The gallery itself was a carefully renovated three-story townhouse. It retained the characteristic features of Victorian architecture while incorporating a distinctive artistic flair.
Yu Xing instinctively admired it.
The exterior walls were built of warm reddish-brown sandstone, weathered by wind and rain into a dignified hue steeped in history.
The steep slate roof was adorned with delicate wrought-iron details and several projecting dormer windows.
Its most striking feature was the facade facing the street.
Much of the wall that had once divided the windows had been removed, replaced by two enormous arched windows that stretched from the ground almost to the second-floor windowsills.
The glass was not entirely transparent, but carried a faint smoky or greenish tint. It let in the daylight while partly obscuring the interior, adding a touch of mystery. The heavy black teak door and window frames were carved with intricate vines and floral patterns, displaying the craftsmen's superb skill.
Creating an effect like this in a small town such as Yorikof must have taken considerable effort from both the painter and the investors.
Yu Xing and Masha approached the gallery entrance.
There was no ostentatious sign by the door. Only a polished brass plaque was set into the wall on one side, bearing the name "Flowing Light" in elegant serif lettering. Below it, in smaller type, were the opening hours—though the gallery was not usually open to the public—and a notice that visitors needed to "make an appointment."
The gallery's heavy black front door, fitted with a brass knocker, was shut tight, seeming to keep the world at arm's length.
Masha stepped forward and rapped confidently on the door. The brass knocker struck the wood with a dull, clear sound.
After a moment, the door opened a crack from within.
A very young maid in a