Bruce chuckled. “Just paint what you’re good at. Any style is fine.”
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“But Mr. Sherman, isn’t Mr. West a watercolorist? Most of us here, however, were trained in oils or sketching. What use is it for us to study under him? How can that possibly improve our technique?” someone asked.
Bruce shot them a look. “You guys have no clue how much of a legend Mr. West is in the art world. If you manage to become his apprentice, you’ve basically got one foot in the door of the elite art scene.
“At that point, it won’t matter what style you do–you’ll be able to network with artists from any school or style.
“So quit worrying about these little details, and focus on how to actually catch Mr. West’s eye.”
Even though Bruce made a good argument, Alicia still felt uneasy. ‘So basically, he’s teaching everyone to treat Mr. West as a rung on the career ladder?‘ she thought.
She looked up at Bruce, her brow furrowing slightly.
Just then, Bruce went on, “Mr. West has already checked out several art schools, but he still hasn’t found that one standout student he’s looking for.”
He said with all seriousness, “You guys better give it everything you’ve got! If you pull this off and become his apprentice, that’ll bring serious prestige to our school–and yeah, there are some sweet rewards waiting.”
The moment rewards were mentioned, everyone lit up with excitement, chatter breaking out all over the
room.
“Man, just being picked as Mr. West’s apprentice is huge, but now there are rewards too? No way I’m missing out on this–I have to try!” one student blurted out.
“Ha! You think it’s gonna be that easy?” someone shot back.
“Please. If I can’t do it, there’s no way you can!” the other retorted, refusing to back down.
People started bickering on the spot, each one trying to prove they’d have a shot.
Just then, Jimmy walked in and whispered something to Bruce, who raised his hand, cleared his throat, and said, “Alright, everyone, quiet down. Mr. West will be here soon to tell you what he’s looking for.”
Everyone was still talking over each other for a bit, but eventually the room quieted down, all eyes turning to the door.
Three minutes later, an elderly man with silver hair walked in, escorted by a group of people.
Bruce quickly stepped forward, extending his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. West. I’m the Director of Education, Bruce Sherman.”
Edward reached out and shook Bruce’s hand.
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Chapter 97
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Bruce grinned, then spoke into the microphone, “Everyone, this is Mr. Edward West. He’ll be explaining what he’s looking for in an apprentice.”
As soon as he finished, he handed the microphone over to Edward.
Alicia had been reading, but when she caught what was said, she glanced up–and there, standing on stage, was an elderly man with silver hair and a friendly smile, still sharp and full of life. He gripped the microphone, his fingers gently fiddling with the edge, just as he always did when nervous.
Alicia froze; in an instant, her eyes brimmed with tears.
‘No way… That’s Richard!‘ Alicia thought, her heart leaping into her throat.
They hadn’t seen each other for twelve years, but Alicia could tell at a glance–it was him. There was no mistaking it.
She’d spent years living with Richard and knew every one of his quirks. He never liked speaking in front of a crowd and would get nervous every single time, fingers instinctively poking at the mic.
Alicia remembered this one time at the supermarket when they won a prize in a raffle–the staff asked them up to say a few words, and Richard couldn’t stop fiddling with the stem of the mic, his voice trembling more with each touch.
His hair had turned almost completely gray, but he actually looked more lively than he used to.
‘But how in the world did Richard become Mr. Edward West–the superstar of the art world?‘ Alicia’s mind was reeling. ‘Wait, isn’t Richard’s last name Shaw? How does he have anything to do with Mr. West?‘
Alicia sat there in silence, her eyes fixed on Richard up on stage. She couldn’t help but smile a little–the memories swirling in her chest.
‘I have so many things I want to ask you, Richard… Where did you go back then? Was it the Lawrence family that made you leave?‘ Alicia wondered to herself.
She really wanted to tell him that she had been missing him so badly.
But right now, she couldn’t just rush up on stage and call out to him. All she could do was keep her gaze locked on the old man in front of everyone.
Edward gripped the mic and said, “Hey, everyone, I’m Edward West. I figure your school already filled you in -and yes, I’m here to pick one apprentice. If I choose you, I’m going to teach you everything I know, no holding back.
“The only thing I care about is your artwork. You’ve got one week. If you’re serious about this, hand in your best piece. I’ll choose from those, but if nobody hits the mark, then I won’t pick anyone.
“And this is voluntary–if you’re not truly interested, don’t waste time painting something just for appearances or to please me. Let’s not waste each other’s time.”
After saying his piece, he passed the microphone back to Bruce.
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Chapter 97
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Bruce checked the mic and called out, “Any questions? If not, you’re dismissed–head back to class.”
Everyone shook their heads, indicating there were no questions, and Bruce left the room with Edward.
Everyone was itching to show what they could do, buzzing with anticipation for the challenge ahead.
Alicia stayed put, not budging from her seat until everyone else had cleared out.
Only then did she stand up. She wanted so badly to catch up to Richard, but forced herself to stay put. ‘I can’t go to him yet. I have to wait until he’s finished picking his apprentice, she thought.
If she went over now and ended up being chosen, everyone would probably start talking, and honestly, she’d end up doubting herself–wondering if she’d gotten in through connections.
Biting back her urgency, Alicia returned to her classroom.
As soon as Alicia settled into her seat, Sienna leaned over, eyes wide. “So, how’d it go? Did you actually see Mr. West?”
Alicia nodded. “Yep. He’s giving us a week—everyone has to hand in a painting.”
“Nice, you got this!” Sienna pumped her fist, grinning. “I know I’m useless when it comes to painting, but hey, you’ve got my full moral support!”
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