"Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — A painting titled Two World by a new artist from Indonesia, Ethan Halbert, sold for US$1.3 million or equivalent to Rp.18 billion at Sotheby's auction hall, Hong Kong, some time ago. The painting depicts one human being living in two worlds and the artist can combine in a beautiful painting—"
"Ethan! God, what happened?! You're really crazy, Ethan. So crazy!"
Ethan Halbert or who is often called Ethan, is a 24-year-old man who is currently being talked about a lot by people, whose name has now appeared on all news portals as if he had just taken over the world. As reported, Ethan is a new artist whose work has sold for high prices at auction.
"Jeez, I still can't believe that your painting will sell for such a high price!" it was the voice of Simon Bernadus—his best friend who doubled as his manager, coming from the other end of the phone. Ethan could tell that the man was shocked just by hearing his voice.
Ethan took a small step towards the mirror in the corner of his room, then straightened his coat while laughing a little. "I never thought of that myself, Simon. Moreover, from the very beginning I didn't intend to take it to auction, you were the one who ordered me to send one of my works."
"It's because you're so talented, so I immediately ordered you to send it. But who would have thought that your work sold for 18 billion!"
"Let's just say we're just trying, but it turns out that we accidentally got lucky," replied Ethan still laughing.
"Ethan, you understand, don't you?! 18 billion is money instead of ordinary paper! It's a huge amount for me who's never even held that much money!" Simon said even more vehemently on the other end of the phone.
His best friend is often too much when responding to big things like this. Even though Ethan, who is the owner of the painting, is taking it easy incidentally. There must have been a spark of pride that tickled him as soon as he heard his name mentioned in every news story on television, especially since Sotheby's is one of the largest auction houses for trading the finest art in Southeast Asia.
Ethan works as an artist specializing in painting, his name is indeed familiar if he is only around Jakarta. However, for overseas coverage, this is the first time for Ethan to disseminate his paintings, and as he said earlier, it was also Simon's idea. At first Ethan refused because he thought it would be a shame if no one wanted to buy his work or worse, it would not be accepted by those there, but what happened today was unexpected. It was all too sudden and Ethan was suddenly at a loss as to how to react.
Moreover, today he had something to do, so his entire focus seemed to be divided in two and he was not only thinking about the results of the auction but also about the plans he had drawn up for tonight.
In that part of the world, Ethan who had told Simon to go to Hong Kong and be his representative in the auction because he couldn't come, let Simon enjoy the beautiful New Year's Eve from the Hong Kong sky. Meanwhile, he is here to propose to his lover on New Year's Eve while looking at the Jakarta sky which is no less beautiful.
"Are you launching your plans today?" Simon asked suddenly, their voice calls hadn't been cut since.
"Of course, I'll be leaving in a moment. Why would I ask you to represent me there if I don't carry out the big plan I've been working on for several months?" Ethan replied, his lips curling into a smile as he imagined what he would do tonight.
Ethan would never delay something important to him, he always took things into account when he wanted to do something and didn't forget to make a plan ahead of time.
"Okay, I understand." Simon snorted on the other side. "Don't forget to tell Elena about this good thing, she will be happy to hear about it."
"Don't you think Elena would have known beforehand because she loves reading the news? Of course, that girl won't miss the news about me right?" asked Ethan with a laugh, he could even imagine how happy Elena would be when she found out about this happy news.
But tonight Ethan would make her happier.
Simon sighed there and Ethan could hear him very clearly. "But still, at least don't forget to talk to her. Since Elena would always love to hear the good news directly from you, she'll love it if you tell her every good thing that's happened in your life," Simon told him, hoping his friend would listen and do what he had to say. "But anyway, I'm so glad you'll propose to her in the end. I feel so sorry for Elena who has been waiting for this moment for a long time."
What Simon just said is true, today's big plan that Ethan will carry out is true because he wants to propose to Elena, who has been his lover for a long time.
Ethan finally just laughed at all Simon's words. He's happy so don't blame him if he can only laugh all the time. "I'm going to hang up, I have to go now. Please pray that everything goes well, Simon."
"Okay, be careful, Ethan. I also want to say goodbye because I've made big plans to spend your 18 billion dollars. When I get home later, please don't ask where the money is because it must have run out. After all, I used it all," said Simon with an arrogant tone.
"Just finish it, I don't care," said Ethan lightly. "I still have a lot of money, so I don't care if you can spend it."
Before Simon had the chance to criticize his arrogant words, Ethan had already disconnected their phone one-sidedly, just let it be if his best friend was yelling in that country for his too annoying actions. After all, Ethan would just let it go if Simon was going to spend the money anyway.
Ethan knew that Simon was only joking, there was no way his best friend would do what he said.
Ethan looked in the mirror again to see his appearance from the reflection of the glass, feeling that he was quite ready. Finally, the man took his car keys to pick up his lover immediately.