A languid voice cut through the chaos. Immediately all eyes moved towards the grand entrance. The crowd there parted and revealed a young man of about 25 years. He had curly blond hair, wore sunglasses, as well as shorts and a shit. However, only those in the know realized that this simply outfit was worth more than two thousand Dourus.
Valentino also glanced over his shoulder. He recognized the man he had seen on Snapshot. It was indeed Leon Denner. Before anyone else could say something, Valentino puffed out his chest.
"Mister Denner. Nice to meet you. I am Valentino Amico. We have an appointment."
"Oh?"
Leon looked Valentino up and down before a smiled formed on his lips. Noticing his reaction everyone else was stunned. Could it be that this shabby-looking man really had an appointment with the Leon Denner?
"So you are Valentino? I have been waiting for you!"
Leon laughed lightly. He walked forward and raised his hand. Valentino was somewhat confused. After a second of hesitation, he mirrored the gesture. Leon saw this and clapped hands with Valentino. Although it all looked pretty awkward Leon didn't show any embarrassment, saying:
"Well, this still needs some practice."
"Ah, yes…"
"Let's go. There are too many people here. We will continue the conversation in my suite."
With those words Leon turned around and strutted through the crowd. Valentino hastily followed him. Meanwhile the old man was like a statue, not daring to utter a single word. He didn't get angry by Leon's disregard for him but instead felt immense relief. He knew that his current wealth was greatly dependent on the Denner family. If he truly angered Leon, he would be in big trouble. Luckily, Leon didn't look like he would remember the scene just now in the future. However, the same couldn't be said for Valentino. The old man's face was already branded in his mind…
But right now, there were more important matters at hand. Valentino followed Leon into the Three Towers hotel and couldn't help but be amazed by the surroundings. When Valentino was still going by the name Norman Quipp, he amassed a considerable wealth through his art. He had seen his fare share of luxury. But this was more than twenty years ago and since then the world had changed quite a bit. There was a big difference between luxury then and now.
Thus, as Valentino surveyed the surroundings, he only felt amazement, The hotel lobby was designed by some of the most renowned designers in the world. Marble, gold, and dark wood perfectly blended into each other. In the centre of the lobby was a majestic column of glass. It was filled with azure water and colourful, exotic fishes were drawing circles. People were reading newspapers on comfortable couches while the staff was running around with refreshing beverages.
Leon noticed Valentino's expression and didn't speak much along the way. Soon, the two men reached the elevator. They went in and Leon retrieved his room card. The hotel floors were separated into three categories. The lower floors, the floors located in one of the towers, and the floors at the very top of the three towers where the most luxurious rooms were located. Without permission you wouldn't be able to enter a higher category. Of course, Leon lived in one of the three most luxurious suites. As he swiped his room card along a scanner a green light lit up and the elevator shot into the sky.
"Woah!"
Valentino let out a startled sound and grabbed a railing on the side. He noticed a faint smile on Leon's face and felt somewhat embarrassed. He hastily thought of a topic to talk about.
"So, Mister Denner…"
"Oh, please call me Leon."
"Of course. Leon, you mentioned you are a big admirer of my teacher?"
"Yes! Ever since I first laid my eyes on a real 'Quipp' I was deeply impressed. The sensation emitted by his paintings is indescribable…"
Valentino smiled as he listened. He felt great satisfaction hearing someone like Leon price his paintings like this. The conversation continued for a minute until a 'ding' came from the elevator and the door opened, revealing an extremely exaggerated hotel room.
"Come, come. I will show you around."
Leon had long noticed Valentino's peculiar, somewhat greedy looks but he didn't make fun of him. Instead, he was happy to show the artist around.
Valentino had his breath taken away as he followed Leon through the suite. There were multiple bathrooms, bedrooms, a bar, pool, a pool table, even a room just to play video games. Leon also revealed that the suite was renovated according to his wishes before he arrived at the hotel.
After circling around for a bit, the two men ended their tour in the main living room. Valentino had already noticed before that there were a few young men and women already sitting here. They were listening to music, talking and laughing. When Leon introduced Valentino to his friends, they didn't show much enthusiasm but with Leon around they also didn't entirely disregard Valentino.
The artist wasn't bothered. In fact, ever since entering the room his attention had been drawn elsewhere. Leon noticed Valentino's gaze as he laughed lightly:
"I see you have already discovered my treasure. Come, let's have a closer look."
Valentino followed Leon towards a wall up ahead. There was a painting placed here. It showed a pure darkness which was only interrupted by pairs of beastly eyes, shinning like stars in the night sky. As Valentino stopped in front of the painting, he had the sensation as if multiple predators were about to jump out of the painting and tear him to pieces. However, the weird feeling didn't move him at all and quickly dissipated.
"Truly worthy of a student of Norman Quipp. 'Stalker' didn't even cause you to flinch."
Sighing lightly Leon couldn't help but be impressed by Valentino. If he still had doubts before, then now he was truly assured about the truth of Valentino's claims. It has to be said that even he, who liked to collect paintings of Norman Quipp and Timothy Ellfand, was drenched in sweat the first time he laid his eyes on 'Stalker'. He never told anyone but for two days he had been haunted by terrifying nightmares. At that time 'Stalker' had become his favourite painting.
"Stalker is one of my most proud possessions. Back then I bought it for ninety million Dourus. Now I often bring it with me when I travel. I don't know why, but after getting used to it, it gives me a great sense of security."
Leon kept talking about the painting for a bit, but Valentino only listened half-heartedly. He only heard the sum of ninety million Dourus and instantly felt various emotions. He was pretty sure that he only received thirty million when he sold 'Stalker'. How did the price increase so much? Did he get cheated? Where was his share of the money?!
While Valentino was cursing inwardly, Leon slowly stopped talking about 'Stalker'. He turned his head towards Valentino, staring at the cloth bundle the latter had been carrying all the way. An excited expression appeared on his face as he said:
"Valentino. I think it is time to take a good look at 'Return'."
"Ah? Oh, of course. Should we do it right here?"
"Hmm. Why don't we go outside?"
"Sure."
Leon was brimming with anticipation. He shouted at his friends, telling them to follow as he made his way outside. The others interrupted their conversations for a moment and also went outside. As friends of Leon although they didn't share his enthusiasm they were still quite curious about the mysterious paintings.
Norman Quipp was a famous name more than twenty years ago until he mysteriously disappeared. There were even rumours that he murdered someone before escaping into obscurity. The mysteries surrounding his disappearance actually increased the value of his paintings. And now after such a long time a student suddenly pops up? Judging from the appearance Valentino wasn't much older than Leon and his friends. Coud it be that he had learned from Norman Quipp the last few years? Wouldn't this mean that Quipp was also still out there somewhere?
Such thoughts were going through the minds of the young men and women. The mystery added some thrill to their lives. Even their impression of Valentino improved slightly.
The group went outside towards the rooftop pool. There was a stage at the other end of the pool. Leon gestured Valentino to step on the stage while he and his friends gathered below.
Valentino felt quite proud being watched by these rich scions. These people had everything, but didn't they still admire his paintings?
With this mindset Valentino couldn't help but smile brightly as he spoke up:
"Ready…"
"…Then marvel at my newest painting: Return!"
Valentino abruptly pulled away the cloth covering his painting and everyone's eyes instantly focused on him. The young scions immediately felt chills running their spines. They were drawn into the painting, watching the faces coming to life. The green fog wafted around, threatening to devour them. Suddenly one of the faces screamed and jumped out of the painting.
"AH!"
Letting out startled shouts the young men and women woke up, stumbling backwards. Sweat broke out all over their bodies. Chills ran down their spines.