"The color combination of this painting is quite good."
"The proportion in this painting is used so well."
The judges were looking at and commenting on the paintings one by one.
At this moment, a painting caught their special attention and stunned them.
"If I didn't know this was a contestant's work, I'd think it was an original! Come and take a look."
As the man's voice faded, everyone walked towards this painting. Before seeing this one, the other paintings each had their own merits. But after this painting appeared, the others could only be regarded as flawed works.
Because it was perfect in every aspect of painting. Whether it was the proportion, color combination, or even the sense of age, it was presented with great depth.
"In my opinion, this painting deserves to be the first."
The staff member from the state's specialized agency immediately expressed his opinion.
Each person had one vote, and the others also cast their votes one after another. All ten judges unanimously chose this painting.
Seeing that the judges had made their choice, the host smiled and announced, "The judges' choices this time are surprisingly consistent. All ten judges have chosen the same painting. It seems this copyist must have extraordinary skills. Let's see who it is."
As the host's voice fell, a staff member began to unveil the painting.
Then it was revealed that the copyist of this painting was Xu Qingqing.
"Wow, it's Miss Xu Qingqing. As expected of the heir of the Xu family, her painting skills have won unanimous praise from the judges."
"Now let's hear what the judges have to say."
As the host's voice fell, the microphone was handed to the judges.
"Miss Xu's painting is perfect in every aspect, whether it's the fine brushwork, color proportion, or the degree of restoration of the work. I can hardly go against my heart and choose other paintings."
An old man spoke first, with admiration for Xu Qingqing in his words.
"But I didn't know it was Miss Xu's work before the result was announced. Miss Xu is so young but has such great abilities. I really feel ashamed of myself."
Another judge said, "Indeed, Miss Xu's skills don't seem to belong to someone in their early twenties. It seems as if she has had more than a decade of profound experience."
Hearing the constant praise for Xu Qingqing on the stage, Wang Pan clenched her fists tightly.
She knew she shouldn't cause any trouble at this time, but she just couldn't help standing up.
"I have an objection."
The host's and the judges' gazes all turned to Wang Pan.
Although a bit surprised, the host still maintained his composure and asked Wang Pan with a smile, "What's the problem, contestant?"
Wang Pan stood up. "I asked Xu Qingqing just now, and she said she had seen this painting in advance. This is unfair to us. Since she had seen it, she could study it in advance."
"Moreover, just now in the rest area, I saw Mr. Lu Chuanbai go to see Miss Xu Qingqing. It's obvious that their relationship is very close. I think this competition is unfair."
Hearing Wang Pan's words, there was an uproar among the crowd.
"I knew how could Xu Qingqing be so good at such a young age. It turns out she cheated."
"I'm aware that she is close to Lu Chuanbai."
Hearing the people around criticizing Xu Qingqing, Wang Pan felt proud.
So what if she got the first place by improper means? She still couldn't stand scrutiny.
Lu Chuanbai's eyes turned cold. He took the microphone and said, "Miss Xu said she saw the painting in advance. But why didn't you ask her under what circumstances she saw it?"
Wang Pan was stunned by the question.
"I... I didn't ask. Maybe it was collected by their Xu family."
Lu Chuanbai snorted. "Collected? If an ordinary family collects such a famous painting, they have to hand it over to the state. Otherwise, it's a crime."
"Miss Xu was able to see this painting in advance because she was the one who restored the ancient painting when she was kidnapped."
"That is to say, the person who did most of the restoration work on the exhibit you saw was herself. You were all copying based on her restoration."
"I'll just tell you straight. In terms of restoration skills, none of you are her match. We held this competition just to let you see Miss Xu's talent openly and transparently and to show that she is qualified for this restoration job."
"The entire financial support for this competition was provided by my Lu family."
"You said I have a close relationship with Miss Xu. She works in my cousin's shop and has helped me solve many problems. So in your opinion, what kind of relationship do we have?"
"You're still in college, but your mind is full of such dirty thoughts. You can't admit your defeat in the competition and even try to find trouble for the first - place winner. Well, even if you pull Xu Qingqing down from the first place, will your painting be able to take the first place?"
"Or do you think that since you and Miss Xu are about the same age, you should be at the same level? If Miss Xu's level is higher than yours, then she must have cheated?"
Wang Pan's thoughts were all exposed by Lu Chuanbai at once. She felt extremely ashamed.
She just wished she could run away immediately.
"Don't say, Mr. Lu Chuanbai's words really make sense. Now that I take a closer look, Xu Qingqing's painting is really the most similar to the real one. I can hardly tell the difference."
"Alas, Wang Pan is still young after all. She is too arrogant. It's inevitable that she is not convinced by Miss Xu Qingqing."
"But she is the young lady of the Xu family. She has been accumulating knowledge since childhood. It can be said that she has been restoring cultural relics since she first held a brush. Her skills are naturally beyond the reach of ordinary people."
Hearing the whispers around her, Wang Pan couldn't help shouting, "You are all fence - sitters. When I pointed out Xu Qingqing's problems just now, you criticized her. Now that I'm being criticized, you agree with Lu Chuanbai's words."
"You're all old enough, but you don't even have your own core views. You just follow the trend. I don't think much of you!"
After saying that, Wang Pan turned around and left.
Those gossiping people who were criticized by her were immediately unhappy.
"Hey, what's wrong with this girl? She can't even allow others to comment when she has problems herself, and she calls us fence - sitters?"
"Yes, of course we should make correct judgments based on the available information."
"This girl is so young but doesn't know how to respect her elders at all."
Seeing Wang Pan leave, some of her classmates were worried, while others gloated.
Originally, even if Wang Pan didn't get the first place, participating in such a competition could bring her some honor. But now, with just a few words, she had offended everyone around her.