"Ethan, I've heard of him. He's an excellent young man. Master Pupol praised him as a rising star."
Ned Shire spoke with an appreciative tone, glancing at Ethan.
Ethan nodded in greeting, "Hello, Lord Shire."
"Just call me Ned," Ned Shire smiled, then looked to his daughter and said, "Sofia, you're wearing too little. Go change into something warmer to avoid catching a cold. I'll chat with your friend for a bit."
"Dad..." Sofia was initially reluctant but ultimately couldn't refuse Ned. She could only say, "Don't make things difficult for him. He truly is my good friend."
Ned nodded.
Sofia left.
Ned beckoned to Ethan and said, "Come, young man, let's take a walk."
This gave Ethan a strange illusion, as if a familiar scene was about to unfold.
The two walked through the corridor of the garden and slowly arrived at a separate house.
"This is my private collection and studio. In fact, in my younger days, I also dreamed of becoming an artist."
