Chapter 12: Not to That Extent

Nan Youxu nodded instantly, like a little chick pecking at grains. She was so excited that she could barely keep herself from jumping up. Without hesitation, Ruan Cha played with her smooth, fair fingertips and spoke in a sweet voice, "The design is quite good, the symbolism is lovely, but the choice of materials is lacking. If you replaced them with warmer pearls, the colors would be richer under the lights."

After finishing, Ruan Cha curved her eyes into a smile. "Just a little suggestion for you—hope you don't mind?"

Shen Yun watched Ruan Cha with amusement, her tone sharp and haughty. "Is she really that bold? Daring to give advice in front of Miss Nan? She should consider whether her status matches..."

Before she could finish, Nan Youxu earnestly pulled out her phone, opened her notes app, and carefully recorded every word Ruan Cha had said. When she finished, her eyes sparkled with hope. "Ruan Ruan, you're absolutely right! If you see anything else that could be improved, please tell me—I’ll make sure to fix it next time I design!"

Everyone: "..."

Shen Yun's expression froze on the spot. Even Ruan Wei and Kong Xian were left stiff and speechless.

...

The crowd, who had been gossiping moments ago, took quite a while to recover from the shock of Nan Youxu actually trying to please Ruan Cha. This girl from the countryside—could she really be connected to Nan Youxu?

What kind of baffling relationship was this? How could it be possible?

Kong Xian quickly recovered and comforted Ruan Wei beside her, "Weiwei, don't be upset. Maybe Miss Nan hasn't seen the design draft you submitted yet. Once she does, she'll understand..."

"It's alright." Ruan Wei forced herself to smile, lips faintly curved. "It was just something I submitted casually..."

Though she said so, her gaze lingered on the pair not far away.

...

It took Ruan Cha a while to recall that the Nan Youxu in front of her was a contestant she had gotten along with quite well when she served as a judge years ago. Ruan Cha was approachable, had good relationships with the contestants, and since they were close in age, she had them call her "Ruan Ruan."

Thinking of this, Ruan Cha felt a slight, awkward embarrassment. She couldn't be blamed. With so many contestants in a single competition, how could she remember them all?

Nan Youxu was saddened at first, but her sorrow quickly vanished. Seeing the chain around Ruan Cha's neck, her voice brimmed with joy as she exclaimed, "Ruan Ruan, I never imagined you’d actually buy the necklace I designed! I’m so touched..."

Ruan Cha pointed to the necklace on her neck, about to say she’d bought it on a whim, when Nan Youxu continued tearfully, "Ruan Ruan, I knew from the start that you thought of me differently. Now it’s clear—you’ve always believed in me, secretly guiding my growth, hoping that one day I’d inherit your legacy and become your chief disciple, right?"

Ruan Cha: "…?"

That’s far from the truth.

"Luckily, I haven’t let you down. Now I’m somewhat well-known. Ruan Ruan, would you consider taking me as your apprentice?"

Nan Youxu, uncharacteristically nervous, glanced at Ruan Cha’s cool, beautiful face, afraid she would shake her head and shatter her hopes.

Ruan Cha listened, then pondered seriously for a moment. "Actually, with your current achievements, there’s no need to become my apprentice. You’re already famous..."

"Ruan Ruan~"

Before Ruan Cha could finish, Nan Youxu clung to her arm and called out in a sweet, coquettish voice.

Ruan Cha froze.

She turned her gaze and met Nan Youxu’s eyes.