MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 386: Artistic Dilemmas and Unexpected Support
Victor rolled his eyes in exasperation. "She’s just using tactics and size. I can surely paint something of that size as well. Even bigger if I wanted to. She’s lucky that she’s passionate and diligent with art, while I . . . let’s just say I prefer not to devote all my time to art alone."
Xin stifled a chuckle. "I’m sure that you can."
"Anyway, where’s your painting?" Victor inquired, breaking the silence with genuine curiosity.
"At the back," Xin replied, gesturing towards the dimly lit halls where lesser-known artists displayed their work.
"They put you there, even though you’re talented and Seraphina’s your subject?" Victor asked, his confusion evident.
Xin shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat before responding. "Ah, well, I made a change."
The two then made their way to the back hall, a quieter and less frequented area where only a handful of patrons lingered, showing interest in the art that adorned the walls.
As they walked, Xin couldn’t help but notice the distinct lack of attention his painting received compared to the others.
Xin had been unaware of the existence of separate halls for the paintings, a fact that left him feeling somewhat out of place.
It seemed that no one had thought to inform him of this detail, leaving him to wonder if it was intentional or merely an oversight.
Victor’s painting occupied a prominent position in the middle row, a testament to his popularity and standing within the art community.
In contrast, Xin’s painting was relegated to the back, tucked away from the spotlight where only the most dedicated patrons ventured.
The discrepancy in their placements led Xin to question whether it was a matter of artistic merit or simply a reflection of their respective popularity.
While Victor’s fame undoubtedly played a role in securing him a prime spot, Xin couldn’t help but feel disheartened by the realization that his own talents were not enough to garner similar recognition.
Victor frowned as he studied Xin’s painting, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Wait . . . is this supposed to be Seraphina, or is it really Seraphina . . . in abstract form?"
Xin couldn’t help but chuckle at Victor’s observation, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It’s just an abstract," he replied.
The painting before them was a riot of colors, shapes, and textures, each element blending together in a mesmerizing display of artistic expression.
While it may not have been to everyone’s taste, Xin couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in his creation, flawed though it may be.
Despite his lack of recognition in the art world, Xin remained steadfast in his dedication to his craft. He may not have the same level of popularity as Victor, and the others, but he refused to let that deter him from pursuing his passion.
"What happened to Seraphina’s portrait?" Victor inquired casually, his tone tinged with a hint of curiosity as he sipped on his champagne.
His expression then soured slightly at the mention of Seraphina, a subtle indication of his distaste for the subject. "If you had included it in the auction, it would surely fetch a very high price. Both from her admirers and those who wish to curry favor with her . . . who are numerous in here."
Xin hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by Victor’s question. "Ah, well . . . it got ruined at the last minute, and I was too lazy to patch it up," he admitted with a shrug, his gaze drifting away momentarily.
Victor regarded Xin with a mixture of sympathy and understanding before offering a reassuring pat on his shoulder. "Ah well, it happens to the best of us. But don’t forget that if we don’t sell our paintings for at least a million, we might not be able to pass, you know."
"Egh?" Xin’s surprise was evident in his expression. "You’re joking, right? The teachers didn’t mention anything about that part."
"They didn’t because that would be controversial," Victor explained, his voice lowering slightly as he glanced around discreetly. "Besides, do you really think they would throw this extravagant party without expecting anything in return?"
Xin found himself torn between conflicting emotions.
Xiaxia was here, and the only amount he had given her to bid for his painting was a hundred thousand –– already a significant sum in his eyes.
After all, he would receive fifty percent back, and the other fifty percent would go to the school.
Should he give her one million?
Xin pondered the idea but couldn’t shake the feeling that it would be a waste of money. He wasn’t wealthy, and the thought of parting with half a million to the school didn’t sit well with him.
Perhaps he should just repeat the class, or transfer to a different department where he wouldn’t need to shell out half a million or even a hundred thousand to graduate. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢
Victor’s reassuring tap on his shoulder brought Xin back to the present.
"Don’t worry, I’ll bid for your painting."
"One million seems like too much," Xin remarked with a sigh. "It’s fine. I’ll just transfer to a different department if I fail."
He could still pursue his passion for painting regardless.
Victor chuckled at Xin’s response. "Don’t worry, no one would fail you. The teacher would probably just give a passing grade . . . I hope," he added with a wry grin.
Internally, Xin grumbled at the thought, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
Of course, Victor was sincere in his offer, but he didn’t push it further, knowing that Xin wouldn’t like owing him anything.
He had already arranged for someone in the crowd to bid on Xin’s painting, ensuring that everything was in order.
Victor understood that Xin wouldn’t readily shell out something like a million on the spot.
Unlike the wealthy elite in attendance, Xin didn’t have the luxury of throwing away such a large sum of money on a whim.
But for someone like Victor, who was accustomed to such extravagance, buying Xin’s painting was like a natural choice.
Not only would it complement his room nicely, but it would also serve as a gesture of support for his friend.
