The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 28: Kiki Monroe’s Calligraphy and Paintings

Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Kiki Monroe’s Calligraphy and Paintings

She knew her decision to come this time was indeed too rash, but she really didn’t want to give up this golden opportunity, to give up this chance to integrate into high society.

Kiki was sitting right next to Quentin Rowe, who gave her a comforting glance, then looked back at Eric Rowe, his expression a bit annoyed: "Eric, do you have to be so loud? Kiki is Maya’s sister, aren’t we all family here?"

Eric Rowe glanced at Maya, then carefully scrutinized Kiki Monroe, squinting his eyes: "I haven’t heard that you have a sister, and this sister doesn’t look much like you at all—she’s not even one-tenth as pretty as you!"

Just based on Kiki Monroe’s conceited demeanor earlier, he already had some dislike for her.

Kiki Monroe froze for a moment, then felt a wave of immense shame wash over her; she hadn’t expected him to say that about her.

Maya Monroe was also taken aback.

However, she immediately remembered that Kiki Monroe and Eric Rowe’s dynamic in the story was that of frenemies, and this banter might just be part of their fun.

Finally, it was Yolanda Sawyer who lightly coughed twice and looked at Kiki Monroe warmly: "Since you’re here, just treat this as your own home, don’t feel restricted."

Kiki Monroe had barely begun to feel pleased when Yolanda Sawyer continued: "Maya, next time when you’re bringing your sister over, remember to let me know in advance, so we can better accommodate Kiki."

Though her tone was gentle, there was an unmistakable hint of dissatisfaction.

Kiki Monroe continued to lower her head, realizing Quentin Rowe hadn’t given a heads-up, and the reputation of showing up unannounced was certainly not flattering.

"Bringing your own sister without notifying us first isn’t right, is it? This is the Rowe Family, not your Monroe Family!" These words came from Fiona Rowe, who generally didn’t have much fondness for Maya Monroe, and naturally couldn’t warm up to her sister Kiki Monroe.

"Kiki Monroe didn’t come with me." Maya Monroe’s voice was indifferent.

Kiki Monroe’s whole body stiffened.

Eric Rowe sneered: "So you ran over here on your own..."

Before Eric Rowe could say something even more unpleasant, Quentin Rowe interjected: "Kiki was invited by me. I happened to mention the matter of the elderly lady’s upcoming birthday last time, and Kiki was very keen on it. I thought having one more person to send blessings was a good thing. Besides, Kiki is obedient, sensible, and ambitious—a rare good child."

Yolanda Sawyer nodded, saying nothing further, her expression somewhat aloof.

Eric Rowe chuckled.

Kiki Monroe felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, but then she remembered the gift she had prepared, and instantly felt relieved.

Kiki Monroe had been interested in calligraphy and painting since childhood; even writing a couple of words casually at school would earn her praises for a long time. After returning to the Monroe Family, she had a dedicated teacher to instruct her.

The calligraphy and painting she brought this time were her most satisfying works, praised by more than one master. She had heard that Yolanda Sawyer liked calligraphy and painting, determined to win her favor.

Quentin Rowe’s four-year-old son, Woody Moss, recited a birthday blessing smoothly and clearly, making everyone at the table laugh and shower him with praise.

Then it was time for everyone to present their gifts.

As soon as Kiki Monroe’s calligraphy and painting were brought out, they attracted everyone’s attention.

Yolanda Sawyer scrutinized it, observing the characters’ vigorous and powerful strokes, with quite a bit of spirit in them.

Upon seeing the seal below, Yolanda Sawyer asked Kiki Monroe beside her: "Is this your own work?"

Kiki Monroe unconsciously straightened up a bit: "Yes, though I’m just showing off despite my shallow skills, I hope the elderly lady won’t mind."

Yolanda Sawyer nodded repeatedly, her gaze sweeping over every inch of the painting: "Very good, very good, I didn’t expect someone so young to have such talent, and it’s rare for you to be modest and polite, just like your sister."

