Chapter 624 Fully Alert
Chicago's art exhibition had thrown its doors wide open to the public, inviting all who sought to immerse themselves in the realm of creativity and expression. And in the vast sea of online sharing, it was but a matter of moments before keen-eyed observers unearthed glimpses of Chicago's presence, immortalized in countless photographs and digital snapshots.
This wasn't the inaugural instance of Chicago's visage being captured by the lens of others. Consequently, the digital realm buzzed with the swift emergence of comparison images, particularly juxtaposing Chicago's likeness with that of Charles.
[It's not merely akin; it's an exact match!]
[I'm astounded, truly astounded!]
[By the way, I delved into the child artist's background, and there's a plethora of negative discourse surrounding her. Numerous seasoned artists have stepped forward to tarnish her reputation, alleging that she's not the true hand behind her creations but a mere facade orchestrated by her parents to inflate her image as a prodigious painter!]
Upon the revelation, it was Thalassa, Chicago's godmother, who found herself incapable of remaining idle any longer. Without hesitation, she took to Weibo, swiftly sharing a video with the online community.
The video laid bare the intricate process behind Chicago's masterpiece, "God."
[It's astonishing to witness such raw talent in one so young. While I understand the incredulity it may evoke, baseless rumors serve only to poison the well of discourse. Let us refrain from judgment until concrete evidence surfaces.] Thalassa's words accompanied the video, a staunch defense against the tide of speculation.
The footage not only underscored Chicago's innate artistic prowess but also dealt a resounding blow to the naysayers among the netizens.
Before Fiona's return to her homeland, she could scarcely have envisioned herself and Darwin unwittingly thrust into the spotlight of internet notoriety.
Charles and Chicago, two extraordinary prodigies amidst a world brimming with talent, found themselves propelled to the forefront of global fascination. Though the world abounded with gifted youths, the duo stood unparalleled, their captivating talents captivating the hearts and minds of all who beheld their works.
I apologize for the oversight. Let me correct that for you:
Fiona found herself engulfed in the fervent atmosphere swirling around them, a sense of disquiet and apprehension knotting in her stomach. Sensing her unease, Darwin sought to assuage her fears with a reassuring touch. "The spotlight will dim in due time. People's memories are fleeting; they'll move on before long."
Fiona cast a weary glance at the tumultuous feed on her phone screen, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. Since the inception of the art exhibition, Chicago had become a trending topic, largely owing to the prominence of her parents. The subsequent surge in attendance had forced organizers to implement strict visitor limitations, citing security concerns surrounding Chicago's presence. Already stringent onsite security measures were further bolstered in response to the heightened scrutiny.
Frank Cruz and Evelyn, accompanied by their parents, arrived at the venue and immediately spotted Charles engrossed in his younger sister's discourse. The siblings, separated since their camping expedition, rushed forward eagerly to greet Chicago. "Frank, Evelyn!" Chicago reciprocated their enthusiasm warmly.
"These are all your creations. You're incredible!" Evelyn's admiration shone brightly as she surveyed Chicago's artwork. Though she harbored her own passion for drawing, her true forte lay in mathematics, leaving her artistic endeavors somewhat overshadowed. Yet, Chicago's paintings elicited a sense of awe and admiration from Evelyn, igniting a spark of inspiration within her.
Despite strict prohibitions against photographing the children, a few rogue individuals managed to circumvent the rules. Stuart, growing increasingly anxious, meticulously adjusted Chicago's attire and hair, wary of any untoward images being captured. As he straightened her bow tie, his attention was drawn to a figure amidst the crowd—a worker previously involved in setting up the venue. Stuart's brow furrowed in suspicion; most workers had long since departed upon completion of their tasks.
Intrigued, Stuart approached the disguised figure, his trained eye quick to discern subtle alterations in appearance. "Stuart!" the man greeted warmly, his demeanor genial. Stuart's probing gaze lingered on the man, prompting a casual inquiry into his presence.
"Yes. I'm also a parent, though not in Bay City. I thought I'd capture some memories here to share with my child," the man replied with a smile, his explanation seemingly innocuous.
"Understood," Stuart nodded, albeit with a lingering sense of doubt.
As the man departed, Stuart couldn't shake the feeling of disquiet. Mike, ever attuned to Stuart's instincts, stood by without question. Over time, Stuart's uncanny intuition had garnered widespread respect, stemming from his past exploits as a formidable assassin.
Christopher, having shed his disguise, affected an air of nonchalant interest as he observed the artworks. Yet, beneath his composed facade, he keenly felt the weight of surveillance directed toward the children. His window of opportunity dwindling, he pondered his next move, acutely aware of Darwin's vigilant guardianship.
Finding himself before the painting of God, Christopher's gaze drifted to the LED screen nearby, broadcasting an interview with Chicago. A fleeting expression crossed his features as he absorbed the poignant narrative. His attention then shifted to the children, observing them from afar. Suddenly, Charles's unwavering gaze pierced through the crowd, unsettling in its intensity.
"Stuart, what's wrong?" Mike asked, puzzled.
"I want to investigate someone," Stuart whispered. "Something feels off."
"Got it." Mike didn't question where Stuart felt the unease after all these years following Stuart. In the beginning, Mike heard people say that Stuart, by the lady's side, was actually a wild beast wearing human skin. His sensitivity to prey and danger was astonishing.
When Stuart first aligned himself with the lady, there had been a daughter of an enemy who somehow managed to get close to her. Stuart saw through her plan before she could act against the lady. Similar incidents occurred frequently thereafter.
Overtime, everyone placed great importance on Stuart’s intuition. Though not infallible, it boasted a success rate of seventy to eighty percent. As a former top-notch assassin, Mike also possessed a high level of perceptiveness.
After Stuart exposed his disguise, Christopher feigned admiration for the paintings, maintaining an air of seriousness and attentiveness. Yet, he couldn’t shake the sensation of numerous eyes boring into him. Even the surveillance camera hidden behind him quietly adjusted its angle. Christopher glanced at his watch. The things he had been working on for a day and a night probably wouldn't be useful today. Darwin's people were keeping a close eye on the children. The security measures at both schools were airtight. Missing this opportunity would jeopardize Christopher’s chances of getting close to the two children again anytime soon.
Coincidentally, he found himself standing before a painting depicting God. Under the light, God had a compassionate expression, looking solemn and dignified. Nearby, an LED screen broadcasted an interview featuring a vulnerable child recounting her fears while her mother battled illness. Christopher's expression twisted slightly at the scene. Christopher tilted his head slightly, showing a strange expression.
Then he turned his head and looked at the little girl in the distance, adorned in a cute dress and obediently listening to Chicago. Just as he was about to divert his gaze, the boy named Charles behind her suddenly looked at him.
The boy's stare was serene, lacking any hint of disturbance.
A smirk tugged at Christopher’s lips as he adjusted the brim of his baseball cap, pretending to remain absorbed in the art exhibition. As he made his way toward the exit, sarcastic thoughts flooded his mind.
‘Who are these people?’
After executing so many missions, he had never encountered a family where even the children were so vigilant.
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