the list of winners of the Excellence Award..."
As the host announced it, some contestants showed expressions of joy.
Grandpa Xie and Chen Yun listened nervously to the host's words. Although Grandpa Xie was full of confidence in Jiang Songchu's paintings, he couldn't help but feel nervous for her.
"Next, we will announce the list of bronze medal winners..."
The contestants whose names were called went up on stage with great joy to receive their awards, which were already prepared by the staff of the calligraphy and painting association.
"And then there's our silver medal winner..."
Two more contestants excitedly went up on stage to receive their awards.
After all, the calligraphy and painting competition organized by the calligraphy and painting association is one of the most prestigious competitions in the calligraphy and painting world, and it is also a national-level competition, so its significance is self-evident.
"Finally, let's give a warm round of applause to our gold medalist as he/she comes to the stage to receive his/her award!"
Amidst enthusiastic applause, the host announced in his passionate voice: "She is—fifteen-year-old Jiang Songchu!"
Jiang Songchu smiled confidently as she walked gracefully towards the podium, ready to embrace her moment of glory.
However, at that very moment, Zhao Ping, a middle-aged man standing to the side, suddenly erupted in anger, his voice booming like thunder throughout the hall.
Why her?
Why not me?
"She clearly plagiarized my work, so why is she standing here accepting an award?"
Ironically, Zhao Ping didn't even reach the threshold of the Excellence Award, but he already considered the Gold Award to be his for the taking.
At this moment, Lao Bao stepped forward and interrupted Zhao Ping's clamor: "Zhao Ping, contestant number 19, you don't need to lose your composure like this."
His words carried a hint of regret: "Your painting is indeed exquisite and admirable, worthy of winning the silver medal."
But then, his tone shifted, and Lao Bao's expression turned stern: "However, it's very regrettable..."
“During the competition, you chose to use unfair means to undermine the fairness of the competition and attempted to damage other people’s works. Such behavior is absolutely unacceptable in the world of calligraphy and painting.”
"The calligraphy and painting association will permanently boycott you, do you understand?"
As Lao Bao finished speaking, the large screen slowly lit up, and the surveillance footage clearly showed Zhao Ping's actions.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, Zhao Ping's face turned deathly pale. He muttered to himself, "She clearly plagiarized me..."
However, his explanations sounded so weak amidst the anger and questioning of the crowd.
Are our eyes just for decoration?
Lao Bao's voice was like thunder, echoing throughout the venue.
"Your initial work was a painting of ladies gathering, while Jiang Songchu's was a painting of literati gathering! Tell me, what did she plagiarize from you?"
His tone was full of contempt for Zhao Ping's shameless behavior.
"It's clearly your jealousy that led you to try and piggyback on Jiang Songchu's fame. You failed to plagiarize, so you turned around and bit back! In the end, you tried to draw a tiger but ended up with a dog instead!"
Old Bao's words were forceful and resounding, each sentence striking Zhao Ping's heart like a heavy hammer, leaving him utterly devastated.
At this moment, Jiang Songchu gracefully stood on the podium.
Old Bao's face softened, and with a hint of excitement, he handed the trophy and certificate of honor to the young girl.
Jiang Songchu bowed slightly, then accepted the trophy and certificate with both hands, a bright smile spreading across her face.
Grandpa Xie in the audience couldn't stop smiling. He kept clapping, his eyes full of pride: "She's truly my granddaughter!"
Among the surrounding crowd, some people recognized Xie Lao. Upon hearing what he said, they all looked at him with awe and secretly rejoiced that they had not offended this talented young woman.
Chen Yun and Aman were also beaming with joy. One of them was busy taking photos, and the other was busy recording videos, wanting to capture this unforgettable moment.
The system's voice also rang in Jiang Songchu's ears, offering her sincere blessings: "Congratulations, Chuchu, on successfully passing the finals of the 'National Ink and Wash Cup' calligraphy and painting competition."
"The system has decided to reward you with 50,000 yuan in cash, 500 experience points, and a tutorial gift pack, which will be randomly drawn. In addition, you will also receive one chance to win a prize!"
Jiang Songchu looked at the system curiously and couldn't help but ask, "Why are the prizes so generous this time?"
The system rubbed its little hands together smugly, a happy smile on its face: "Because this competition is of such high quality, it is undoubtedly the top event in the modern calligraphy and painting world."
"Winning a gold medal here not only means that your skill level has reached the master level, but also that your calligraphy and painting works will be worth much more."
"I believe that Chu Chu's two paintings today will definitely become hot commodities in the market."
"I knew my host was the best, haha!"
Jiang Songchu suddenly realized, "So that's how it is."
At this moment, a reporter and a cameraman came forward to conduct a post-match interview with Jiang Songchu.
She looked at Jiang Songchu with a warm smile: "Hello, Jiang Songchu, I'm Xiaoyuan, a reporter from the Kyoto Daily. Is it convenient for us to conduct a post-match interview?"
Jiang Songchu turned to look at Chen Yun, and after receiving a nod from Chen Yun, Jiang Songchu smiled warmly and nodded in agreement, then walked to the side with the reporter.