After a browse in KL's Central Market, I pop over to Stephie’s studio in Central Market Annexe. Stepping inside, I see her working at a canvas.
She flicks her gaze up from her canvas to me. “Hello, Ewe, what’s up?”
“How’s business?” I take out a copy of my book Pattaya Undercover from my bag. “I came to give you my latest book.”
Togged up in jeans and a t-shirt, Stephie flicks her long hair sideways over her shoulder. “Can you please put it on the table?”
I take two long strides to a nearby table. “Sure.” I place my book on top of it.
In steps a middle-aged man wearing hair like a hurrah’s nest.
Stephie swings her gaze to the man. “Good afternoon, Mr Quek.”
Mr Quek scans the walls of the studio. “Is my couple’s portrait completed?”
“Yes, it’s framed up.” Stephie points with a dainty forefinger to an oil painting hanging on a wall.
Mr Quek steps to the wall to look at the painting. “Huh?” His eyes span wider in shock. “Why have you depicted my wife with such an ugly man? I’m not paying for this monstrosity!”
“But Mr Quek, that’s you!” Stephie whips out her mobile phone from her back pocket, jabs a button, and shows the screen to Mr. Quek. “See? This is the photo you supplied me. I reproduced everything exactly as in the photo.”
Facing turning red, Mr Quek scratches the back of his head. “Well, I’ll be…” He takes out his wallet, counts some money notes and pays Stephie. “Err, I need to install better mirrors at home.” He lifts the painting off its hook and skedaddles away.
I, too, take my leave.
/end
