If Christopher was expressive and passionate, then Julia was a reserved person. I verified that point while shopping with her. Just like Christopher said, once she acknowledged someone, she would stop acting polite and interact with the person in the same way she would with her family members.
Throughout the ride, she criticized me relentlessly. When we were in the boutique, she would express her dismay at all the clothes that I liked and berate me for having no sense of fashion. Yet, after all the criticisms, she would teach me how to match my clothes.
Next, we went shopping for jewelry. Whenever I took fancy to the sparkling jewelry, she would complain that I was frivolous. To be honest, the jewelry she chose was dazzling as well, but it was a better match with what she was wearing. It appeared low-key but sophisticated. The more I looked at it, the nicer it was.
That was not the end. The situation worsened when we went for tea. She would ask me to describe the taste of the tea and remember their names. I had never learned about any tea ceremony or done floral arrangements. The only thing I was persistent about was drawing.
At that moment, I began to wonder why she brought me out for shopping alone without Shelley. Could it be that she wants to cut me down to size?
“Isn’t this Ms. Tanner? I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” When we came out of the jewelry store, someone greeted me. Hearing that, I looked back and saw a familiar face. “Who are you, Sir? Is there a reason you are looking for me?”
The man probably did not expect me to not recognize him at all. With an awkward smile on his face, he introduced himself. “Ms. Tanner, I’m the person in charge of the National Youth Art Exhibition and Contest. I’ve called you before, but the call didn’t get through. Initially, I was thinking of meeting you directly, but I happened to bump into you here.”
Finally, I came to a realization. No wonder he looked familiar! Then, I queried in puzzlement, “Why are you looking for me? I’ve already withdrawn from the contest, haven’t I?”
“Previously, there was a little misunderstanding, so the judges decided to have you withdrawn. But now that the misunderstanding has been cleared and the fourth season of the contest has just ended, you’re qualified to participate in the final season. We have unanimously decided to reinstate your qualification. Why don’t you go to the art exhibition and meet the judges tomorrow?” The person in charge spoke rather arrogantly.
“Participate in the contest again?” I could not help but feel like laughing. I mean, this was the kind of contest that even someone like Crystal could be involved in. Not to mention that her paintings were displayed at the art exhibition for everyone to admire. Although I was not famous, I was not someone whom they could kick out as they liked and return when they needed people to hype up the contest.
I had always disliked such commercial contests. If it was not for the fact that I had no backing and could only use that way to prove myself, I would not have participated in the contest. Shortly afterward, I nodded at Julia and asked her to wait for me for a while.
“I’m sorry. I don’t intend to continue participating in the contest. Thank you for your kindness as well as the kindness of the judges and the organizer.” I flashed the person in charge a faint smile and politely rejected his proposal.
“After you come back, we’ll make you the champion and let you- What? You’re refusing to participate in the contest? How is this possible?” he cried out in surprise. Obviously, he did not expect me to decline him. He was full of disbelief.
Make me the champion? I blinked at his words. I wonder who the final winner would be if I did not go back. Probably the contestant with the most hype would claim first place. Even in the art industry, people cared about popularity.
After being defamed several times, I was also considered a celebrity. When Crystal’s incident was exposed, I became popular. Then, there was Ansley’s art exhibition. All the gossips about me were related to art. If I participated in the contest, the hype I stir up would definitely make the exhibition more popular. That way, sponsors would be willing to spend more money on the event and the organizer would be able to gain both fame and fortune.
“I’m sorry. I really don’t intend to participate in the contest anymore. Thank you,” I responded while smiling. The next moment, I left with Julia, leaving the dumbfounded man behind.
