Amidst the flurry of activity in the banquet hall, with guests engrossed in interviews with renowned artists ArtMax had invited, Zach discreetly borrowed Calliso's cellphone and slipped away to a quieter corner. Nerves twisting inside him, he dialed his own number, hoping for a reply, only to hear it ring unanswered. Despite multiple attempts, disappointment set in as his calls remained unanswered. Resigned, he left a message using Calliso's phone, assuring himself he'd try again later, then returned to their table and handed the phone back to his friend.
"Thanks," Zach said as he dropped into the chair. "Have you talked to anyone yet?"
"Yeah, that lady over there, Canaloza Vosso. Pretty striking name, huh?" Calliso replied.
"What'd you ask her?" Zach leaned in, genuinely curious.
"How she got started, and what it takes to get noticed," Calliso said with a small laugh, eyes on the floor. "She didn't sugarcoat it - first skill, then connections." He exhaled. "We've got the skill; now we just need the connections... which I don't have."
Zach nudged his friend's shoulder. "Then let's be painters who make their own way. It might be slow, but it'll be worth it."
Calliso's lips curled into a playful smile. "In that case, I'll need a better name, something cooler. What do you think of Calliso Abnozzo?" he said, clearly pleased with himself.
Zach let out a chuckle.
After spending over three hours in the hall, they were summoned to return to their bus. During the journey back to the hotel, Zach once more borrowed his Calliso's phone and attempted to call his own number. Despite it ringing, there was no response on the other end, leaving him feeling disappointed again.
The next day, they commenced their ten-day training at the Milderton Arts Academy, renowned as the third most luxurious arts school globally. Among the students, they noticed individuals hailing from affluent backgrounds, including families of celebrities and prominent businessmen. The technological equipment at the academy was notably advanced, further enhancing the learning experience.
Every day, Zach kept calling his phone, but it never went answered, only the endless ringing.
On their nineteenth day in Melbourne city, they attended an auction where Zach's painting was among the five selected for public sale. Six bidders showed interest in his artwork. Ultimately, a Chinese woman won the bid, offering twenty-seven thousand dollars for it. Thirty percent of the proceeds would benefit his school, while Zach would receive the remaining seventy percent.
"You're one lucky guy. How much are you getting?" Calliso asked Zach.
"Um... around nineteen," he replied.
"Wow. You'll go home with nineteen thousand bucks in your pocket," Calliso exclaimed.
"I'm considering buying a car for my grandfather," Zach said. "We could also throw a party in our room. What do you think?"
"Oh, yeah. I like room parties. I can drink until I pass out," Calliso joked.
Zach chuckled in response.
Calliso glanced around at the well-to-do crowd surrounding them at their table. "Must be nice being super rich like these people."
Zach followed suit, observing the scene.
"I'd love to be loaded, you know, being able to buy whatever I want without stressing about the price tag," Calliso commented, then turned to Zach. "What about you?"
YOU ARE READING
Divine & Wicked: The Strayed Memories (Book2)
Fantasy(Fantasy•Romance) COMPLETED Zach awoke a few days after his surgery, his mind foggy and his heart empty, as though his life had been reset. He moved through what he believed was his normal routine, unaware that fragments of a forgotten past were slo...
