Chapter 43
Before heading downstairs, Yvonne took a quick look around to make sure that Jared had already left. Only then did she relax a little. She never imagined that he’d become the source of her troubles one day.
“Stay safe, Yvvy. Don’t worry about us,” Lily said.
“Goodbye, Mom.”
Yvonne felt deeply moved by how Lily hadn’t pressed her with questions. Lily had given her enough space to handle things on her own.
Once back in Jeriton City, Yvonne immediately headed to Jean’s house.
Jean had arranged a cultural exploration trip. It was over a two–hour drive from Jeriton City, and they wouldn’t be taking the highway but rather winding country roads.
Yvonne had borrowed Isabel’s red Land Rover for the trip. Its spacious interior made it perfect to take things.
As they drove, Jean spoke to her about intangible cultural heritage. Yvonne had seen some of it in short videos, but she’d never encountered it firsthand. “When I returned to Jeriton City, the Department of Arts and Culture contacted me. They want to hold a large promotional event, and I thought I’d bring you along
to see it.”
The car could only take them to the village entrance, and they had to walk the rest of the way. Yvonne supported Jean as they made their way down the dirt path. The view before them made it feel like they were stepping into a hidden paradise. Every mountain and stream seemed steeped in history.
Many artisans of traditional craftsmanship lived here. They worked while chatting, and their hands moved with such precision that they could probably do their work with their eyes closed.
“Professor Weedle, it seems like there are no young people here.”
Most of the artisans were middle–aged or even elderly.
Jean sighed. “So many of these crafts are being left behind with no one to carry them forward. This village has received support from the Department of Arts and Culture.
“They gathered here for the promotional event, but they’re not good at talking. They just want to focus on making their work. In today’s world, packaging and publicity matter more.”
“How many types of traditional crafts are there here?” Yvonne asked.
“There are six types–pottery, paper cutting, shell inlay, weaving, silverwork, and woodcraft. What we’re seeing now is shell inlay. Artisans grind the shells into intricate designs of flowers or birds, then embed them into various objects…”
It had been years since Jean had taken on an apprentice, but she recognized Yvonne’s talent and potential. She wanted to guide her toward a bigger stage. Yvonne was mesmerized as she watched the process of shell inlay up close.
“This is such a beautiful craft. It’s a cultural treasure that needs to be preserved. Professor Weedle, what you’re doing is truly meaningful.”
“It’s not just me. We’re doing this together.” Jean took Yvonne’s hands in hers and continued firmly, “I saw the jewelry exhibition you organized. I believe you’re capable of handling this Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotional Event.”
That night, the village was brightly lit.
The villagers had heard that Jean and her apprentice were there to handle the promotional event, so they prepared a generous dinner to welcome them.
Everyone gathered around the long table, where they were treated to a lively feast.
Throughout the evening, people made a point to come over to Yvonne and offer their satisfied smiles.
“You’re so pretty. This promotional event is sure to be a success.”
Yvonne felt a little embarrassed by such blunt compliments. “Why does being pretty mean the event will be a success?”
An elderly man with a kind smile explained, “The Department of Arts and Culture asked if there were any younger artisans for a promotional ad. When we see the cameras, we get nervous and just smile awkwardly. We can’t speak well.
“But you young people are different. You’re so pretty, and people will listen to what you say. We can’t say things clearly, so no one really pays attention to us.” Everyone seemed to share the same sentiment. Even though the old man said it so directly, there wasn’t a trace of complaint in his voice.
Yvonne could tell they genuinely hoped that her youth and beauty would give the promotional event an advantage,
