After Being Blackened All Over the Internet, I Ruled the Military Variety Shows
Chapter 329: Some Appear to be Alive, But Are Already Gone

Chapter 329: Chapter 329: Some Appear to be Alive, But Are Already Gone

"Hello everyone, I am Zhang Nachuan. My decision to come on the show today was last-minute, as I wanted to meet the rising stars of our calligraphy and painting world. However, those who know me are aware of my temperament—I say what I mean. If you perform poorly, I will criticize you even in front of this many people."

Sitting in the guest lounge, Jing Huai couldn’t help but touch the half-mask on his face.

Although he had quickly applied an ice pack, as he was pressed for time, it wasn’t kept on long enough. Now, the numbness from the ice had faded, and the burning pain on his face was becoming clear again.

Listening to what Mr. Zhang said on stage, he felt as if the latter part of the statement was directed at him.

Even the side of his face that wasn’t hit started to hurt in sympathy.

But more than the pain, he felt panic inside.

The news that Zhang Nachuan would attend the final recording of "Inheritance of the World · Calligraphy and Painting" hadn’t been shared with fellow judge Xu Qingmei, let alone with him.

Yesterday, he had already experienced this old man’s sharp tongue, and he had even considered quitting the recording. After building up some mental fortitude and being unwilling to give up on the past two days of recordings, he forced himself to persist.

But it was like a bolt from the blue!

Was the heavens working against him?

Zhang Nachuan’s announcement beforehand not only terrified Jing Huai into sitting stiffly on the sofa, but also made everyone else nervous.

Yesterday was just copying, today, unsurprisingly, would be live creation.

If one didn’t perform well... they might get scolded to tears by this elder right on the spot.

Lu Sen rubbed his sweaty palms on his thighs, took a few deep breaths, and then looked across at Jing Huai, who was wearing a mask, and felt a bit relieved.

He was more than likely to get criticized. The old man wouldn’t spare him just because he’s the younger generation of an old friend; in fact, familiarity may make the critique harsher. Fortunately, there was someone else to take the brunt of it.

Just like in competitions, people only remember the winner, and in the same way, they’ll only remember the one most severely criticized. His relatively lighter criticism would probably go unnoticed.

Although this thought might seem a bit unkind, he couldn’t be bothered about that now.

Better them than me!

Qian Yaya glanced at her aunt sitting in the audience and silently prayed she could perform extraordinarily well.

After yesterday’s candid and blunt critique, she no longer hoped that Mr. Zhang would spare her just because she’s a girl. She could only give 200% effort to perform well.

Shen Huchen looked towards his cousin sitting amongst the judges, silently cheering himself on. As his cousin’s only (not really) disciple, he couldn’t embarrass his cousin.

Shen Yunqing: Honestly, it doesn’t matter!

Lin Nuo sat on the edge of the lounge, not far from the audience seating.

Sparse conversations buzzed in his ears.

"Why does that person in the white shirt look familiar to me?"

He glanced down at the white shirt he was wearing, which A-lin had carefully chosen for him before coming.

"That seems like Lin Nuo."

"Lin Nuo? Which Lin Nuo? Isn’t he the one who got famous for plagiarism and was driven out of the calligraphy and painting world? How does he even have the face for a comeback? But did the show even do any background checks when selecting guests? Why would they invite him?"

"Perhaps for more drama?"

"Maybe he’s trying to clear his name."

"Clear what? The plagiarism was proven. What is there to clear?"

Lin Nuo intended to ignore these voices, but upon suddenly hearing a slightly familiar voice among them, he couldn’t help but turn his head sharply, seeing a familiar, and mocking, face. His hand on his thigh clenched into a fist, nails digging into his palm.

The person speaking didn’t expect Lin Nuo to hear, and instead of averting their gaze, they smirked contemptuously, silently provoking: Let’s see how you clear your name now!

The first person to notice Lin Nuo’s tense expression was A-lin. Following her boyfriend’s gaze to the audience, she saw that mocking face clearly, her expression changed immediately, and she was filled with worry.

But the recording had already started, and there was a fixed camera on the guest lounge, so as an assistant, she couldn’t approach him.

"Damn it!"

Compared to the other five, Jiang Lingxi and Su Yi appeared much calmer.

During yesterday’s work critique session, apart from Jiang Lingxi’s piece which received extremely high praise, Su Yi’s received relatively mild comments.

She didn’t fear Mr. Zhang on the stage as much.

When the camera swept over, she even had the mind to shyly wave at it.

Among the circle of guests, Jiang Lingxi was the first to notice Lin Nuo’s unusual state.

She glanced in the direction of the audience and reached out, "Clink!"

Her knuckles lightly tapped the glass table, and the crisp sound pierced through everyone’s ears.

Emotions of anger or anxiety paused momentarily in everyone’s mind.

"Calm your heart and mind."

Qian Yaya wanted to hug Jiang Lingxi’s arm, but ultimately held back due to all the eyes watching, only daring to lower her voice, "I was really happy when my aunt came, but now that Mr. Zhang is here, I..."

The latter part, ’...am not so happy anymore,’ remained unsaid.

But seeing her expression, one could guess what she wanted to say.

Shen Huchen nodded in strong agreement, he had the same feelings now.

At least Qian Yaya’s aunt was just an audience member, while his cousin was a judge!

Lin Nuo felt surprised and grateful.

He had a hunch, those four words from Jiang Lingxi were directed at him.

Indeed, he couldn’t let that person’s ridicule affect him, especially not at this crucial moment.

It was unexpected that the first to notice his condition and wake him up was Jiang Lingxi, with whom he didn’t have much interaction.

"Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

Others listened, puzzled.

Jing Huai looked at Jiang Lingxi, appearing affectionate in others’ eyes, but when Jiang Lingxi’s gaze turned from disgust back to him, she discerned a flash of hatred buried deep in his eyes.

It seems he had figured out her earlier act in front of the dressing room door was intentional.

Not entirely foolish.

But it’s good to know; if you aren’t permitted, forcing your way close will only lead to misfortune.

As the camera panned, it just caught the moment Jing Huai gazed deeply at Jiang Lingxi.

Many in the audience who had followed the morning’s trending topics couldn’t help but widen their eyes.

"They’re exchanging glances so openly, it must be true."

"But why hasn’t Jiang Lingxi deleted her post? I’ll only half believe it!"

"Am I the only one curious about why Jing Huai is wearing half a mask today? Could it be Jiang Lingxi didn’t want it public and slapped him?"

"Uh, that begs the question, who’s more powerful? Is Jing Huai secretly henpecked?"

...

As the audience freely chatted about those seconds of deep gazing, Xu Qingmei turned her head to see Shen Yunqing’s expression while Zhang Nachuan was still on stage and hadn’t yet joined them.

She had initially intended to enjoy the spectacle, but after seeing that expression, her mood to watch vanished instantly.

Her intuition told her although Jing Huai was sitting perfectly fine right now, he was as good as done.

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