Page 208 of DATE
Hedy had once admired Simonetta, but not because she had been loved and pursued by so many people.
Botticelli had deeply loved her and had painted a detailed, exquisite portrait of her.
That painting, she later saw at the Uffizi Gallery, and from the delicate depiction of her hair to the eyes, it was as beautiful as a love poem.
But Hedy had never imagined she would one day own a portrait like that.
Looking at herself in the painting, Hedy couldn’t even find the words to praise it.
The serene and poised stance, the gentle, soulful eyes...
"Leonardo..." she murmured. "This is the most thoughtful and beautiful gift I’ve ever received."
This painting crossed over five centuries, as beautiful as a star in the knots of time.
She had never imagined she would come to the birthplace of the Renaissance, nor had she ever thought she would meet Leonardo and come to Milan with him.
But all of this felt like a dream, like a precious gift.
Leonardo felt somewhat relieved, but he still cautiously asked, "What do you think...?"
"It’s beautiful," she said, her eyes a little wet, her voice soft like a whisper. "So beautiful."
When Hedy turned to look at him, she noticed his expression was sincere yet filled with uncertainty.
She suddenly had a vague and absurd thought.
Could Leonardo... feel something for her...?
No... how could that be? He was Leonardo da Vinci, that legendary figure from history...
Hedy felt as though she might be a little disoriented from her birthday celebration, but she still walked toward him.
As she got closer, she could hear his once steady, calm breath becoming a bit more hurried.
Could it be...?
"Thank you," she leaned down and kissed his cheek, still holding a polite and reserved smile. "You are the best artist in my heart."
At that moment, as she tested the waters, the man momentarily lost his composure.
Leonardo finally understood the sensation of his heart skippinga beat.
He even thought about reaching out to hold her, wanting to keep her forever in his embrace.
The faint scent of hyacinths clouded Hedy’s mind, and the desire for more intimate thoughts began to sprout like vines, growing quickly and spreading.
"May you live a long life," Leonardo whispered softly, "and may you always be happy."
After dinner, Atalante came as usual, carrying the account books and reports to hand over the work.
He had now become a small boss, having trained several capable subordinates.
He not only kept everything organized, but he also remembered to give her a porcelain bottle from the East as a birthday gift.
"By the way," he suddenly remembered something, "Leonardo was in a really bad mood today—he received a letter from his father."
Hedy froze for a moment, having no recollection of anything in that regard.
