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Although Winnie was not saying anything, she exuded an eye-catching, confident aura.
Hence, the people around didn’t believe her when she said she was not good at painting.
It was hard for them to believe that she was bad at something. After all, she turned out to be the
champion of the national chess competition even though she looked casual and relaxed during the
chess competition just now.
Nevertheless, Yolanda didn’t believe that Winnie was that impressive.
She felt that one only had limited energy. Thus, she thought that it was impossible for Winnie to master
all her skills.
Soon, the two finished preparing their art materials and papers.
For the sake of fairness, Sebastian checked both Yolanda’s and Winnie’s tools before the competition
started. After making sure that everything was all right, he started the competition officially.
“I am a doctor. You guys should learn some medical skills from me in the future if you have the
opportunity. As a doctor, it is normal for us to witness sickness and death. Therefore, the theme for
today’s competition will be ‘Life and Death.’ I want to know your understanding of the topic. Besides,
the competition will last for an hour. Now, you guys have one hour to plan and finish your painting. After
an hour, you have to stop, regardless of whether you have finished your painting or not. All right. The
time starts now!”
As soon as Sebastian finished talking, Yolanda started painting.
She painted her artwork fast. It was as if she had planned what she wanted to draw in her brain long
ago.
On the contrary, Winnie continued sitting in her seat motionless. She looked like she didn’t know what
to do next.
Josiah, who stood at the side, couldn’t help but frown.
He whispered to Louis, who stood beside him, “That’s unfair to Winnie, isn’t it? Yolanda has been
studying medicine for so many years. Naturally, she already has a good understanding of life and
death. But then, Winnie has never thought of that. Of course, she would need a lot of time to plan her
artwork. Yolanda is painting too fast. That might make Winnie feel pressured.”
Louis lowered his voice, responding, “Mrs. Fairchild looks calm and composed. Perhaps she already
has an idea in her mind. Besides, it doesn’t matter if she loses this round. She still has another round
left. I’m sure Mrs. Fairchild will win the competition!”
Josiah shot Louis a glance. “What makes you have so much faith in her?”
Louis replied indifferently, “Of course, it’s her aura.”
“Wow! You look even more confident than your Mrs. Fairchild!” Josiah said as he composed himself.
“Actually, she’s already the biggest winner in my heart.”
Meanwhile, Winnie didn’t let Josiah and Louis down.
Soon, she started splashing paints on her paper powerfully. Then, she moved her brush around the
paper without hesitation. Her movement was smooth and swift. Moreover, she looked like she was very
familiar with painting.
Everyone could tell that she was doing freehand painting with only a glance.
Meanwhile, Yolanda was still outlining her painting slowly. It was very evident that she was planning to
paint with line art.
However, although that type of painting was more realistic, it required more refined painting skills.
Furthermore, it was impossible for anyone to finish such a painting in a short time. At that moment,
there were only forty-five minutes left until the end of the round.
Everyone could tell that Yolanda was trying very hard to finish her painting.
Seeing that, Sebastian could not help but frown.
He was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. On one hand, he hoped that Winnie could defeat Yolanda
so that Yolanda could accept the outcome and let go of that.
But on the other hand, he didn’t want to see Yolanda get defeated again and again.
Nevertheless, everything was clearly laid out before Sebastian. He had to admit that his granddaughter,
Yolanda, had chosen the wrong painting style. It was indeed impossible for her to finish a painting with
precise line art in an hour.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEven if she was the reincarnation of a legendary painter, it would still be impossible for her to finish that
painting in such a short time.
Time went by rather quickly. Soon, an hour passed.
Sebastian said as soon as the time was up, “All right. Stop painting.”
Winnie had stopped painting a long time ago. Her artwork was already half dry at the moment.
Meanwhile, Yolanda was still touching up her painting. However, she followed the rules of the
competition well. As soon as Sebastian asked them to stop painting, she put down her brush.
Yolanda’s line art looked messier than before when the competition was about to end. Besides, her
painting skills were not that good as well. Nonetheless, she still managed to finish her artwork.
Although her painting looked like it was barely finished, she was still confident with her painting skills.
Yolanda assumed that no ordinary people would be able to surpass her skills no matter what they
painted.
Of course, that was what Yolanda assumed before she saw Winnie’s painting.
Nevertheless, when their paintings got hung at the same time, a glint flashed across Yolanda’s eyes.
It turned out that Winnie’s painting skills were not as bad as she said earlier. The way she painted her
artwork was smooth. Everything was so perfect as if she was a professional artist.
However, Yolanda chuckled upon seeing the content of Winnie’s artwork.
If the completion of my painting is only eighty percent, then the competition of Winnie’s freehand
painting will only be fifty percent.
After all, the theme for the competition was “Life and Death.”
However, everything in Winnie’s painting was dull and lifeless. It was evident that Winnie only managed
to include her idea of “Death” in her painting. There was no sign of vitality in her artwork.
