198: Chapter 198 Blocking the Deal!
"Princess Monica, I have long been deeply moved by the brilliance and exquisite beauty of your paintings."
"If possible, I would like to purchase that painting on the right wall for my private collection."
Carlos was the son of a local wealthy businessman, and his family also had several members in local politics.
Their family's influence was also somewhat well-known in Europe.
This was the primary reason he dared to pursue Monica so directly.
His reason for coming for Monica this time was to truly win the beauty's hand.
After all, Monica not only possessed extraordinary looks, but the connections of the Ancient Roman Royal Family she represented were something he valued immensely.
Unfortunately, even though he had already exhausted every trick in the book, he was simply unable to establish a personal relationship with Monica.
"Thank you for your praise, Mr. Carlos. You are very welcome to attend my private art exhibition."
"However, I have a few friends to accompany, so please make yourself at home, Mr. Carlos."
With that, Monica prepared to leave with Shen Zhou and his companion.
She had seen many people like Carlos who were so full of themselves.
She was in no mood to deal with such a fellow.
She didn't even acknowledge Carlos's request to purchase the painting.
"Princess Monica, please wait a moment."
"I truly love that painting of yours depicting the spiritual world."
"Everyone in today's society is under immense mental pressure, and when I look at that painting, my stress feels somewhat relieved."
"So, I am truly sincere in wanting to purchase your brilliant work."
Carlos's words were quite sincere; he had long since realized that Monica wasn't interested in him at all.
But if he didn't want to give up, he could only use this indirect method of buying Monica's work.
This way, there might still be a possibility for them to get to know each other better in the future.
Hearing this, Monica actually hesitated.
The main purpose of her holding this private art exhibition was actually to raise some funds by selling her works.
She would then reinvest these funds into charitable causes.
The reason she didn't just flatly turn away all her suitors and let them leave disappointed...
...was because her suitors were all people of significant status.
If enduring a little annoyance meant obtaining a large amount of money to help children...
...Monica was willing to expend a bit more energy on such matters.
Sure enough, seeing Monica hesitate, Carlos's eyes lit up, and he immediately struck while the iron was hot.
"Princess Monica, I know you aren't a person who loves money for its own sake, and that all the funds you receive are for the sake of suffering and disaster-stricken children worldwide."
"I am also willing to show some compassion, so I am prepared to spend one million Euros to purchase your work."
After saying this, Carlos immediately lifted his head haughtily.
An expression of surprise instantly appeared on Monica's face.
Although she had started learning to paint at a very young age...
...it didn't mean her paintings held much value in the world of art collecting.
A painting that could fetch a million Euros would have to be by a true contemporary master.
At best, she was just an ordinary person skilled at painting; her artistic attainments weren't that high.
A price of one million Euros was truly astronomical.
Meanwhile, Carlos felt that his offer of one million Euros was more than sincere enough.
And this price should be enough to make Monica see him in a new light.
Monica said with a serious expression:
"Mr. Carlos, the price you've offered is too high. My work isn't worth that much money."
Although Monica could play along with her suitors for the sake of children in distress...
...she didn't want to treat these guys like fools and scam them.
Otherwise, the whole world would think she was a malicious woman who would use any means to achieve her goals.
If Carlos had offered tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of Euros, she could have accepted.
But one million Euros was truly a bit much.
"Not at all, Princess Monica. In my heart, every one of your works is incredibly rare."
"Never mind one million Euros; I would be willing to pay even more."
"And I truly wish to keep that work in my collection."
Monica's direct refusal only made Carlos more determined.
He was even more eager to buy the painting before him.
"Mr. Carlos, this really is somewhat inappropriate."
Monica said, full of helplessness.
"Your Highness, please do not stop me from showing my compassion. Besides loving the painting, I truly want to make a contribution to global charity."
Carlos became even more righteously indignant, though inside, he was already laughing out loud.
"It seems Princess Monica really is as kind-hearted as the rumors say; she doesn't even dare to accept a mere million Euros."
While a million Euros wasn't exactly a drop in the bucket for Carlos, it was only a portion of his spending money for a single month.
Seeing that Monica even showed signs of wanting to agree, Shen Zhou could no longer sit still.
If Carlos were allowed to buy Monica's painting, the guy would probably stick to her like a dog-skin plaster.
This was something he absolutely did not want to see.
"Wait a moment."
Shen Zhou suddenly stepped forward and spoke up loudly.
When everyone's gaze shifted toward him, Shen Zhou slowly said:
"Monica just gave me a detailed introduction to her painting that reflects the spiritual world."
"I also think that work is exceptional; I believe its brilliance even surpasses all of Princess Monica's previous works."
"So, in my opinion, one million Euros is still a bit too cheap."
As soon as Shen Zhou finished speaking, Carlos immediately lost his composure.
"Sir, what is the meaning of this? Can't you see that Princess Monica and I have already settled on a price?"
Carlos glared unpleasantly at this inexplicable Chinese man.
This guy looked down on any Chinese person from the bottom of his heart.
Not to mention that Shen Zhou had suddenly meddled in his business.
He wished he could use his connections right then and there to call the Sheriff and have Shen Zhou taken away.
"I didn't see your transaction officially conclude, and I'll say it again: a price of one million Euros is simply not worthy of the effort Princess Monica poured into it."
Shen Zhou's tone was incredibly firm.
However, these words made Monica feel a bit embarrassed.