The applause echoed through the studio, refusing to fade.

The sharp-faced woman jumped up again to stir trouble. "Anyone can copy a painting. Show us your original work!"

Sophia Laurent gave her a cool glance.

This woman was clearly someone's pawn.

But it didn't matter.

Such a clown was merely a stepping stone on her path to success.

"Copying is harder than creating," Sophia's voice rang clear. "You must understand the original artist's mindset and techniques. As a restoration expert, replication is fundamental."

Her composed demeanor made the other woman seem petty in comparison.

"Please prepare ink, brushes, and paper," Sophia turned to the staff. "I'll paint bamboo."

The Four Treasures of the Study were promptly brought out.

Sophia dipped her brush and began painting with bold strokes.

Bamboo was her favorite subject.

Her grandfather often said one should be like bamboo—unyielding even when broken.

With limited broadcast time, her brush flew across the paper.

Twenty years of skill shone through.

The studio erupted when she finished.

Her ink bamboo stood tall and vigorous, with distinct layers of young and mature stalks.

Each joint was precise, the leaves seeming to rustle in an invisible breeze.

Experts admired the technique; laymen marveled at the beauty.

Everyone was awestruck.

Thunderous applause filled the room.

Under the spotlight, Sophia glowed.

She had silenced the rumors with undeniable talent.

The show's ratings hit a historic high.

Even the director was stunned.

Who knew an antique appraisal program could become so sensational?

Fans lined up outside the dressing room afterward.

Sophia patiently signed autographs and posed for photos.

"Your painting was amazing!"

"How are you so talented?"

"Can you teach me?"

The girls chattered excitedly, their eyes shining with admiration.

Sophia responded warmly, ignoring her aching wrist.

These were genuine admirers.

She treated them with equal sincerity.

Outside the studio, Ethan Sullivan's car had been waiting.

"Our Sophia is incredible," he said, eyes sparkling.

She smiled faintly.

She never sought the spotlight.

Her efforts were to prove herself worthy of him.

To show those who looked down on her.

Even without family prestige, she could shine brilliantly.

"Your hand must be sore." Ethan gently massaged her wrist.

Sophia flushed but didn't pull away.

"Check your feed," he suddenly said.

The trending list left her speechless:

#MostBeautifulRestorerSophiaLaurent

#SophiaLaurentAuspiciousCranes

#SophiaLaurentBambooPainting

Nearly every top spot.

Her followers had surpassed three million and were still climbing.

"Did you buy the tags?" she asked suspiciously.

Ethan held up three fingers. "Only three. The rest are organic."

"The audience..."

"A dozen ringers," he admitted freely.

Sophia suddenly kissed him.

What she meant as a peck turned deep when he cradled her head.

The partition slowly lowered.

The temperature in the car rose sharply.

Between tangled lips, love overflowed.