The Martial Artist Turned Movie Mogul-Chapter 727 - 726. Still missing one judge.

Tang Shu is a ceremonial hostess?

You guys really came up with that idea.

Ye Xiaohui swore, this was the biggest misunderstanding about giving and taking in history!

As she saw the two beside her chatting rapturously, their topic getting further off course, already discussing things like how the tender skin of the hostesses was maintained, her mouth twitched and her forehead furrowed.

Opting to silently say nothing, Ye Xiaohui unscrewed a brand-new bottle of mineral water from the table and took a sip.

Deeply hiding one’s capabilities and achievements.

"Quick, look, is the one walking at the back President Bai, Master Bai?!"

"Where, where? Where is he? I’ve long admired Master Bai but rarely have the chance to see him. Today, it seems my dream will finally come true—my, my, my~~~~"

"The one wearing the gray Sun Yat-sen suit, that’s Master Bai for sure. I once saw him in a group photo of the Calligraphy and Painting Association."

"It’s him, it’s him, now that’s who we young people should idolize, the Taishan Beidou of our country’s calligraphy and painting world, a leading figure!"

"I’ve heard that his students are all very powerful. Even being guided by him just once can result in significant improvement."

Master Bai’s appearance was like someone casting a stone into a calm lake, creating countless ripples. Whether it was the competitors sitting in front or the seven or eight hundred spectators in the back, everyone unanimously focused on the gray figure.

"Master Bai, Master Bai, it’s really Master Bai. He’s taken his seat at the president of the association!"

"Oh my god, one of his works has been auctioned off for a whopping five million, and many people take pride in collecting his works!"

"Hissss—five million?! If he paints a few more, won’t he become a multimillionaire?"

"Bro, wake up. Art is priceless; don’t be so materialistic, okay?"

"People in art also need to eat, right? I’m just an ordinary person, but nothing beats having Grandpa Mao banknotes, hehehe~~~"

Master Bai, who was being discussed by the audience, had just taken his seat when Bai Chenxi followed and entered. As he suddenly encountered scrutinizing or curious looks from all around, he became nervous and his entire body tensed up.

Oh my god, why are so many people looking at him? Indeed, sitting next to Grandpa always brings trouble, even he, who had been praised since childhood, was a little overwhelmed.

Feeling a bit too much pressure—ing——

"Need to improve my resistance to pressure... When I sit in the competitors’ seats next time, I will definitely blow everyone away!"

"You could also use a bit more courage. Stop your legs from shaking."

Tang Shu’s cool voice rang out beside him, and Bai Chenxi faintly detected a hint of laughter in it.

"Sister Tang, we are just kids who haven’t even reached twenty. Why are you so outstanding?"

This is my first time in front of so many people, and you couldn’t even show a bit of nervousness! You made me feel like a country bumpkin who’s never seen the world before.

Bai Chenxi, seeing Tang Shu remain composed from beginning to end, became unsettled first, looking at her pitifully.

Give me an explanation!

We’re both newcomers to the stage; why on earth are you the only one shining?

"Sorry, I’m already an adult. I’m not in the same category as you."

Bai—not yet an adult—Chenxi: "...Is that supposed to be comforting?"

"If you think so, it can be."

"Okay, I feel much better now."

The two babbled about all sorts of topics, saying whatever came to mind, and Bai Chenxi’s legs indeed relaxed a lot—even he was surprised by it.

Huh? Are they really not shaking anymore?

It turns out scientists have a point. Distracting oneself really works!

***

After Master Bai sat down, the long-waiting staff finally heaved a sigh of relief.

"Everyone, get ready, the competition is about to start!"

"Brother Shen, we’re ready on our end."

"Backstage is also ready. Should we switch to the screen now?"

Yes, there was a screen on-site.

This year’s national calligraphy and painting competition was different from previous years. The venue had been expanded, and the audience had grown several times over. To ensure that those seated at the back could clearly see the contestants’ works, a wall-sized projection was set up, divided into four or five separate screens.

This had never been done before.

As nine o’clock in the morning approached, the badge-wearing, walkie-talkie-equipped person in charge said,

"Let’s start now and have Old Liao take the stage."

No sooner had the voice faded than a man in a suit, in his thirties, wearing glasses and smiling elegantly, appeared on stage, exuding a scholarly aura.

"Hello everyone, welcome to the site of the National Calligraphy and Painting Competition. I am Liao Yicheng, and I represent the Calligraphy and Painting Association in welcoming you all..."

Instantly, the audience fell silent, muting their devices, and curiously fixed their eyes on him.

As Liao Yicheng spoke at a measured pace, many became listeners, and even Tang Shu, who knew little about the world of calligraphy and painting, listened attentively to the history of the Association.

A moment later.

"...Let me introduce, with great honor, to everyone, this is President Bai of the Calligraphy and Painting Association!"

As the stage screen switched to Master Bai, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, many already seeing Master Bai’s features through the high-definition screen.

"Wow, that’s the famous Master Bai? Such an imposing presence indeed!"

"Right? Those eyes are so wise, effortlessly commanding respect, aren’t they?"

"As expected of the president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, such an impressive bearing, tsk tsk—"

"He really does look like the legendary hermit from outside the world, exuding such an artistic vibe. If he were dressed in ancient robes, wouldn’t he resemble some academy’s dean?"

"Exactly, that’s the vibe!"

Liao Yicheng raised his hand to signal the audience to quiet down and then began introducing one after another to the audience, starting with the vice-president and moving on to the notable members of the Association. Ten judges were placed at the end, starting with Dean Wang from the far east side.

Until...

After the introduction of Master Xue, who was ninth in line, many in the audience noticed a critical issue.

"Hey, did you notice? It’s that very young-looking lady’s turn next!"

"Yeah, that’s only nine judges so far, we’re still short one!"

"Could that young lady be a judge? She seems too far away to be seen clearly, looks about in her twenties or thirties?"

"Not necessarily, if she really is a judge, she can’t be that young—she must be at least in her forties or fifties."

After all, judges for a national event like this need to have qualifications, and in the calligraphy and painting world, the older you are, the more in demand you become; this law had never been broken.

As everyone was discussing enthusiastically, someone suddenly realized something.

"Did you notice? The host didn’t introduce—Uncle She."

"...Damn! I actually forgot about Uncle She!!!"

"Emmmm~~ Uncle She, I’m so sorry, even though I’m a die-hard fan, how could I forget?"

"Sis, it seems your die-hard fan level isn’t solid enough, is it more of an alloy?"

"I can’t believe I forgot such a big thing, I was completely swept away by the host’s mellifluous voice!"