Everyone’s line of sight landed on Aryan, including passers-by and other contestants from the other teams. After the live broadcast of the competition, students from both Ning University and Jiang University interested in comics knew about the legendary god-like artist, Aryan.
However, Aryan did not stay with September Studio. Instead, he had joined Nina’s studio. It was as if he had scored an own goal. However, Nina’s studio had better potential than the September Studio. It was a wise choice for the talented Aryan to join Nina’s team instead.
Elena’s question was what exactly everyone wanted to ask, so they locked their eyes onto Aryan as they waited for his answer. Aryan met their gazes, but he said nothing. To everyone’s surprise, he reached out and hugged Nina’s waist! He had embraced Nina!
What was his relationship with Nina? What a shocking truth, indeed! Aryan and Nina were together! Even if he did not say a word, the indication was loud and clear. Aryan ignored the onlookers. With his arms around Nina, they made their way into the auditorium.
Nina did not need to participate in the competition that day, so she was there as a spectator.
The two of them sat down at the auditorium as they endured everyone’s surprised and curious stares. A few employees from their studio sat behind them. It was as if the queen and her man needed protection. There was no need to explain their relationship further. Rufus and Layla were distraught. Elena sighed and patted their shoulders.
“Everyone has their own dreams and visions. Let’s not think too much about it. Calm down and do your best in the competition.”
She hugged Layla’s shoulder and said in a serious tone, “You must calm down and try not to overthink. There is always a solution to every problem, got it?”
Layla balled her fists tightly, and she took a deep breath before she nodded fiercely.
“I know. I will not let you down, and I will never let anyone laugh at us!”
She swept her angry eyes over at Aryan, who was seated at the spectator area, but he did not even return her gaze.
She bit her lip and said in determination, “Our September Studio would never be defeated so easily! We can do it!”
“Yes. So, why panic? Just do your best.”
Elena pushed Layla gently and said, “Go, Caleb is waiting for you.”
Layla could only work hard to adjust her mood. She went with Caleb and Lois to register their names for the competition. Elena returned to the spectator’s area. Nina’s team was on the left, so she went to the right. Luacs sat beside her, as Lois and Rufus also joined Elena and sat down in the same row.
“Have you got any news about the terms and conditions of the competition tomorrow?” Elena asked.
“Not yet.” Lois felt helpless. “They were very secretive about it. I suspect that they will announce it on the spot.”
“It doesn’t matter. If it is the same for everyone, then we do not need to be worried.”
Elena’s gaze moved across to the left side of the auditorium helplessly. Aryan and Nina sat together as they spectated the competition in the arena. He was no different than usual, still as expressionless and as speechless as his usual self. Nina would occasionally discuss the situation with him. He just nodded to indicate that he was listening to her.
“If that was his choice, then, as the captain, you should give him your blessings.”
Luacs looked at Elena. It was not his usual behavior to say something so soft and gentle, but he was right and reasonable about it.
Elena smiled faintly and nodded. “Well, yes, bless him.”
Hopefully, she did not misread him…
The match in the afternoon went on fiercely. Layla’s mood was a little unstable initially, but she slowly got the hang of it after half an hour had passed. Layla and Caleb exhausted every last minute to finish coloring the sixty grids in their comic. When they returned to the auditorium seats, Layla’s hands and feet were icy, and a cold sweat broke on her forehead.
“I was really nervous.” She could finally breathe in relief!
“The jury said that the result would be announced soon. Let’s wait a little while longer.”
Lois got the news and went to them immediately. Layla and Caleb were also with the team at the spectator’s area.
Elena said, “I’ll get some water.”
Luacs went with her quietly. The wait had been a little long. They probably needed some time to discuss before they announced the results. It might even take longer than twenty to thirty minutes. Some people had started to leave as they were too bored with wait. When Elena and Luacs returned with two bags of mineral water, they bumped into Nina.
“Your team will definitely make it to the finals. It doesn’t make sense to continue waiting at the arena.”
Nina’s hand was on Aryan’s arm. She looked at Elena and gave her a sweet smile.
“Miss MarshMarsh seems to have a lot of confidence in our work?” Elena smiled.
Nina’s thin lips curved slightly, but she looked at the guy next to her.
“No, I have faith in him.”
Their lead artist had been Raphael. How could they possibly fail if they had completed the job? She had never seen anyone as exceptional as Raphael in the comic industry. However, Raphael had returned to her team, and that was the end of the September Studio’s success stories.
“Tomorrow is the team’s competition. Miss Garcia, do you have a lead artist in your team yet? Otherwise, I can lend you one.” She said that with a smile, but she did not look like that meant to ridicule her. She seemed very sincere.
“Is Miss MarshMarsh really willing to lend me one?” Elena did need a lead artist.
“Yes, as long as Miss Garcia is willing to believe me.”
“Then lend me Aryan, will you? I shall return him to you after the competition.”
Elena was serious; she did not joke about her request.
Nina’s face sank. After a while, she said, “He hasn’t signed a contract with us yet. He does not belong to my studio.”
Therefore, it was impossible for Elena to borrow Raphael. She would not want to look like someone who would not keep her promise.
“I’m sorry, Miss Garcia. Would you like to pick someone else?”
“That’s okay. I still have things to do. I’ll get going.”
Elena glanced at Aryan before she turned to leave with a smile. Nina wondered how Elena could still manage a smile, but she was not surprised. The future Young Madam Williams might have a backup plan. As long as she had money to spend, she could get any lead artist she wanted. However, the competition was limited to the campus level. She probably could not find any suitable lead artist in the entire Bentson.
“Do I need to go on stage tomorrow?” After Elena left, Aryan turned to ask Nina.
“No need.” Nina looked up at the sky, as she beamed with confidence.
As long as Raphael did not participate in the competition, she did not need to fear any of the opponents.
“You just need to sit in the auditorium and watch me bag the grand prize.”