Everyone was actively discussing about Wen Xinya, who had clearly proved herself to be worthy of winning the title at the gala today. She had also shown herself to be actually talented and not just a sham.
Wen Xinya also gained a better reputation because of that.
Xia Ruya had a sullen expression on her face. Although Wen Xinya had received plenty of attention, it was all part of her scheme. However, Wen Xinya performed better than she had expected, thus making her feel like everything was out of her control. It was as if there were now plenty of uncertainties in her plans.
On the other hand, she may have intentionally planned for Wen Xinya to win the title, it was rather difficult for her to accept that fact when it actually happened. Wen Xinya showcased her outstanding talents and became the subject of everyone’s envy. Everyone got jealous of her too. Yet… Xia Ruya did not enjoy the same attention despite having been Old Mr. Mo’s granddaughter in the past too. It was as if she was nothing compared to Wen Xinya.
She did not wish to see Wen Xinya enjoying so much glory. However, she repeatedly tried to comfort herself by telling herself that this was all part of her plan and that Wen Xinya would end up in a pathetic state afterwards.
On the other hand, Lin Yingxin began to feel incredibly stressed because of Wen Xinya’s impeccable performance. Neither she nor Xia Ruya had expected that Wen Xinya would be so proficient and talented in playing the zither, chess, and calligraphy. Most talented individuals were only masters of one or two of the four arts.
That meant Lin Yingxin had to be better than Wen Xinya in at least three to four arts in order to completely undermine her. Otherwise, all of their efforts would have gone in vain.
However, Lin Yingxin was only good at playing the zither and calligraphy was her second-best talent. Although she had spent quite some time and effort in calligraphy, her calligraphy style which was the same as Du Ruoxin’s, lacked vigor and dominance compared to Wen Xinya’s. Hence, she had already lost the upper hand in calligraphy.
Another talent of hers was the art of brewing tea.
However, she was only 50% confident of performing well in those three arts.
At this point, she had no choice but to carry on with the plan. She could only hope that Wen Xinya would lose to Ye Feiyu in this round and bank on the toxic effects of jimsonweed.
At this moment, the owner of Boya Pavilion said, “Master Yue, stop keeping us in suspense. Tell us who the winner is!”
Stuck in a dilemma, Master Yue said, “I’m not keeping everyone in suspense. It’s just difficult to decide on a winner because the styles and vigor of both calligraphy pieces are equally good.”
Everyone gasped in shock after hearing his unexpected answer.
Although none of the audience concluded a winner either, they were all gravitating towards Ye Feiyu. After all, the Mo Family and Ye Family were on par with each other in terms of foundation and background. Besides, Ye Feiyu had been taught intellectual arts by her family since a young age and hence, had a better foundation than Wen Xinya, who had only started a few years ago.
However, they dared not voice their opinions because of Wen Xinya’s reputation and status.
Yet, the judge actually said that they were equally good in calligraphy. Clearly, they were all greatly taken aback, for Wen Xinya had only been learning from Old Mr. Mo for a little more than three years!
Three years and she could already become on par with Ye Feiyu. How amazing.
As soon as the owner heard his remark, she said, “Master Yue is the only judge who’s proficient in calligraphy. Yet, he can’t even deduce a winner. In that case, it’s really difficult to judge who the winner is.”
As soon as the owner said that, everyone looked at Wen Xinya in a different light. Could it be that Wen Xinya was really a gifted talent?
Ye Feiyu laughed and said, “Dear judges, I have a suggestion. Since you can’t decide on a winner, why don’t we judge according to our natural talent? After all, talent is the deciding factor of one’s competency in calligraphy. It’s very important too.”
Wen Xinya knew that Ye Feiyu was just trying to let her win. Her purpose of going on stage was also to give Wen Xinya a little push. Hence, Wen Xinya was extremely touched.
The owner of Boya Pavilion laughed and said, “Sounds like a great idea. I approve.”
The judges agreed.
The heiresses agreed as well.
Master Yue laughed and said, “Since everyone agrees, we’ll just use that as an excuse. According to what I know, Miss Wen has only been practicing calligraphy for less than four years. Yet, she’s already as good as Miss Ye. She even has a dominant style. Clearly, she has put in a lot of effort. Hence, I declare that Wen Xinya wins. Does anyone have any objections?”
Ye Feiyu immediately said, “I started learning calligraphy since I was eight years old and it’s already been ten years. Xinya has only been learning calligraphy for four years and yet, she’s already accomplished so much. She definitely has more talent than I do, so I have no objections.”
The owner said, “Master Yue’s comment is valid. I don’t have any objections, either.”
Since the key personnel did not have any objections, everyone else naturally did not too. Actually, everyone was shocked by Wen Xinya’s talent and hence, felt that the comment was reasonable.
Meanwhile, Wen Xinya was also well aware that the reason for her rapid progress in calligraphy was her passion for calligraphy in her previous lifetime. Although she did not learn it through a proper channel, she would practice it during her free time and Xu Zhenyu would also give her some pointers. Another reason was also she had been given lots of tips by Old Mr. Mo, Old Mr. Zhong, and Si Yiyan, all of whom were masters of calligraphy. Besides, she had also made up for her shortcomings by practicing with her arm raised in the air.
Strictly speaking, she had already lost to Ye Feiyu because she lacked foundation and to her knowledge, Ye Feiyu was the best in history studies and not calligraphy.
Lin Yingxin did not expect Wen Xinya to win yet another round. Extremely agitated, she said, “Miss Wen, I didn’t expect that you’d be so talented in playing the zither, chess and calligraphy. You really live up to your nickname of a talented girl. It seems the rumors that had been going around about you being a sham, are just false.”
Although her words were pleasant, there was a tinge of disturbing animosity in her tone.
Everyone could tell her displeasure and hurriedly turned to look at her. No one missed the haughty expression on her face and they were all disappointed in her attitude.
It seems Lin Yingxin was the one who had been keeping up a pretentious front, not Wen Xinya.
After hearing her words, Xia Ruya cursed her in her head for being so intolerant. Afraid that Lin Yingxin would foil her plans, she said, “Miss Wen really is talented, especially in those arts. How awe-inspiring. Now that you’ve already competed in three of the four arts, there’s only one left. Miss Wen, would you allow me the honor of having a showdown of painting with you?”
