?Chapter 1251:


    The three old men’s faces drew tight with regret, yet they remained bowing.


    If only they hadn’t been so quick to despise Christina just now… maybe things would’ve turned out differently. They might’ve had a shot at learning under her, too. But after years of riding high on their reputations, being praised as masters, they’d gotten cocky.


    Back when Christina’s name first came up—a young woman being called a genius—they’d rolled their eyes, full of pride and prejudice.


    Now they could barely look at her without choking on shame. And they knew it was toote to make it right.


    The bitter mix of regret and frustration twisted in their chests like a knife.


    If mming their heads into a wall could take back their arrogance, they probably would’ve done it.


    Christina stood quietly for a beat, arms crossed, her gaze unreadable. Then she said coolly, “Instead of wasting time, why don’t you go help with the mural restoration? You might actually learn something.”


    If someone snapped a photo right now—three famous experts bowing to her like this—the inte would have a field day. Her name would be dragged through the mud before dinner.


    The message was clear: she wasn’t taking them as apprentices.


    The three men looked at each other, defeat in their eyes.


    Bowing like this wasn’t getting them anywhere—and when the higher-ups came asking why the project had stalled, what were they supposed to say?


    Sighing deeply, they straightened up.


    Their backs were aching so much that they nearly crumbled—but some others rushed over to steady them.


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    Just as they got their footing, their eyesnded on Magnus. And just like that, their regret turned to rage.


    Magnus stood beside Christina, a smug grin on his face, one brow arched like he was daring them to say something.


    Their beards practically bristled with indignation. But beneath their anger was shame.


    It wasn’t just that Magnus had better restoration skills—he had also recognized Christina’s worth long before they ever did.


    He had an eye for talent. He had be her one and only apprentice in cultural relic restoration—and now, he had something they never would.


    Everyone envied him.


    Not just the three of them, but everyone.


    Watching them wallow in their defeat, Magnus’s grin widened ever so slightly.


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