6kv Chapter 281 Outside the Competition
Chapter 281 Outside the Competition
Chapter 285 Outside the Competition
On the same afternoon that Tina Vera advanced to the final, Cecilia Egret took to another venue, and her advancement was equally foregone conclusion.
Facing the cheers and applause from the audience, she curtsied, her expression calm, but she wasn't in a very good mood.
Because the seat for Viscount Chiffon on the main judging panel was empty from beginning to end.
She knew, of course, that Richard wouldn't be coming to watch the qualifying rounds. Before coming to Chiffon, she had inquired about his public schedule; the head judge would only be present to judge on the day of the finals.
She understood that this was reasonable.
But it feels like you've carefully prepared a gift, only to find that the recipient never showed up – it's still unpleasant.
She wasn't used to this feeling of disappointment.
Because she was Viscount White Heron's most beloved child.
The eldest sister, as the heir to the White Heron, was raised with strict discipline, while the youngest brother, as the youngest child, was spoiled in every way, and she happened to be caught in the middle.
Being considered "the least worrisome obedient child" actually received the most indulgence and the most pampering.
When she was ten years old, she suddenly had the idea to learn court dance, so her father ordered the White Egret Knight to go to the capital to invite a dance master.
But few people know that she had already put on her dance shoes before her father even decided to hire a teacher.
She knew from a young age that if she wanted something, she had to be prepared at all times and work hard for it.
Just like the language of egrets.
An opportunity must be seized.
Yes.
She wants to become the mistress of chiffon cakes!
Rumor has it that the young viscount possesses a powerful unicorn knight order and a magic corps, is incredibly wealthy, and is exceptionally intelligent—all of which make her all the more worthy of her efforts.
Although Viscount Chiffon did not appear in the qualifying rounds as expected, it didn't matter; she had other preparations.
Fortunately, there are still a few days until the finals, so she still has time.
Before coming to Chiffon, she heard something from her father: the viscount would sometimes walk his dog by the River Snow in the evening.
sometimes?
If she's unlucky, it means she might have to waste several days by the river.
But she had no better way; if she wanted to be seen and recognized, she had to first stand where he could see her.
For the next few evenings, she dressed up every day and took her Saint Bernard for a walk along the riverbank.
The man and his dog walked slowly along the trail, completing one loop after another, until the sun had completely set, at which point they led the dog back to the city.
Day 1, bad luck.
The next day, the weather was bad.
Day three...
She crouched down and rubbed Saint Bernard's thick ears, without sighing, but simply pondering whether there were any other possibilities.
Hard work pays off.
On the evening of the fifth day, Cecilia almost thought that she had been waiting in vain again when she suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of her eye.
A large group of dogs ran merrily along the path, with the viscount she longed for following leisurely behind.
There were a dozen or so Chiffon Knights nearby, spreading out in formation and following them discreetly.
coming!
Cecilia's heart started racing!
She didn't rush to meet him immediately, but instead quickly looked down to check that her collar wasn't crooked and that the stray hairs at her temples weren't messy.
I took the leash off my wrist, took out a fragrant meat jerky, let it smell it, and then gently tossed it forward.
St. Bernard, who had been starving for several days, was jolted awake and rushed forward.
"Hey, don't run so fast!"
Cecilia grabbed the hem of her skirt and hurriedly followed, only to "discover" Richard at just the right moment when she was about ten steps away.
She stopped abruptly, a hint of surprise flashing across her face, before crouching down slightly and performing a standard ladylike curtsy.
"Good day, Your Excellency Viscount."
She lowered her eyes, appearing slightly shy, and said, "I'm so sorry to have offended you. I'm Cecilia White Heron, and I'm here at Chiffon to participate in the dance competition."
Not every family is like the wolf, which drives away its adult children, so she also has the surname egret.
Of course, she said this only to remind the other party that Bailu's family had signed a grain order with Qifeng Trading Company some time ago.
With this relationship in place, the viscount at least wouldn't treat her coldly.
The fact is also as she expected.
Viscount Chiffon stopped, greeted her with a smile, and congratulated her on successfully advancing to the finals.
Upon hearing this, Cecilia's eyes lit up, and she felt as if something soft had struck her heart.
She only said she came to participate in the competition, not that she had advanced. The fact that the other party said this means that he had already seen the list of finalists and remembered her name!
Cecilia wore the joyful expression one would expect from a young girl receiving praise: "Your Excellency is too kind. Receiving your affirmation is more valuable than anything else."
Then, she suddenly looked at the large group of dogs at Richard's feet, steer the conversation in a direction that interested him.
"So you also like keeping dogs?"
Of course she knew, but she had to pretend she knew nothing.
Richard, with a gentle expression, pointed to several Dobermans in the distance that were nibbling at each other's ears, and said that these were gifts from friends.
