Old Gods, Rapid-Fire Guns, and Prohibition

Chapter 209 [West's Secret Garden]

"You're too impulsive. You weren't like this before."

After everyone left, Hughes's expression immediately turned serious, and he began to reprimand Ethan.

"Don't you know his skill in classical painting? His connections in the capital are not to be underestimated. You just happened to pick his area of ​​expertise. Don't you know how good his painting 'The Fairy of Spring' is? And you said he was a skilled worker. You're not trying to get me to paint for you, are you? I can't paint as well as him."

Ethan couldn't help but chuckle at the old man's exaggerated expression.

"Don't worry, teacher, I have a way."

Hearing Ethan's words, Hughes sighed: "Fine, I can't control you anymore. If things really don't go smoothly, just say I drew it, that I forced you to do it. I'm old, losing a little reputation doesn't matter to me, but you're different..."

Hearing this, Ethan was somewhat moved.

Actually, to be honest, Hughes was one of the people who treated him very well after he came into this world.

Whether it was helping him get into Winston University in the past, or agreeing to let him come to exchange ideas with the Wang Guo Academy of Fine Arts this time.

It's only right to stand up for him.

"Let's not talk about that. How have you been lately? I heard that Winster had some serious trouble recently. Are you alright?"

As Hughes spoke, he turned his attention to Ethan's current situation.

"I'm fine, teacher."

Ethan continued talking and chatted for a while longer.

Then, he began to introduce the students who had brought him for the exchange to Hughes.

Especially Sofia.

Putting everything else aside, Sofia is indeed very talented in painting.

Ethan showed Hughes several paintings that Sophia had prepared beforehand.

Hughes nodded, then gave Ethan a meaningful look.

"That's a good drawing. Let her learn from me for a couple of days."

"Thank you teacher."

Hughes then made arrangements for the other students as well.

Anyway, they can choose their own departments at the Wangguo Academy of Fine Arts, so they'll stay there this semester.

Accommodation and meals were also taken care of.

Although they didn't receive personal guidance from Hughes, the students were already quite content.

You know, they would never have had the chance to come to the capital, let alone study at the Kingdom's Academy of Fine Arts.

With the important business over, it's time to get down to personal matters.

Ethan had originally intended to invite Hughes to a nice meal.

But Hughes insisted that this was his home turf and that he had to treat everyone.

Ultimately, they went to a relatively private, family-style restaurant.

This family-style restaurant is called West's Secret Garden, and from the outside, you really can't tell it's a restaurant.

Because it is located in a residential area in the west of the city, the house looks quite old from the outside, but the house is very large overall, and once you go inside, it is a completely different world.

It's called a secret garden, and they actually do have one.

Moreover, the garden is exquisitely decorated, quite different from the exterior of the house.

The interior decoration is also unique, with a blend of retro and trendy styles.

It certainly suits the tastes of an old artist like Hughes.

“Speaking of which, West is also your senior, she was my student before. This house is her family’s ancestral property. She was out collecting folk songs a few years ago, but she came back to the capital to settle down in the last two years and simply turned this place into a restaurant, specializing in Midwestern cuisine. It’s very unique, and I like it very much.” Hughes introduced as he led Ethan inside.

Just then, as if they heard the commotion outside, someone came out from inside. Before the person arrived, their voice preceded their arrival.

"Teacher, why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Her voice was charming yet powerful; you could tell from her voice that she was no ordinary woman.

Sure enough, a graceful woman soon emerged.

The woman was in her early thirties, with long, fiery red hair and a great figure. She wore a tight-fitting leather dress, and her every smile and gesture exuded charm.

Moreover, Ethan smelled a familiar scent on her.

"It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and besides, you don't usually have many customers, do you?"

Hughes was joking when he said the second half of his sentence.

West then went along with it and started to whine, "Teacher, look at what you're saying, isn't it because you didn't bring me more guests?"

Seeing her charming smile, Hughes quickly begged for mercy: "Alright, alright, I'll introduce you to more friends next time. Come, come, let me introduce you. This is Ethan, your junior brother."

“Ethan? Ethan Poletta? That’s a big star! Let me take a good look at him.” West’s eyes lit up at the words and she stepped forward.

At that moment, two people suddenly stood in front of Ethan. They were none other than Anya and Sophia.

It has to be said that this is the first time the two of them have been so in sync.

"Oh my, it seems our junior brother is quite popular with women. But with his good looks and talent, it's no surprise."

West wasn't embarrassed at all; instead, she giggled.

Ethan couldn't help but cough, squeezing his way out between the two girls, and said with a smile, "Hello, senior sister, your secret garden is really nice. I'll bring my friends next time."

"That would be great. Junior brother is a big star, so he must know a lot of big stars too. You should introduce him to your senior sister properly."

The group of people exchanged pleasantries as they walked into the house.

It has to be said that this senior, West, is indeed very good at handling things and takes good care of everyone. Even Anya and Sophia, who were initially very hostile towards her, relaxed later on.

The food at this restaurant is also very good; the steak, bread, soup, and barbecue are all very distinctive.

Just as the group was enjoying their meal, West made an excuse to come out, and a little while later, another person also came out.

This person was none other than Marcel, his senior.

He walked into the garden and saw West leaning against a pillar, a tortoiseshell ring on the little finger of his left hand, smoking a cigarette with his eyes slightly narrowed.

"Tell me, what happened today?"

Marcel nodded and began to speak softly.

"This Ethan is too arrogant. I don't think he's suitable. If he keeps making enemies like this, he'll be expelled from the art world sooner or later."

Finally, he said.

“You don’t understand. It doesn’t matter what he does in art; that’s not what we should focus on. What I value is him as a person.”

West shook his head, then slowly exhaled a fine, dreamlike smoke ring.

"Him? What's wrong with him?"

Marcel was puzzled.

"That's why I want you to pay more attention to other things, instead of always focusing on those old things in the art world. Our junior brother is no ordinary person, he..."

West laughed, and a beauty mark at the corner of her eye appeared perfectly, making her incredibly charming.

"But he is the King of the Underground in Winston."

(End of this chapter)