Chapter 97

Chapter 96 Chapter 96 70% +13) When Vincent raised an eyebrow, Elysia explained again, “I just painted this for fun when I had some free time. It was a total accident that you picked it, and honestly, I’m honored. “But I’m not interested in becoming your disciple, so I’d appreciate it if you could pick someone else.” Faelan couldn’t believe his eyes. Was there really someone who didn’t want to be Vincent’s disciple? This girl was something else. But instead of backing off, Vincent actually became more interested in her. He thought, if the painting hadn’t been accidentally submitted, he might have missed out on someone with real talent. This, he figured, meant they were destined to be master and disciple. Even though she wasn’t ready to be his disciple now, he was patient. One day, he was sure she’d come around. “You might want to think about it again. No rush. I’ll wait for your reply,” he said. Elysia furrowed her brow and replied calmly, “No matter how much I think about it, the outcome won’t change, Sir.

Why insist on this? “Instead of wasting your time on me, why not find a disciple who’s actually interested?” Vincent shook his head and said, “I’d rather have quality than quantity. Go home and think about it. I’ll be waiting for your answer.” “I’ll think it over as you suggested, Sir, but I’m afraid the result won’t be what you want.” “Nothing’s set in stone. I believe you’ll change your mind.” Elysia didn’t say anything more and turned to leave the studio. Outside, Ava rushed over and asked, “How’d it go?” “I turned him down.” “Wait, that’s Vincent! So many people would love to be his disciple, and you’re turning it down right in front of you?” “I never wanted to be anyone’s disciple. It’s just not important to me.” Ava sighed. “Elysia, I envy you so much. How are you so amazing, effortlessly getting things that others can only dream of?” Elysia could hear the disappointment in Ava’s voice.

That piece of work had taken Ava so much effort, but in the end, she didn’t even get the chance to have Vincent look at it.

Anyone would feel bad in her place. Elysia reached out and gave Ava a gentle hug, patting her back. “Everyone’s unique. You don’t need to envy others. You have so many great qualities too.” “Really, Elysia?” Ava asked, looking up at her with big, watery eyes, looking all pitiful. 1/3 12:41 San, 9 Feb Chapter 96 “Mm, don’t you believe me?” “I do.” Elysia smiled softly and patted her head. “Let’s go back to the classroom first. I still need to sort some things out.” 70% “Okay.” Ava still needed to deal with Eric. He was the one who messed up the painting submission and made her get her hopes up for nothing. She had to set things straight with him. As soon as they walked into Class 6, everyone’s attention turned to them. +13 Even though everyone was dying to know what was going on, they kept quiet since neither of the two seemed like they were about to talk about it. Ava went straight to Eric’s desk, leaned on it, and shot him a glare. “Tell me, what’s up with the painting? Did you mix up the submissions?” Eric looked at her, clearly confused, not getting what she was saying. Elysia chimed in, “You handed in Ava’s painting that day. Are you sure you didn’t grab the wrong tube?” “Grab the wrong tube?” Eric raised an eyebrow. “That can’t be. I checked it multiple times. I’m certain I didn’t mess up.” Ava narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure about that?” “I’m totally sure,” Eric said, holding up his fist. “I swear, if I grabbed the wrong tube, I’ll... choke on water, choke on food, get hit by a car...” “Okay, enough,” Ava pulled her hands off the desk, clearly annoyed. “Why make such a dramatic promise?” “I just thought you wouldn’t believe me,” Eric said, rolling his eyes, then asked again, “So, what’s going on?” After Elysia explained, Eric’s jaw dropped in shock, and the students who had gathered around looked just as stunned. “So, Vincent picked Elysia in the end, but she rejected him? Did I get that right?” They nodded, stroking their chins. “Yeah, that’s about it.” “Wow, Elysia, that’s bold. That’s Vincent’s last disciple, and you just turned him down?” “Elysia’s something else. I gotta say, I respect her.” “Elysia, from now on, I’m sticking with you!” Grace, hearing all the praise, felt herself getting more and more jealous. She couldn’t stand how lucky Elysia was–how could she just become Vincent’s disciple with a random painting? While others would do anything to get a chance like that, Elysia just threw it away. She was so arrogant. “Wait, I’m sure I didn’t grab the wrong tube. I clearly remember the red mark on the bottom,” Eric said. “Then... if Eric didn’t grab the wrong tube, Elysia’s painting should’ve been in Ava’s tube.” “Could it have been placed wrongly by accident?” 019 12:41 Son, 9 Feb Chapter 96 . 70% +13) As soon as this idea was thrown out, someone quickly shot it down. “The chances of that happening are next to none. They know their own tubes, don’t they?” “That’s not it either. Could it have been... swapped by a ghost?” Elysia briefly thought about the possibility of being swapped, especially since they hadn’t been with their tubes the whole time. ‘Before heading to the basketball court, Ava left her tube on the desk. Could someone have swapped them then?‘ she thought. Elysia looked over at Grace, wondering if she could be the one. Besides Grace, no one else seemed like they’d do something like this. And the only person they saw by the door of Class 6 that day was Grace. Grace noticed Elysia staring at her and instantly felt a wave of panic. The moment “swapped” was mentioned, she started getting nervous, not knowing what to do, terrified someone might figure it out and suspect her. She had already prepared herself to deny it if Elysia called her out. She nervously tugged at her sleeve, feeling anxious. Then, Elysia spoke up, her tone playful, “There’s no such thing as ghosts in this world. When something bad happens, it’s always a person behind it.” The others were confused, wondering if she knew who did it. “Elysia, do you know who did it?” “Yeah, Elysia, don’t keep us hanging.” Ava was getting impatient now. “Elysia, who do you think it is?”