Cecilia seemed amused by a greyhound chasing its tail, and covered her mouth with a slight smile.
"You have so many kinds of plants. I'm just a beginner, so I only keep one kind."
After saying that, she squatted down, touched the listless Saint Bernard who was hungry, and asked it in a tone that teased a child if it was sleepy.
A few seconds later, she seemed to realize that there was a viscount standing next to her, and she quickly stood up, feeling a little shy.
"Excuse me, it's not in a good mood right now, I just wanted to tease it."
Richard shook his head and whispered that it wasn't sleepy, but hungry.
Cecilia exclaimed in surprise, stomped her foot in annoyance, and said with a tone full of self-blame, "It's all my fault. I specifically instructed the servants not to prepare lunch for the competition."
"They've got it wrong. Everyone's starving with me, not even the dogs are being fed! Honestly!"
Richard smiled and said there was no need to diet for the competition, as it was bad for his health.
Cecilia sighed, pinched her arm, then turned to the side and looked down at her raised leg.
Her movement unintentionally showcased the graceful posture of a young girl.
"I can't help it, I feel like I've gained a little weight. I should have known better than to overeat."
, 7
At this point, she seemed to suddenly remember something and looked up at Richard.
"By the way, Your Excellency, I heard my father mention before that he tried a snack called ice cream at the opening ceremony of the city and talked about it for a long time after he came back."
She paused, her tone a mixture of embarrassment and longing.
"I've searched every shop in Chiffon City but haven't found anywhere that sells it. Do you know where I can try it?"
Richard chuckled and said that this kind of snack is only made in the lord's manor kitchen, and there are no plans to sell it outside for the time being.
After he finished speaking, he looked up at the sky. Dusk was approaching, and the last trace of golden-red on the river was rapidly fading into gray-blue.
Seeing this, he invited Cecilia to have a light meal at Chiffon Castle, promising to serve her a meal afterwards.
Upon hearing the invitation, Cecilia almost burst into cheers!
Become!
All that research I did beforehand wasn't for nothing!
She suppressed her surging emotions, tilted her head slightly, and smiled with an expression of flattery, saying, "Then I'll trouble you."
That night.
Lord's Mansion Restaurant.
The dishes were very plentiful, all delicacies made from Silver Star crops, but Cecilia's attention was not on the table.
She went back and changed into a plain evening gown, elegant and appropriate but not eye-catching, because she didn't intend to be the star of the night, but rather to be a well-behaved listener.
Whenever Richard spoke, she would tilt her head slightly to listen attentively, and when she understood something, she would smile and nod gently.
Occasionally, she would rest her chin on her hand and earnestly ask a question she didn't quite understand, then add sheepishly, "Am I too stupid?"
More often than not, she simply looked at him quietly, her gentle eyes filled with undisguised adoration.
It was a kind of innocent, budding affection that a young girl naturally showed when she met a truly capable man.
It wasn't flattery, nor was it scheming; it was like a girl who had been attracted to something but hadn't yet learned how to hide her gaze.
However, she also learned more about Richard; he was truly witty and humorous, and had a wildly imaginative way of thinking.
Marrying such a handsome, learned, and wealthy viscount would be the best outcome for me!
While enjoying her ice cream, she squinted her eyes, as if reluctant to swallow it, savoring it for a while before putting down her spoon.
"Your Excellency Richard, to thank you for your hospitality tonight, I will definitely perform well in the final and present you with a perfect dance."
She spoke these words with a solemn tone, as if making a small promise that belonged only to the two of them.
Back in her rented stone house, Cecilia sat in front of the dressing mirror and began to remove her jewelry piece by piece.
"How's the matter going?"
At this moment, she was indifferent, completely different from the girl who had been smiling foolishly with her chin in her hand in the lord's mansion just moments before.
The personal maid came out from the inner room, bowed, and replied, "Most of the contestants in the qualifying rounds have been bribed. The few who are unwilling to budge have also been given sufficient warnings and threats. They will deliberately make mistakes in the finals, but..."
She hesitated for a moment before continuing her report: "There was one who absolutely refused. I offered her three times the price and even promised her a performance contract with Bailuling, but she turned it all down."
Cecilia placed the earrings into the carved jewelry box and closed it tightly.
"What's her name?"
"Tina Vera".
Cecilia scoffed, "She probably still thinks that as long as she jumps well enough, she still has a chance to win the championship?"
She wasn't angry, but felt a pang of regret for this free-spirited girl who refused to back down.
The stage is a fair place, but the rules outside the stage are never that whoever dances the best wins.
She walked to the window, pushed it open halfway, and looked at the brightly lit Chiffon City in the distance. She said coldly, "Investigate her, then offer her an even higher price. If she still refuses, then I don't care what method you use, find a way to break her leg before the finals."
The championship must be mine!
Only by winning the championship will you have a greater chance to meet the Master of Chiffon Cake!