To him, that was ludicrous. Clearly, Kenneth was no longer the sharp teacher he once was, now opting for a toddler instead of more mature students.

“Hawley Chavez, you're still the same," Kenneth retorted, unfazed.

Confused, Hawley inquired, "What do you mean by that?"

"You're still as shortsighted as ever," Kenneth elaborated.

Hawley's expression turned sour with irritation, but then he considered the possibility of Kenneth's reputation being tarnished by the end of the event.

Feeling in a better mood, he remarked, "Shortsighted, really? I'd never stake my reputation on a five-year-old.”

Kenneth, eager to end the conversation, suggested, “Perhaps you should check on your own student."

Confidently, Hawley responded, “The student I've trained doesn't require my constant supervision like yours does. Just wait and see how remarkable my student's work will be."

Observing that his barbs didn't disturb Kenneth, Hawley looked visibly disappointed.

Kenneth mocked, "If you're not here to guide, then what the hell are you even doing here?"

Hawley looked quite annoyed. "You..." he started, but Kenneth wasn't having any of it. He simply shifted his focus back to Jerrold's painting, occasionally offering some pointers. “Jerrold, maybe pause here and consider this section carefully."

Jerrold stopped painting, closely examined his work, immediately noticed the problem, and began correcting it.

Noticing this, Hawley turned away in frustration, exhaled sharply, and stormed toward the door. As he left, he threw a parting shot at Kenneth. "Just wait, Kenneth. I'll show you the true face of genius!"

Kenneth didn't let the words bother him.

Shortly after, the emcee's cheerful voice filled the space. "Time's up, kids! Grab your artworks and let's move to the exhibit hall. It's time to kick off the show and auction."

Jerrold added a few last strokes to his painting. Kenneth, admiring the piece before him, smiled and complimented, “Beautiful work! Your skills are truly improving. I'm proud of you. Let's head out."

Jerrold nodded in agreement and they both left the room.

Outside, they observed many kids with their mentors, each carefully placing their paintings into the display cabinets.

The visitors began to meander about, taking in the variety of creations on display.

Jerrold and Kenneth searched for an available spot. It appeared that most spaces were already occupied.

They eventually spotted an open space on a different wall and had just managed to hang the painting when they overheard someone boasting nearby. “Kenneth, come see what my student has achieved. Give us your feedback."

Just as Hawley finished speaking, a tall man stopped in front of his student's painting, his eyes widening in awe.

"This is really something," the tall man murmured.

He turned and called to his friends, "You have to come check this out; it's definitely a collector's item!"