CHAPTER 70: CHAPTER 70: SHE’S NOT QUALIFIED

When Ink Manor was in full chaos, Amelia Wright returned.

Upon seeing Amelia appear, everyone’s criticism was directed at her.

Old Mr. Reed might not have the best temper, but he has been fair and just for decades; no one expects to get special treatment from him.

Yet, Amelia’s appearance broke everything, and no one understood why Old Mr. Reed treated his apprentice so well.

Immediately, a manager addressed Amelia.

"Amelia, how many years have you been learning to paint? Do you think your work is qualified to be displayed in the Ink Manor?"

"Amelia, you are Old Mr. Reed’s apprentice, and we all have high expectations for your future development, but you can’t break the rules of Ink Manor."

"For a work to be displayed in Ink Manor, it must gain everyone’s approval."

These people came aggressively, and Amelia, worried about scaring the child, took a step back to shield Emily Allen behind her.

She roughly understood what was happening; her request for the teacher to help sell paintings had incited public anger.

Qualification, huh?

In the five years of her past life, her painting skills had matured, and before Ava Wright ruined her reputation, her works could fetch a certain price at auction. She didn’t think she was unqualified.

Robert Reed originally looked like a stubborn old man who wouldn’t listen to anyone.

Once he hung the painting, those who needed to shut up would naturally shut up.

But seeing everyone targeting Amelia, he suddenly became furious.

It was like watching his own child being bullied in person, how could he tolerate it?

He yelled angrily, "Does my judgment require your input?"

Robert Reed’s anger immediately dampened everyone’s momentum by three degrees.

Amelia calmly said, "Teacher, don’t be angry yet."

After speaking, she turned to the others in Ink Manor and said coolly and gracefully, "Isn’t the qualification for Ink Manor based on ability? Are you opposing so strongly, have you seen my paintings?"

Amelia’s confidence surprised many.

But they still didn’t trust her.

"Even without seeing them, we can imagine, traditional Chinese painting isn’t something you can do casually. It requires years of learning, life’s trials, even emotional creation. What can a young student in her twenties achieve?"

"Amelia, since you’ve entered as Old Mr. Reed’s apprentice, you should be down-to-earth and will eventually achieve something, rather than being so ambitious now."

"Since you’re so confident, you should not fear our trial. Show us your painting, then."

Amelia slightly raised her eyebrows, her affectionate eyes gradually became arrogant.

It was as if her aura was fully unleashed, and even if she was frail, she was not to be ignored.

She chuckled lightly, "Since you’re so eager to see it, then let’s see it."

Robert Reed cooperatively handed Amelia the painting, eager to see his little apprentice shut them up on the spot.

His little apprentice’s paintings had already formed her own style, just needed further honing. There was little more he could teach her, what room did these people have to talk!

Amelia picked up the scroll, placed it on the long table, and unfurled it under everyone’s gaze.

An ink waterfall painting.

The noise on the scene quieted down.

Landscape waterfall paintings are very common, but this one still made them feel refreshed even after seeing so many paintings.

Grand, magnificent, even giving a sense of imposing pressure.

Even if told it was the work of an elder who had been in the art world for many years, they would believe it.

Could this really be painted by a young girl?

This must require extensive experience, right?

This must require a grand view of the world, right?

Someone murmured.

"Is this... really painted by you?"

"I don’t believe it, it’s unreasonable."

Amelia just calmly yet confidently said, "There’s nothing unreasonable; if you don’t believe it, I have more here."

Amelia unfurled another painting.

Hundred Flowers Painting, as if smelling its fragrance.

Another painting was opened.

Eagle Hunting Painting, sharp as a knife.

Unfolding yet another...

The previously opposing ones, seeing these paintings one by one, started sweating on their foreheads.

Several people seemed to understand why Robert Reed accepted Amelia as a disciple.

Such talent, it’s terrifying.

Amelia just calmly said, "Do you want to continue watching?"

The crowd fell silent.

Robert Reed didn’t have any intention of helping them out.

Rose Taylor, who had been quietly observing, was too shocked to speak at this point.

Why is it like this?

Is it really talent?

She had worked hard for so many years, not daring to slack off in studying, yet she can’t compare to a young person just starting, there’s really no fairness in the world.

If Amelia knew what Rose was thinking, she would certainly sneer; talent isn’t a given, she has merely put in more effort than others.

In her past life’s miserable existence, all her spare time was used for painting, day by day, never stopping.

At this point, Rose couldn’t help but speak, "Your paintings are indeed very good, but, you lack education, have no awards, no fame. In our field, there are many good paintings, but to stand out, it’s not enough just having mature skills."

Amelia casually placed the paintings on the table, glanced at Rose.

She chuckled, "Fame, huh? How difficult is that."

Rose, with an understanding look, said, "You’re Old Mr. Reed’s apprentice, I know you want to rely on Old Mr. Reed."

Amelia stepped closer, smiling cheerfully, "I will participate in the upcoming official five-year national painting exhibition. Would you like to join me, artist?"

Overwhelmed by Amelia’s aura, Rose stepped back half a step.

"I... I..."

"Right, you’re no longer a student, can’t participate. I’m sure your ranking back then was quite good, made you famous, right?" Amelia said lazily and then continued, "Can my paintings be displayed in Ink Manor now?"

Rose indeed participated back then, but her ranking wasn’t notable. Now she was so angry, she nearly wanted to curse.

Mia Parker hurriedly grabbed Rose, fearing she might say something inappropriate again.

Even Old Mr. Reed frowned and glanced at Rose.

The manager responsible for managing sales finally spoke, "Amelia, your paintings are qualified to be displayed in Ink Manor. I apologize for the previous doubts."

Just like that, Amelia’s paintings were displayed in Ink Manor.

Amelia followed Robert Reed to the third floor.

Robert Reed laughed heartily a few times and gave Amelia a thumbs up, "Little apprentice, I thought you’d be scared in such situations, but who would’ve thought you have such a strong presence!"

"Teacher, please don’t laugh at me; I’ve caused you trouble again."

"What trouble! It’s only right for a teacher to help his apprentice. Next time someone doubts, I’ll slap your paintings in their face."

At this point, Robert Reed asked Amelia with a smile, "Little apprentice, are you really going to participate in the national painting exhibition?"

Amelia nodded, "Yes."

In this life, she wanted not just benefit, but fame too.

Ava Wright would also participate in this national painting exhibition. Whatever Ava wanted, she was interested in taking it.

Seeing Amelia nodding, Robert Reed’s smile deepened, wrinkles multiplying.

"I’ve wanted to talk to you about this. The five-year national painting exhibition is a chance for art students to shine. Given your level, as long as you participate, you should get a good position. The path of an art student isn’t easy; you must seize all opportunities."

Amelia responded, "I understand."

Robert Reed boasted, "Worth mentioning, back in the day, I was the national top!"

Robert Reed always felt Amelia was too indifferent, as if, aside from those restless resentments, she had no particular pursuits. Seeing her interested in this competition, eager to gain fame, it made him happy.

Seeing the teacher so happy, Amelia said warmly, "Teacher, I plan to return to Elegant Art."