Chapter 341
What Helen said warmed my heart. It made me realize that in life, love and family weren’t the only things that could warm one’s soul. Friendships could too.
Ten days after the accident, which was also the second day after I was discharged, Professor King called me in the morning. He told me that I needed to see him in the office for something important.
My left arm was injured, not my leg, so I happily complied.
Besides, I could hear the faint excitement in his voice. There had to be good news, so I
should be there.
Carrying my out–of–cast yet bandaged left arm with my right arm, I rushed to Professor King’s office under everyone’s curious eyes.
Professor King said he had two pieces of good news.
One, the result of my previous competition was announced. I did well and obtained second place, which meant I’d receive a reward of 150,000 dollars after tax. My current submission had to be better or I risked ruining my own reputation.
Two, my art had attracted the attention of a construction company. They were developing a Tudor–style building. They had been looking for several renowned artists and designers to design the mural, but they weren’t pleased with the results.
However, an art piece from me, a rookie, managed to catch their eye. They asked around and located Professor King. They then reached out to invite me to draw the murals for each floor.
“But Professor King, I don’t know anything about interior design. I only know how to draw. Designing a building is a serious project. I won’t be able to afford the damages if I screw up. I love the project, but I don’t think I can pull it off. I have to say no,” I declined politely while scratching my head.
Annoyed by my cowardice, Professor King wanted to smack me with the scroll in his hands. However, I brandished my injury, and that persuaded him to drop his aggression.
“Don’t chicken out! You’re not designing the whole building. They’ll give you the size of the murals and the style they’re gunning for. You just have to draw according to the theme. Besides, they didn’t ask you to paint the murals straight on.
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“You just have to come up with the designs and they’ll have a way to put it on the walls. Are you not confident enough in your skills? Fine. I won’t force you. Just don’t tell anyone that you’re my student. You’ll bring shame to my name.”
“Professor King, I know you’re using reverse psychology here. But I want to turn it down because I don’t want to ruin your reputation. If I mess up, it won’t affect me much because no one knows who Luna is. But they know who Ash King is.”
I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t be persuaded.
“Don’t try to take the moral high ground now. I’m too old to care about what people think of me. Just admit you’re too afraid to take on this project. There’s no need to find other excuses. I’ll turn them down. What a shame. It’s an eight–million–dollar project.”
Eight million?
“Sorry? How much?” I asked again. I even stretched my wounded left arm, but it did not
hurt at all.
Eight million dollars! That was a lot!
If I won the project, I’d be financially independent.
A devilish grin appeared on his face. He poked at my face. “Money can change your mind, huh? Yes, eight million dollars. Do you want this project or not?”
“I do! You invited me to take on this project. As your tutee, I must take on this challenge. It’s my job to make you proud, isn’t it?” “1
Who in their right mind would turn down an eight–million–dollar offer?
Professor King then teased me for how money–minded I was.
I then hopped, skipped, and jumped back to my apartment. Thinking that I was about to be filthy rich, I was exhilarated.