I Married the President

In the end, the new team was formed by the same people who had previously joined Claire Sinclair’s team with him.

Once the seven teams were formed, Mimi Fisher announced seven themes, which the seven team captains took turns choosing.

Leonard Bishop went first, picking the most difficult theme—Stray Thoughts.

With the selections complete, the day’s filming came to an end.

Just as everyone was preparing to leave, Adrian Quincy suddenly walked in with a few men, like a king on an incognito tour, his powerful presence commanding the space.

Adrian Quincy walked to Claire Sinclair’s side, faced Leonard Bishop, and said in a deep voice, "The person who stole the money has been caught. Not a single cent is missing. You can focus on the competition. I’ll handle the rest."

Leonard Bishop looked up, stunned, his eyes reddening. He suddenly broke down, squatting on the floor and sobbing uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Claire Sinclair immediately crouched beside him, her heart aching. "Leonard, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?"

Leonard Bishop kept his head down, his voice muffled. "I’m so envious of that man. He lost his money and got it all back the very next day. If my family’s money had been recovered back then... would my life have been different? SOB..."

By the end, he was so choked with sobs he couldn’t speak.

A sharp pain pierced Claire’s heart, as if she’d been stabbed. She felt lost, overwhelmed by the ache.

From the very first day, this young man had been more stoic than anyone else. He was perceptive and saw things with a clarity that was completely unlike a nineteen-year-old. He was mature beyond his years.

He never spoke of his past, so everyone just thought he was talented but rude. But it wasn’t a lack of manners. The world had just worn him down so much that he was afraid to trust anyone, so he shut himself away.

A somber mood fell over the other contestants as they listened to him cry.

Normally, Leonard Bishop would lock himself in the practice room, not shedding a tear even when he practiced until his feet were raw and bleeding. Yet now, a few words from someone else had made him break down like this. They realized he wasn’t the cold, aloof person they had all imagined.

In that moment, everyone’s opinion of Leonard Bishop changed. It wasn’t pity, but admiration.

Afterward, the show’s production team interviewed the other contestants about their thoughts on the matter.

One trainee said, "Leonard Bishop is the man I admire most."

Another said, "He’s incredible, and it hasn’t been easy for him. I hope he wins the championship."

Someone else said, "Leonard Bishop is the champion in my eyes. He’s incredibly talented, and his mental fortitude is rock-solid."

"It’s not pity. Pitying him would be an insult to his talent. He’s incredibly skilled."

...

Leonard Bishop was also interviewed by the show’s director.

The director asked him, "You’ve never cried before. Why the sudden tears today?"

Leonard Bishop smiled. "Can you edit out the part where I cried? I don’t want people to say I’m playing the victim for sympathy. And please, don’t ask about my family’s past. I’m very happy now."

The director replied, "I won’t ask about any of that. How do you feel about your performance yesterday?"

Leonard Bishop said, "Not great. To be honest, I was a bit lost myself yesterday, but I got through it. I hope that man’s family can get through this difficult time."

The director said, "I’m sure they will. Quincy Manor is already on the case, and Professor Sinclair will be involved too. The two of them together are a powerful force."

Leonard Bishop smiled, offered a final "thank you," and the interview concluded.

–

That same afternoon, Claire Sinclair accompanied Adrian Quincy to a prestigious hospital. They both visited the fertility clinic, while thirty bodyguards were posted at every corner of the hospital to prevent the paparazzi from getting any photos.

Once the examinations were finished, the results were ready.