Chapter 60
I had just finished preparing the competition draft, and it turned out even better than expected.
I was quite satisfied with it and was about to show it to Colin when my phone rang.
“Colin, I was just about to call you. The draft is ready. Do you want to take a look?” I asked.
“It seems that we think alike, Lulu,” he remarked, his voice carrying a touch of charm, much like the comforting warmth of nighttime light.
I pursed my lips, pondering why Colin appeared somewhat flirtatious.
But no, that couldn’t be right.
He had watched me grow up and had always treated me like a sister. I had to be overthinking.
“So, Colin, why are you calling me so late?” I asked.
“Do you want to take on a project? It’s a great opportunity,” he said.
“Do tell me, but I’m not sure if I can do it.”
“A classmate of mine is looking to create a photo album to commemorate his grandparents‘ 50th
wedding anniversary.
“He intends to capture their decades of memories and present them to his grandparents on the exact day. It’s a high–stakes project with a tight timeline, so he’s offering a good sum.”
“How much?” I asked.
Since relocating to the north, I had come to appreciate the straightforwardness and conciseness of the people here, and I had adopted their tendency to cut to the chase.
“150 thousand dollars.”
What?
150 thousand dollars! His classmate was generous.
That amount of money was enough to turn me into an independent young woman. It was truly amazing!
However, I was just an ordinary college student. Could I truly meet the strict quality requirements?
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My confidence was far from solid.
As if reading my mind, Colin swiftly reassured me, “You’re amazing, Lulu. You’ll do a great job.“.
He had so much confidence in me.
“Why don’t you take on this generous offer yourself?” I inquired.
“I don’t enjoy working on these lovey–dovey things,” he explained.
Well, that reason convinced me.
“Alright, I’ll accept it on your behalf. You can concentrate on preparing for the competition first, and once
it concludes in October, you can begin working on this project. The deadline for the artwork extends beyond New Year’s Eve, so we’ll have some time.”
Before hanging up, he reminded me, “Weren’t you going to show me your draft?”
I cradled my artwork draft as if it were a precious treasure and headed to the research institute to meet Colin on that crisp autumn night.
He initially offered to come to me, but it was late, and there was nowhere to host him in the girls‘ dormitory. So, I decided to take the draft to him.
My eagerness to visit the research institute was partly due to my strong admiration for the rose–covered
wall on its side.
Especially at night, each rose appeared as a dazzling beacon under the moon’s gentle glow, exuding an
intoxicating beauty.
I couldn’t help but wonder how the students in the agricultural economics department managed to keep them blooming in such cold weather.
As I passed through the rose–covered wall, I reached the front gate of the research institute, where Colin was waiting for me in a ground–floor studio.
The moment I stepped inside, a faint fragrance filled the air. I took a deep breath and felt every part of my body relax, as though all the fatigue from the past few days had been whisked away.
I was wearing comfortable sneakers that many students preferred, not just because they were
comfortable for walking but also because they made no noise. It was a silent stroll, and I was heading
toward the research institute’s entrance.
The rose–covered wall was as beautiful as ever. Walking here always lightened my mood.
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As I was halfway there, I faintly heard some discordant sounds emanating from the side.
The voices sounded oddly familiar.
Couples on dates were a common sight on campus.
While I typically didn’t pry, the familiarity of those voices aroused my curiosity. I yearned to confirm whether the person I had in mind was indeed there.