Rich People Problems-Kwan 2017 (WWT)

her as Singapore’s answer to Peggy Guggenheim, and have the grounds of Tyersall Park
become a venue for contemporary art like Storm King in New York or the Chinati
Foundation in Marfa. They could have the world’s greatest artists in residence to create
site-specific installations. Christo could wrap the entire house in silver fabric, James
Turrell could create a light projection in the conservatory, and maybe Ai Weiwei could do
something controversial with the lily pond.
In the midst of his reverie, there was a sudden flurry of activity as Axel Vervoordt
entered the room, impeccably dressed in a gray suit with a black turtleneck, and
surrounded by a monastic entourage of assistants. “Oliver T’sien, what a pleasure to see
you again!” the legendary antiquarian said.
“Axel, the pleasure is all mine. May I introduce Mrs. Jack Bing.”
“Welcome to Kanaal,” Axel said, giving Kitty a courtly bow.
“Thank you. Axel, I am in awe of your creations! I’ve never seen anything quite like this
before, and I feel like I just want to move in here right now,” Kitty effused.
“Thank you. Mrs. Bing, if you enjoy what you see here, perhaps I can invite you to visit
me at my private residence Kasteel van’s-Gravenwezel while you are with us in Antwerp.”
“You won’t want to miss this, Kitty. Kasteel van’s-Gravenwezel is one of the most
beautiful castles in the world,” Oliver explained.
Kitty batted her eyelashes at Axel. “I’d love to!”
“If I had known earlier that the two of you were coming today, I would have invited you
to lunch. Her Majesty the Queen honored us with her presence today, and she brought
along a most delightful couple.”
“I hope you had a lovely time,” Oliver said.
“We did, we did. This young couple have just acquired the most magnificent property in
Singapour. It is apparently the largest private estate on the island.”
Kitty’s face went pale.
Axel continued. “Wait a minute—it completely escaped my mind. You’re from
Singapour, aren’t you, Oliver?”
“Indeed I am,” Oliver said, forcing a smile.
“Have you heard of this property? Apparently it’s quite an architectural folly—a mixture
of styles and periods, but set on sixty-four acres. Tivoli Park, I think it is called.” Axel
cocked his head.
Kitty calmly walked out onto the balcony of the showroom and could be seen jabbing
her iPhone screen frantically.
“Actually, I believe you mean Tyersall Park,” Oliver corrected him.
“Yes, that’s the place! Apparently, the lady’s father has given her the property as a
wedding present, and she wants me to help her with the redo. It will be quite the
commission.”
Oliver looked out the window, where Kitty was screaming in Mandarin and
gesticulating wildly into her phone. “I know you never discuss your clients, but I’m going