Ch. 1146..1150
Chapter 1146 Sylvia smiled at him.
Master Springsteen‘s reaction also brought the other confused people back to their senses.
Christopher and Simon applauded in unison. The two old artists also smiled and clapped their hands.
In the audience, a group of students participating in the competition froze for a moment, then followed suit and clapped. The applause rang loudly and did not stop for a long time.
Sylvia looked at the first-row seats in the middle.
Isabel and Liam both stood up, and Odell’s usually cold face was warm and smiling.
Isabel stepped on the chair and held up her little fist, yelling, “Mommy is the best! Mommy is my god!”
Sylvia was speechless. She beamed at them and looked at Odell.
His tall figure stood straight as he held Flint steadily in one hand. When he saw her look over, he immediately took one of Flint's small hands and waved it toward her.
At the same time, the corners of his thin lips rose slightly in a gentle and charming smile. Sylvia curled her lips up back at him. The continuous applause finally stopped.
Christopher could not hold back his joy and said with a smile, “All five judges have finished their paintings, and you saw their paintings on the big screen one by one. Does anyone else have any objections?” He emphasized the word ‘objection.
At the same time, his eyes looked at Lily on the stage, Mr. Carmine, Haytham, and the group of students around him.
Lily walked directly to Sylvia's seat and looked at the painting on the easel as if she could not believe Sylvia could paint in public. Then, her expression turned even paler and uglier.
Below the stage, Mr. Carmine‘s expression was embarrassed. He took off his glasses and wiped them with a microfiber cloth.
Meanwhile , Haytham and the group of students around him, who had previously called Sylvia out for being unworthy of acting as a judge and had coaxed everyone to threaten Christopher by withdrawing from the competition to remove Sylvia as the main judge, all lowered their heads sheepishly. They did not dare to look at the stage again, let alone say a single word. Besides them, the other people in the Art Association,
who followed Haytham‘s lead in mocking Sylvia, all lowered their heads and did not dare to look at her at all.
Only those who never vilified Sylvia, such as Simon, Master Springsteen, the old members of the association, the two old artists who were also judges, and the other participants who did not attack Sylvia stared at her painting on the screen. Their eyes were wide, as if afraid that the camera would suddenly move away and they would not be able to see the painting anymore.
The venue was quiet.
No one said anything even after a long time.
No one bothered to answer Christopher's question about having any objections.
Christopher laughed. “Since no one has any objections , the initial arrangement shall remain. These five will be the judges of this competition, and Sylvia is still the main judge.” After he spoke, another burst of applause broke out.
The first to clap was Isabel , who applauded so fast as if she was not afraid of her chubby little hands hurting. Liam followed suit and clapped. Then, Master Springsteen also applauded with a smile on his face. It was clear what he meant. He was very much in favor of letting Sylvia be the main judge.
He was Lily‘s grandfather, so if that was his decision, the others would naturally follow along and say that Sylvia deserved it. The crowd clapped along with him. Finally, Mr. Carmine, Haytham, and the others also lowered their heads and clapped.
Only Lily continued to stare at Sylvia's painting.
It took a while before the applause stopped. Then, one of the contestants in the audience asked,” President Dendro, can we go up on stage and admire the works of the five judges up close?”
Almost all the contestants looked at Christopher expectantly as soon as he spoke.
He was stunned for a moment and said, “Of course. However, you have to come up in an orderly manner. Don't rush up at once.” The contestant grinned. “We understand. Don't worry!”
Chapter 1147 Christopher smiled and looked at Sylvia, Simon, Lily, and the two old artists. “Judges, please return to the judges table for a while.”
Sylvia smiled at him and then turned to look at Lily, who was still standing frozen in front of her painting. She politely called out, “Ms. Springsteen, it's time for us to return to the judges’ table.”
Lily instantly withdrew her eyes from the painting. Her expression was very unpleasant, cold, and dark. Sylvia clearly did not say anything much, but she seemed to have angered Lily greatly.
Not only did Lily not maintain her usual elegance and politeness , but she also did not even glance at Sylvia as she turned around and quickly stormed off the stage, seemingly heading in the direction of the washroom.
Sylvia pursed her lips and walked off the stage with Simon and the two other judges.
The five seats at the judges’ table were right next to the stage.
However, Sylvia did not want to go there yet. She wanted to see Odell and her three little darlings. Unexpectedly, Simon and the two old artists stopped her.
Simon excitedly tugged on her arm. “Sylvia , you really surprised me!”
The two other artists also smiled and praised her, “I think this painting of yours is even better than the ones you were famous for before.”
“Yes, | feel like you've reached a whole new level.”
Sylvia smiled at them. “It's probably because I've experienced a lot of things before and have accumulated an understanding of certain matters. That's why | was able to finish it without any hiccups.”
“Haha, you shouldn't be so modest.” “Yes, | used to think that having you as the main judge was a bit much, but now | think that it was the right choice.” Sylvia hurriedly said, “You're giving me too much credit.”
The two artists seemed to notice that she had something else to do and did not keep her any longer. They chuckled and went back to the judges’ table with a smile.
