Chapter 97: Taking on an Apprentice

Royce composed himself, nodded slightly at Amelia, and said, "Hello."

His eyes were still red.

Seeing this, Alice thought she should introduce Amelia to Royce. She said with a smile, "Mr. Greer, this is Amelia, the granddaughter of Carl, who is known as the 'Virtuoso of the Artistry,' and the creator of the Oak Tree painting."

Royce's eyes lit up, and he looked at Amelia with great interest, nodding continuously.

He praised Amelia and said, "Each generation is wiser than the last."

As he spoke, he stared at Amelia with an expression full of admiration for her talent.

He had a look of eagerness to find a worthy student.

Amelia felt a bit flattered.

Royce stroked his graying beard and asked with a smile, "Amelia, are you interested in the restoration of ancient cameo glass?"

Amelia thought for a moment. As a painter facing a creative block, she was indeed interested in the field of restoration. She smiled and nodded, saying, "I am very interested in cameo glass restoration."

Royce pondered for a moment and asked her, "Would you like to learn?"

"Yes," Amelia replied.

Royce stroked his graying beard again and asked solemnly, "How about learning from me? I happen to need one last and most important apprentice."

Amelia was so surprised that she couldn't speak. Her eyes wide open as if she couldn't believe what was happening.

She hadn't expected that attending a painting review would meet the esteemed restoration expert Royce, who wanted to take her as an apprentice. Most importantly, it was their first meeting!

Moreover, in her understanding, the craft of restoration was usually passed down within families.

It was not something taught to outsiders.

Seeing Amelia looking as if she had been struck by lightning, Alice nudged her with her elbow and reminded her, "Amelia, quickly agree to Mr. Greer. Mr. Greer doesn't take on apprentices easily. Many people have wanted to learn from him, but he refused them."

Amelia was very happy because being able to learn from Royce would greatly enhance her painting skills.

She said with a sincere expression, "Mr. Greer, can I really?"

Royce nodded approvingly, "You have the potential to be a good student. However, in addition to cameo glass restoration, I also specialize in ancient painting restoration. The requirements are high which demands hard work, patience, and meticulousness. Once you start learning from me, you must not give up halfway or lack perseverance. Can you commit to learning until the end?"

Amelia was surprised to know that he also specialized in ancient painting restoration.

She smiled and said, "I can meet all your basic requirements. Besides, learning from Mr. Greer is my good fortune."

Royce's previous sadness vanished and he laughed heartily.

At that moment, Delbert, noticing the three of them gathered together, came over to see what was happening. Royce took the opportunity to say to Delbert, "Amelia is very smart. The more I see her, the more I like her."

After some discussion, Delbert learned that Royce wanted to take Amelia as an apprentice.

He immediately congratulated both of them and suggested, "Why not hold an apprenticeship ceremony soon? What do you all think?"

"Good. I'll go home first and visit you in a few days," Amelia agreed.

Royce also smiled and said, "Alright, I have a batch of ancient paintings that need restoration. You can visit me then."

With that, they exchanged WhatsApp contacts.

Royce also sent his home address to Amelia and felt particularly gratified that his lifelong knowledge would finally have a successor.

He had previously taken on a few apprentices, but the most talented one had used the craft to seek fame and fortune, eventually becoming an official.

The others were diligent but had average talent and did not achieve much.

He wanted to take on someone like Amelia, who had both talent and patience, and could focus on this field.

In time, when she became famous in the restoration world, everyone would know she was Royce's apprentice. Of course, these were secondary.

The most important thing was that she looked very much like his daughter when she was young, with a similar gentle and elegant temperament.

Amelia and Alice then bid farewell to Royce and Delbert with smiles and happily took her silver award back to The Martin Villa.

In the evening, when Ryan returned home, there was no expected warm embrace.

Instead, a light was on. He glanced at the shiny silver cup under the light.

Ryan smiled and thought it wasn't bad that she had won a silver award.

He then went upstairs. Amelia had just finished her bath. She saw Ryan come in and thought she should discuss with him about Royce wanting to take her as an apprentice.

Before she could speak, Ryan congratulated her, "You did well, bringing home a silver award."

Amelia blushed and replied, "Did you just realize today that I'm capable?"

"I've always known our Amelia is amazing; I just decided to praise you today," Ryan said, hugging her waist.

Amelia was thinking about the important matter and told Ryan, "I'll be very busy from now on. I found a teacher who will teach me the techniques of restoring ancient paintings and cameo glass."

Ryan's previously smiling face turned serious and he asked sternly, "Is the teacher a man or a woman?"

"A man," Amelia answered truthfully.

Ryan pulled Amelia to the bed and asked nervously, "Why does he want to take you as an apprentice? How old is he? Does he have any ulterior motives?"

Amelia was stunned and hadn't answered yet when Ryan decisively said, "Decline it."

Amelia smiled helplessly, "Before asking for your opinion, I knew you wouldn't let me learn. You're affecting my future."

Ryan was silent for a moment, then rubbed her hair, "Your Oak Tree painting has already made you famous, and you don't lack money. Compared to many people, you're a winner in life."

Amelia replied, "People can't be stuck in one place for a lifetime. That's why I want to strive. I want to learn cameo glass restoration, ancient painting restoration, and more. I want to be so excellent that your father will never look down on me again."

The words Alexander had said to her were deeply hurtful and had left a lasting impression on her, a sense of shame she could never forget.

Ryan's eyes darkened and he gently kissed her eyes, saying softly, "Don't worry about him. With Sophia's recent incident, he'll be quiet for a while."

Amelia didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "The one who wants to take me as an apprentice is Royce."

"Royce? The expert in painting authentication and a titan in the restoration field?" Ryan asked in surprise, then pondered, "He's fine. Go ahead and learn."

Amelia raised an eyebrow and said, "You said it. Don't start picking on things when I really start learning from him."

Ryan affectionately pinched her chin and said softly, "I won't. I know Royce; he's a decent person."

Most importantly, he was over eighty years old and posed no threat to him.