“Grandpa.” Yolanda smiled confidently. “I’m the winner of this round, right?”
Sebastian heaved a sigh, saying, “Yolanda, don’t you think it’s still too early to tell who’s the winner
now?”
“Grandpa!” Yolanda was dissatisfied with that. “Then, when are you going to select the winner? Should
we spend another thirty minutes waiting for the paintings to dry?”
“Well, how about you guys start by introducing your paintings? Who wants to do it first?”
“I’ll start first.” Yolanda felt that Sebastian was helping Winnie, so she frowned. “In that case, we can
start the third round sooner!”
Winnie glanced at Yolanda’s painting and said, “All right.”
Ignoring Winnie, Yolanda shot Sebastian a glance and started describing her artwork, “My painting is
titled ‘The Cycle.’ The elderly in my painting is up in her years, so she’s weak and ill. Moreover, her
time in this world is going to end soon. However, she’s surrounded by her descendants, the
consecutive four generations of her family. That middle-aged man, young man, teenager, and the
newborn baby lying beside her are all related to her. My painting symbolizes the connection of
bloodlines, as well as the cycle of life.”
Then, she continued, “My artwork is a painting with line art, and I’ve painted seven people. I admit that
my strokes became rougher and rougher throughout the process. Besides, my coloring skill is slightly
lacking too. Nevertheless, I’m confident that my painting is much better than Winnie’s.”
“Oh?” Flashing a faint smile, Winnie said, “Please, tell me more about it.”
“Your painting is lifeless! The houses are in shambles, and the plants are all withered. You must’ve only
finished half of your painting, right? I have a question for you. What are those that are floating on the
water? Dead bodies of shrimps?”
“Ms. Xander, are you sure you can see the painting clearly? Why don’t you come closer to take a look?
Why would shrimps have wings on their bodies? They’re mayflies.”
“Mayflies?” Yolanda understood what was going on. “Mayflies have an incredibly short lifespan. They
are able to mate and reproduce in that short period of time. Is that what you understand about life and
death? A lifeless place and a short lifespan? Wait a minute. Why are you laughing? Did I say anything
wrong?”
“No. In fact, you’re right. But then, you only managed to understand half of my painting.”
“Really? What about the other half? Where is it now? Is it in your imagination?”
Winnie smiled, saying nothing. Immediately, she turned her painting upside down.
As soon as everyone fixated their gaze on the inverted painting, they were stunned.
After all, no one expected that painting to look exactly different when it was inverted. Every creature in
the artwork showed signs of revival and vitality.
For example, the rising sun, growing grass, budding branches, blooming flowers, and flying mayflies.
Everyone in the room was so shocked that they couldn’t make a sound, especially Yolanda.
After everyone fell silent, Winnie started introducing her painting, “The title of my painting is ‘Endless.’
Apart from the meaning behind my artwork, I think I’ve completed it better than you, Ms. Xander. What
do you think?”
Yolanda was speechless for a moment. She couldn’t believe that Winnie managed to include both the
situations of life and death in her painting in just an hour. Moreover, Winnie’s artwork was so perfect
that Yolanda couldn’t find any flaws in it.
Following that, Sebastian started commenting on both paintings, “Yolanda, your artwork, ‘The Cycle,’ is
a painting about the continuation of lives. Your understanding of this theme is indeed correct. However,
your understanding is too superficial, as you only included humans in your painting. We all know that
every creature in the world will go through life and death. Besides, you chose to draw a painting with
line art when you already know you’ll have insufficient time to complete it. You lack self-awareness.
That’s why your painting is barely completed. Hence, this becomes your shortcoming in this
competition.”
After saying that, he turned around and looked at Winnie’s painting. “As for Winnie, her ‘Endless’ has
included everything in this world in the painting. She used only a few strokes to illustrate the signs of
death and lifelessness. We can see that by observing the person in the house, the animals, and the
plants. However, when we turn the painting over, we’ll see a painting that symbolizes the resurrection
of lives. Everything comes and goes, and there’s only a thin line separating life and death. She didn’t
violate the rules and theme of this competition. As we look at the flying mayflies in the painting, we can
tell that they have no complaints, even though they can only live for one day. Moreover, they are
enthusiastic about their life when they have the chance. Isn’t that such an elegant attitude to deal with
death? With that, I announce Winnie as the winner of this round. She has won two out of three rounds
in this competition. Yolanda, you lost. In that case, you have to keep your promise and let me accept
Winnie as my student. You’re convinced now, aren’t you?”
Yolanda fell silent. She stared at Winnie’s painting for a long time.
Suddenly, she took her painting over and tore it into pieces. Finally, she crumpled it hard.
“I admit defeat! Grandpa, congratulations on finding such an impressive student. Winnie, I’ll always
keep an eye on you when you’re learning medicine skills from my grandpa in the future. If you upset
him, even for a little, I’ll make you pay for it a hundredfold.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t give you the chance to do that.”
“You’d better keep your promise.”
