Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 419 - 148: Masterpiece

Chapter 419: Chapter 148: Masterpiece

Yueyao took two and a half Shichen to complete the painting and let out a sigh of relief when she put down the brush. Looking back at her work, her face was filled with a smile. Even without anyone’s critique, she knew that this painting was several times better than the last one of the Begonia Flower.

Nanny Hao thought the painting was beautiful, but she could not offer any more praise and reminded her, "Miss, it’s time for your meal." It was nearly Wei Hour, and it would soon be time for dinner.

Right then, Yueyao’s stomach as if in response to Nanny Hao’s words, began to rumble. Yueyao’s face turned red as she said, "Nanny, have them bring in the meal!" Only after completing her task did she realize she was extremely hungry.

Ruo Lan, knowing that Yueyao had finished painting, came over with Cai Yi. As Yueyao stood up, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she spoke apologetically, "Cousin-in-law, Yueyao was rude just now." To throw aside one’s host and paint in their yard after barely exchanging greetings would be a huge embarrassment if it were not for the fact that they were close kin.

Ruo Lan wasn’t bothered by it and said, "That’s alright, but you’ll have to let me see your painting." Yueyao was rumored to have a talent for painting, and seeing her engrossment, Ruo Lan was sure it was no small skill.

Yueyao looked at the maids and old nannies in the room and felt uneasy, as she did not want too many people to know about her artistic skills, nor did she want the fame of being a talented lady.

Ruo Lan laughed and said, "No hurry, you can talk after you’ve finished your meal."

After Yueyao had eaten, she took Ruo Lan to the study. They cleared out everyone except her personal maid and entered the studio.

Ruo Lan looked at Yueyao’s painting of the Begonia and was stunned for a long time before asking in amazement, "Yueyao, did you paint this? Is this really your work?" While Zhuang Ruo Lan’s own painting skills were lacking, her appreciation was broad. Yueyao’s Begonia painting was on par with first-rate painters.

Yueyao nodded and said, "Hmm, it’s not that great."

Ruo Lan was torn between laughter and tears and chuckled, "If this isn’t good, then all those self-proclaimed painters out there might as well quit. Yueyao, give this painting to me, and I’ll have someone mount it and hang it in my room."

Yueyao was somewhat troubled and after a pause she said, "Cousin-in-law, I still have use for this painting. Could I give it to you after some time?" It wasn’t that she was stingy, but she wanted Mr. Yu Shan to critique it first!

Ruo Lan replied with a smile, "It’s not urgent, you can give it to me after you’re done with it."

Yueyao hesitated before saying, "Cousin-in-law, I don’t want others to know that I’m good at painting." What Yueyao meant was that she didn’t care where the painting was hung, but she didn’t want others to know it was her work.

Seeing Ruo Lan’s puzzled expression, Yueyao explained, "A tree that stands out in the forest is easily torn down by the wind. I love painting and just want to paint quietly. Too much fame is not a good thing." Yueyao wasn’t worried about losing herself in praise and adulation, but she didn’t want all sorts of people coming to her for paintings, which would be troublesome. Moreover, if she gained fame too early, it would be even harder to call off her engagement.

Ruo Lan had guessed Yueyao’s intentions even before she spoke and said with a laugh, "You really are something, hiding your talents while others can’t wait to boast about theirs. Fine, if you don’t want people to know, I won’t tell anyone."

Zhuang Ruo Lan actually agreed with Yueyao, believing that gaining fame too early wasn’t good; many young talents fade into obscurity as they grow older. It was remarkable for someone as young as Yueyao to be indifferent to fame and fortune. This action made Ruo Lan think even more highly of her.

Yueyao hadn’t yet visited Keyue, so she followed Zhuang Ruo Lan to the main courtyard, happily cradling the plump Keyue who was babbling away.

Seeing how genuinely fond Yueyao was of Keyue, Ruo Lan’s expression softened even more and she said, "You’ve been holding her for quite a while now, put her down and rest a bit."

Yueyao, reluctant to let go, said excitedly, "I’m not tired, Keyue is too adorable, I just can’t bear to put her down." Looking at the child’s pure and unblemished face lifted her spirits.

As they were talking, a maid came in and announced, "Young lady, the Old Master and the Eldest Young Master have returned."

Ma Chengteng, hearing that Yueyao had painted another Begonia, said, "Let’s go, let your uncle see if you’ve made progress." He was aware of Yueyao’s talent; he just feared that she might be slacking off, wasting that natural gift.

Even though Ma Chengteng knew Yueyao was hardworking, he still demanded that she not slack off in the slightest. Truthfully, he hoped that Yueyao would become famous before reaching marriageable age, so that her reputation, accumulated over time, wouldn’t be buried after she married.