Chapter 302 Be My Model
Mystro continued, “Since we’re all students under Mr. Harvey, Liam has to help us with this. By the way, he was the one who treated my constant chills. He wrote the prescriptions and seems really skilled in both modern and holistic medicine. My condition never improved, no matter what I tried, but thanks to him, it’s finally getting better. Before, in weather like this, I even had to set the thermostat to 85 degrees indoors.”
“That’s amazing! I’m going to call him right now!” Tilda pulled out her phone and started a video call with Dane. She explained everything that had happened.
When Dane learned that Harvey hadn’t left because of some unavoidable problem, but because of his own dangerous fate, he felt a wave of relief, just like Tilda did. At least Harvey was still alive somewhere! Maybe he was still out there, training other talented students like Dane and Tilda. The heavy weight on his heart finally lifted. Dane couldn’t talk, so he replied by text.
“Tilda, are you staying in Motrar until Christmas is over before going back to Cetherland?”
“I wasn’t planning to, but now that I’ve found Mystro and might even meet Liam, I’ve decided to stay in Motrar for Christmas.”
“Then I’m coming too.”
Tilda stared in shock. “Wait… Mr. Parker agreed to that?”
Manfred’s voice rang out. “Don’t worry, Qu… I mean, Tilda. We’ve wanted Professor Kerrigan to rest for ages, but he never agreed. Professor Kerrigan isn’t a machine–he’s human. He needs rest. If he keeps working like this, his body and mind won’t hold up. Professor Kerrigan is a national treasure. Rest makes him work even better. We’re happy that he’s willing to step out of the lab.”
“I’m glad you agree, Mr. Parker. Then it’s settled. Dane, once you get to Motrar, let me know, and I’ll come pick you up.”
The call ended. Mystro handed Tilda a slip of paper with Liam Kerrigan’s contact info.
“This is Liam’s number. I tried calling, but no signal. I sent a message too, but no reply. He’s treating the boss of a mafia group. There’s probably a signal jammer nearby, or they took him underground.”
Tilda saved the number to her phone. “How long has Liam been gone this time?”
“Not long–less than a month. He said the mafia boss’s illness is very complicated. He’s never seen anything like it. It might take a long time to treat.”
“I understand. I’ll try to track Liam down and contact him.”
At that moment, Buck came over with a painting. “Mr. Mystro, just like you asked, the portrait of Mr. Liam is ready.”
“Liam’s portrait?”
“Yes. I painted it from memory. It’s about 90% accurate. Take a look.”
Mystro snapped his fingers. Buck placed the painting on the table. Tilda looked at it and narrowed her eyes. Liam had a boyish face. People would call it a “baby face.” His eyes were pure but empty of light, flawless like moonlight. His lips were thin and cold, his nose small and upturned, and he had curtain bangs. He wore a suit and stood quietly by a sunlit window. He looked like the “Little Prince” from a fairytale.
“I’ll have Buck pack this portrait and send it to your hotel. It should help you connect with Liam.”
“Thank you, Mystro… but this must be one of your treasured things. I-”
Mystro lightly touched his fingertip to Tilda’s lips. “Since you are Uncle Harvey’s student and my junior, it’s right for me to spoil you and give you what you need. Don’t think too much. Just accept my kindness as your senior.”
A happy smile spread on Tilda’s lips. “I’m really lucky. All my seniors are so good to me. Now, I’m even more excited to finally meet Liam!”
Mystro lowered his eyes, hiding the ripple of emotion there. “If anyone’s lucky here… it’s me.”
“Mystro, what did you just say?”
“Nothing… If you want to repay me, be my model. I want to paint a portrait of you. Is that okay?” He quickly changed the subject.
“Of course! It would be an honor.”
“Haha! You just won a world championship. You’re just as good as me, if not better!”
While Tilda modeled and Mystro painted, it became the longest time Mystro ever spent on one piece. The swirling strokes traced every detail of Tilda’s brilliance, line by line: her lashes, her lips.