Chapter 217
217
217
Hannah was all smiles , never noticing the mocking curve of Mono’s lips . Forcing a master to accept a student in public ? Only a fool would do such a thing
Mono was about to speak when the Secretary General , Westin Deleon , burst out of the Fine Art Society with a group of teachers , grasping Mond’s arm .
“ Professor ”
Westin was one of Mono’s former students at Mandino University – he’d managed to make a lasting impression simply by being persistent enough .
After graduating , Westin had quickly risen to become Secretary General .
Westin’s interruption broke the moment . Mono ignored Liam and Hannah , litting his chin as he walked in . “ What’s the rush , Westin ? I’m not about to make a run for it . ”
Outside , Liam sighed , troubled , “ Mano really doesn’t like me .
Hannah patted his arm reassuringly . “ Don’t worry . Mono likes Collin and takes him as an apprentice , getting a painting won’t be a problem . ”
Liam wasn’t convinced . “ Mono must have extremely high standards for taking students . ”
Hannah sounded absolutely sure of herself . “ That’s not necessarily true . No one’s ever seen Mono’s apprentice – or their work . If they were truly that good , why keep everything a secret ? I bet Collin will blow Mono’s student out of the water . ”
She spoke with such certainty , Liam started to wonder if the Gibson family had some kind of hidden ace
Inside , Westin caned his neck , locking around . “ Professor Mono , is my seniornot coming ? ”
Mono had once shown his students a copy made by his apprentice – the nature had been so sloppy everyone just assumed it was some guy
Mononever bothered to correct them
“ Well , Don’t mention it , ” Mono replied coolly , “ but this time , I did bring something with me . ”
He glanced at Gael , who immediately lowered one of the suitcases to the ground and unzipped it .
Inside was a canvas , wrapped in plain white cloth .
“ Westin’s eyes lit up . He could barely contain his excitement . “ is this one of yours ? Are you planning a big return ? ”
“ This is my apprentice’s work . Take a look and decide if it’s good enough for your exhibition , ” Mono replied . There was a trace of pride in his voice though he’d never admit i
Westin grinned . “ Professor , you’re joking . Your apprentice’s work is definitely worthy . I’m dying to see it .”
With bated breath , Westin carefully placed the frame on the rack to the left . Mono watched without a word .
Westin slowly lifted the who cloth .
All eyes were drawn to the painting . The entire canvas was a swirl of black – unfriendly at first glance , chaotic lines circling round and round , creating a dark vortex at the center .
And at the very heart of that darkness , a single fed eye stared back , as if ready to pull the viewer into the abyss .
The teachers drew closer , each transfixed by the painting .
The longer they stared , the more they say buried in the tangled lines were countless pairs of eyes , each expressing something different .
1/2
13:03 Tue , 10 Jun
217
Everyone tried to pick out the pair that called to them .
Finally , Gael draped the white cloth back over the canvas , snapping them all out of their trance .
The room was silent , the shock palpable .
This painting was electrifying – almost unsettling .
Westin’s chest heaved as he tried to calm his racing heart .
Suddenly , he understood why Mono had only shown them copies back in university ,
They wouldn’t have been able to handle this style back then , it would have thrown their entire worldview into chaos .
Mono signaled to Gael again , who produced a second painting and set it up .
This one was of mountains and streams , serene and gentle , washing away the oppressive darkness of the first .
Westin couldn’t help but exclaim , “ Isn’t this the one the Society put in our permanent collection ? How is it here with you ? ”
Mono’s smile was deep and knowing “ Look again . ”