C1 The Start of It All

"Xia Yuli, you're up next."

As soon as the interviewer called out the woman's name, he couldn't help but pause. The company was only opening up the applications for starting illustrator. Although he had a fair share of experienced painters coming up for an interview, he definitely wasn't expecting this woman–of all people–to show up.

Xia Yuli didn't look that bothered by the attention as she strode into the office. She slung her bag strap over her shoulders, keeping her head high despite the number of glares and whispers thrown her way. There was a certain confidence in her walk that one might even mistake for arrogance if they don't know her well enough.

"That woman just now," one of them muttered as soon as she disappeared into the other side of the waiting room. "She's the famous painter, right? Xia Yuli?"

"I think so. I remembered meeting her at one of her exhibitions once."

The other applicant furrowed his eyebrows, joining in on their conversation. "Who would've thought? It's tragic that such a famous painter would degrade herself in applying for something so...trivial, you know."

"It's not that tragic if she deserves it." Another woman sneered in reply. "Nobody asked her to plagiarize. If you ask me, it's the universe paying back."

There were a few women in the room who quickly sensed that they were getting out of hand. Instead of joining in, they quickly waved the tension away. "Hey, how do you think you'll do?" The topic was steered to themselves, and soon enough, Xia Yuli was gone from their minds for the meantime.

Fortunately, the interviewers weren't as gossipy as the other applicants. Even if they were surprised by her appearance, they didn't show it. "Good morning," one of them said evenly, shuffling his papers. "Do you mind telling me a bit about yourself?" The interview lasted for a few minutes, with them throwing questions every now and then, and her answering them as frank as possible. It was quick, and some might say it had even gone well.

But as soon as she turned around to leave, the interviewers quickly drew an 'X' on her form with a frown on their faces.

It was a pity. If Xia Yuli didn't have such a reputation, they would've instantly hired her. Yet after all the turmoil she had caused in the art community, hiring her would definitely be damaging for their operations, and they can't handle that much trouble.

Another interview, another day. Xia Yuli would be lying if she said she was fine with all her rejection letters. Back at home, she found herself sitting alone on her sofa with an apple in her hand. So many thoughts ran through her mind as she held onto her resume. Where the hell was she going to apply now? "Stupid, stupid," she murmured to herself as her vision blurred from the unshed tears.

Just as she was about to take a bite from her apple, her phone rang. "Good day, Xia Yuli. I'm the Director Jiang Shen of the art exhibition in Lin Province," Jiang Shen greeted as soon as she answered the call. "We would like to invite you to present your artwork in the museum. It would be a great opportunity for both of us, so I'd hope you'd consider."

Xia Yuli furrowed her eyebrows. That was weird, but just as she was about to refuse, he quickly said, "Teacher Xia, we've already seen your artwork, and you're truly very talented. As for the incident that had happened, it doesn't matter because we know for a fact that you were innocent. So please consider."

"I...I'll do it," Xia Yuli slowly said. Ever since the plagiarism incident, no one would hire her. No one would even believe her no matter how much she had insisted. This was the first time that somebody had honestly trusted her words, and she'd be crazy if she didn't take this opportunity. As soon as she hung up, she grabbed her canvas and proceeded to prepare for her exhibition.

As the lead scratched against the sheet of paper, her wavering thoughts drifted to their neighboring provinces. The corners of her lips inched up as she sketched every landmark and corner of the streets, drawing inspiration from her own memories.

No one knew this city better than her. This was where she was born and where she grew up. Every corner of this city reminded her of a distant memory, from her first laughter to her first tears...and it was also the same place where she had met him. And it was where their three-year secret affair had started. Her hand gripped the pencil tightly. Love was truly a fickle thing.

She remembered the day when they first met. Xia Yuli was sitting by the river with her headphones on. Her eyes were drawn to the skies above and the crashing waves below as her pencil worked quickly across the blank canvas. He Yao'an was also observing the beauty of nature, and coincidentally, he was standing right in front of her.

It was said that artists were more drawn and connected to their emotions. Their happiness and sadness were attuned to their minds and hands, and as such, they tend to react more strongly than others. She hadn't really understood that statement until her gaze met his tall figure. It was at that moment when she knew that she had fallen in love.

Her heartbeat raced in her chest. Wanting to get to know him more, Xia Yuli raised her head even higher. "Sir," she called out. "Do you mind stepping to the side? You're blocking my view."