Chapter 45: Exposing the First Alias

Chapter 45: Exposing the First Alias

Yun Mu raised an eyebrow. "Sure, I'll paint!"

Yun Shuiyao felt a subtle worry in her heart. Why was this wench so calm?

Could there be a trick?

"Teacher, Yun Mu has never attended school since she was little and can barely read. How could she possibly know how to paint? I think it's just a waste of time watching her make a fool of herself."

Yun Mu glanced at her. "Are you scared?"

"Who's scared?"

Yun Shuiyao's expression distorted slightly.

Fine then. Since you're determined to seek your own doom, I'll indulge you. You won't turn back until you hit a wall!

Madam Si personally prepared the rice paper and placed exquisite ink and brushes on the table.

Yun Mu approached the desk and picked up the brush.

Yun Shuiyao chuckled softly, "Yun Mu, don't blame me for not warning you. There are reporters here watching. With one stroke of that brush, you'll be losing more than just your own face."

"Mind your own business, you're so bothersome!"

Yun Mu rebuked gently but confidently as she lifted the brush.

Yun Shuiyao clenched her teeth in frustration, wanting to step forward to stop Yun Mu, but was deterred by a sharp glance from Grandpa Hao.

He had been observing from the beginning, and compared to Yun Shuiyao, Yun Mu's character was far superior.

Under the gaze of everyone, Yun Mu began to paint.

Her brush strokes were graceful and lively, her technique fluid and uninhibited. In no time, the painting was flawlessly completed.

Yun Shuiyao started to lose her composure.

Not only did Yun Mu replicate the Moon Gaze perfectly, but she had also depicted the continuation of the scene beyond it!

It couldn't be.

She consoled herself, reminding that Fourth Brother had said the original artist of this painting was long dead. How could it possibly be Yun Mu?

This was utterly absurd!

Yun Mu put down her brush. "This is the complete 'Gazing at the Moon.' What Yun Shuiyao showed you just now was only the upper half of the scroll. Come, you're all experts, have a taste of it!"

With that, she casually threw the scroll onto the table and lounged on a sofa nearby with her legs crossed.

The onlookers, who had been ready for some drama, all wore subtle changes in expression.

Moreover, there were professional appraisers present.

"After careful examination, these two paintings are identical and were created by the same artist," the expert declared solemnly after a long while.

Suddenly, the room fell silent.

The atmosphere turned awkwardly delicate.

Those who had just mocked Yun Mu were now slapped with an irony too loud to ignore.

Yun Shuiyao's expression contorted, her palms nearly crushed by the pressure of her interlaced fingers!

How could Yun Mu possibly be the author of Moon Gazing?

Something was undeniably amiss here!

Yet, the harsh reality before her eyes forced her to accept it!

Moreover, since everyone now believed that Moon Gazing was Yun Mu's creation, then she...

"Ha ha, how about it? Do you all believe now that this painting is the work of my granddaughter-in-law? I've completed the second half for you all," Elder Huo stepped forward, pride radiating from his words.

Only then did the people present realize that Elder Huo had been silently observing the entire scene.

Those who had ridiculed Yun Mu earlier approached, fearfully offering their apologies.

"It was our fault for not recognizing Miss Yun Mu's greatness. We apologize!"

"I'm sorry!"

Madam Si also approached, marveling, "I never expected that at such a young age, you possess such remarkable artistic skills. No wonder you refused to become my disciple before. In my opinion, the latter part of 'Gazing at the Moon' is truly exquisite!"

"Older Brother Hao, to have such an exceptional granddaughter-in-law is like winning the lottery!" joked Madam Hao.

The elder Mr. Hao found Yun Mu more and more pleasing to his eye, his smile stretching wide. "Indeed, Ting Cheng has stumbled upon a treasure this time!"

"Madam Si, then, are you still taking this disciple?" Yun Mu's icy gaze fell upon Yun Shuiyao, who was now utterly embarrassed.

The crowd's attention shifted as well, their eyes seemingly ready to devour Yun Shuiyao alive.

Who could have imagined that Yun Shuiyao, the esteemed daughter of the Yun family, would steal her own sister's work and enter it under her name into a competition?

She had nearly deceived all the prominent figures in the art world!

What a colossal mockery that would have been.

"Miss Yun, the art world has zero tolerance for plagiarism. Our Si family will not condone such behavior. Your request to become my disciple ends here!" Lady Si declared sternly.

Tears welled up in Yun Shuiyao's eyes as she pleaded, "Lady Si, I truly admire you and wish to be your apprentice. I... "

"Miss Yun, it would be best if you leave. Our art world is not a realm of the elite or the entertainment industry; it's a sanctuary for people's souls. It has no place for someone with ill intentions," interjected an artist without any hesitation.

He Qiushui also stepped forward, "With crooked intentions, one can never truly learn art. It would only be a waste of time!"

The blatant disdain and ridicule in their gazes turned Yun Shuiyao's face crimson, as if she were exposed and being gawked at by all!

She was utterly humiliated!

Yun Shuiyao's face alternated between white and red. Despite her intense hatred towards Yun Mu's adoration and her ruined plans, she had no choice but to flee in disgrace.

"Yun Shuiyao, we'll settle today's matter another day," Yun Mu said to her retreating figure.

Yun Mu, there will be plenty of time for us to see who comes out on top!

Yun Shuiyao gritted her teeth and left the exhibition...

As magnificent as her entrance had been, her departure was just as humiliating.

It was common knowledge that crossing Yun Mu meant crossing Elder Master Hao; an explanation would undoubtedly be demanded.

He Qiushui offered, "I think, Madam Si, you might consider taking Miss Yun Mu as your disciple. Together, you could create a new golden age in the world of painting, wouldn't you say?"

Certainly an excellent suggestion!

The crowd echoed their agreement.

Yun Mu managed a faint smile, "..."

However, Madam Si chuckled and shook her head. "How could I, with my modest skills, dare to call myself Miss Yun Mu's teacher? Her 'Gazing at the Moon' is masterfully executed, with a beautiful sentiment. Her artistry far surpasses mine!"

The audience was astonished.

So this Yun Mu was actually that talented?

Even someone as skilled as Elder Madam Si, a renowned master of Chinese painting, felt inferior?

Although they had all admired Yun Mu's Moon Gazing masterpiece just now, she was, after all, only a young woman in her twenties. How could she possibly have attained divine status with mere talent?

He Qiushui asked with a bold face, "Miss Yun Mu, may I ask at what age did you start learning to paint, and from whom?"

Yun Mu smiled slightly. "I painted at three and achieved divine status at nine. I have never taken a master; my skills are self-taught."

One should be modest, but there were times when one needed to show off.

How could one navigate the world without a certain level of prestige?

The crowd was once again stunned.

Was this girl really not exaggerating?

She painted at three and became divine at nine!

"Yun Mu, though I don't have the fortune to take you as my disciple, would you consider joining our painters' association? We could exchange ideas and techniques in the future."

Madam Si was still unwilling to give up. Even if she didn't have the qualifications to be Yun Mu's mentor, she wished to impart all her painting experiences to this young lady.

She firmly believed that this girl was destined for greatness, sure to make a name for herself in the world of art.