“Yvonne, have you heard about this year’s Jewelry Design Competition in Jeriton City?” Jean asked suddenly as they enjoyed some fruits for dessert.
Yvonne nodded. “I heard about it while working on the exhibition. I think the rules state that designers who have already signed with a company aren’t allowed to participate, so most of the contestants are either industry newbies or freelance designers who just graduated from college.”
“They invited me to be one of the judges,” Jean revealed, looking directly at Yvonne. “I was going to accept, but now I plan to decline.”
“Why?” Yvonne was confused. “You should definitely accept the invitation. It’s a great way to mentor new designers.”
“Yvonne, I want to be your mentor,” Jean explained with a smile. “I want you to participate in this competition. And as your mentor, I can’t judge a competition that you’re in to avoid conflicts of interest.”
Surprised, Yvonne put down the fork she was holding. “Professor Weedle, there’s no guarantee that I’ll win anything even if I enter the competition. It would be a waste for you to give up being a judge!”
“The real waste would be you missing this opportunity.” Jean sighed. “I’ve always wondered–why did you turn down Yalta Academy’s offer to study there four years ago? By then, the situation with the Jamisons should have been settled. It shouldn’t have stopped you from coming back to the jewelry design industry.”
Yvonne’s gaze wavered. “I didn’t want to study abroad back then. I didn’t want to be in a long–distance relationship with my boyfriend, so I decided to stay in Jeriton City.”
As expected, Jean looked at her with sheer disappointment. “What a waste of a beautiful young woman. You were completely blinded by love.”
Yvonne smiled bitterly. “Well, not anymore. Now, my only focus is my career.”
“Then do you have the confidence to participate in the competition?” Jean looked at her earnestly.
“Several young designers, fresh out of school, came to see me today, telling me that they intend to join the competition. It’s a brilliant opportunity and a great way to build your reputation. Aren’t you planning to open your own studio?
“The competition will be held privately, and you have more than six months to prepare your design. I’m sure you’ll do well. Whether you win or not, just participating will be a victory in itself.”
“Alright, I’ll do as you say,” Yvonne conceded. “I’ll join the competition.”
Yvonne deeply appreciated Jean’s guidance, but she was already handling the promotion of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotional Event and making.an emerald sculpture for Samuel. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to handle creating a design for the competition on top of all that.
At home, she considered the matter again and made up her mind. Then, lying on the couch on her stomach, she sent Samuel a text.
“Mr. Hover, do you have time to meet tomorrow? I’d like to discuss something about the emerald sculpture.”
Over at the 68th floor of Hover Group, Samuel sat behind his desk in the president’s office. Stacks of documents covered the entire desk. Behind him, the vast floor- to–ceiling windows overlooked Jeriton City’s nighttime cityscape.
Liam was working overtime, discussing business with Samuel. “Mr. Hover, the Fords and the Felands have given all they can for this partnership-” “Hold on.” Samuel set down the file he was holding, picked up his phone, and walked over to the window, completely focused on sending a reply.
“I have time. Let me know the place.”
“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow!”
A smile crept onto Samuel’s face when he saw her reply. Liam and Howard exchanged a glance.
“What’s making you so happy, Mr. Hover?” Liam asked cautiously.
“I have a date,” Samuel replied, his tone carrying a hint of pride.
Liam paused, then corrected him, “You mean you have a business dinner, right?”
After all, Samuel had never had a girlfriend before, so he probably didn’t know the difference between a regular meeting and an actual date. Samuel narrowed his eyes at Liam and clarified, “I have a date tomorrow, Mr. Hall. Not a business meeting, not a social affair–an actual date.”
