Chapter 19
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The jewelry exhibition was held in a hotel ballroom.
Yvonne showed up in a white dress. She’d done her makeup too. Technically, she no longer needed to show up for work. Nevertheless, she arrived bright and early that day to help ensure that everything went according to plan.
Just before the start of the event, the invited designers began arriving.
“Professor Weedle!”
Jean showed up in a maroon dress that was complemented by emerald jewelry. Given her fame in the design industry, everyone stood up to greet her.
“Allow me to show you around, Professor Weddle,” Yvonne suggested respectfully.
“Of course. I’m interested to see the exhibition you’ve put together.”
Yvonne slowly escorted Jean around as she started explaining the theme of the exhibition, “Legacy“.
There was no limit to the type of work presented at the exhibition. There were also non–historical pieces that were still worthy of being a collectible.
“It’s rare to find someone with your take on jewelry, Yvonne,” Jean remarked. She was a master designer who also promoted the preservation of cultural heritage.
“These days, many designers care more about showcasing techniques rather than imbuing emotions into their work. Alas, our creations are merely objects. If the designer has nothing to express, his creation is nothing more than a cold, lifeless piece of rock.”
The two women continued heading deeper into the exhibition. Placed right in the center was an emerald sculpture of a girl with her eyes closed in prayer.
The lines were exquisitely carved in such a way that it didn’t seem as though the girl was made out of a piece of gemstone. On the contrary, it felt as if her dress was genuinely fluttering in the wind.
“Your sculpture is incredibly lifelike. It makes us wonder what the girl is wishing for. This is what you’ve managed to express through your work.”
Jean had nothing but praise for Yvonne, who was standing in front of her creation. The glass before her seemed to cast a reflection of her face onto the face of the
sculpture.
“This sculpture no longer belongs to me,” she said.
Jean took Yvonne by the hand and responded gently, “My dear, an artist’s most important assets are a pair of eyes to see the world and a pair of hands to bring art
to life.
“A creation is nothing more than a representation of a moment in your life. It doesn’t encompass all of you. Your talent can’t be taken away from you. Moreover, your sincere love for your art is what gives you neverending strength.‘
Yvonne remembered hearing similar words from Andrew. Her eyes misted over.
“Thank you, Professor Weedle.”
Jean looked Yvonne in the eye before asking abruptly, “Would you like to learn from me? You can learn how to showcase the world in your eyes through the pieces
you create.”
Yvonne was stunned to hear the offer. Everyone knew that Jean rarely took on apprentices, even though countless designers would jump at the chance to learn from
her.
Yvonne was already starting her career at a disadvantage compared to the others in the industry. This was a chance she never dreamed of having.
“It would be my honor to learn from you, Professor Weedle.”
“My eyesight has started to fall me the last couple of years. I’ve been meaning to groom someone who can take over my work. Many of the designers who’ve sought to learn from me are capable in their own right, but they all lack passion. I’m also lucky to have found you,” Jean said with a warm smile.
She was thoroughly satisfied with her new apprentice.
Next, it was time for the designers to go up on stage with their respective creations, Jean’s ascent to the stage was met with loud applause.
Being the exhibition organizer, Yvonne also went up on stage.
That was precisely when Jared arrived. He didn’t even have to look around the ballroom. His eyes immediately spotted the captivating Yvonne, who stood up on the stage. Separated by the crowd, he was rooted to the spot as he stared at her.
“Legacy” was a theme that evoked a sense of warmth and strength.
