"How could that be?" Tangze denied it without hesitation. "I only took the painting to see her that day."
Haga Kyosuke burst out laughing, looking a little childish. "See? I told you, but Sanada wouldn't believe me..."
Tangze tilted his head, unsurprised by his source of information.
Although he had never asked for it, Asako Miyoshi had kept his identity a secret very well. However, when Kazumi Sanada and the others asked why she had changed her mind, she briefly told them about meeting a young painter at the amusement park.
Once "Desire" was placed before everyone's eyes, that story naturally found its owner. Not only would it not affect Yusuke Kitagawa's reputation, it would lend him an extra air of legend. Tangze naturally had no reason to demand their silence.
"Miss Miyoshi misunderstood how painting works," Tangze answered. "Even quick-drying paint doesn't dry that fast."
"It can't be helped. Everyone prefers a dramatic story." Haga Kyosuke shrugged, looking entirely understanding. "All right, thank you for your honesty. I have no further questions for now. Go on, then. What is troubling you?"
Having already proven himself through outstanding market success by his early thirties, Haga Kyosuke had met plenty of peers who exchanged experiences with him or sought his advice on various matters. But this was the first time he had been questioned by a painter who seemed not to understand the field at all, and he found it rather novel himself.
From the question Tangze had just raised, combined with Haga Kyosuke's actual background, Tangze's thoughts stirred. He more or less guessed why Haga Kyosuke had followed him out without a second thought.
Just as he was interested in Haga Kyosuke, perhaps Haga Kyosuke also had something he wanted to say to him.
Tangze quickly organized his thoughts and