My feelings of admiration for him grew deeper. After bidding goodbye to Ansley, I went to look for Christopher with a joyful heart. I had barely taken a couple of steps when I heard Remington asking him, “Master, can you really tell a person’s character through a painting? When will I be able to do that?”
“Nonsense!” Ansley stroked his beard like a mischievous old man, then he winked and said, “I’m not a deity of wisdom. How can I tell an artist’s character by looking at her art? That Crystal was obviously up to no good as she was giving an elderly man like me seductive looks. I certainly won’t help her. As for this lady, she is a friend of yours and you are my buddy. Of course, I stand by you. Come on, I’ve kept a bottle of good wine. Let’s go and enjoy it.”
When I heard this, I nearly stumbled and fell. I had thought that he had the wisdom of the gods! It turned out that he was just down to earth.
After a while, Christopher and I went on to admire the paintings of other artists. I noticed him standing in front of one piece for a long time. It was a painting of a beautiful girl, whose genitals were obscured by a fig leave. So, I asked, “Are you standing there, waiting for the leave to fall?”
“I believe many have stood right here waiting. I’m not the first to do so,” Christopher replied solemnly as if what I said was true.
Suddenly, a journalist came toward us holding a microphone. “Excuse me, dear lady from afar, are you the author of ‘Moonlight Heaven’?”
“Yes, I am!” I cleared my throat as I changed my facial expression from being playful with Christopher just now to something more serious.
“It has been said that you are able to take part in this exhibition and gain praise from Ansley because of your connections with Remington. Is this true?”
I was speechless for a moment. He had come to find fault. I narrowed my eyes and glanced at the reporting, replying to him in an icy tone. “I heard that your country is governed by strict laws. Defamation is considered a serious crime. Do you think the courts would take action if I sue you for defamation?
“Certainly not. There is much emphasis on freedom of speech in our country. Ms. Tanner, since you have risen in the ranks in the field of art because of personal relations, why are you afraid of being talked about?”
The journalist was undaunted by my cold tone and icy demeanor. On the contrary, he used my words against me. “The place where your painting now hangs was originally occupied by Jonah Deere’s work. However, after his work was replaced by yours, he was out of the art exhibition. Consequently, he was so upset, he attempted suicide. Fortunately, he was discovered on time and his life was saved. What is your comment on this?”
After being framed by Monica and Crystal, I was really numb to this kind of accusation. I kept calm and said quietly, “Are you saying that you question Ansley’s authority? Do you think that a brilliant wise man like him can easily be bought by others? Or do you think that a great artist like him can still succumb to bribery?”
I pointed at the wall at will. It was Mr. Ansley’s painting. “This piece titled, ‘Hope’ is one of Mr. Ainsley’s collection. Someone once wanted to pay more than 300 million to purchase the painting but he was not willing to part with it. Do you think Ansley is short of money?”
“Of course Ansley, the great master, is not short of money, but he values his friends very much. Since Remington is the only friend he has made in recent years, you, as his girlfriend, can be helped along by means of special favors. According to the words of your country, it is basically a matter of course.” The reporter was a little speechless when questioned by me, so he began to make wild accusations.
Pfft! I almost choked on my own saliva, so I patted my chest and looked at Christopher who was smiling at me. He hugged me in front of the reporter and asked with a smile: “Dear, when did you become Remington’s girlfriend? How come I don’t know? As your husband, I am rather amused.”
