?Chapter 819:


    “Atst, we’re about to see the contest kick off! I’ve been waiting for this all week. Maybe the judges will actually choose the theme I sent in.”


    “Just thinking about it gives me chills. Mariana’s Raging Waves is unforgettable, and Maia’s Rebirth still has people talking. Who knows what kind of art they’ll create today?”


    With renewed energy, the reporters wasted no time adjusting their cameras and microphones.


    Above the swell of cheers, Grover made his way to the front and lifted his hand, signaling the crowd to settle down. “Distinguished guests, esteemed judges, and friends in the audience, wee to this highly anticipated art showdown! Now that our artists are ready, I’m pleased to dere thepetition officially open.” He paused, letting his gaze sweep over the room. “Since yesterday, we’ve received over three hundred different theme submissions. Suggestions have ranged from portraits andndscapes to abstract pieces, realism, still life, culture, legends, fantasy, and themes about emotion.”


    Attention then shifted as Grover turned to the ss container positioned center stage. He slipped his hand inside the round slot on top. “Next, I will draw the theme for today’s painting.”


    A hush swept through the venue. Every eye locked on Grover as he searched for the winning slip. He moved with agonizing patience, slowly pulling out a single folded note. His fingers unfolded it one corner at a time, eyes narrowing as he read the contents.


    A split secondter, people caught a glimpse of his troubled expression. Tension buzzed in the air.<fna922> The source of th?s content is find[f]ovel</fna922>


    Many in the audience couldn’t help but whisper among themselves. “What’s going on with Grover? He doesn’t look happy.”


    “Did we end up with something bizarre?”


    “I can’t take it! Please, just announce the theme!”


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    Dozens of gazes bore into the paper Grover clutched.


    Just then, Grover’s brow glistened with sweat. His mind raced to find the right words for Alice.


    He had genuinely rejected Kiley’s plea for special treatment. He had left the process fair and untouched.


    But even so, confusion flooded his thoughts. Why did it have to turn out like this?


    All he could do now was hope that Maia had some skill or inspiration for this unexpected theme and style.


    Grover lifted his head slowly, his gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd before his steady voice cut through the murmur. “Today’s painting duel theme is portraiture, with a focus on realism.”


    The moment his words settled, excited chatter erupted from the audience once again.


    A satisfied smile curved Kiley’s lips. Yesterday’s rejection from Grover had only motivated her to work behind the scenes, pulling strings to orchestrate this very moment. Simple portraiture might allow Maia to produce something decent, but the realism requirement would create an insurmountable gap between her and Mariana.


    Realistic painting demanded that the artist capture subjects exactly as they appeared, revealing their natural beauty through precise, vivid detail. Such work required exceptional skill and masterful brushwork.


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