She Outshines 71
She outshines 86 She outshines 86Chapter 71
As dusk fell. Athena finished her favorite dish-foie gras with gingerbread toast. She quietly rubbed
her belly under the table, feeling satisfied. Tm heading back to thebs now. Don’t worry about me,
I’ll be fine.”
Earlier that morning. Athena had told her family that she would be joining a scientific expedition to
collect data in the mountains. She mentioned she would be gone for a week, and since the signal in
the mountains was poor, they might not be able to reach her. She advised them to call her
supervisor if there was an emergency.
“Make sure you take the pickles and carrot sticks I prepared for you and don’t forget the medicines.
There are a lot of mosquitoes in the mountains, and the weather changes quickly. He careful and
don’t get sick, ire said with concern. When she heard about Athena’s trip, she immediately
rushed on to buy ingredients and spent hours making pickled vegetables for her.
“Alright.” Athena said obediently as she stood up. “I’ll go pack my clothes now.”
Til help you pack Maria also got up and followed Athena to her room.
As Maria folded the clothes, she kept sneaking nces at Athena hesitant to speak
After the parking was done, Maria still hadn’t spoken. Athena had no choice but to ask,” “Maria, do
you have something on your mind! We’re sisters; you can tell me anything
Maria rubbed her nose, saying awkwardly, “Athena, didn’t you say you wanted to see my jewelry
designs? I’ve quit my job at the coffee shop and I’m nning to apply for an internship at a design
studio. I was hoping you could take a look at work, but you’re leaving soon…”
Tm
not leaving until tomorrow morning. There’s still plenty of time.” Athena smiled warmly. “Quick, show
me your designs. I can’t wait to see them.”
Thank you so much!” Maria eximed as she dashed to the room across the hall and returned with
a thick stack of design sketches, which she nervously ced in front of Athena. “I didn’t study
design formally. I taught myself in my spare time, so my skills aren’t great. Just be honest with me;
no need to sugarcoat anything” Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.
“Alright.” Athena chuckled and sat down, picking up the drawings one by one, slowly reviewing
them. The more she looked, the more surprised she became. From time to time, she set aside a
particr piece.
Maria, standing behind her like a jittery student waiting for a test grade, tightly clutched the hem of
her shirt, eagerly awaiting Athena’s critique of her work.
Ten minutester, Athena looked up, meeting Maria’s gaze. “I think your designs are very original
and have a unique style. I really like them, and I’m certain you’ve got what it takes for this field.”
Maria froze, clearly caught off guard by such praise. Her expression was a mix of joy and disbelief
as she blinked rapidly, too nervous to speak.
Athena could tell what Maria was thinking. Picking up one of the pieces she had set aside, she said.
“Your designs are simple and may seem ordinary at first nce, but the attention to detail shows a
lot of creativity and depth.
“Take this maple leaf ne, for example. You’ve drawn spring maple leaves, capturing their
precise form-it’s not summer, autumn, or winter leaves, but distinctly spring. While the idea of maple
leaves isn’t novel, you’ve added a dewdrop to it, and it’s that drop of dew that brings the leaf to life.
“And this cherry hairpin, which looksmon at first, but then you’ve included a small worm on it-a
real cherry worm, not just something randomly drawn. That little worm makes the cherry look
vibrant. It’s no longer just an inanimate object.”
After a thoughtful pause, Athena said seriously, “Your technical skills and professional knowledge
still need improvement, but as long as you maintain this level of sincerity and observation. I’m sure
you’ll create amazing designs.”
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Chapter 71
“Rereally? Maria’s eyes widened, shining with an unprecedented glow. I’ve shown my designs to my
ssmates and coworkers. They all thought they were meliore, and some even said they weren’t
good enough to be called designs.”
Athena raised an eyebrow. “Well, they don’t have good taste. Sl then pulled out her phone and
turned on the video recording feature. Holding up a few of the drawings, she said, “Take these to
your interview. If they don’t hire you, it means theyck vision, and you can just apply somewhere
else”
Maria carefully took the pieces selected by Athena as if they were treasures. “Alright, I’ll give it a
shot”
Athena stood up and patted Maria’s shoulder. “You may not believe in yourself, but you should trust
me. If you ever need an opinion on your designs, feel free toe to me.” She grabbed the handle
of her suitcase and smiled. “I have to go now.”
Maria quickly said, “I’ll see you off”
Athena’s car was parked at the entrance of the vi. Her family was already waiting there, making
the scene feel a bit grander than she expected.
Arthur spoke eagerly, “Athena, let me drive you to theb.”
Athena shook her head. “No need. Theb’s quite far away, and it’s rush hour now. It’d take too long
to go back and forth. I’ll drive myself.
Arthur scratched his head in disappointment. “Alright then, just drive carefully and take it slow.”
“Remember to send us a message before you head out tomorrow morning,” Wesley reminded
Athena, his eyes filled with
gende concern.
Josie hugged Athena, saying sweetly, “Athena,e back soon. Marshmallow and I will miss you!
“Don’t worry about us. Just take care of yourself, ire said warmly.
Athena nodded. “Alright. Take care, everyone. Don’t worry about me.” She got into the car, closed
the door, and waved to them before driving off.
ncing in the rearview mirror, she saw her family still standing there, waving goodbye. At that
moment, she felt at bittersweet pang, wondering why she had be so attached to her family
after just over a week back home.
Half an hourter, Athena pulled up to a clearing, where a small private jet was waiting. Rufus and
Harry were already there..
Rufus, dressed as a pilot, greeted her. Tve checked the ne. Everything’s good to go.”
“Thank you.” Athena nodded and turned to Harry. “Pick two Owl Eyes and have them delivered to
my family tomorrow morning. Tell them those are housewarming gifts from thebs and make sure
they know how to use them”
“No problem,” Harry responded with a brisk nod.
Athena said no more and boarded the jet. Rufus followed and began taxiing the aircraft down the
runway. Harry watched. the ne take off, then got into Athena’s car and drove away.
No one else had witnessed the entire process.