Chapter 117: Love Is Enough

She went back backstage to change her clothes and put on her makeup.

Lu An’an was by no means ugly, but with her makeup, she blossomed pure and innocent like a lotus.

Afterwards, Lu An’an waited backstage.

Gu Anning stood next to her.

She smirked proudly, a look bordering on arrogance trained at her competition.

Gu Anning had opted for a more aggressive makeup regime, sporting dark eyeliner and smoky highlights, bringing out her sharp features.

“Lu An’an, who do you think will win today?”

Lu An’an smiled lightly, “What do you think?”

Gu Anning sneered, “I think you’ll lose miserably.”

“I admire your confidence.”

…

“If I weren’t confident in my victory, why would I be standing here today?” Gu Anning said. In a sickly sweet voice, she offered Lu An’an advice, “If I were you, I would withdraw from the competition ahead of time to avoid embarrassing myself later.”

“Whether or not I’ll be embarrassed has yet to be decided. We will only know when the results are released.” Lu An’an smiled, politely deflecting Gu Anning’s taunt.

–

In the studio, the audience seats were full.

Yan Yunge deliberately found a seat in the last row to sit down.

Han Ziyuan saw him sitting there and immediately sidled up next to him. “Brother Yan, why didn’t you tell me you would be coming?”

“Nothing much. I was passing by and decided to take a look.”

“Did you come to take a look or to see me?” Han Ziyuan quipped coquettishly.

A slight frown appeared on Yan Yunge’s face. “Han Ziyuan, we need to talk. There are some things I need to set straight,” he began, commandeering Han Ziyuan’s attention.

“Brother Yan, what do you need to say to me?” Han Ziyuan regarded him expectantly, feigning confusion. “We grew up together. Is there anything you don’t know? Or… do you have some secret you’d like to tell me?

“This isn’t a good place to talk. Come with me.”

Han Ziyuan followed Yan Yunge out of the studio and into the reception area.

“Brother Yan,” Han Ziyuan reached out only for Yan Yunge to stop her. “That’s far enough. It isn’t a good idea to be so close.”

Han Ziyuan’s expression changed. “Brother Yan, what’s wrong?” She asked.

“Han Ziyuan, we’ve known each other for many years.”

“Yes,” Han Ziyuan agreed. Just as she was about to close the distance between them, Yan Yunge’s subsequent words caused her to freeze.

“You should know how I see you. I’ve never liked you romantically.”

“What are you talking about?” Han Ziyuan flushed, deeply embarrassed by the topic of discussion.

Composing herself, she smiled, but it was fragile, lacking its usual vibrance. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve never seen me in a romantic light. What’s important is that we are the most compatible, aren’t we?”

“I may have thought so before I met Lu An’an, but since then, much has changed. I’m sorry. I love Lu An’an,” Yan Yunge answered with absolute certainty.

“Han Ziyuan, I’ve never loved you. I may like you and see you as a sister, but I don’t love you, not in a romantic way. I apologise if my past actions caused you to have other thoughts.”

“Yan Yunge, what do you mean?” Han Ziyuan changed her form of address. The look she pinned him with could have frozen hell over. “Are you trying to draw a line between us?”

“You should know that I only see you as my childhood friend. Nothing more.” Yan Yunge’s voice sank as he broke the harsh truth.

“Lu An’an. Lu An’an! It’s all that woman’s fault! She’s poisoned you against me! Is that why you’re drawing a line between us?” Han Ziyuan was so angry her whole body trembled. “What’s so good about that woman, Lu An’an? Why do you always side with her? I grew up with you, not her. I’m the one who knows you best. What does she know about you? Nothing!”

“She loves me,” Yan Yunge answered simply, “And I love her. That’s enough.”