Chapter 419 - 148: Masterpiece
Yueyao took two and a half Shichen to complete the painting and let out a sigh of relief when she put down the brush. Looking back at her work, her face was filled with a smile. Even without anyone’s critique, she knew that this painting was several times better than the last one of the Begonia Flower.
Nanny Hao thought the painting was beautiful, but she could not offer any more praise and reminded her, "Miss, it’s time for your meal." It was nearly Wei Hour, and it would soon be time for dinner.
Right then, Yueyao’s stomach as if in response to Nanny Hao’s words, began to rumble. Yueyao’s face turned red as she said, "Nanny, have them bring in the meal!" Only after completing her task did she realize she was extremely hungry.
Ruo Lan, knowing that Yueyao had finished painting, came over with Cai Yi. As Yueyao stood up, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she spoke apologetically, "Cousin-in-law, Yueyao was rude just now." To throw aside one’s host and paint in their yard after barely exchanging greetings would be a huge embarrassment if it were not for the fact that they were close kin.
Ruo Lan wasn’t bothered by it and said, "That’s alright, but you’ll have to let me see your painting." Yueyao was rumored to have a talent for painting, and seeing her engrossment, Ruo Lan was sure it was no small skill.
Yueyao looked at the maids and old nannies in the room and felt uneasy, as she did not want too many people to know about her artistic skills, nor did she want the fame of being a talented lady.
Ruo Lan laughed and said, "No hurry, you can talk after you’ve finished your meal."
After Yueyao had eaten, she took Ruo Lan to the study. They cleared out everyone except her personal maid and entered the studio.
Ruo Lan looked at Yueyao’s painting of the Begonia and was stunned for a long time before asking in amazement, "Yueyao, did you paint this? Is this really your work?" While Zhuang Ruo Lan’s own painting skills were lacking, her appreciation was broad. Yueyao’s Begonia painting was on par with first-rate painters.
Yueyao nodded and said, "Hmm, it’s not that great."
Ruo Lan was torn between laughter and tears and chuckled, "If this isn’t good, then all those self-proclaimed painters out there might as well quit. Yueyao, give this painting to me, and I’ll have someone mount it and hang it in my room."