Chapter 567: Pillow Talk (Part 1)
Chapter 567: Chapter 567: Pillow Talk (Part 1)
A hint of caution entered Beckett Nathan’s eyes, but Brooke Mitchell interrupted them. "This is Xavier’s first time visiting us. Let your auntie get a good look at you. Oh, you’re so pretty!"
Nathaniel Nathan glanced at Brooke Mitchell. She smiled and added, "You young people are completely different from our generation. I hear that ’seeing each other’ is the term these days. You two can take your time getting to know each other. Here, Xavier, have some candy."
Although Brooke Mitchell hadn’t rejected her outright, the meaning behind her words was crystal clear. She did not approve of Vera Xavier’s status right now. It was acceptable for her and Nathaniel Nathan to be dating, but if Vera wanted to marry into the Nathan Family, Brooke would not agree.
Nathaniel Nathan frowned slightly. Vera Xavier, afraid he might say something shocking, tugged his sleeve again. Then, she smiled, picked up a piece of candy, and said, "Thank you, Auntie."
Beckett Nathan looked at the young couple, then at Brooke Mitchell, and gave Nathaniel Nathan a look that said, ’Calm down.’
Nathaniel Nathan’s gaze darkened. He wasn’t surprised by Brooke Mitchell’s reaction, but he was worried Vera Xavier would feel slighted. He casually pointed to a painting on the wall and said, "My mother is a painter. She painted that one."
It was a painting of winter plum blossoms. With vibrant, delicate pistils and quaint, elegant branches, the piece was rich with artistic sentiment and clearly demonstrated great skill.
Vera Xavier had noticed the painting the moment she came in. For one, it was hung in a prominent position, and for another, it was truly well-painted.
The painting complemented the Nathan Family’s somewhat traditional decor, imbuing the entire home with a faint scholarly air.
She praised it sincerely, "This painting has the style of Vincent Seymour. It’s exquisite yet unrestrained, with a strong character visible in every detail. Auntie, your skill is truly remarkable."
Her praise was simple, but every word hit the mark. Brooke Mitchell was a little surprised and asked her, "You know about painting?"
"A little." Vera Xavier smiled faintly. "My ancestors left a few paintings and calligraphy works, and my elders taught me a bit about how to appreciate a piece of art, so I can understand some things. Auntie, your painting is very good, but at the bend of that withered branch, your hand must have trembled. That spot lacks a bit of its charm. While it doesn’t affect the overall aesthetic, it is a small pity."
A hint of astonishment appeared in Brooke Mitchell’s eyes. This painting was one of her proudest works. Many people had seen it, but very, very few could spot this minor detail. Without a certain level of expertise, it was impossible to see.
And indeed, when she had been painting that part, someone had called out to her. She had turned her head while holding the brush, which was why that branch had that tiny flaw.
Seeing her reaction, Vera Xavier breathed a quiet sigh of relief. ’It seems my trip to The Imperial Palace with those students yesterday wasn’t a waste after all. And listening to them go on and on about painting wasn’t a waste of time either.’
She smiled faintly and said, "I don’t know much about art, and I can’t paint at all. If I said anything wrong, please don’t take it to heart, Auntie."
Brooke Mitchell looked at Vera Xavier. "The fact that you can see the flaw in this painting means you have a fundamental aesthetic sense and a certain foundation in art. Are you sure you can’t paint?"
"Do stick figures count?" Vera Xavier asked with a smile.
Brooke Mitchell let out a laugh. She didn’t like Vera Xavier, but looking at the young woman now, she didn’t seem so bad. At least she didn’t pretend to know what she didn’t. That, in itself, was a good quality to have.