Chapter 151

"Wow, is she this excited because it’s her first time going on stage to receive an award?"

"It was also Josie’s first time on stage to receive an award—so why didn’t we see her so excited that she lost her composure? After all, she won First Prize, while they only received Third Prize."

"For Professor Lawson’s students, a Third Prize really isn’t worth getting excited about."

"Did you see her expression? She was about to cry—I bet it’s not because she’s excited, but because she’s unhappy about only getting the Third Prize!"

"What’s wrong with the Third Prize? Some people want it but can’t even get it, yet she has such a look on her face. That’s really disrespectful to both the school and the teacher presenting the award!"

"Exactly! And she’s supposed to be the campus belle—she can’t even manage basic facial expressions. I really don’t know how she got picked."

"Haven’t you heard of photo trickery? It’s just that you guys are blind!"

"I won’t mess up this time—next year, I’m choosing Josie!"

"Yes, Josie is so cute—she has great stage presence, is neither arrogant nor impatient, composed and confident, and most importantly, her smile is truly sweet!"

"Yes, yes, whenever she smiles, my heart just melts—I’ve never seen such an adorable girl!"

Natalie was already feeling deeply upset. After finally receiving her award and stepping off the stage, she overheard people gossiping again. Her face flushed bright red with anger—she was so furious that she felt she might just explode at those busybodies.

It wasn’t enough for Josie to beat her by winning First Prize; now, even the looks and charm she once prided herself on were being outshone by Josie.

Do these people even see what’s right in front of them? Josie is just an ordinary girl—how could she ever be compared to me? she thought bitterly, returning to her seat with a sense of disappointment.

"You were the one who insisted on going on stage, so who exactly were you trying to impress?" Aiden said calmly, his voice deep and his expression cold. "Do you realize you’ve damaged our team’s reputation? Natalie, where is your composure—are you just not presentable at all?"

Natalie felt as if Aiden’s words had struck her with the force of two sharp slaps, leaving her stunned and aching. No one else’s words could have hurt her so deeply—it had to be Aiden.

Natalie wondered why Aiden had said that about her and whether it was really all her fault. If he hadn’t felt embarrassed, he would have let her take the stage. Their incompetence had resulted in failing to win the Grand Prize this time, yet Natalie still couldn’t show that she was unhappy.

But at that moment, Natalie knew she couldn’t argue or deny anything. Not only did she have to apologize, but she also couldn’t risk Aiden disliking her. "I’m sorry, Aiden. I was just so surprised that I lost control for a moment, and my reaction showed on my face. I embarrassed you all—it’s completely my fault. I was wrong."

Her guilt-ridden expression, on the verge of tears, softened Aiden’s heart. He was taken aback and nearly lost his composure: inside, he was far less calm than he appeared.

"That’s enough. Sit down and hold on to your dignity," Aiden said, taking a moment to steady his breath before motioning for everyone to sit properly.

The teacher gestured for everyone to quiet down and announced, "Up next, we’ll present the Grand Prize for this year’s campus competition. Is everyone excited?"

"Yes!" The enthusiastic shouts nearly shook the auditorium, prompting the teachers to cover their ears instinctively.

The current Grand Prize seemed even more thrilling than in past years. Even the teachers in the front rows couldn’t help but smile broadly and quietly exchange comments with their colleagues nearby.

"This project was quite unexpected; I believe that the Grand Prize is not the end, but rather the beginning."

"This topic is indeed worthy of more in-depth research, and none of the award-winning students are ordinary!"

"What a rare occasion—at last, David isn’t keeping everything to himself!"

"It is indeed gratifying. It is better to flourish together than for one to dominate alone. I sincerely hope that our professors and students will continue to improve."