Chapter 161 They really knew how to enjoy themselves.
While York Brimstone and others were busy framing paintings in the studio, Lucas wasn't idle either. After receiving a slap from his father, he was filled with anger, unable to comprehend why his father had hit him, especially in front of so many people.
As he stepped out of the studio and saw William casually sitting on the couch, sipping tea and reading a book, his frustration intensified.
Holding his right cheek, he stormed toward William. As he reached the table, he looked around for a weapon but found nothing. Eventually, he opted to kick William in the face.
However, it wasn't possible for William to be kicked so easily. He merely lifted his eyelids to glance at Lucas, who suddenly felt as if he had plunged into a hellish abyss. His pupils contracted abruptly, his raised leg unable to move forward. He lost his balance and fell stiffly to the ground.
William ignored him and continued reading.
Lucas lay twitching on the floor, shivering all over. The staff nearby rushed to help him up, their faces reflecting their helplessness as they asked, "Sir, are you alright?"
In theory, the art exhibition was attended by high-society individuals who wouldn't engage in fights. Yet Lucas had clearly intended to attack William, only to lose his balance and fall embarrassingly.
Worse, he couldn't even kick properly and ended up falling himself – how pathetic and pretentious he looked!
"I... I'm fine," Lucas stuttered as he was helped up, stealing another glance at William.
Although William hadn't done anything, the moment Lucas lifted his leg, he was overcome by a fear that hinted at catastrophic consequences should his kick land. Yet William seemed unfazed, immersed in his book.
Unable to overcome his inner fear, Lucas quickly turned and left, finding himself unable to face William. It felt as if even one additional glance would bring death.
This feeling wasn't unfounded, and he should be thankful that William abided by modern laws; otherwise, Lucas's actions just now could have led to a loss of a leg, if not his life.
Back in the studio, York Brimstone had arranged for the framing of both paintings to be completed.
Alice asked York Brimstone to temporarily look after her painting titled "Flight of the Mighty Eagle." She planned to take it with her when she left later.
Although somewhat uneasy, she wasn't truly worried since she felt a certain connection to the painting, sensing the energy emanating from it. Moreover, she couldn't very well carry the painting with her everywhere, even to dinner.
After York Brimstone stepped out, he was flooded with mixed emotions. From the painting "The Fledgling Hawk", he had already perceived that Alice's skill level was far above his own.
Moreover, Alice was Charles Turner's granddaughter; how could he afford to offend her?
Then there was William.
York had previously questioned William's painting ability, but that recent artwork had clearly surpassed all ancient and modern painting masters.
Creating such a piece of art in less than an hour, it was undeniable that William had reached the pinnacle of the art world, a height York Brimstone admitted he could not compete with, especially considering how young William still was.
"Mr. Johnson, I was truly blind before, unable to recognize true talent and learning. I hope you can forgive me," York Brimstone said, despite not being able to sense any Soulmancer aura from William. He was completely bowled over by William's talent.
The group of painters nearby remained silent, not daring to breathe too loudly.
While some of them hadn't fully grasped the deep meaning conveyed in William's painting, seeing York Brimstone's attitude, it was clear that he had completely conceded.
He even started addressing a young man, likely only about twenty years old, as "Mr."
William set down his book, not even bothering to move his buttocks, and said, "It's fine, but don't bother me anymore, everyone disperse."
Titles like art world master meant nothing to William.
If he wanted to become famous, he could easily stand at the pinnacle of countless industries, but he just wanted to be an ordinary person now, living an ordinary life.
It's best to avoid people he didn't like.
Everyone, just disperse.
His tone was calm but carried a kind of authoritative aura unique to those in power.
York Brimstone really couldn't see through William. Was Alice, a Soulmancer, really acknowledging William as her mentor just because of his astonishing painting skills?
After William spoke, York Brimstone had no choice but to leave, and the painters behind him followed suit, nodding obediently without daring to speak, following York Brimstone out.
When Bella and the others returned to William, Bella couldn't help but say, "William, aren't you being a bit too impressive?"
"It's alright," William smiled.
It was just painting, not a big deal. In fact, he found current photographs quite good.
With a snap of a phone, it spared a lot of trouble.
Bella said, "Your painting skill is truly terrifying, isn't it?"
"Mm," William responded with a smile, albeit a fleeting one. Now, all he wanted was to finish reading his book. He nodded perfunctorily, and then picked up his book to continue reading.
A corner of Bella's mouth twitched; it was clear he wasn't in the mood to chat with her. Not wanting to embarrass herself, she found a spot and sat down.
Alice, on the other hand, was delighted. She took a seat on the sofa opposite William, pulling Evelyn down to sit beside her.
"Alice, why do I feel like you seem a bit different now?" Evelyn whispered.
Pretending to be surprised, Alice asked, "What's different?"
"I can't quite pinpoint it, but you seem more beautiful than before."
"Really?" Alice thought, having purged all the toxins and impurities from her body, how could she not look somewhat better? Her face bore a sweet smile typical of a young girl, and with the removal of internal impurities and her improved condition, her skin had become smooth and rosy.
Bella stealthily glanced at Alice, realizing that she indeed looked different from when they met earlier.
Her face radiated happiness, her complexion glowing and rosy.
Could it be...
Bella's mouth opened slightly as her mind raced with speculative thoughts.
She had been alone with William for quite a while; had they done something else apart from painting?
There was a saying that women who received a man's "nourishment" exhibited such a blissful appearance.
Bella stole another glance at William.
Wow!
They really knew how to enjoy themselves.
In such a setting, with the added pressure of painting and the presence of many people outside, wasn't this a bit too stimulating?
How could Alice know what was going on in Bella's mind?
She too was secretly watching William.
When William was reading, he looked very focused, and his handsome features were really pleasant to look at, becoming more and more endearing the more she looked.
Even the way he read was so charming; it was no wonder he was her master.
Feeling Alice and Bella's gazes on him, William slightly lifted his eyelids and glanced at them. The two women quickly turned their heads away, feeling a bit guilty.
"If you have nothing to do, don't just sit here; go and do your own things," William said before disregarding them entirely.
Being gawked at while reading was genuinely unpleasant!
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