I Became My Son's First Love

Chapter 31

"Concession?"

"Yes."

Eve quickly gazed over the person. The attire she was wearing and her easygoing demeanor indicated that she was a high-born noblewoman.

She appeared to apologize, yet even that seemed respectful.

She did not appear to be fully shameless.

But that wasn't enough to convince Eve to give her the artwork.

Eve responded with a tiny smile.

"I like this painting, too. How about you get a different one?"

There was no reason to upset the other party without knowing their genuine standing.

The woman was displeased with Eve's kind refusal.

"I really want to buy this painting, can't we make it work?"

Despite being turned down, the woman, who did not reveal her family name but instead politely asked again to purchase the painting, appeared to be from a prominent family.

Her sophisticated atmosphere was unique, and her confident posture hinted at her rank.

It was surprising that someone who appeared to have nothing was asking again despite being turned down; she must genuinely want the painting.

Eve's mind started working swiftly.

She planned to depart the capital soon, making it difficult to actively support Rose as before.

It would be ideal if Rose acquired a new patron before then, but if not, he may have to abandon his skill due to poverty.

Eve thought that his financial situation was not ideal.

But then she met this noblewoman who claimed to enjoy his painting and came from a respectable family with a nice reputation.

Eve's eyes lit up as she considered introducing her as a patron.

"May I ask what aspects of the painting you like?"

Eve's inquiry could have been offensive, but the woman gazed back at the painting and responded without hesitation.

"It reminds me of the sky from my memories, I like it."

"Have you seen such a beautiful sky before?"

"Yes, it's a really fond memory."

The woman smiled warmly, as if she was reminiscing.

Her purple eyes returned to the painting, tenderly scanning it.

Eve started asking additional questions, recognizing the woman's attention and liking.

"Do you usually have a lot of interest in paintings?"

"I just look at them when I have time."

"Do you know much about this painter?"

"I've heard he's not well known. But there were a few paintings that I enjoyed. I believe I was too late, as they all appear to have been sold."

She then told how she had missed multiple opportunities to purchase the paintings she desired and had finally discovered one she liked, only to see it sold right in front of her, prompting her to approach Eve.

"There are paintings other than this one. Maybe you'll find a better one at the next exhibition?"

The lady looked down at Eve after seeing something in her tone of voice.

"You have something you want to say to me."

The lady's previously gentle eyes took on a coldness.

Her face, now devoid of the welcoming smile, appeared chilly and serious.

Not only had her appearance changed, but so had the environment surrounding her.

Eve's hypothesis that she wasn't an ordinary person seemed correct.

Based on her experience, tackling such situations full on was preferable to retreating.

"Yes, that's right."

"What is it?"

The fact that the lady did not ignore Eve's statements and instead looked directly at her, waiting for an answer, demonstrated Eve's decision was correct.

Eve got straight to the point.

"Would you be interested in sponsoring the artist?"

The lady shook her head firmly.

"No, I generally don't get involved in that."

That was slightly underwhelming.

However, noting the lady's interest in the painting, Eve reasoned that just because she hadn't done it before didn't mean she couldn't begin now.

"You seem quite interested in art?"

"It has a significant impact, definitely. But I own an art gallery."

Her reaction appeared fun, but the content was too important to ignore.

"An art gallery?"

"Yes."

An art gallery.

It was strange that she had not sponsored anyone yet.

Owning a gallery would be an excellent opportunity to sponsor artists.

Eve considered the art galleries in the capital, realizing she didn't know the owners of several.

"May I ask about the schedule of your gallery?"

"I don't recall any of that. But what is your relationship to the painter?"

The lady's interested glance went across Eve.

She realized she had not yet discussed her friendship with Rose.

"I'm a sponsor."

"Oh, I understand. Hmm, there must be more spectacular paintings than this one!"

Fortunately, the lady did not appear bothered by Eve's probing.

Eve felt more confident and decided to go on.

"It's his first exhibition, so we chose a variety of works, more popular ones."

"Are you suggesting there are better works?"

"Yes."

Eve had been to Rose's studio to help choose submissions for this exhibition and knew there were superior pieces.

They had to exhibit the less remarkable ones first, because the better ones were all quite gloomy and bleak.

They were polarizing works, therefore Eve and Rose resolved to gradually expose his distinct style.

The lady was captivated by Eve's confident demeanor.

"Would it be alright to decide after seeing that painting?"

"Yes, that's fine. I'll speak with the painter about it."

"You don't even know who I am, so what makes you trust me with this?"

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