CHAPTER 134: CHAPTER 134: WHY BE EMBARRASSED

After Sean Fairchild finished eating, Shannon Quinn returned home and started working on the design sketches.

She opened the photos on her phone and matched them with some colors in computer software, designing several patterns based on the dragon, phoenix, and beast motifs on the costumes. These could be directly applied to the clothing design later.

Having taken the time to understand, Shannon Quinn found herself much more adept at designing, producing three sets of sketches in a week.

During the morning meeting, Aidan Lockwood even used her sketches as a demonstration, though he also mentioned that some parts could be refined further.

Shannon Quinn delegated this task to Sheila Yardley, asking her to produce one set of sketches as well.

Sometimes, having been in the industry for a long time, many design ideas become fixed. Newcomers like Sheila Yardley often have fresher ideas and creativity.

Anyway, LW’s people would choose the sketches in the end. An extra piece wouldn’t hurt, and if it gets selected, that’s great. If not, it’s an experience nonetheless.

"Shannon, you’re amazing! I have no clue, and you’ve already churned out three sets of sketches," Lynn Kendall said, approaching Shannon Quinn after the morning meeting ended.

Shannon Quinn merely laughed and said, "They’re only rough sketches. There are still many details that need fine-tuning."

"That’s already impressive! I have no inspiration at all. I found an opera video online to watch, but I couldn’t get into it at all and fell asleep halfway through. I mean, foreigners don’t understand our Chinese culture, so why choose this kind of theme?"

"It’s because foreign countries don’t have it, so this theme is fresh. It also helps promote our traditional culture. It’s a win-win."

"Hey, Shannon, can you lend me your sketches for reference?"

Shannon Quinn wasn’t sure what Lynn Kendall was really thinking but just laughed and said, "Drawing something yourself on a blank sheet of paper has countless possibilities. But if someone has already outlined it for you, it limits your ideas and design. So, it’s better not to look at other works before designing."

"I’m just trying to find some direction."

"Mr. Lockwood already gave design directions during the morning meeting. Go back and study them thoroughly."

"Shannon, you’re so stingy! I can’t even take a look."

Shannon Quinn politely smiled but said nothing. Coincidentally, she reached her studio and pushed the door open to enter, starting to amend her sketches based on the suggestions Aidan Lockwood had provided.

Elaine Yardley finished her morning class and rushed to the studio. As soon as she entered, she complained, "That woman is causing trouble again!"

Shannon Quinn asked puzzled, "What happened?"

Elaine Yardley took off her scarf while placing the snacks she bought on the table, saying, "Last night I went to Ryder Griffin’s studio, and guess who I saw?"

"Lynn Kendall? Why was she looking for Ryder Griffin?"

"Who knows, she wasn’t there to see Ryder Griffin. She was actually with a colleague of Ryder’s, and she was with an older man, discussing a hotel construction design. I’m not sure if it was by coincidence or whatever, but seeing her makes me uncomfortable."

"It’s probably just a coincidence. Don’t mind her."

"Okay, let’s not talk about her. A new dessert shop opened across from our school, so I bought some of the signature snacks from there. Try them."

Shannon Quinn picked one up, took a bite, and nodded, "It’s still warm and sweet but not overwhelming. Quite delicious."

"I waited in a long line! It better be good."

Elaine Yardley also took one and stuffed it into her mouth, then remembered another bag she had and said, "Oh right, this is my mom’s gift for you."

Shannon Quinn paused, puzzled, "What is it?"

Elaine Yardley smiled somewhat sheepishly and said, "My mom knitted a scarf, made one for both me and my brother. She probably thought there’s nothing suitable to thank you, so she made one for you too, asking me to bring it to you."

Upon hearing this, Shannon Quinn reached out to take the scarf from the bag and looked at the white scarf inside, somewhat dazed.

Elaine Yardley scratched her head, fearing Shannon would dislike it, and said, "The style might be simple, but it’s very warm."

Shannon Quinn quickly snapped out of it, smiled, and said, "It’s quite beautiful. I’ve been thinking about buying one since it’s getting colder."

Elaine Yardley was relieved and smiled, "I was worried you wouldn’t like it."

"Something handmade is definitely better than store-bought."

This scarf meant so much to her, it felt a little odd to think Catherine Yardley remembered her.

She wondered what Catherine Yardley was thinking while knitting this scarf.

"Knock knock," a staff member came over and knocked on the door, standing by the doorframe, asking, "Is Elaine here? There’s a guy downstairs looking for you."

Elaine Yardley pointed at herself, puzzled, "Me?"

"Yes, waiting downstairs, hurry down."

Elaine Yardley stood up, murmuring as she walked downstairs, "Who’s looking for me?"

It turned out the "guy" was Julian Yardley. Elaine Yardley quickly walked over, quietly asking him, "When did you come back?"

"Just got off the plane and came to find you, went to the school but missed you. Didn’t you say you wanted a New Year’s gift? Here it is." Julian handed over a small gift box.

Elaine Yardley excitedly opened it, and seeing the exquisite necklace inside, joyfully but concernedly asked, "Did you buy this abroad? These things are expensive, right?"

"Weren’t you pestering for it?"

"I was just saying, I didn’t ask you to buy such expensive stuff."

"Too much talk, if you don’t like it, I’ll return it!"

Elaine Yardley hurriedly closed the box lid, as if afraid he’d take it back, and repeatedly said, "I like it, I like it. But giving it to me tonight would have been fine, why come all the way here personally?"

Julian Yardley glanced at her, and his eyes wandered a bit. Elaine quickly noticed something was on his mind, "Did you get up to no good again? I knew it, you wouldn’t buy gifts to flatter me without a reason!"

"Who’s flattering you? I kindly bought you something but you just never say anything nice!"

"Then why are you mumbling? If you have something to say, just say it!"

Julian Yardley finally pulled out another box from his pocket, "This..."

Elaine Yardley looked at the box, then at Julian, hearing him say a bit awkwardly, "Well, this is for Shannon Quinn. I see she’s helped us a lot, so this is a thank you gift for her."

"If it’s a thank you, just give it. Why are you feeling shy?"

"Who’s shy? I just don’t want that old woman to misunderstand. You must explain clearly to her that it’s because of our mom’s thing that I’m thanking her with this gift, not because I have any feelings for her. I definitely don’t want to be associated with that old woman!"