Read More

Chapter 405

Mila smiled, feeling happy that she could help Sienna. She had long set aside her worries about Fenna
and Nathan.
As Sienna was about to enjoy her pie, she asked, “Wanda, I read in the news that one of your paintings
is valued at millions of dollars. Is that true?”
Mila’s gentle smile lingered as she placed her fork down, delicately dabbing her mouth with a napkin.
“Yes, some of them are, but not all. The prices range from tens of thousands to several hundred
thousand dollars for the more common pieces.”
Sienna was puzzled. “Why are they priced so high?”
Mila let out a sigh. “Art certainly requires talent, but it’s often driven by hype and the influence of fame.
“When I first began painting online for charity, my father secretly purchased one of my pieces. for an
astounding two million dollars.
“However, I donated the entire amount to schools in rural areas. That’s when I suddenly gained
overnight fame, and things just took off from there.”
Sienna chimed in, “That’s why your paintings are seen as worth millions in the public eye, with
collectible value. People have even started studying your style and making replicas of your artworks.”
Mila nodded in response.
As Sienna savored her pie, she mused, “The world of the wealthy is something I’ll never truly grasp, but
I envy you for having a father who loves you deeply.”
Mila stole a glance at Sienna, detecting a touch of melancholy and sorrow in her eyes as she
mentioned her father.
“Sienna, how has your father been doing health–wise?” Mila asked.
“My father passed away last month,” Sienna revealed, her voice trembling with emotion as she lowered
her head.
Mila was taken aback, unsure of how to offer comfort in such a moment.
Having spent all her savings on treatment and accumulating debts, Sienna’s father finally underwent
surgery. Things seemed to be looking up when, unexpectedly, he passed away.
Misfortune always appeared to target those already struggling with difficulties, underscoring the harsh
reality of dealing with terminal illnesses.
Mila gently clasped Sienna’s hand, expressing her sympathy as she apologized. Sienna responded
with her brightest and most resilient smile, gently shaking her head to convey that everything was okay.
After all, that was all in the past now.
After a moment of contemplation, Mila changed the topic. “Sienna, were you a volunteer counselor at a
psychiatric hospital before?”
painting.
The crowd of spectators kept growing.
Word spread rapidly that the renowned artist Inkwell was offering complimentary paintings, resulting in
Sienna’s products selling out.
This sparked a frenzy as people flocked to Sienna’s stall, eager to purchase anything just so they could
get a free painting.
“100 dollars, 1000 dollars, 10000 dollars. I’ll buy anything, just let me get a free painting,” they pleaded.
Sienna had underestimated Inkwell’s fame. Even the tables and chairs from her stall were swiftly
claimed by eager buyers.
As the demand for free paintings surged and many were left empty–handed, it caught the attention of
numerous journalists and media outlets.
Inkwell’s presence caused a surge of visitors to the entire street, boosting the businesses of all the
vendors.
Within just two hours, she became a trending topic online.
“Inkwell Offers Free Paintings at the Riverbank.”
Inside the restaurant, Mila enjoyed every bite of the shepherd’s pie that Sienna had kindly treated her
to.
Sienna sat in a daze, constantly scrolling through her phone, still trying to process what had just
happened.
She had always known Mila was talented, but witnessing firsthand the impact of someone truly
exceptional was beyond her wildest imagination.
“How much did you make today?” Mila asked curiously.
Sienna set down her phone, nervously swallowing. “Well, I only had a few hundred dollars. worth of
merchandise, but I earned over 3000 dollars.
“The customers were like madmen, constantly shoving money at me. They even took the box where I
kept my change and paid me a hundred just for that battered box,” she exclaimed incredulously.
Mila smiled, feeling happy that she could help Sienna. She had long set aside her worries about Fenna
and Nathan.
As Sienna was about to enjoy her pie, she asked, “Wanda, I read in the news that one of your paintings
is valued at millions of dollars. Is that true?”
Mila’s gentle smile lingered as she placed her fork down, delicately dabbing her mouth with a napkin.
“Yes, some of them are, but not all. The prices range from tens of thousands to several hundred
thousand dollars for the more common pieces.”
Sienna was puzzled. “Why are they priced so high?”
Mila let out a sigh. “Art certainly requires talent, but it’s often driven by hype and the influence of fame.
“When I first began painting online for charity, my father secretly purchased one of my pieces for an
astounding two million dollars.
“However, I donated the entire amount to schools in rural areas. That’s when I suddenly gained
overnight fame, and things just took off from there.”
Sienna chimed in, “That’s why your paintings are seen as worth millions in the public eye, with
collectible value. People have even started studying your style and making replicas of your artworks.”
Mila nodded in response.
As Sienna savored her pie, she mused, “The world of the wealthy is something I’ll never truly grasp, but
I envy you for having a father who loves you deeply.”
Mila stole a glance at Sienna, detecting a touch of melancholy and sorrow in her eyes as she
mentioned her father.
“Sienna, how has your father been doing health–wise?” Mila asked.
“My father passed away last month,” Sienna revealed, her voice trembling with emotion as she lowered
her head.
Mila was taken aback, unsure of how to offer comfort in such a moment.
Having spent all her savings on treatment and accumulating debts, Sienna’s father finally underwent
surgery. Things seemed to be looking up when, unexpectedly, he passed away.
Misfortune always appeared to target those already struggling with difficulties, underscoring the harsh
reality of dealing with terminal illnesses.
Mila gently clasped Sienna’s hand, expressing her sympathy as she apologized. Sienna responded
with her brightest and most resilient smile, gently shaking her head to convey that everything was okay.
After all, that was all in the past now.
After a moment of contemplation, Mila changed the topic. “Sienna, were you a volunteer counselor at a
psychiatric hospital before?”
Sienna affirmed with a nod. “Yes, I provided free counseling to patients battling depression.” Mila
thought it over before suggesting, “I have a part–time job opportunity available. It pays 2000 dollars a
day. Would you be interested?”
Sienna was taken aback, her hands instinctively covering her chest as she joked, “What kind of part–
time job pays such a high rate? You’re not suggesting I sell my body, are you?”
Mila chuckled at the playful remark, shaking her head. “What on earth are you thinking? Do I look like a
pimp to you?”
Sienna laughed along. “I’m just pulling your leg.”
“I admire your optimistic outlook. I believe you’d be a great fit,” Mila remarked sincerely.
Intrigued, Sienna asked, “So, what’s this part–time job all about?”
Leaning in closer, Mila placed her hands on the table and whispered, “It involves working as a
psychological counselor and caregiver for Daniel.”
Sienna frowned. “Who’s Daniel?”
“He’s Nathan’s older brother. Daniel used to serve as a respected anti–drug officer, but he’s
experienced significant physical and mental trauma.
“Now, he’s completely incapacitated–blind, unable to walk–and, most importantly, he’s lost his will to
live. He’s grappling with severe psychological issues and has become utterly despondent.”
Sienna covered her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears as she murmured sympathetically, ” An anti–
drug officer? Even if there was no pay involved, I’d still want to help. I’ll volunteer for the role.”