Free Web NovelChapter 34: Chapter 34: Face-Slapping
Nina Sinclair stopped abruptly. As the realization hit, her face grew even paler.
"Oh, sister, what was that you said I should give as a gift?" A gentle smile played on Chloe Sinclair’s lips as she glided over to the attendant and took the Hundred Longevity Map in her hands.
When Nina Sinclair saw the calligraphy on the Hundred Longevity Map clearly, her expression soured further.
The Hundred Longevity Map was simply too exceptional.
The central character for "longevity" was especially magnificent. Its composition was balanced, slender, and firm; the strokes were crisp and elegant; the structure was powerful and vigorous, with a tight and rigorous form.
’This is clearly the work of a great master. How could that idiot have possibly written it?’
Nina Sinclair was certain that this Hundred Longevity Map could not have been Chloe Sinclair’s work.
"Chloe, I wonder which great master’s hand created this Hundred Longevity Map?"
Chloe Sinclair replied lightly, "I wrote it myself."
A mocking sneer appeared on Nina Sinclair’s face. "Chloe, don’t blame me for not warning you. This Hundred Longevity Map uses a full one hundred different calligraphy styles. The style of the central character, in particular, must be an original creation—subtle yet expansive, with a tight core and extended limbs. I’ve been practicing calligraphy for years and could never produce something like this, let alone you. I’m certain it’s the work of a master from the national association!"
After speaking, she added with a hint of feigned helplessness in her eyes, "I didn’t expect us to give the same gift. But in comparison, mine seems rather inadequate."
Nina Sinclair was known for being multi-talented, and her calligraphy was especially superb, once fetching a price of five thousand at an auction.
Even the president of the Kennet Calligraphy Association had praised it endlessly.
Yet now, Nina Sinclair was admitting her own inferiority, which just went to show how incredible this Hundred Longevity Map truly was.
But Chloe Sinclair actually claimed to have written it herself.
It was a claim that naturally made everyone suspicious.
Nina Sinclair was inwardly ecstatic.
’Even though Chloe didn’t end up giving that watch, this situation would surely put her in an even more awkward position.’
’Mr. Sinclair would be angry at Chloe for putting on such a deceptive act.’
’Then, with just a few more words from me, wouldn’t I be able to reclaim my status as the eldest daughter of the Sinclair family?’
Nina Sinclair’s eyes suddenly lit up as she spotted a white-haired old man in the crowd. She quickly called out, "Mr. Thorne, you’re just in time! Could you come and help us determine which famous master created this Hundred Longevity Map?"
Mr. Thorne, having been singled out from the crowd, cursed inwardly. His sharp eyes glared at Nina Sinclair with resentment, and there was even a faint hint of grievance. free𝑤ebnovel.com
The situation was now incredibly awkward. He was damned if he looked and damned if he didn’t. He could only cover his mouth and cough twice before saying, "I don’t think that’s a good idea."
But at this moment, Chloe Sinclair smiled. "Mr. Thorne, it doesn’t matter. Please, have a look."
Hearing this, Mr. Thorne couldn’t help but glance at the Hundred Longevity Map in Chloe Sinclair’s hands.
He had been too far away before to see the characters on the rice paper clearly.
But now, as he looked, his pupils constricted. He was truly stunned.
"This calligraphy..."
Mr. Thorne paused, his expression shifting from doubt to delighted surprise. He asked excitedly, "This... this... did Miss Sinclair really write this?"
"Absolutely." Chloe Sinclair nodded, the same faint smile on her face.
Even now, she remained perfectly composed.
’Two days ago, she had Eight activate the calligraphy learning mode.’
’However, all she could do was copy the styles of the great masters. Only the central character for "longevity" was a style of her own creation.’
Even so, it was enough to leave Mr. Thorne thrilled.
He hesitated for a moment, his face flushing with excitement. "Excellent. This calligraphy is magnificent."
Mr. Thorne looked rather sheepish. A flash of conflict crossed his eyes, and after a long moment of hesitation, he finally spoke. "I was wondering... would Mr. Sinclair be willing to sell this Hundred Longevity Map to me?"
