1 Painting

Part 1

Synergy is the largest art gallery in the whole city. Rich and prominent people frequent the place to buy paintings and other types of art work.

Mao was closely looking at a strange painting inside the art gallery. The painting is a picture of a mermaid sitting on a rock while looking at the moon. He didn't understand the other details of the painting because of its many hidden meanings that only the artist can explain.

The best and most interesting part of the painting is the mermaid's tail. It is silver and glittering whenever struck by light. This triggers Mao's attention.

Mao Ferragamo is a billionaire at the age of 32. He is the owner of Aquarius Maritime Tankers Ltd. Because of his diligence, intelligence and skill in handling his business, he has become successful in his field. Now, he is enjoying the fruits of his hard work. Mao is strict especially when it comes to his business deals. He wanted every business transaction to be organized and well-arranged. He is considered as the youngest billionaire in town, and also one of the best entrepreneurs in Asia.

Mao is handsome, 5'11" tall, well-built and has a good posture when standing. Apart from being a billionaire, many have also offered him to be a model or actor on television, but he rejected it because he's only focused on his businesses. He's a billionaire at an early age because his top priority is work.

"Is it nice? Did you like the painting?" asked a woman next to him while he was busy looking at it.

Mao looked at her but she didn't move. Her weird appearance caught his attention because her shoes didn't look the same and her clothes looked like they were just recycled.

"Do you believe in mermaids? They say mermaids are real and they live in the deepest part of the ocean. Sometimes they go up to the islands to watch the beautiful moonlight," added the woman while smiling.

"Who are you?" Mao asked her.

The girl smiled and replied, "My name is Yurena, you are Mao Ferragamo, right?" she asked.

"Everyone knows me, what do you need? Why are you wearing that? Did you make this painting?" Mao asked her.

A beautiful smile appeared on Yurena's innocent face. Even though she wasn't able to fix herself, it couldn't be denied that she was really beautiful. "Yes, I did that painting. Did you like it?" she asked, grinning like an innocent child.

"Ah, I see. You made this painting. That's why it's weird like you," Mao answered.

"This man is bad, he is handsome but he is arrogant and thinks highly of himself," Yurena whispered to herself.

Mao noticed that the girl's face showed sadness. "Your work is weird, that's why I like it. I like these weird paintings. I appreciate their hidden meanings more. Alright, I'll buy these," he answered.

"Really? Thank you. I'm glad you appreciate it," Yurena answered happily and excitedly. She jumped for joy and was about to hug the young man but his hand moved quickly and stopped her face.

"Hold on, just stay right there. My clothes will get wrinkled when you hug me. You know, Yurena, you're beautiful, white and smooth. But I hope you learn to dress properly, huh," Mao said with a laugh.

While they were in that situation, Maxine Lehman arrived. She is Mao's rumored girlfriend but they have not yet confirmed the real status of their relationship. Maxine liked Mao so much that she often followed him like a shadow.

Maxine comes from an equally rich family. She has a progressive cosmetic company that offers imported anti-aging beauty products. Ferragamo and Lehman were former business partners, so Maxine and Mao were close to each other. Obviously, Maxine is beautiful because she is the model of the cosmetic products that they export to other countries.

"So, why did it take you so long? Don't tell me you bought that ugly painting that looks like it was made by a grade schooler?" asked Maxine.

"Maxine, why are you here? You don't appreciate art because you don't like it," Mao answered her.

Maxine's hand gently slipped on Mao's arm. "Of course, I love art, that's why I study all the paintings in the office carefully. Wait? Who is that woman?" Maxine asked when she noticed Yurena just standing in front of them and smiling.

Maxine looked at Yurena's face and the clothes she was wearing. "Who is this woman? Her hair is beautiful, it has natural length. She looks beautiful, too. What is she using on her skin? Why is it so smooth?" Maxine whispered to herself while curiously looking at Yurena's face.

After a while she looked at the clothes the girl was wearing. "Why is she wearing those shoes? When did it become fashionable to combine two different brands? And the color combination of her clothes is beautiful even though they don't match. Why is she so good at fashion? Am I too late? Is that the new trend now?" Maxine asked herself one after the other as she secretly scrutinized Yurena who beautifully stands wearing her clothes.

Maxine is confused. She is too fashion conscious, hence, her reaction. She wants to always be updated with the latest trends.

"Maxine, are you okay? Why have you been staring at Yurena?" asked Mao.

"Who are you? Why is your fashion like that? Where did you get that style?" were the questions Maxine said to Yurena.

"My clothes? Nothing, I just got them somewhere," the smiling answer by Yurena. She remembered that she had just picked up the clothes and shoes from the trash the other day and cleaned them.

"Maxine, what are you talking about? Aren't you fascinated by her clothes? She is the one who painted that artwork. I felt sorry for her so I bought this work of hers," replied Mao. He put his arms around Maxine and then they walked away from Yurena.

"Didn't you notice? There's something special about that girl. I think she's a high-class fashion stylist because even if her clothes aren't a combination, they still look good on her," Maxine said.

Mao laughed as they walked. "Is that really all you have in mind? How can she be a high-class fashion stylist? She's a weird painter. She's beautiful but there seems to be something really strange about her."

"I don't want anyone else to be more beautiful than me, I just want to be the most beautiful in your eyes," Maxine answered and caressed Mao as they walked. Meanwhile, Mao turned to Yurena and gave her a second glance.

While Mao and Maxine were busy walking, Yurena was still standing next to her artwork and soon her expression changed. From smiling, her appearance gradually became serious. And from her pocket she plucked a sharp knife made of shark's teeth.

"I can get revenge on you, Mao! I can also get revenge for my loved ones who were hurt because of what you did," Yurena whispered to herself while not taking her eyes off the walking billionaire.

At that moment, Mao was unaware that Yurena was deliberately following him so that she could carry out her revenge. This is her mission and she needs to do it as soon as possible.

When Yurena came out of the art gallery, the sun was about to set, so she immediately ran towards the shore of the ocean. She needs to be back to the ocean before the sun sets in because her life will be in danger.

When she reached the shore, she immediately went to a deserted place. She stepped on the big rock as her naturally long hair naturally moved with the gentle blow of the air.

The surroundings were quiet, only the waves of the ocean crashing on the shore could be heard.

Another day has passed and she still hasn't accomplished her mission. However, she had become close to Mao and everything was going to be easy from now on.

Yurena took a deep breath.

And before the sun completely went down in the sky, she dived under the water. Her legs glowed and her silver scales gradually came out.

Yurena is a mermaid who only came to earth for a mission. And this is to kill Mao Ferragamo, the man responsible for the destruction of their home under the sea.