Chapter 159

Nolan Reed rallied his four trainees for an impromptu street performance. "You two, go borrow some swords," he directed. "The rest, help me set up."

Determined to outshine Damian Cross, Nolan had secured two brand-new martial arts uniforms from an acquaintance. "This will blow everyone away," he declared confidently.

Meanwhile, Aria Bennett arranged her clay sculpting tools outside a shop.

"Ms. Bennett, are we doing live sculpting?" Leo Brooks asked excitedly.

Aria nodded. "Right here. You boys handle crowd control."

"Leave it to us!" Leo thumped his chest. He and Owen Parker immediately began calling out: "Custom clay figurines! Limited availability!"

Tourists quickly gathered at the commotion.

"Oh my God, it's Aria Bennett!" A teenage girl dragged her younger sister forward, eyes sparkling. "Aria, you really do clay sculptures?"

"Any design you'd like," Aria smiled.

"Could you make one of my sister?" the girl asked hopefully.

"Of course." Aria's fingers danced across the clay with practiced ease.

Live comments exploded:

[Those are professional-grade skills!]

[My grandma sculpted for 50 years and wasn't this good]

[Is this CGI?]

Within ten minutes, a lifelike miniature of the younger girl emerged.

"It's perfect!" the crowd murmured in awe. After adding delicate paint details, Aria presented it. "For you."

The child cradled her likeness. "Thank you!"

The older girl flushed with excitement. "Could I get one too?"

"Absolutely." Aria's gentle smile never wavered as she created another masterpiece.

"How much for both?" The girl reached for her wallet.

Aria waved her off. "The child's is free. Twenty for yours."

"That's practically giving it away!" the girl gasped.

Aria winked. "Fan discount."

"I love you, Aria!" the girl squealed, hopping in place.

Aria formed a heart with her fingers. "Love you back."

The crowd erupted:

"I want one!"

"Do my son next!"

"Form a line!"

Leo quickly organized the queue while live comments scrolled wildly:

[She should open a studio]

[Twenty bucks? That's charity work!]

[Starlings are so lucky]

[Can I still catch a flight?]

Soon, #AriaBennettClayMagic trended nationally, leaving publicity-hungry celebrities green with envy.

The gap between genuine talent and manufactured fame had never been clearer.