Simon also did not say anything else. He smiled at her and also sat down at the judges’ table. Sylvia was about to go to Odell and the children, but when she turned around, she suddenly met a pair of deep, dark eyes.
The man, who had been sitting in his seat, was now standing in front of her, studying her with a gentle smile on his lips. Snuggled in his arms, Flint reached out to her for a hug.
Isabel and Liam also came over and stood beside him, raising their heads to look at her.
Liam pursed his lips, but his eyes were bright as the stars.
Isabel was like an avid little fan, clenching her fists and shouting with admiration, “Mommy, you're amazing!”
Sylvia bent down with a smile and kissed both Isabel's and Liam‘s faces. Then, she asked, “Why didn't you two go to school?” Isabel giggled. “We asked for a day off.”
Sylvia guessed as much. She smiled and said, “Isabel and Liam, thank you for coming to support me.”
Isabel and Liam curved their eyes in a grin.
The little girl sweetly replied, “You're welcome, Mommy.
Liam also said, “No need to thank us.”
Sylvia pursed her lips and looked at the man in front of her.
“Thank you, Odell,” she said.
He curled his lips. “You're welcome.” Flint babbled, “Ba...”
Chapter 1148 Whether it was because Sylvia did not kiss and hug Flint, but the baby appeared annoyed and puffed up his face. Sylvia laughed and quickly carried him in her arms.
The little guy immediately nuzzled his face into her neck and started to act petulantly.
Amused, Sylvia kissed him.
At that moment, Master Springsteen suddenly walked over with his crutches. He smiled and looked at them.” Am | disturbing you guys?”
Sylvia smiled back at him. “No. Is there anything we can help you with?” “| have a presumptuous request.” The big screen above the stage was still showing Sylvia‘s painting
On the stage, the crowd gathered in front of her work was also obviously the largest. The people in front of the other four judges‘ paintings combined could not hold a candle to those in front of Sylvia's painting.
Master Springsteen looked at the painting on the big screen and asked Sylvia, “Can you sell me this painting? You can name any price you want.”
He had a feeling that this painting would become a famous masterpiece that celebrities and famous artists from all over the world would rush to collect in the future. There was a burning light in his old eyes.
Sylvia did not expect him to buy the painting from her, so she was confused.
However, before she could reply, a man‘s low and magnetic voice rang out. “Master Springsteen, you're one step too late. I've already placed a reservation for this painting.”
Odell smiled.
Master Springsteen froze for a moment before smiling at him. “Odell, you‘re family, so you can just have Sylvia paint anything you want in the future. Can‘t you let an old man like me have this one instead?”
“Master Springsteen , this painting of hers is of me and our three children, so I'm afraid | can't give it to you. However, if she comes up with a new piece in the future, I'll be the first to inform you.”
Master Springsteen sighed helplessly. “Very well.”
Then, he looked at Sylvia with a smile. “Sylvia, you must let me know if you have any new works in the future.” Sylvia smiled. “Thank you for your appreciation. | will.”
The old man walked away with a chuckle.
She looked at Odell and asked, “Do you really want this painting?” “Yes, | do.” He curled his lips and asked, “How much are you selling it for?”
She wrapped her arms around Flint, who was still acting cute, and gave Odell a look. “I'll just give it to you if you want it.” He was not an outsider, so how could she ask him for money?
Odell brushed the tip of her nose. “You worked hard for that piece, so | have to pay you for it.”
Sylvia looked at him.
He smiled. “Is a hundred million enough?”
She continued to look at him.
He asked, “Two hundred million?”
She glared at him.
He lowered his head, his thin lips approaching her ear, and said seductively, “Then, what if | give you my entire fortune?”
The breath from his lips was so warm that Sylvia’s ears instantly turned red. She pushed him away and muttered, “Behave. The children are here.”
Not only were the children there, but there were also many people around too.
Odell looked at her bashful blushing face and curled his lips. “Is that a yes?”
Chapter 1149
“What?”
He pinched her face. “I'll give you my entire fortune, and you'll give me this painting.”
Sylvia rolled her eyes at him. “Even without this painting, your entire fortune is mine anyway.” After all, they were husband and wife,
Odell laughed. “Then, what should | use to buy this painting for you?”
Seeing that he was still unwilling to drop the subject, Sylvia said, “Yourself.”
He was stunned for a moment, and then he grinned.” Sure.”
Sylvia glared at him while blushing and placed Flint into his arms. “I have to go back to the judges’ table to discuss the competition with them. You take the children and return to your seats. We can leave together when the opening ceremony is over.”
After saying that, she rubbed Isabel and Liam's little heads. “We'll go eat delicious food together when this is over. You two go sit with Daddy first and wait for me for a little while.”
Isabel and Liam both answered obediently and followed Odell back to their seats. Sylvia also went to the judges’ table.
Lily had not returned yet, but Simon and the two old artists were already seated. The two empty seats remaining were the middle one with a placard indicating it was for the main judge while the far right seat was for the other regular judge. Sylvia followed the instructions of the sign and sat in the middle seat between Simon and one of the old artists.
