“Thank you on behalf of my best friend!” Jennifer put down the paintbrush stained with color, turned around, stood on tiptoe, and wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a light kiss of admiration on his handsome cheek. Ivan was equally delighted and naturally hugged her shoulders, giving her a kiss on the forehead in return.
Ivan’s eyes then fell on her desk where he noticed a nearly completed painting. He walked over with interest and began to appreciate it carefully, though it was unclear if he was an expert. Jennifer stood beside him, glancing at the painting and then at him. “Would you like to give some feedback?” she asked.
“This is the first time I’ve seen you paint a landscape. The spirit is so vivid; it feels familiar,” Ivan said, furrowing his brows slightly as he admired the painting, lost in thought.
“Familiar?” Jennifer was puzzled. She thought her style was unique.
“Traditional landscape painting emphasizes expression. This seems to convey more of your state of mind,” Ivan’s voice was low and gentle. He turned to look at her. “Do you also like him? Have you seen his work?”
“You know Alison Jones?” Jennifer was quite surprised, a slight smile playing on her lips. “You’ve seen her work?”
“I admire her greatly. I attended one of her exhibitions once, but there was very little introduction about her. She didn’t attend either. It’s very mysterious, like she’s hiding in plain sight. The introduction said she is a woman, but whether she’s actually a man or a woman is hard to say,” Ivan said warmly.
Hearing this, Jennifer smiled and asked, “So what do you guess? Is she male or female? How old?”
“I would guess she’s actually a man.”
“Why?” She knew he wasn’t certain either.
“Because those works have an indescribable sense of power that isn’t typically feminine.”
Jennifer pointed to the piece on the desk. “Isn’t this painted by a woman?”
Ivan smiled at her. “You’ve learned well; extra dinner for you tonight.”
“I can imitate even better.” Jennifer smiled as she picked up the brush again and dipped it in paint to sign the piece.
When the name Alison Jones appeared before Ivan’s eyes, he recalled seeing that unique signature at an exhibition years ago. It looked exactly the same as what he saw now.
“It could pass for real,” Ivan mused without thinking too much about it as he reached out to affectionately ruffle her hair.
Unexpectedly, Jennifer opened a drawer and took out a personal seal, stamping it next to the signature.
Ivan was stunned. “…”
Standing straight with a smile, Jennifer looked at him. “How about now? Does it look even more authentic?”
He knew that personal seals were unique and given her character, she wouldn’t forge one. It would be meaningless anyway.
So, she is Alison Jones?
“Let’s go eat!” Jennifer linked her arm through his and pulled him outside. “Anyway, I’m honored that Mr. Marsh likes my work.”
“How many identities do you have that I don’t know about?” Ivan was astonished. “You have such profound skills in painting? Do you know you’re famous abroad?”
“I’m also famous domestically, but I rarely hold exhibitions,” she said with a touch of elegance. “I paint just to cultivate my mood and refine my feelings.”
“You’re becoming more beautiful.”
Ivan felt once again that he had found a treasure. A woman who could be as kind and gentle as Jennifer truly blessed their entire household’s fortune.