About half an hour later, the host returned to the stage, holding a list of winners. "Distinguished guests, esteemed contestants, after careful evaluation by the judges, the winners of the National Children's Dance Competition finals have been determined!" The host's voice was tinged with excitement. "First, the bronze awards are presented; the winners are..."

Applause erupted from the audience as the winners walked onto the stage, receiving their medals and certificates with beaming smiles. Lin Wanqiu's heart pounded again, and her palms grew increasingly sweaty.

"Next, the silver award will be presented, and the winner is..." The host announced the name, but Shen Nianxi was still not among them. Shen Nian'an gently patted her mother's shoulder: "Mom, don't worry, the gold award will definitely go to Nianxi."

Lin Wanqiu nodded, but still couldn't help feeling nervous. She held her daughter's hand tightly and noticed that Nianxi's palms were also sweaty. Although she tried to keep her face calm, her eyes couldn't hide her anticipation and trepidation.

Finally, the host raised his voice and announced, "Now, we are about to present the gold medal of this competition! The winner of the gold medal in the finals of the National Children's Dance Competition is—number eighteen, Shen Nianxi!"

As soon as she finished speaking, rousing music burst into the air, and the spotlight shone on Shen Nianxi once more. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience, more enthusiastic than ever before. Lin Wanqiu, tears welling in her eyes, hugged her daughter tightly: "Nianxi! You did it! You won the gold medal!"

Shen Nianxi was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening. Tears welled up in her eyes instantly—tears of excitement, joy, and the relief that came after all her hard work. She nodded vigorously, choking back tears, and said, "Mom, I won the gold medal! I didn't let you down!"

Tears welled up in Shen Tingzhou's eyes as he patted his wife and daughter on the back, his voice hoarse: "Well done, children, you are our pride."

Shen Nian'an and Su Wanqing were also genuinely happy for her and applauded to congratulate her. "Nianxi, congratulations!" Su Wanqing said with a smile, "Your efforts have not been in vain, this is an honor you deserve."

Guided by staff, Shen Nianxi strode onto the stage. She accepted the gold medal and certificate from the judges. The medal, made of pure gold and engraved with the words "National Children's Dance Competition Gold Award," shimmered under the lights. She held the medal and certificate high, a bright smile spreading across her face, her eyes sparkling with confidence and pride.

Watching their radiant daughter on stage, Lin Wanqiu and the others in the audience were filled with boundless joy and pride. At that moment, all the hard work and sacrifices felt worthwhile. Shen Nianxi had not only won honor for herself but also brought pride to her family.

After the awards ceremony, many audience members and reporters surrounded Shen Nianxi, wanting to interview her. "Little Shen Nianxi, how long have you been learning dance?" "What's your secret to winning the gold medal?" "What are your future plans for dance?"

Facing the reporter's questions, Shen Nianxi showed no stage fright and answered gracefully, "I have been studying dance for five years. Winning the gold medal is inseparable from the support of my parents, the guidance of my teachers, and my own hard work. In the future, I want to keep dancing and become an excellent dancer, using dance to convey joy and beauty."

Lin Wanqiu and the others quickly stepped forward to help their daughter out of the predicament: "Thank you all for your concern. The child is too tired today. We'll go back and rest first."

After finally shaking off the reporters' entourage, the group left the Grand Theatre. Night had fallen, and the streets of Beijing were ablaze with lights, neon signs shimmering like a sea of ​​lights. Shen Nianxi clutched her gold medal tightly, her smile never fading.

"Mom, let's go get something to eat, I'm a little hungry," Chen Nianxi said, pulling Lin Wanqiu's hand and acting coquettishly.

"Okay, let's go eat your favorite roast duck!" Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, feeling exceptionally happy.

The group went to a famous roast duck restaurant nearby and ordered a table full of delicious dishes. While eating the roast duck, Shen Nianxi excitedly recounted her feelings during the competition: "Mom, when I went on stage, I was a little nervous at first, but when I heard your applause, I wasn't nervous anymore. Just thinking about you watching me from below the stage made me feel full of energy."

"Silly child, no matter what, we will always be there to support you." Lin Wanqiu picked up a duck leg for her daughter and said gently, "Whatever you want to do in the future, as long as it's right, your mother and father will support you."

Shen Tingzhou nodded and said, "Nianxi, since you love dancing, you must persevere and not give up halfway. In the process of learning dance, you may encounter many difficulties and setbacks, but you must remember that as long as you persevere, you will definitely be able to realize your dream."

"I understand, Father!" Shen Nianxi nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with determination. "I will definitely practice dancing hard and become a top dancer in the future, bringing glory to our country!"

Shen Nian'an smiled and said, "Nianxi, from now on, your brother will earn money to support you. You can focus on pursuing your dreams and don't need to think about anything else."

"Thank you, brother!" Shen Nianxi said sweetly, then looked at Su Wanqing, "Sister-in-law, you must come and cheer me on next time I participate in a competition!"

"Of course!" Su Wanqing said with a smile, "Next time I will not only come by myself, but also bring a lot of friends to cheer you on!"

Laughter filled the dining table as the family reveled in their award. Outside, the night deepened, but the lights of Beijing shone ever brighter, mirroring the radiant future of Chen Nianxi.

The next day, news of Shen Nianxi winning the gold medal in the National Children's Dance Competition spread throughout the Hongqi Production Brigade and even the entire commune. Everyone was proud of this little girl and came to the Shen family's door to congratulate them. Although Old Mrs. Shen and Zhang Lan usually harbored resentment towards Lin Wanqiu's family, they had to admit Shen Nianxi's excellence at this moment and came to offer their congratulations insincerely.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!