“Emily, let’s see what Janet has to say.” Megan tugged on Emily’s sleeves, feeling that the current situation was embarrassing.
Emily turned to look at Megan in a pitiful manner. “Mom, Janet is jealous of me and has intentionally belittled me on purpose.”
Megan seemed troubled because she was totally clueless as to what went on. Just then, Old Mr. Collins stepped forward and said, “Janet was right—you know nothing at all. You are poor in even the most basic color mixing and, at most, only know a thing or two. Now tell me this, where did you get the painting that you showed me from?”
Right after he said that, the banquet burst into an uproar, but he continued to speak, “All in all, I realized that you were not the person who painted the painting—it was Janet instead. Therefore, I have no reason to continue with the discipleship ceremony today. Do you understand?”
Upon hearing that, Emily felt as if her feet were frozen to the spot, unable to move even a muscle. There were plenty of renowned bigshots at the banquet, such as the partners of the Jackson Family, friends of Old Mr. Collins, and most importantly, Megan.
“This can’t be real. What he meant is that Emily Jackson took someone else’s painting as hers and showed it to him, so not knowing the truth, he nearly accepted Emily as his disciple?”
“What he’s saying is that Emily is an imposter?”
“Oh, my! It turns out that she is this kind of a person.”
“She hasn’t even learned to behave like a decent person, so what’s the point of even learning a skill?”
“What Old Mr. Collins meant was that Emily stole Janet’s painting? She really has such courage to have done that!”
While discussing among themselves, the crowd cast their gaze on Janet, who seemed calm and composed with an expression that accentuated her elegance and beauty.
As a matter of fact, the turns of events had shocked Megan the most as she couldn’t have thought that such a serious incident actually happened in merely over ten minutes. Emily. It’s Emily again. She was really at a loss for words. Previously, it was the incident with Brandon’s blue and white porcelain. Now, it was the discipleship ceremony, which eventually turned out to be a joke. She felt so humiliated that she couldn’t bear to look at her friends and relatives in their eyes. However, as it was a public occasion, she could only endure it and glared viciously at Emily.
Emily involuntarily trembled under her gaze—Megan had never looked at her in that manner.
Old Mr. Collins, who was onstage, continued, “Although the discipleship ceremony today didn’t work out, I discovered another talent today. Janet, are you willing to be my disciple?” He had asked in such a direct and confident manner, intending to let everyone in attendance know that Janet would be his disciple.
Janet raised her eyebrow as a beguiling smile appeared at the corner of her lips. Before she said anything, he added, “I’ll organize another discipleship ceremony and I guarantee that it will be larger and grander than the one today, but it all depends on you.”
Upon hearing that, everyone at the scene all tried to persuade him to accept his offer.
“Young lady, quickly accept his offer.”
“You shouldn’t let such a great opportunity pass you by.”
“If I had such a talent in painting, I’d definitely become Old Mr. Collins’ disciple.”
Anyone who saw how much Emily enjoyed showing off could tell how glamorous it was to be his disciple. After all, only the most outstanding person could bear the title of Old Mr. Collins’ first disciple. If anyone else were to be in her shoes, that person would surely agree without any hesitation. However, Janet was not anyone—she never had the intention to have a master as all she had was disciples.
Seeing that she was hesitant, Old Mr. Collins didn’t force her, but gave her sufficient time to consider instead. “You can head back to think about it if you can’t make a decision right now. If you have made up your mind to accept my offer, you can contact me anytime. My door will always be opened for you!”
Joshua didn’t know what to say. When did he become such a kind person? He would normally pinch my ear whenever I slack off. Meanwhile, Megan was at a loss for words too. I-Is this real? Could it be that Janet is gradually becoming more outstanding?
Everyone started to discuss among themselves again.
“The young lady would be foolish not to accept his offer.”
“It’s not wise to behave arrogantly. You shouldn’t burn your bridges!”
