Chapter 164

Robert Lee stood at the entrance of the Calligraphy Pavilion, his palms slightly damp with sweat.

He had dreamed of stepping inside to see those legendary masterpieces. If he could even exchange a few words with the masters within, his life would be complete.

"Mr. Smith, it's all up to you now," he muttered nervously, rubbing his hands together.

Ethan Smith ran his slender fingers along the edge of the rice paper before suddenly turning to Lucy White. "My calligraphy is passable, but my painting skills are hardly presentable."

A glint of mischief flashed in his eyes. "Luckily, we have an undiscovered prodigy right here."

Everyone's gaze shifted to Lucy.

Vice Dean Quincy adjusted his reading glasses. "This young lady?"

"Exactly." Ethan's lips curved slightly. "Ms. White's paintings are ten times better than mine."

The vice dean's interest was piqued. "For Mr. Smith to praise you so highly, I must see this for myself." He added meaningfully, "Last year, Ethan earned his place in our pavilion with Pine and Crane. If you can surpass that..."

Before he could finish, murmurs erupted through the crowd.

Who would have guessed that A-list actor Ethan Smith was also a master of calligraphy and painting?

And even more shocking—he had just publicly admitted Lucy was better!

Lucy, who had been lounging lazily at the back of the group, nearly choked on her own saliva.

How does he even know I can paint?

"Come on, Lucy, show us what you've got!" Robert clapped excitedly. "I can't wait to see this legendary showdown!"

With a resigned sigh, Lucy stepped forward. As she passed Ethan, she lowered her voice. "You planned this, didn’t you?"

Ethan chuckled softly. "Consider it a chance to impress me."

They took their places at adjacent desks.

Ethan dipped his brush into the ink, then leaned in close to her ear. "I'll write Ode to the Plum Blossom. Will you paint the plum to accompany it?"

His warm breath brushed against her ear, making the tip of it flush pink.

"Actually..." An idea struck her. "Why don’t you write the poem, and I'll paint beside it?"

Ethan's eyes lit up. "Great minds think alike."

The live comments exploded:

[AHHHH that whisper just killed me!]

[The way Ethan looks at her—UNREAL.]

[This is blatant flirting!]

[Too sweet! I’m gonna die from diabetes!]

Haters immediately lashed out:

[Lucy can paint? Yeah, right!]

[Did someone put a spell on Ethan?]

[Waiting for her epic fail!]

Ethan’s brush danced across the paper, the verses of Ode to the Plum Blossom materializing in bold strokes.

"Amazing!" Robert gasped.

Vice Dean Quincy nodded approvingly. "Strong and refined—already the mark of a master." He hesitated, glancing at Lucy. "Perhaps the young lady should—"

"No need," Ethan interrupted. "I trust Ms. White."

Lucy took a deep breath and raised her brush.

The moment the tip touched the paper, her entire demeanor transformed.

Her expression serene, her wrist moved with effortless grace. A lone plum branch bloomed beside the poem, its petals delicate yet vivid.

The crowd fell silent.

Vice Dean Quincy’s glasses slid down his nose, forgotten.

The live comments went wild:

[That technique is PROFESSIONAL.]

[Oh my god, she’s creating a 3D effect!]

[The dew on the petals looks like it’s actually glistening!]

With the final stroke, the room erupted in applause.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" The vice dean’s beard quivered with excitement. "The poem and painting complement each other perfectly—a true masterpiece!"

Ethan gazed at the artwork, warmth softening his eyes. "I knew it."

Lucy arched a brow. "Knew what?"

He leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "That you and I... are meant to be."

The live comments went into meltdown:

[WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?!]

[LIP-READERS, ASSEMBLE!]

[ETHAN SMITH IS TOO SMOOTH! HOW IS ANYONE SUPPOSED TO SURVIVE THIS?!]

The vermilion gates of the Calligraphy Pavilion slowly swung open.

Vice Dean Quincy gestured grandly. "After you, both of you—"