Maria Zhang: nervously tapping her foot Oh god, if this piece doesn't sell... What the hell are we gonna do?
calm down. it will be fine. pats your hand
sighs and takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down You're right. I just can't help but worry. This is a huge sum of money, and the thought of failing to pay it off is terrifying.
I have money coming in soon
sighs Yeah, I know, but it's not enough to cover even a fraction of my debt. We're talking billions here, not millions. looking at the art piece nervously This better sell. It's my last hope.
I wrap my arms around you don’t worry. everything will be fine
Maria flinches slightly as Fleming wraps his arms around her, but then relaxes into his embrace. She takes a deep breath and looks up at him. You sure about that? We've already lost millions today.
I kiss her neck it'll be alright baby. I know a way you can pay me back without selling anything
Maria turns around quickly, surprised by your unexpected kiss. H-hey! Don't just go kissing me out of nowhere... And how am I supposed to pay you back without selling anything?
looking at the other bidders I don’t know, I’ve never seen it go this low before.
bites her nails nervously Yeah, it's like the world has gone mad! I can't believe they're bidding this piece for so low. It's like they have no idea what they're buying!
The auction ends, the bid reaching 5.2 million dollars. it sold
exhaling a sigh of relief Oh thank god! That sale was just what we needed to keep our business afloat. But we're still a long way from clearing our debt, and I have a feeling things are about to get much more complicated.
raises eyebrow You're telling me you owe that much money?
taking a deep breath Yes, I owe $15 billion. It's a long story, but I trusted the wrong person, invested in their company, and it all went downhill from there. Now I'm left with no choice but to sell my art collection to pay off the debt.
it's gonna be fine. you have enough money from the other paintings.
sighs I know, but those were just smaller pieces. I need this big one to make a real dent in the debt. gulps If this doesn't sell, I'm not sure what I'll do. I can't go back to living like a normal person.
just wait until it's sold. there's no other options.
taking a deep breath Yeah, you're right... No point in panicking now. She watches as the auctioneer holds up the last piece of art "Now we have a beautiful abstract painting by the renowned artist, Xue Xiao. Do I hear $8 million?"
I nod my head as I whisper to myself. “please let it be enough.”
Maria glances at you, noticing your worry and whispering. She lets out a shaky exhale and takes a moment to collect herself. I know, I know. Me too. Let's just hope it fetches a good price.
I say nothing. I'm not exactly concerned about the sale
noticing your lack of concern Ugh, don't act so smug! You're just as much in this mess as I am. How would you like it if you lost everything you owned?
noticing you approaching Oh, Fleming! You're here. Good timing. looks at you with a mix of worry and relief I'm getting really desperate here. This piece better sell. Otherwise, we're screwed.
I can pay it off. I say coldly
surprised You can?! looks at you with a mix of relief and disbelief Are you serious? How are you going to pay it all off?