Chapter 315

315
Mono shot him an exasperated look and snapped , “ I said not ”
The man’s hair was long enough to just cover his neck , with stim black framed glasses perched steadily on his nose .
Dressed in vintage – style clothing , he exuded a unique aura – timeworn yet pristine .
Already accustomed to rejection , he remained composed and resolute as he stated , “ I won’t give up .”
Mono heaved a weary sigh , his face etched with exhaustion . “ Lincoln Saxon , after all these years , can’t you just let it go already ? ”
Looking back , even before Mono retired , Lincoln was already doggedly pursuing him , pleading to be taken as his disciple . Who would have thought that , even after more than twenty years , to everyone’s surprise , he was still at it ?
No matter where Mono was , Lincoln Saxon would follow like gum stuck to his shoe – impossible to shake off .
Mono felt utterly drained . ‘ With this level of persistence , ‘ he thought , ‘ Lincoln Saxon could master any painting style . Why must he obsess over becoming my apprentice ? ‘
Standing to the side as a witness , Gael could only shake his head helplessly .
He really admired Lincoln’s perseverance .
Over two decades ago , when Lincoln was just a boy , he camped out at Mono’s doorstep day after day , pleading to be taken as his disciple .
Such determination and persistence were far beyond what most people could muster .
Hearing Mono’s words , Lincoln lowered his head slightly and pushed up his glasses , his voice tinged with a subtle grievance . “ Mono , you once promised that if you ever took on a disciple , you’d consider me first . Yet in the end , you chose someone else . ”
“ My disciple is exceptionally gifted – you’re not even in the same league . ” Mono’s words were brutally honest and razor – sharp , like a dagger plunging straight into Lincoln’s heart and lungs , leaving him reeling from the pain ,
Without thinking , Lincoln blurted out , “ Who’s your apprentice , Mono ? Can I meet them ? ”
“ Absolutely not . You’d drive her crazy , ” Mono refused without hesitation .
Even he found it annoying – and that girl cherished her peace and quiet ; she’d be even less tolerant .
“ Mono , ” came a cool , composed female voice from behind .
The three men turned at the sound and saw Aria and Owen walking side by side .
Mono first glanced at Aria , his young apprentice , then let his contemplative gaze linger on Owen’s face .
“ Mono , nice to meet you . I’m Owen Shaw , ” Owen said respectfully with a slight nod .
“ Alright . ” Mono simply nodded , his gaze lingering on Owen a moment longer , a scrutinizing look in his eyes .
Under that gaze , Owen unconsciously straightened his back , feeling a subtle wave of nervousness .
He didn’t know why he was so nervous , and for some reason , it felt just like meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time .
Lincoln turned to Aria and blurted out , “ You’re Mono’s apprentice ? ”
Hearing this , Mono and Gael exchanged a knowing glance , their eyes gleaming with anticipation of the show to come .
1/2
1
10:08 Sat 14 Jung “ u e
315
Arla said coolly , “ Yes . Got a problem ? ”
“ No , ” Lincoln replied , though he was genuinely taken aback by how young Mono’s apprentice was , momentarily at a loss for words
Lincoln stared at Aria , a sense of familiarity nagging at him . “ Mind if I ask your artist name ? ” he asked , curiosity in his voice
“ Mono says you’re exceptionally gifted . I’d really
love to learn from you , ” he added .
He thought to himself , ‘ A painter with such talent should’ve made a name in the art world – maybe I even know her ?
Aria shook her head . “ I don’t have an artist nam
Lincoln , taken aback , asked , “ Wait , you use your legal name too , just like Mono ? ”
Mono stepped in to explain on her behalf , “ Madelyn’s paintings aren’t available on the market . ”
Lincoln instinctively blurted out , “ How could that be ? ”
Mono countered impassively , “ Why not ? ”
Comment