218: Part 3

"It seems almost too real," Oliver whispered in awe.

Val turned to the man and said, "Only a fool would criticize an artist like you who can infuse such raw emotions into his work."

Hearing his words, the man's face reddened with gratitude.

Clearly, he wasn't used to getting praised.

"Thank you for your kind words. Please, keep the painting as a token of my appreciation." 

With a bow, he turned away, leaving behind a masterpiece in Val's hands.

It was too late for them to react as the man's figure disappeared into the crowd.

"What a weird person. He didn't even wait for us to decide before walking away," Oliver complained.

"It's good for us. It's rare to come across a painting like this in one's lifetime," Val said. "But there are three of us, and there is only this one masterpiece. What should we do?"

"Since he left it in your hands, just keep it," Lucious said.