After saying that, Yolanda headed back to her room straight. It was as if she didn’t even want to spare
Winnie another glance.
As soon as she went back to her room, she shut the door and window tight. Upon making sure that no
one would hear her talking, she dialed Nate’s number.
However, Nate didn’t pick up the phone. Instead, he disconnected the call instantly.
Yolanda was infuriated.
Instead of giving Nate any chance to explain anything through text messages, she started spam-calling
him.
It was hard for Nate to hang up her call one by one. Left with no choice, he could only pick it up.
“Why didn’t you pick up my call?” With a grim expression, Yolanda asked.
Nate tried to suppress his anger. “The entire crew is waiting for me. It’s almost time for me to shoot my
part. Can you be more reasonable?”
“I’m not here to reason anything with you. It’s just that I have something to inform you.”
“Hurry up and tell me, then. Everyone’s waiting for me.”
“My grandpa has treated Xavier. He also prescribed some medicine for Xavier and gave him an
acupuncture treatment. Besides, Winnie is now my grandpa’s disciple.”
“What do you mean? Your grandpa’s disciple?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“That means my grandpa is going to start teaching her all of his medical skills. In the future, not only
will my grandpa treat Xavier, but even Winnie can also treat him herself. That woman is actually way
smarter than I thought. You should’ve known that too, right?”
“Then, why didn’t you stop your grandpa? I thought he already has you as his disciple.”
“Nate Fraser…” Yolanda found that hilarious. “You treat me with such an attitude, yet you still expect
me to complete everything you want me to do perfectly?”
“What do you want, then?” Nate started losing his patience. “I’ll give it to you!”
“You’re the only thing I want!” Yolanda roared, “Don’t you think we should at least meet? When was the
last time we saw each other? One year or two years ago?”
“Fine, Yolanda!” Xavier compromised for the time being. “I’ll go and see you after this. However, Xavier
shouldn’t get cured! You’ll have to think of a way to do something with your grandpa’s treatment.”
“Sure, but let’s make one thing clear first. When are you coming to see me? What’s the exact date?
Which flight are you taking?”
“Yolanda, I’m rather busy recently. I just joined this crew, so it’s hard for me to apply for a leave.”
Yolanda scoffed, “You’re not sincere at all. I think we should forget about our plan.”
“Wait!” Nate tried to win her back. “How about I send you my schedule? I promise I’m not lying. I’m
really busy. If you don’t believe me, you can look at my schedule. It’ll tell you everything. All right. I’ve
sent it to you. You can take a look at it.”
Yolanda glanced at her phone. As expected, she received a picture from Nate.
It was, indeed, his schedule. Moreover, he was packed almost every hour in the schedule. It seemed
like he was really as busy as he said.
“Fine. Got it. I’ll try my best. I’ll let you know after picking the meet-up date, and you’ll have to buy the
flight ticket here immediately!”
Meanwhile, Winnie served Sebastian some tea. From now on, she would become his disciple.
“Winnie, let’s end our lesson here today! You’re the most talented student I’ve ever seen. You learned
what others can learn in a month in only a day. You’ll definitely have a bright future! Go and wake your
man up. It’s not good for him to sleep for so long in the morning. It’s better to take more rest at night so
that our organs will get sufficient rest.”
“All right, Old Mr. Xander. I’ll come and learn more with you tomorrow.”
Sebastian nodded. “Okay.”
Then, Winnie went to wake Xavier up.
Josiah talked with Winnie about the competition just now when they were on their way back.
Meanwhile, Xavier remained dumbfounded throughout the entire time.
“What are you guys talking about? What competition? Also, who the heck is Harrison? Why does it
sound like he’s close with Dumbo?”
Josiah broke into laughter. “Well, it looks like someone’s jealous again!”
Frowning, Xavier pulled Winnie into his arms. “Hurry up and tell me the truth! Don’t you ever think of
hiding anything from me!”
Winnie was more patient with Xavier now. “All right. Let me explain to you slowly…”
“So, Harrison is the mentor you met online, and coincidentally, Old Mr. Xander is his grandpa.
Moreover, Old Mr. Xander has become your mentor now. Two years ago, Harrison disappeared, but
Old Mr. Xander believes that he’s still alive now. That’s why you want to help Old Mr. Xander to
investigate that?”
“That’s right. I tried to search for him when he went missing last time. I found out that he had some
properties in Avenport, but obviously, Old Mr. Xander doesn’t know that. Perhaps we can find
something in the properties here. Old Mr. Xander teaches me traditional medicine without expecting
anything in return. He even treated your illness for you, so want to try doing something for him. That’s
why I decided to continue my investigation.”
“Dumbo.”
“Huh?”
“You’re doing all of these for me. What can I do for you, then?”
“Dumbo!” Winnie laughed. “You’re the Dumbo here! You’ve done something for me before. It’s just that
you’ve forgotten about it. But I believe you’ll remember everything soon!”
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