Kiki Monroe felt praised at first, but when it suddenly turned to her sister, she wasn’t quite sure what Yolanda Sawyer meant.

But then she saw Yolanda Sawyer’s serious demeanor, wondering if she really had a favorable impression of Maya Monroe?

Howard Rowe was a professional painter, quite well-known in artistic circles, naturally understanding calligraphy and painting very well.

Seeing this work, although slightly immature, was quite good considering Kiki Monroe’s age.

"Indeed quite good." He praised.

Howard Rowe had slightly longer hair, his shoulder-length locks tied up, with a distinct and refined artistic aura.

Kiki Monroe was secretly delighted when a handsome man praised her.

Kiki Monroe instinctively glanced towards Ian Rowe, noticing his gaze wasn’t on her painting, feeling slightly deflated.

Seeing Yolanda Sawyer so pleased, Quentin Rowe took the opportunity to sing Kiki Monroe’s praises: "I didn’t quite believe Kiki when she said she had some skill in calligraphy and painting, but hearing the elderly lady and Howard’s evaluations now, I realize Kiki is a rare talent! This child really doesn’t show off, and who would have thought she’s not only good at acting, but excels in other areas as well!"

Those around, seeing Yolanda Sawyer’s approval, also chimed in with compliments for Kiki Monroe.

Kiki Monroe was inwardly proud beyond words, though outwardly she maintained a shy demeanor: "As long as the elderly lady likes it, actually I know I’m just at a beginner’s level, far from a master’s. I don’t deserve such compliments from everyone!"

Maya Monroe casually assessed it as well, fully agreeing with Kiki Monroe’s words; it was indeed far from a master’s level.

"Pure Flower Will Never Yield" gives the protagonist Kiki Monroe significant advantages, with her aura continually shining, lowering the intelligence of those around her, involuntarily making them fond of her.

Quentin Rowe, for some reason, looked towards Maya Monroe, seeing her disdainful expression, he said: "Maya, what do you think of Kiki’s painting?"

"It’s just average."

Quentin Rowe sneered, suddenly saying: "Where’s your gift for the elderly lady? I haven’t seen you bring it out for so long. Did you forget to prepare or is it because you have nothing worthy to present?"

"Aunt, you can rest assured, is there anything I can’t present? Grandma will definitely love it."

Quentin Rowe stared at her, full of disdain, knowing that Maya Monroe often embarrassed herself yet couldn’t stop boasting.

Maya Monroe took out the gift she had prepared and handed it to Yolanda Sawyer: "Grandma, see if you like it. I went through a lot of trouble and spent quite a bit to get it, searching for it took me a long time!"

Yolanda Sawyer received the gift box, smiling affectionately at her: "Maya, how thoughtful."

She said as she opened the box.

"Huh?"

She took out the bracelet and examined it closely: "This bracelet isn’t quite as I imagined, but it’s quite majestic. Thank you, Maya, for preparing it for so long."

Maya Monroe merely nodded, knowing Yolanda Sawyer’s words were just polite, and it wouldn’t be long before Kiki Monroe would expose her.

Fiona Rowe’s pretty face was full of disdain, being young and having no restraint in her words: "You said you prepared for a long time, but look at it; it doesn’t appear expensive at all. Is this from a market stall or something?"

The second daughter-in-law, Jessica Young, pulled Fiona Rowe’s hand, signaling her not to talk recklessly.

Fiona Rowe pursed her lips but said no more.

Quentin Rowe listened to Kiki Monroe’s whispers and couldn’t help but open his eyes slightly wider: "Are you sure?"

Kiki Monroe nodded: "I have some understanding of appraising treasures; although I don’t want to let my sister lose face, I certainly don’t want the elderly lady to be deceived..."

Only Howard Rowe was staring at the bracelet, slightly dazed, with some disbelief in his eyes.