Chapter 8: When She Looked Up, He Was Always There

The notice for the off-campus competition came quickly.

When Gu Nian saw the email, her hands trembled.

She checked it three times before she dared believe it—
She had been selected.

Not because of connections.
Not because she compromised her style.

Because of her painting.

“Lu Chen.”
She looked up at him. “I got in.”

Lu Chen was working on a problem. When he heard her, his pen paused.

Then he looked up.

“I know.”

“How did you know?”

“When it comes to you, I never bet on luck,” he said.
“I just wait for the result.”

Gu Nian’s nose stung.

On the day of the competition, it was held at the city art museum.

The venue was huge. The crowd was even bigger.

Standing in the waiting area, Gu Nian’s palms were slick with sweat.

“I’m a little nervous,” she whispered.

Lu Chen took her art case from her hands.

“That’s normal.”

“Huh?”

“It means you care,” he said. “But don’t be afraid.”

He lowered his head and gently touched his forehead to hers.

“I’m here.”

Just those two words.

And Gu Nian’s heart slowly steadied.

When it was her turn to go onstage, she stood under the spotlight.

The lights were bright—
So bright that at first, she couldn’t see anything clearly.

But as her eyes adjusted, she made out the crowd below.

And she saw Lu Chen.

He stood at the very edge of the audience,
Yet he was the one she found at first glance.

Suddenly, memories flooded in.

Rainy days when he gave her the whole umbrella;
Late nights studying, when he handed her warm milk;
The times she cried—when he wanted nothing else.

Her brush touched the paper.

This time, she didn’t hesitate.

When the display ended, the room fell silent for a beat.

Then applause erupted.

Gu Nian stood there, her eyes brighter than ever.

As she bowed, she couldn’t help looking at him again.

Lu Chen wasn’t clapping.

He was just looking at her.

His eyes filled with pride.

The results were announced.

She won an award.

Not first place—but beautiful enough.

When she rushed off the stage, she nearly ran straight into him.

“Lu Chen!”

He opened his arms and caught her steadily.

“I knew it,” he said.

“You knew I could do it all along?”

Lu Chen lowered his head and replied softly,

“Not could.”

“Would.”

On the way home, the night was quiet.

Gu Nian held her certificate like it was something precious.

“Lu Chen.”

“Mm?”

“What if one day I go really far?”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

“What if we’re not in the same place?”

“Then I’ll walk toward you.”

She stopped.

“Aren’t you afraid?”

Lu Chen turned to look at her.

“I am,” he said. “But I’m more afraid of not having you.”

Gu Nian rose onto her toes and lightly kissed the corner of his lips.

So light—
Yet it made Lu Chen freeze completely.

She smiled, a little mischievous. “A reward.”

He lowered his head, voice hoarse.

“Gu Nian.”

“Mm?”

“Don’t tease me like that.”

“Then… you don’t like it?”

Lu Chen was silent for one second.

Then he pulled her into his arms.

“Like it too much.”