Yun Li was furious, thinking this young man was disrespecting him and would soon be humbled by his lack of painting skill.
A young attendant announced the competition’s start.
Yun Li quickly began painting, occasionally glancing at Ning Wan Wan, who was curious whether Si Zhan could truly paint her blindfolded.
After a short while, Si Zhan reached for the brush, as if he’d practiced countless times.
Ning Wan Wan watched as Si Zhan’s brush moved gracefully— Tracing dragons and snakes, the outline formed. Delicately outlining, she came to life. Casually adding color, capturing the lantern festival’s splendor…
Soon, a vivid portrait of Ning Wan Wan during the Lantern Festival emerged.
Surrounding voices erupted in admiration: “Wow, so well painted!” “It looks just like her!”
With the final stroke complete, Si Zhan gently put down his brush, a satisfied smile on his lips.
Yun Li also finished his painting, walking eagerly to Si Zhan’s side to examine the portrait. His expression transformed from disdain to admiration.
He finally nodded and said, “Young sir, despite your youth, you possess extraordinary skill. I concede defeat.”
He placed the painting down and announced to the crowd, “I will honor my bet. Today, all portrait seekers will be free of charge.”
The crowd erupted in cheers: “Wonderful! Thank you, young sir!” People rushed to queue for portraits.
Si Zhan picked up his painting and blew on the still-wet ink.
“Are you satisfied with the painting?” he asked Ning Wan Wan.
She smiled and asked, “How did you do this?” Painting blindfolded was miraculous, yet he’d captured her so vividly.
Si Zhan’s dark eyelashes trembled slightly. He shared a personal moment: during painful nights, he remembered her words: “As long as we don’t give up on our own lives, we can definitely survive.” He would force himself to paint in the darkness, thinking of her face until the pain became insignificant.
“Because I paint not with eyes, but with heart,” Si Zhan said, gazing at her tenderly. “Wan Wan, you’ve taken root and sprouted in my heart.”
Just then, a dramatic interruption occurred involving a potential assassination attempt, causing the crowd to panic and flee, shouting, “Oh no, murder! Murder!” The scene instantly became chaotic.
