The Eldest Daughter is Delicate and Pretty, How Can She Be a Malicious Supporting Character - Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Shift

“Mister Xu? Mister Xu? Are you okay?” The gentle voice of the girl brought him back to reality. Looking at the familiar techniques on the painting, Mister Xu sighed and said to Pei Lingyi, “Great Master Miao Se has been reclusive for a long time. I knew her when I was young, and I know she doesn’t easily take on disciples.”

“You’re still young, but you’ve managed to learn from her, and although it’s only been three months, she still considers you her student. You’ve used the skills she taught you so proficiently, it’s clear you haven’t disappointed her.”

Li Miaozhu saw that Pei Lingyi had effortlessly captured Mister Xu’s attention, and she couldn’t accept it. She had been personally taught by a court painter, although Great Master Miao Se’s reputation was indeed renowned in her younger years.

However, Great Master Miao Se had long since retired to the mountains and didn’t involve herself with the world. The technique of creating a halo effect was indeed complex, but Li Miaozhu’s peony painting couldn’t be inferior, could it?

So she stepped forward and said softly, “Mister Xu, please take a look at my peony painting too. I’ve worked hard on it for a long time.”
There were three peonies on the table, arranged in a triangular formation. The one on the bottom left was a vermilion peony, and the one on the bottom right was a vibrant pink-purple peony with dew about to fall. The peony in the center was a sandy gold color with gold leaf accents, making it extremely luxurious.

The entire peony painting showcased the wealth and nobility of the peony to the fullest. Mister Xu stroked his beard, although he was slightly displeased at being interrupted, he didn’t show it.

Instead, his tone was a bit cold, “You’re a student of Li Yan, aren’t you? You’ve managed to grasp his true teachings. His paintings always depict prosperity and the thriving economy of our great Great Ye dynasty.”

Li Yan was a student of the National Academy, and Mister Xu was likely his mentor.
Li Miaozhu naturally sensed Mister Xu’s coldness, but she had no choice. Pei Lingyi was good at winning people over, and she was afraid that if they continued talking, she would lose to her.
So she tried to regain Mister Xu’s attention.

She bowed and spoke respectfully, but with a hint of familiarity, “Yes, my teacher’s painting skills were taught by you, so you’re like a grandmentor to me.”
The old man’s eyes smiled, but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. His tone remained gentle, “Yes, Li Yan is indeed my student. Back then, he was the most mischievous one in his generation at the National Academy. From your painting, I can see that he’s become much more steady now.”

Pei Lingyi noticed that Mister Xu’s mood wasn’t good, and usually, Li Miaozhu would have stopped by now. But today, perhaps she was stimulated, and hearing Mister Xu’s words, she became complacent.

She shook her head inwardly, thinking that Li Miaozhu was likely to lose.
Indeed, without saying much more to her, Mister Xu began to comment on her painting, “Your peony painting is indeed exquisite, it’s clear that my student didn’t hold back in teaching you. However, it’s beautiful but lacks depth. Do you understand?”

The old man’s words were cold, catching Li Miaozhu off guard. Her face turned pale, and she replied in a hushed tone, “Thank you for your guidance.”

The old man continued to comment, “Both of your paintings, the ‘Luxuriant Peony’ and the ‘Magnolia and Butterfly’, are masterpieces for your age. Even the so-called masters of painting in the market may not be able to compare to you.”

However, his tone changed, “But, while the ‘Magnolia’ painting shows the creator’s dedication, with the scent of spring wafting through it, the ‘Peony’ painting seems a bit more utilitarian.”

“Therefore, the ‘Peony’ painting will receive an A grade, while the ‘Magnolia’ painting will receive an A+. Do any of you… have any objections?”

A+! Everyone present was shocked. After all, according to previous years, there were only three grades: A, B, and C. But if Mister Xu said A+, it was clear that it was half a grade higher than theirs.

Xue Yiran was also surprised.
How could this be? She clearly remembered that in the original story, both paintings would have received an A grade.
Why did an A+ suddenly appear today?

Not to mention Xue Yiran, Li Miaozhu was likely the most dissatisfied with the result. When she heard the ranking announcement, she swayed on her feet. How was this possible?

She turned around abruptly, wanting to question Pei Lingyi, but she suppressed her inner voice. She couldn’t lose her composure in front of so many people.
In the end, she gritted her teeth and said, “Congratulations, Miss Pei. This A+ is Mister Xu’s golden words. I’m sure that once this gathering ends, there will be a stir in the capital city.”

Others saw the situation and congratulated Pei Lingyi, “Congratulations, Miss Pei, on getting the first A+ in so many years.”
The painting area was already surrounded by people.

As soon as Mister Xu left, they rushed over, “This is the unique skill of Great Master Miao Se, amazing!”
“This butterfly is colorful, so magical.”
In an instant, the two paintings were being admired by the crowd. Li Miaozhu saw the crowd surrounding Pei Lingyi and the praise from the people around her.
Why! Why!

She was Li Yan’s disciple, and these honors should have been hers. Now, they were all stolen by this pretentious person.
At this moment, Li Miaozhu’s jealousy of Pei Lingyi was like a tangible substance.
She even forgot about Xue Yiran.

Her newly dyed nails dug deep into her palms. Although there was a table between them, the scene on the opposite side was bustling, while her side was deserted, except for the few people who followed her.

“We’re leaving!” Li Miaozhu’s face was twisted, her once beautiful features now distorted by the monster of jealousy, making her look mean and bitter.
Pei Lingyi saw the group leave with reluctance and knew that the daughter of the National Duke Li’s mansion was now sowing the seeds of hatred towards her in her heart.
It wouldn’t take long for it to grow into a towering tree.
She wanted Li Miaozhu to hate her.

As for Xue Yiran, she was watching everything from a distance, feeling somewhat down. She should have been happy that she got an A grade.
But could the female lead’s aura really not be surpassed?

Somewhere along the line, the people she had wanted to take revenge on, such as Xue Baohua and Li Miaozhu, no longer seemed important to her. Now that she had become Xue Yiran in the Great Ye dynasty and knew the plot, why was she still inferior to the female lead?

What was the point of this life if everyone was just a foil to the female lead?
Looking at Pei Lingyi, who was the center of attention, Xue Yiran suddenly had an idea. She wanted to replace her and become the brightest pearl in the entire capital city.

Not just limited to the small inner courtyard of the Xue mansion.
With her modern way of thinking, why couldn’t she become someone superior in this world?

If the female lead was so excellent, then she would go and win over the male leads with fame and reputation in the book!