"Security, place take Second Miss Vesta and Miss Mu Chen away." Old Sir announced after a moment of silence. "I have come to a conclusion that Miss Mei-Yi is not responsible for the damage caused to First Miss Vesta's painting. But, since you don't have a proper painting, we won't be able to rate your work."
"Oh, don't worry about that. Please excuse me." Zuri turned away to make a call. "Old man, it's time. Please let Zinin and Lin bring the three paintings to the Hall of Art."
After a few minutes, Zinin and Lin appeared in the hall, pulling her three paintings. They bowed their head in greeting and Zinin punched Zuri on her arm.
"I always knew you were a girl." Zinin whispered. "But I wasn't expecting you to be this pretty."
"Yeah whatever. Now, shoo." She said playfully and pulled the cloths off her paintings.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Guests on the high table and my fellow competitors, I present to you the beauty of a sakura tree."
The audience gasped in awe.
'Absolutely stunning.'
'The First Miss Vesta is truly talented.'
'I heard that she can play the piano too.'
'I can't believe that the two girls are actually related.'
'But First Miss's skin color is a bit dark. Maybe she's a half-cast.'
'That's unfortunate.'
'I think red suits the First Miss better than the Second.'
'Yeah, she seems more royal and grand.'
'First Miss is so beautiful.'
'She's beautiful and smart.'
The first painting featured a young girl, sitting on a branch of a sakura tree. Her long black hair glistened and her blue eyes shone in the moonlight. The painting looked realistic, just like the other two. A boy with brown hair and grey eyes was waving to her from a distance with a huge smile.
The second one was of a similar boy who was in a field sitting under the tree, reading a poem as the sun blazed upon the tree. The girl with the black hair was racing in the field while it seemed like the other boy was cautioning her.
The third one was of both protagonist of the first and second paintings. The two were embracing each other under the tree and it was seen that tears rolled down their faces as rain poured on them.
'Such painting truly captures the beauty of a sakura tree.'
'I love the gentle strokes and curves of her brush.'
'She is truly an art prodigy.'
'I envy her skills.'
She was showered with praises and she smiled. "I do apologize for all the drama. Thank you for your time and if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask." She bowed and made her way to Kenji and Kenzo.
"Now, please enjoy the rest of the event while awaiting our final results." Old Sir said.
The crowd applauded and she bowed and made her way to Kenji and Kenzo. Lucius watched from afar as the trio clinked glasses and drank wine.
'I have waited for this day.' He said to himself.
Zuri was separated from her friends as she answered the questions that were thrown at her. Mei-Yi rushed over to her and grabbed her hand.
"Thank you, Miss Zuri for clearing my name and restoring honour to my family." She tightened her grip on her hand.
Zuri felt disgusted. She didn't like it when people touched her without her permission and she shook off Mei's hand. "You don't need to thank me."
Lucius, who was nearby, overheard this and decided to listen to their conversation.
"I only wanted to deal with my sister. I had no intention of helping you." She said with her usual calm and clear behavior, only that she was a bit upset.
"Even though, I am eternally grateful to you." She bowed. "I owe you for this."
Seeing such a cute and innocent little flower, Zuri's anger disappeared and she patted her head. "Don't worry. But I'll call in for that favor when I need it."