“Especially what?” Kevin and I asked in unison.
“Especially you, Evelyn.” Lianne looked at me and smiled cryptically.
“Me?” I pointed at myself. I was utterly bewildered.
“Exactly. The professor was deeply impressed by the unique design concepts and aesthetic vision in your portfolio,” Lianne continued.
My eyes widened as a wave of indescribable excitement surged within me. To be recognized by such a renowned industry figure was an incredible honor. “Wow.” I clenched my fists in exhilaration.
“It’s absolutely true,” Lianne said, grinning. “But it seems like the professor’s compliment has rubbed someone the wrong way.”
“Who?” I asked, puzzled.
Lianne sighed. “Who else? Carlos.”
Of course. Carlos Miles, another top student in our department, was also my rival.
He had always been critical of my design philosophy. He accused me of being overly unconventional and straying too far from mainstream aesthetics. “He just can’t stand seeing someone else succeed,” Kevin muttered.
“But… I’ve heard he’s not easy to deal with. What if he causes trouble for us?” Lianne asked.
“Forget about him,” I replied. “Let’s focus on doing our best.”
After lunch, we returned to the classroom to get ready for the afternoon classes.
Barely had we settled in when a group of people suddenly appeared at the door. Leading the pack was none other than Carlos.
He scanned the room until his gaze landed on me. His lips curled into a smug, taunting smile.
“Evelyn. I heard you’re living it up overseas and even caught the eye of the new visiting professor.”
I frowned. “What’s that got to do with you, Carlos?”
“Oh, feisty, aren’t we?” Carlos sneered.
“I’m just here to remind you not to get too full of yourself just because the professor likes you. Design isn’t as simple as you think.” “Thanks for the advice, but I know what I’m doing,” I replied coolly.
Carlos seemed incensed by my demeanor. He stepped closer and towered over me.
“You think you’re something special? You’re just a hack who cobbles together ideas to impress the professor. Your designs are nothing more than a soulless mishmash.”
I took a deep breath, trying to tamp down my anger.
“Carlos, there’s no absolute standard in design. You’re not the authority to judge it. My concepts may not conform to mainstream standards, but that doesn’t make them any less valid I said, meeting his gaze head-on.
“Instead of picking a fight here, why not let our work do the talking? How about we settle this through the competition?”
Carlos snorted. “Fine. Let’s see what you’ve got. I’ll show you what real design is in the competition.”
With that, he turned on his heel and marched out, leaving behind a tense, suffocating silence.
Kevin and Lianne rushed over to comfort me.
“Don’t mind him, Evelyn,” Kevin said. “He’s just jealous.”
“Exactly. Your design inspiration and aesthetic vision are way beyond his understanding. And the fact that he came here to provoke you means he’s feeling insecure,” Lianne added.
en FindNovel
I chuckled. My anger gradually subsided.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ll give my all in the competition and prove to everyone what true design is.”
The afternoon classes flew by in a haze of focus.
As we left the classroom, Lianne seemed to remember something and slapped her forehead.
“Oh, Evelyn, I almost forgot! The professor has a lecture this afternoon at the design faculty. Want to check it out?”