<b>Chapter </b><b>233 </b>
Johan’s expression flickered for a moment before he finally spoke, voice calm but edged with disappointment, “Monn’s skill in art is indeed higher than mine, it’s understandable you’d chose him”
Johan wasn’t the petty sort
But he’d already mentioned his intent to take Colin as a disciple and nned to make it official in front of everyone.
If Collin hadn’t wanted that, <b>he’d </b>had <b>plenty </b>of chances to decline–yet he’d waited until this very public moment.
He hid it well, but the sting was real.
And seeing Collin publicly beg Mono for a spot–could it be that Mono had already made him a promise!
Johan sat up straighter, a shadow of imitation in his gaze as it swept toward Mono
All eyesnded on the old master.
Mono’s eyes narrowed slightly. “So you’re Collin? Hannah’s cousin<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Collin suppressed his excitement and nodded quickly. “Yes, that’s me.”
Mono’s attention shifted to the big screen. “You have talent, no <b>doubt</b>–<b>your </bposition is rhythmic<b>, </b>your use of color is Layered, <b>your </b>eye for detail is impressive. But…”
He paused, his gaze sharp<b>, </b><b>“</b><b>you’re </b>too focused on technique. <b>There’s </b>ack of true feeling. Johan, on the other hand, excels in this area. His work breathes with genuine emotion–he’s well ahead of me there.”
Johan’s work was raw and honest, deeply felt
It was exactly because Collin was so technically brilliant yet emotionally distant that Johan had wanted to mentor him.
But now, even Johan was rethinking it.
A proud heart rarely listens well, maybe taking Collin on wouldn’t have been such a good thing after all.
Mono’s words had set Johan on a pedestal–any lingering displeasure evaporated. “You’re too kind, Mono. Apprenticeship is about mutual willingness. Since Collin has his heart set elsewhere, I won’t force <b>him</b><b>.</b><b>” </b>
He turned his attention to thest row of paintings. “Who painted number eighteen?”
Katrina’s heart leapt wasn’t that <b>hers</b>? Sh
immediately stepped forward<b>, </b><b>hand </b>raised high. “Johan, that’s mine!”
Her voice trembled with excitement; Johan had noticed her. “You <b>switched </b>to artter in the asked.
Katrina nodded, a smile breaking through. “You’ve got a <b>sharp </b>eye. I only started in high school.”
Johan replied. “Your technique is still rough, <b>but </b>your ideas are fresh and you bring something unique. There’s promise here.
He was praising her.
Katrina felt like she could explode with joy. “Johan, may apprentice under you?”
If Collin <b>was </b>right–opportunity was something he fought for. If she got rejected, so what? She could handle embarrassment,
But if Johan epted <b>her</b>, she’d finally have leverage against her family
13:05 Tue 10 Jun
Chapter <b>233 </b>
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and nerves.
Johan gave a gentle smile. “Of course.”
Katrina’s <b>knees </b>buckled–she dropped to the floor with a thud, tears springing to her eyes as disbelief hit her. “You’ll really <b>take </b>me<b>?</b>” she cried
Johan chuckled, rubbing his temples. “Let’s hold off on the kneeling until the official ceremony<b>, </b>shall we? Get up”
Katrina could barely stand, but another girl hurried over to help her up, still beaming
With Katrina settled, Johan turned back to Collin, who quickly cleared his throat. “Mono, I know I have a lot to learn. Please, let me be your student. I’ll work twice as hard, I promise I won’t let you down.”
y to take on another student. Besides, I already have one
But Mono had already <b>made </b>himself clear. “I’m too old now, and I don’t have the energy! apprentice. I won’t take anyone else.”
G
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<b>Chapter </b><b>234 </b>