The Painting 1

By mid-day, they had finished three lectures. Zhu Yunqing was quite lucky she wasn't called upon during the course of any of the lectures so far. Else she would not have known what to say.

According to their class schedule for today, there were a total of five classes to attend in the routine. Two general classes for language (both foreign language and English), one class for history and one class for painting. The last one for the day was for those who had chosen their major in theatre studies which was further divided into dance, music and film/ drama.

So Zhu Yunqing and Wei Chujiu had a total of four classes together while Wei Chujiu had one last lecture to attend after that; making hers a total of five classes for the day.

Soon enough it was time for their last class together so they both packed up their things and went to the painting room.

The painting classroom was on the third floor. Zhu Yunqing and Wei Chujiu chatted happily as they walked to their next class, completely ignoring Zhu Yanyu who attempted to talk to Zhu Yunqing at intervals.

Being ignored did not seat well with Zhu Yanyu. Due to her anger from being overlooked and the fact that there were other students around them, her face kept changing between a twisted frown and her usual fake white lotus smile. She was still trying to salvage her last bit of reputation, even though side glances and sniggers were being thrown at her from those who were close enough to observe what was going on. So, Zhu Yanyu had to walk on awkwardly.

Within 30 minutes, they arrived at the painting classroom. The class was arranged according to the best. Wei Chujiu was seated amongst the first row while Zhu Yanyu was seated two rows behind Wei Chujiu. Zhu Yanyu was not very good at painting but she could be regarded as an average painter.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yunqing who either drew a caricature or submitted a blank sheet was seated at the back.

Mr Yang, a middle-aged well-built man with his pair of glasses hanging with the suspender on his neck, who was seated in front of the students noticed that all the students were seated. Mr Yang was their painting teacher. He stood up and informed the students about the painting carnival to be held soon which made the students to be excited.

The painting carnival was more of an art exhibition. The event was held yearly. Every school choses its best three paintings based on the theme they are given and they are put on exhibition for auctioning.

As much as the painting carnival was quite competitive, it was a means of the students having the opportunity to showcase their natural talents. As well as compete with art students from other schools.

The yearly painting carnival was also a well-rounded means of the schools raising funds for various other projects. The school whose paintings gets the highest bid also gets a fat cheque with it.

This year the theme for every school happened to be 'Ancient China'.

Soon after the briefing by Mr Yang on the painting carnival and what to expect by the students.

Each student commenced their sketching and painting except Zhu Yunqing.

Upon noticing that Zhu Yunqing hadn't picked up a pen or a brush to start working. Instead he saw her staring at her watercolour paper on the drawing board. Mr Yang walked to her and questioned her in a wry tone, "What is this useless girl up to now? Why are you not working, Miss Zhu? Are you planning on submitting another blank paper again? Are you waiting for me to come paint for you or do you need an invite?"

Mr Yang has never liked Zhu Yunqing. Her submitting a blank watercolour paper and painting caricatures of him had simply made it worse. He completely dislike this unserious kind of people who were from rich families.

Seeing his least favourite student once again made him want to tuant her a bit.

Hearing Mr Yang speak caught the attention of most of the students.

"Mr Yang is at it again!" a student murmured.

"Better face your work if you don't want to get in trouble," another student responded in a hushed tone.

"Why must he always troubled Zhu Yunqing?" a boy muttered.

"Since when did you became her spokesperson?" another whispered.

"Well, she is much more prettier now. Maybe i might have a chance if i help her out," the first boy who spoke mumbled.

"Better focus on your work, else you won't get your piece selected," his friend adviced.

Though Zhu Yanyu did not like the direction the whispers were taking, she was happy that Zhu Yunqing was being embarrassed again.

Hearing the harsh words from Mr Yang, Zhu Yunqing did not respond.

Her unresponsive behaviour further aggravated Mr Yang's anger causing him to criticize Zhu Yunqing.

"This useless child, do you think everyone would bow down to you just because your family is rich. Do you still think you can use your connections for everything here? Let me tell you, your family cannot help you if you fail my class. I don't mind seeing you back here next session but your repugnant behaviour will be too repulsion."

Mr Yang was extremely angered by her attitude and dished out offensive words.

Wei Chujiu clenched her fist tight as she could not help Zhu Yunqing. Mr Yang was a relative of the principal and so he acted as he liked because he had the principal backing him. So, it was difficult for anyone to go against him.

Zhu Yunqing just acted as if there was nobody talking beside her. Seeing that Zhu Yunqing was not going to respond to him, Mr Yang grumbled off angrily and swear under his breath to deal with Zhu Yunqing as he stalked back to his seat.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yunqing was not really staring at her blank paper as Mr Yang thought earlier. Although her head never turned she was watching the other students in front of her as they painted.