Chapter 160: The Art of Rivalry The dinner scene unfolded in the cozy dining area of the penthouse, where the warm lighting and aroma of delicious food created an inviting ambiance.
Xin, Xiaxia, and Seraphina were seated around the table, each with their own thoughts and feelings simmering beneath the surface.
As they began their meal, Seraphina exhibited a level of attentiveness that couldn’t be ignored. She placed food on Xin’s plate with care, describing each dish in vivid detail.
"This is the lemon black chicken, Xin," Seraphina explained with a lively expression. "It’s seasoned with herbs and cooked to perfection, so it’s tender and flavorful. And this," she continued, moving on to a dish of steamed vegetables, "is a medley of fresh garden vegetables, lightly seasoned with a delicate herb butter. They’re so crisp and delightful, a perfect complement to the chicken."
Xiaxia couldn’t help but notice the extra care Seraphina was taking with Xin’s meal. Her scrutinizing glares and judgmental eyes intensified as she watched Seraphina’s actions.
. She had prepared a homemade dinner herself, hoping to share it with her brother, but now she felt like an outsider at the dinner table.
Seraphina’s detailed descriptions of the dishes riled Xiaxia up even further. She had spent time and effort cooking a meal for her family, and she wanted Xin to appreciate it as much as Seraphina’s lavish descriptions of the dinner she had prepared.
What added to Xiaxia’s frustration was that Xin sat there, passively accepting it all with a seemingly no-care attitude. He made no attempt to decline Seraphina’s offerings, even though his plate was already overflowing with food.
Finally, Xiaxia’s frustration reached its breaking point. Unable to restrain herself any longer, she abruptly pushed her chair back with a screech against the floor.
She turned to Xin, her emotions a turbulent mix of irritation and concern as she commanded, "Xin, may I have a word with you?"
Xin had no chance to respond before Xiaxia dragged him to a quieter corner of the room.
"What are you doing?" Xiaxia demanded her tone a mix of annoyance and worry.
"Eating," Xin replied with a straight face.
"No, I mean, what are you doing with Seraphina?" Xiaxia’s gaze briefly flitted over to Seraphina, who was unperturbed, and then she turned back to her brother. "I explicitly told you not to associate with her anymore. And yet you . . . you asked her to be the subject of your project?"
Xin remained composed. "I don’t see anything wrong with it. Seraphina is very well-known, and the painting would likely fetch a high price at the auction. It’ll help us buy back the house faster."
For a moment, Xiaxia didn’t respond; she simply stared at Xin.
Finally, she spoke, her tone softening, "I hope that’s truly the reason."
Xin sighed. "I’ve told you I’m not foolish enough to have feelings for her."
"But you’re foolish enough to ask her to be your subject?"
"I did it for the money."
Xiaxia’s concern persisted. "What if her fan club targets you? It’s already risky enough that she’s living with us. But what if others discover that you two have these private painting sessions?"
"It’s not private. You can join us if you’re worried. Besides, anyone can be a subject of art. Her fan club will likely thank me in the end when they have a beautiful painting of her plastered on their walls."
Xiaxia knew better than anyone to argue with her brother when he already decided on things. The best she could do now was to make sure that he was safe.
Xiaxia watched Xin closely and reached a decision. "Very well, to keep you out of trouble, I’ll personally oversee this idiotic endeavor of yours. But don’t think for a moment that I agree with all of this. The moment I hear any trouble brewing, it’s over."
Xin remained silent, and they returned to the table.
Seraphina inquired, "Is there a problem?"
Xiaxia grinned. "None at all. In fact, Xin invited me to join your art session."
Seraphina’s smile wavered ever so slightly, but her adeptness at concealing her emotions prevented anyone from noticing. "Is that so?"
"Is there an issue with that?" Xiaxia asked, her expression innocent.
"Of course not. You’re welcome to join us anytime," Seraphina replied with a smile, though beneath the surface, she couldn’t help but smirk. Just try to ruin our moment if you can.
"Good," Xiaxia beamed, determined to protect Xin from Seraphina’s influence. As long as I’m here, you won’t be alone with him.
There was an unmistakable tension between the two women, and Xin felt as though there wasn’t enough air in the room to fill his lungs.
Fortunately, their mother arrived home, equally shocked to find Seraphina staying with them and even more surprised to learn that she would be the subject of Xin’s project.
Evelyn was more accepting of Seraphina living in the penthouse, though since it was hers to begin with.
However, she shook her head in disapproval at the art session. "Are you sure, Xin?" she asked, her concern evident.
Xiaxia couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction when she saw the disapproving expression on her mother’s face. Tell her, Mom! Make her go away!
"Are you sure you won’t be bothering Lady Seraphina with your request?" Evelyn continued, directing her question toward Xin.
Xiaxia’s shoulders slumped in frustration, and in her mind, she roared, That’s what you’re concerned about?!
Seraphina interjected, her tone polite and composed. "You don’t need to worry about anything, Miss Evelyn. I’m quite curious about art, so this is a learning opportunity for me as well. It’s no bother at all."
Evelyn’s heart warmed when Seraphina addressed her by name, something that rarely happened before, especially when Seraphina acted snobbish.
The change in her demeanor made Evelyn nod with enthusiasm. "Then I’m grateful to you for helping my son with his project, Lady Seraphina. Don’t hesitate to let me know if my son becomes demanding, and I’ll make sure to give him a good talking."
Xiaxia’s anger flared, and she couldn’t believe her mother’s betrayal. Mom, you traitor!
Seraphina managed to stifle a laugh and responded, "Xin has been nothing but kind to me. You’ve raised a remarkable son." Her eyes shifted to Xiaxia, her smirk carrying a hint of challenge.
Xiaxia seethed with anger, her narrowed eyes locked onto Seraphina’s. In just one night, she got everyone in the house to side with her!
What a cunning fox!