In the end, apart from most of the contestants who received low scores from the judges, only Jiang Jianhuan and another Chinese contestant remained.
The two judges' scores were neck and neck, so the first and second prizes would probably go to them.
Jiang Jianhuan was holding her breath nervously, but she maintained a polite smile, seemingly observing everyone calmly.
The second prize winner was announced by the host. It was the Chinese contestant. She breathed a slight sigh of relief, hugged everyone around her, and went on stage to receive her award.
Jiang Jianhuan felt like she was suffocating.
One step to heaven, one step to hell.
There are only two possible outcomes: going home empty-handed or winning. The significance of either outcome is immense for her. She cannot afford to lose.
The final wait was far too long, feeling like an eternity, before she finally heard her name called. It was almost like a hallucination; it took her several seconds to realize it.
Jiang Jianhuan controlled her emotions and, amidst applause and the host's gaze, slowly walked onto the stage.
She accepted the award, gave her acceptance speech, and left the stage. She remained remarkably calm throughout, only realizing her hands were trembling slightly when she got into her car at the very end.
When they arrived at the hotel, the police had already arrested the two people from the previous night. After interrogation, they confessed that they were just playing a prank while drunk. Jiang Jianhuan recalled the eye contact they had made the previous night and did not think they were drunk.
The hotel kept explaining that they mistakenly thought the other party was genuinely on official business, and that the new receptionist was inexperienced and didn't ask to see their identification, which led to this situation.
The person has been fired, and after being educated, the hotel has decided to thoroughly rectify its internal operations. The attitude of admitting the mistake is very good.
The matter seemed to have come to a head. Jiang Jianhuan received compensation from the hotel, and the two men were detained for impersonating state officials. It is said that they will be subject to criminal penalties later.
Li Sa drove her back, and Jiang Jianhuan felt embarrassed, so she specially treated him to a meal, but Li Sa waved his hand repeatedly.
"Ms. Jiang, you're too kind. As our boss's assistant, it's only right that I do anything for you."
"...Don't say that."
"It's true. I knew from the first moment I met you that your relationship was special." Li Sa said mysteriously, and Jiang Jianhuan looked at him dejectedly.
"...Why?"
"Do you really think everything that happened before was just a coincidence? The suit delivery and the collaboration were all requested by Su Mo and Jiang Yuan, who specifically asked for you."
"I've been by his side for three or four years, and I've never seen Su Mo with a woman by his side, let alone him making the first move..."
“Miss Jiang, I always thought Su Mo would be destined to be single forever, until I met you.”
......
That night, Jiang Jianhuan had a dream, a dream that took place when she had just started pursuing Su Mo.
This person seemed to be surrounded by an impenetrable wall of bronze and iron, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't find a gap. One day, Jiang Jianhuan went to Su Mo's academy to audit a class as usual. She sat in the corner of the classroom and secretly watched him for most of the class. When the bell rang, she immediately followed him to the cafeteria.
At that time, Zhou You and his friends also happened to be having dinner with him. The three or four big boys walked around the campus chatting and laughing, creating a very eye-catching scene.
Suddenly, Zhou You caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye. At that moment, Jiang Jianhuan was carrying two books and following not far away, her gaze fixed on Su Mo, her eyes practically leaping out of their adoration.
Upon realizing she was being noticed, she immediately blushed, moved the book in her arms upwards to cover most of her face, revealing only her bright, shy eyes.
Zhou Youyi chuckled and patted Su Mo on the shoulder in acknowledgment.
Caught off guard, the male lead turned to look at her, and Jiang Jianhuan froze, her cheeks burning as if she were about to spontaneously combust.
Zhou You waved to her playfully.
Jiang Jianhuan glanced timidly at Su Mo, who was expressionless beside her, but in the end, she couldn't resist the longing in her heart and slowly moved over like a snail.
"Little sister, let me tell you, this guy is destined to be single forever, there's no hope. You should hurry up and find another target." Zhou You put her hand on Su Mo's shoulder and joked around. The others in the group laughed, but Su Mo kept her hands in her pockets and looked down at her coldly.
Jiang Jianhuan bit her lip, her voice loud and clear, almost echoing throughout the tree-lined avenue, drawing the attention of passersby.
"No, I love him! I won't let him be single forever!"
The scene froze for a few seconds, then everyone burst into laughter, even Su Mo's dark eyes seemed to reveal a hint of amusement. He casually turned around and removed Zhou You's hand from his shoulder.
"They're gone."
later--
Jiang Jianhuan didn't dare to follow anymore. Her face turned bright red, like a tomato about to explode. She rushed back to her dormitory like a gust of wind, took off her shoes, climbed into bed, and covered herself completely with the blanket.
"Waaaaah, I don't want to live anymore..."
Chapter 40
The news of Jiang Jianhuan winning the award spread throughout the entire company group chat that very day. Her phone was bombarded with congratulatory messages, especially from several close colleagues in the office, who all urged her to treat them to a meal. After all, that prize money was a huge sum for ordinary people.
One hundred thousand yuan.
Even Jiang Yuan, who rarely appears in the group, couldn't help but speak up.
With someone to rely on, the people became even more excited. Before they could even check their messages, their phones were flooded with notifications in bright red.
Jiang Jianhuan smiled and asked in a very good-natured manner.
What would you like to eat? I'll make a reservation and we'll go after get off work tomorrow.
【Awoooooo!】
How about steak and red wine? Or a seafood buffet at a five-star hotel for 399 yuan per person, or even Australian lobster?
[Hahaha, that's enough! I suggest we all go eat hot pot before it gets too hot!]
[Sure, I know a really good handmade beef hot pot restaurant near the office!]
Okay, it's settled then. We'll just wait for the client to come to the company tomorrow.