Chapter 23: Flowing Water Reflects the Plum Blossom

  Her eyes, like shining pearls, sparkled with a hint of mischief as she gazed at him. Her skin was as delicate as a petal, and her nose twitched slightly as she spoke.

  The crowd gasped in unison, marveling at the beauty before them.

  "You little scamp! How did you get back from France?" Han Fei'er teased, lightly scratching Ye Xiang's nose.

  Ye Xiang blinked rapidly, her eyes shining with tears. "I missed you so much..." she whispered, her voice husky with emotion.

  The two women hugged each other tightly, oblivious to the commotion around them.

  "Hey! You two relatives, have you finished recognizing each other? The competition isn't over yet!" a male contestant shouted, his voice shrill with annoyance.

  "Just go home and recognize your relatives there!" someone in the crowd jeered.

  A woman with a revealing outfit snickered. "Look at her, dressed like a street performer, daring to participate in this elegant competition?"

  Autumn Wisdom, who had been silent until now, shot the woman a cold glance that made her heart skip a beat. The woman hastily covered her mouth and fell silent.

  More women began to shout insults, but Han Fei'er and Ye Xiang ignored them, focused on their own conversation.

  Ye Xiang's face reddened with anger as she prepared to confront the hecklers, but Han Fei'er restrained her. "If you go over there, it'll just prove that we're street performers."

  Han Fei'er smiled reassuringly and walked back to her painting. "I've finished my piece."

  As if on cue, the time was up, and no one could continue painting.

  The first contestant to present his work was a man with a shrill voice. He carefully placed his painting on the display stand, revealing a stunning landscape of mountains, water, bridges, and houses. The crowd applauded politely.

  Next up was a beautiful young woman with a gentle smile. Her painting depicted a serene lotus flower, its petals unfolding delicately in the water. Han Fei'er was taken aback by the woman's talent.

  After a while, it was finally Han Fei'er's turn. She presented her painting, and the crowd couldn't help but burst out laughing. Ye Xiang struggled to contain her giggles as well.

  Just then, Ye Xiang suddenly smiled mischievously and bought a bottle of wine from someone in the crowd. She opened the bottle and took a swig, before spitting it all over Han Fei'er's painting.

  The red ink on the painting began to flow downwards, creating an unexpected effect. The crowd gasped in surprise, their laughter dying down.

  As they watched, the painting transformed before their eyes. A range of pale blue mountains appeared, shrouded in mist. The red flowers on the painting seemed to bloom and unfold, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

  The crowd erupted into applause once more, this time in genuine amazement.