Chapter 229

“Ms. Davis, how could you say things like that? You don’t know how amazing Angeline is,” Ingrid said earnestly. Ingrid, who once emulated and followed Angeline’s footsteps, knew all too well just how formidable Angeline was.
“You’re always so naive. You boost others’ morale at your own expense! Aren’t you impressive too? You’re now an international superstar!” Linda chided while tapping Ingrid’s forehead lightly. “Let’s go.”
Eddie noticed Angeline immediately upon her entering the studio. He was sitting in a rocking chair, sipping his tea.
“Ah, Angeline!” he exclaimed.
Eddie stood up and greeted Angeline with a smile while still wearing his work apron.
“Mr. Reynolds, how are you?” Angeline asked smilingly.
She walked over and supported Eddie by the arm.
“I’m very well, thanks to you,” Eddie replied cheerfully.
“You convinced me to participate in that medical trial. My old body wouldn’t have lasted this long if you hadn’t.”
He chuckled and pulled Angeline to take a seat.
“Come, sit down!”
Angeline explained her visit’s purpose.
“I remembered you talking about your new works. So I stopped by, hoping to be lucky enough to see them. My family is having a birthday, and they love your work. I wanted to do something special for them.” She sat on a small chair and accepted the snacks Eddie offered.
“Ms. Angeline, you’ve come at the perfect time,” Eddie’s apprentice, Mark Goodman, said as he approached with a teacup.
He placed it on the small bamboo table.
“A new piece called ‘Renewal’ was finished this morning. Mr. Reynolds planned to gift it to you!”
“Forget about the tea for now,” Eddie said excitedly.
He stood up and beckoned Angeline.
“Come, let me show you. I’ve kept it hidden away. It’s not even in the gallery.”
Eddie led Angeline away just as a studio staff member approached Mark.
“Mr. Goodman, that star Ingrid is here.
Re She’s looking to buy Mr.
Reynolds’ work in the gallet
don’t you go check it out?” S
SWI
“Alright. I’ll head there now,” Mark replied as he removed his apron.
Ingrid and Linda were in the
the artworks for sale,
her arms and frowned
scanned the room, Content
“Didn’t we just see Angeline enter? Where did she go?”
“Good day,” Mark greeted politely as he entered.
“May I know what type of pieces you’re looking for? I can give you recommendations for a gift or personal collection.”
Linda glanced behind Mark and inquired with a smile, “Are there any other customers here today?”
“Right now, only both of you are in the exhibition hall,” Mark replied.
Ingrid quickly intervened to stop Linda from prodding further.
“I have a foreign friend deeply interested in our culture. Mr. Reynolds works are invaluable. I came today in hopes of acquiring one of his pieces. However, it seems none of his works are in this exhibition hall.”
“Mr. Reynolds has been in poor health for years and has retired,” Mark explained apologetically.
He then introduced the other artworks in the hall.
“These pieces by my seniors are also excellent. They make great gifts for foreign friends.”
“We are interested in Mr. Reynolds’ brand,” Linda stated outright.
“Please understand, the person before you is Ingrid, an international star. Money isn’t an issue for her.”
Mark remained calm.
“It’s not about the money. Truly, he has stepped back due to health reasons.”
“There are still some works left, then,” Linda said with a smile.
Her tone became more assertive.