Upon seeing her approach, Simon and the two artists both greeted her. There were still two programs left in the opening ceremony, and a long time had passed, so Christopher and the other host were urging the people to get off the stage.
Most of the people who had gone up to see the judges‘ works had finished seeing all of them, but there were many still gathered in front of Sylvia's painting, refusing
to leave. Christopher had to nudge them many times before they were driven off.
Then, he cleared his throat and said, “Ahem... Everyone, please be seated. The ceremony isn’t over yet. Now, I'd like to invite all the participants of the competition to
come up to the stage in an orderly manner to draw their respective number plates!”
The judges’ painting tools were all cleared, and the canvases were moved to the back of the stage. Then, the staff carried out boxes containing the number plates.
After Christopher finished speaking, the contestants went up in a line to draw the number plates to be used during the competition.
It took almost twenty minutes for the process to end. Christopher emphasized the key procedure of the competition and then said, “The opening ceremony has come to an end. Next, please welcome all our contestants and our five judges to come on stage. Let's have a group photo before the start of the competition!”
Thus, all the contestants went to the stage again and stood neatly in a row. When they finished lining up, Christopher and the other host looked at the judges‘ table. “Please welcome our five judges...”
His eyes swept over Sylvia and Simon, then froze when he saw the empty seat on the far right side. He asked,” Where's Ms. Springsteen?”
Everyone‘s eyes immediately went to the judges‘ table.
At that moment , Sylvia , Simon, and the two old artists were sitting at the table, but Lily was obviously not there.
Sylvia glanced at the empty seat and then withdrew her gaze indifferently.
One of the old artists answered, “We haven't seen Ms. Springsteen since we sat here after we finished painting. | don't know where she went.”
The venue went silent.
Haytham and the others frowned without saying anything, and the students who had previously flattered Lily also pursed their lips.
In the first row, Master Springsteen frowned.
Christopher wrinkled his brows and said unhappily, “Ms. Springsteen may have been held up by something. In that case, I'd like to invite the four judges to come up to the stage and take a photo with us.”
Sylvia, Simon, and the two old artists stood up and walked to the stage. They stood right in the middle of the front row, faced the camera, and took a group photo with all the contestants.
Then, Christopher smiled and announced that the opening ceremony was over. -
Chapter 1150 Sylvia immediately walked off the stage and went directly to Odell and the three little ones. “Let's go.” She took Isabel and Liam’s hands and looked at Odell with a smile.
Odell picked Flint up and smiled back at her. “Mm.”
They then walked out of the venue.
However, after taking a few steps, several contestants caught up with them and blocked Sylvia‘s path. They were all students who had questioned Christopher about Sylvia's qualification to be a judge.
However, they obviously did not display the same indignation they had back then. Their eyes flickered and their expressions were guilty and embarrassed.
Sylvia looked at them suspiciously. “Do you need something?”
One of the students lowered his head and said, “We're sorry, Ms. Ross. We shouldn't have doubted you just because of someone else's words. We shouldn't have called your painting garbage and threatened the president to remove your position as a judge.” Sylvia‘s gaze softened. “It's fine. The ink painting | did before really did suck.”
The students still looked guilty. She asked in confusion, “Do you have something else to say?” The students turned to a tall and thin boy. Sylvia remembered him. He was the first student who had stood up and questioned Christopher as to why she could be a judge.
She looked at him expectantly.
The boy lowered his head. “I'm sorry, Ms. Ross. I... We were actually instructed to do that.” Sylvia was startled.
Beside her, Odell's face instantly went cold.
“Who instructed you guys?” she asked them.
At that moment, an anxious shout came from the side.” What are you all doing here? Can't you see that Ms. Ross and Master Carter are leaving? Don't block them and get out of the way!”
It was Haytham. He glared at the students as if he was really afraid that they were blocking Sylvia and Odell. The looks on the students’ faces instantly changed. Some were flustered, some were scared, and some were angry. For example, the tall and thin boy who lowered his head to Sylvia directly looked up and glared at Haytham before
saying, “Ms. Ross, it was Haytham who ordered us to do it. He kept telling us that you only got to the top with Master Carter's connections, and he said that Master Carter was the one who got someone else to help you paint all the works that you were famous for!”
Right after he spoke, several students around him raised their heads to look at Sylvia and echoed, “That's right. It was Haytham who told us to do that!”
“When you were painting, he even urged the group to threaten the president with abandoning the competition to remove your position as a judge.”
SL
Sylvia frowned. Isabel and Liam turned and glared at Haytham while Odell‘s expression also turned grim.
Haytham paled and took two steps back in panic. Then, he shouted at the students, “What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever say that? Don't be ridiculous and get lost already!”
The students instantly became even more annoyed.
One student took out his phone and opened the group chat, saying to Sylvia, “Ms. Ross, this is the group chat. Look— F*ck, he quit the group!” “He quit the group, but the words he posted before haven't been deleted. They're still there!”
“Yeah, they're still there. Look, Ms. Ross. It was he who
instructed us.” The students showed their phone screens to Sylvia.