"You're too impulsive; you weren't like this before."

After everyone had dispersed, Hughes' face immediately turned serious as he began to reprimand Ethan.

"Don't you know about his strength in classical painting? His connections in the Royal Capital are not to be underestimated either. Yet, you still choose his strongest field. Don't you know how good his painting 'The Faerie of Spring' is? And talking about skilled laborers—are you implying you want me to ghostwrite for you? I can't paint better than him."

Seeing the old man blowing his beard and glaring, Ethan couldn't help but want to laugh.

"Don't worry, teacher, I've got a plan."

Listening to Ethan's words, Hughes sighed: "Forget it. I can't control you anymore. If you really can't explain it then, just say I painted it and forced you to do it this way. I'm old, it's no big deal to lose a little reputation. But you're different..."

Hearing these words, Ethan felt a bit touched.

In fact, if you really think about it, Hughes is indeed one of the people who have treated him well since he came to this world.

Whether it was helping him get into Winster University or agreeing to this exchange with the Kingdom Art Academy this time.

Helping him vent his anger was also deserved.

"Let's not talk about that. How have you been lately? I heard Winster had a major incident not long ago. Are you okay?"

Hughes said, turning his concern toward Ethan's current situation.

"I'm fine, teacher."

Ethan said, and they chatted for a while longer.

Then, he began introducing the students he brought for the exchange to Hughes.

Especially Sofia.

Putting aside other factors, Sofia indeed had remarkable talent in painting.

Ethan showed Hughes a few of Sofia's paintings, which had been prepared in advance.

Hughes nodded as he looked at them and gave Ethan a meaningful look.

"Not bad, let her study with me for a couple of days."

"Thank you, teacher."

Afterward, Hughes made arrangements for the other students as well.

Anyway, they could choose their own department at the Kingdom Art Academy, so they stayed there for the semester.

Lodging and meals were all taken care of.

Although they didn't get Hughes' personal guidance, those students were already very satisfied.

After all, normally, how could they have the chance to come to the Royal Capital and study at the Kingdom Art Academy?

With the formalities concluded, it was naturally time for personal matters.

Ethan originally intended to invite Hughes to a nice meal.

But Hughes insisted that since it was his domain, he must treat Ethan.

Eventually, they went to a fairly private, home-style restaurant.

This home-style restaurant was called West's Secret Garden. From the outside, you couldn't tell it was a restaurant at all.

Because it was located in a residential area in the west of the city, the building looked rather old from the outside. But the house was large, and once inside, it revealed another world.

Called Secret Garden, it truly did have a garden.

Moreover, the garden was exquisitely arranged, entirely different from the outside appearance of the house.

The interior décor was also unique, blending a retro and contemporary feel.

It really suited the taste of an old artist like Hughes.

"Speaking of which, West is also your senior sister, she was my former student. This house is her family's ancestral property. A few years ago, she was still traveling and sketching outside, and then she returned to the Royal Capital within these two years and simply converted it into a restaurant focusing on cuisine from the Midwest, quite characteristic, I really like it."

Hughes explained as he led Ethan inside.

At this moment, perhaps having heard the commotion outside, someone emerged from within, her voice arriving even before she did.

"Teacher, how could you come without informing me first?"

The voice carried a sense of allure and grandeur, making it clear from the sound alone that she was no ordinary woman.

Sure enough, soon a graceful woman appeared.

The woman, in her thirties, had fiery red hair, a well-proportioned figure, and wore a tight-fitting leather long skirt, exuding charm with her every move.

What's more, from her, Ethan caught a familiar scent.

"It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and anyway, you usually don't have many guests here, do you?"

Hughes said the second half in jest.

West playfully retorted, "Teacher, look at what you're saying. Isn't it because you don't bring more guests for me?"

Seeing her smile so charmingly, Hughes quickly pleaded, "Alright, alright, I'll introduce more friends to you next time. Come, let me introduce you; this is Ethan, your junior brother."

"Ethan? Ethan Polleta? He's a superstar! Let me take a good look at you," West's eyes lit up upon hearing the name and she moved forward.

But just then, two people suddenly stood in front of Ethan, none other than Anya and Sofia.

It must be said that this was the first time the two of them showed such tacit understanding.

"Oh my, it seems our junior brother has quite the charm with women. But being so handsome and talented, it's to be expected."

West wasn't embarrassed at all; she chuckled instead.

Ethan couldn't help but cough, managing to squeeze out from between the two girls and said with a smile, "Hello, senior sister, your Secret Garden is amazing, I'll bring friends next time."

"That would be best, junior brother is a superstar and must know lots of celebrities. You'll have to introduce them to senior sister."

Everyone exchanged pleasantries as they walked into the house.

It must be said that this senior sister West really knew how to cater to people, taking care of everyone so well that even the initially hostile Anya and Sofia eventually relaxed.

The dishes in this restaurant were also very good, with unique steaks, bread, soups, and barbecues.

While the group was joyfully eating, West found an excuse to step out, and after a while, someone else came out too.

That person was none other than senior brother Marcel.

He walked into the garden, seeing West leaning against a pillar, a tortoiseshell cigarette holder on her left pinky, lightly smoking with her eyes half-closed.

"Tell me, what happened today."

Marcel nodded and began to speak softly.

"This Ethan is a bit too arrogant, I feel he's not suitable. The way he makes enemies everywhere, it's only a matter of time before he's ousted from the art world."

He finished speaking.

"You don't understand. Whatever he does in art doesn't matter, that's not our concern. What I value is him as a person."

West shook her head and slowly exhaled a delicate, dreamy smoke ring.

"Him as a person? What's so special about him?"

Marcel was puzzled.

"That's why I told you to pay more attention to other things, not just those old art world matters. Our junior brother isn't just anybody, he..."

West smiled, a beauty mark at the corner of her eye appearing just right, exuding endless charm.

"...is the King of the Underworld of Winster."

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