Chapter 254
Chapter 254 Xavier
After finishing her chat with Nics, Imogen sorted through all the recent photos she had taken on
herputer.
She remembered she still had a photographypetition to participate in.
While she had a knack for photography, she knew that relying solely on her talent wouldn’t cut it.
Imogenpiled the photos into apressed file and sent it to Alex, along with a message: [Hey
Alex, here are some of my recent works, Can you give me some insights when you have time?]
Alex: [Sure thing!]
Alex: [Have you decided on the theme for thepetition?]
Imogen: [Not yet.]
Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
Imogen had joined a photographypetition group chat. The group chatprised numerous
professional and amateur photographers who frequently shared their experiences and opinions.
Imogen would asionally upload one or two of her works for the group to critique and provide
feedback on others‘ photos.
Imogen picked a photo she was rtively satisfied with and posted it in the group chat. Imogen:
[Hey, photography gurus, can you advise me on this picture? Where could it be improved?]
The group members were incredibly enthusiastic. Some showered her withpliments, and
others offered suggestions onposition, color, and various aspects of the photograph.
Then, a new message popped up: [Have you bought a new camera?]
Messages flooded with Imogen’s screen before she could respond.
“Xavier?”
“Ah, it’s Xavier! You’ve finally made an appearance!”
“Oh my god! It’s Xavier?”
“Xavier, I love you!”
The screen lit up with dozens of messages in an instant.
Imogen was bewildered. She scrolled back and found out the sender was an administrator named
Xavier.
Judging by the group members‘ reactions, Xavier appeared to be an important member.
Imogen: [Yes. I recently bought a new camera. How did you figure it out, Xavier?]
She hadn’t expected a response from someone like Xavier amid the flood of messages.
Surprisingly, Xavier responded: [Foggyndscapes can be pretty tricky to capture. Yourposition
and how you’ve yed with ck and white in the photo show a solid grasp of aesthetics. However,
there are some evident errors, particrly in managing exposure for misty scenes and creating
contrast with the surroundings.]
Imogen: [I understand. Thank you for your insights./
Below, many group members took the opportunity to share their work, hoping to receive critiques
from the esteemed Xavier.
But the administrator, Xavier, remained silent, leaving the members somewhat envious that Imogen
had caught his attention.
Imogen realized that she was still a novice in this field. She relied mainly on her instincts. There
12:53
was much room for improvement, especially regarding camera techniques that she needed help to
grasp quickly.
After some contemtion, Imogen enrolled in a photography course for systematic training.
However, she was new to themunity and needed to determine which courses were good. So,
she asked the group for rmendations: [Hey, guys. Do you rmend any photography
courses?]
The group members chimed in with their suggestions.
[I took sses with V. His course is top–notch. Informative, and the teaching assistants are helpful.]
[Interested in a photography course? What about Morgan’s? He’s a well–known photographer, and
his courses have fantastic reviews. He even did a recent magazine cover shoot with Xena.] The
comments went on.
Then someone chimed in: [You can’t Miss Xavier’s! He’s kicking off a ss at the end of the month,
and you can still enroll!]
[Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I’ll check them out.]
Imogen took some time to research the courses her fellow group members rmended, including
the photographers‘ portfolios.
V had a penchant for art photography. He was good at creating imaginative and creative works out
of this world.
On the other hand, Morgan specialized in portrait photographs. He excelled at capturing the
essence of his subjects. His work was highly sought after by various celebrities.
Later, Imogen did some research for Xavier on Google and Instagram.
Xavier, whose real name was Yohan, was 31 years old. He was a younger–generation
photographer and had won the top prize in the Mountain and River International Photography
Competition. Xavier was skilled atbining people withndscapes, using the surroundings to
complement the subjects and vice versa. His work was a testament to his talent.
Upon reviewing the course descriptions, Imogen found herself in a dilemma due to the simrity in
course start times despite each having unique features.
She nced at the time, put away her phone, and decided to think it overter.
It was almost noon. Imogen had promised Grace to have lunch together. Moreover, she needed to
return Troy’s car. So she decided to head back.
After lunch, Imogen took her medication. She felt a bit tired and decided to nap in the master
bedroom.
It was already past two o’clock in the afternoon when she woke up. Erik had sent her a message: [I
have some good news and bad news, Which one do you want to hear first?]
Imogen had a hunch about the good news and replied: [Good news first.]
Erik: [The good news is that our department is going on a hot spring team–building trip for two days
before Christmas, and we can bring a family member!]
Imogen could imagine Erik’s excited tone.
Imogen: [Really?] She feigned surprise.
Erik: [Yes, yes! Come with me! Don’t worry, we have female colleagues!}
12:53
Imogen: [Sure! I can finally experience the hot springs! Thanks a lot.]
Erik: [You’re wee!]
Imogen: [Did Nics arrange this for you guys?]
Erik: [Yes! Our manager is super nice!]
Imogen: [Indeed. So, what’s the bad news?]
Erik: [The bad news is that I might be busy these days leading up to the holiday. I’m afraid I won’t
have much time to spend with you. But don’t worry, I’lle find you as soon as the holidays start.]
Imogen: [It’s okay. You’re still young. Workes first.]
Little did she know that while she was praising Nics for being a good person, Nics had
forwarded the messages to Troy.
Troy stared at the screen. His expression turned grim. His aura became oppressive, and his fingers
slowly tightened on his phone.
Nics sent a screenshot of his conversation with Imogen.
The message showed Imogen suggesting that their department go to a hot spring resort for a team–
building event, with an additional spot for a family member.
Nics: [Why do you need an extra spot for a family member?]
Imogen: [Because I want to go.] She included a shy emoji in her text.
Nics: [You want to go with the staff in my department? Why insist on apany team–building
event?] Nics pretended not to know about Imogen’s rtionship with Erik.
Imogen: [Well… We just confirmed our rtionship, and I don’t want him to feel like things are
moving too fast if I invite him to a hot spring trip. You know?]
In fact, Imogen wanted to create a casual cover to prevent Victor and Erik from suspecting
anything.
Troy’s expression darkened as he read the messages. His chest tightened, and he clenched his
teeth in frustration.
He had just asked Nics to give Erik more work, but now Imogen had thrown this curveball.
A man and a woman heading to a hot spring together was a clear recipe for potential romantic
sparks to fly.
Troy vividly recalled thest time he and Imogen visited a hot spring.
Was she so enamored with Erik? They had only confirmed their rtionship a few days ago, and
she seemed eager to take things to the next level.
Erik had yet to make the first move, yet Imogen had taken the initiative.
Troy regretted not being more decisivest night and letting her go without boundaries.
-On the other hand, Lane sensed an intense reaction from Troy. He felt an icy tension in the air
and struggled to speak, “Mr. Marshall?”
“You can continue,” Troy replied. He tried to regain hisposure and spoke with a hint of
coldness in his eyes.
Imogen wanted to go to the hot spring with Erik, right?
Troy would make sure she had an unforgettable hot spring experience!