The Versatile Master Artist

Tuesday,

Yangon Fitzgerald International School.

Mona stepped through the doors of the professors’ office building and paused slightly at the corner of the second-floor staircase mirror.

She scrutinized the reflection in the mirror.

The person in the mirror was impeccably dressed.

Her long hair was tied neatly at the back of her head, she wore polished dark leather shoes, and the white collar of her school uniform shirt was tight above her graceful chest, secured by a sky-blue tie.

Beautiful and professional.

”Come on, Miss Mona Sandunu, you can do it, make a good impression on Professor Cruz.”

She gently adjusted the tie in her neckline, ensuring it was perfectly centered, and nodded with satisfaction, encouraging herself softly as she faced her reflection.

Mona held a thick folder under her arm, which was her portfolio in preparation.

Today, she planned to make an early visit before classes began to that legendary new professor—Mrs. Adriana Cruz.

The wife of the internationally renowned artist was about to start a six-month Gifted&Talented program at the school.

The opportunity to study under Lady Sakai was a rare and precious chance for every student at Fitz International School.

Precious means rare.

Of course, such courses, personally guided by a master, couldn’t include a large number of students.

There were only five spots available at the school.

The advanced class selection was based on the winter oil painting assignments, where Lady Sakai would select the five students she deemed to have the most completed works,

to enter her small class.

Mona assessed that her painting skills were definitely not the worst among her peers, but also not the top few.

At least, not better than Gu Weijing.

Often, she knew deep down that getting an A in past courses was thanks to the help of her little boyfriend.

Even with guidance from a private tutor for this holiday assignment,

Mona wasn’t sure she would definitely be among the top few.

She didn’t want such a precious opportunity to be placed before her, only to fail to seize it.

Opportunities are always reserved for those who work hard.

Mona planned to put in more effort.

As the president of the female student council, she knew the location of each teacher’s office.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Mona wanted to make an early visit to Mrs. Sakai.

She even prepared an envelope containing her self-introduction, detailing the direction of her main art focus and some transcripts of her distinguished courses.

This matter, speaking of it, is simple. It is common in both East and West to contact and visit a preferred mentor in advance at university, hoping to gain an advantage during interviews.

Even more extreme,

a university in Holland once had a scandal in the early 2000s where a female student slept with the entire mentoring group, and after the exposure, a third of the department’s teachers were dismissed, which was quite an absurd story.

However, for high school students still in the relatively innocent Ivory Tower—having such emotional intelligence and willingness to do such ”adult” and sophisticated things in society seems very smart.

After all, art is a subjective evaluation.

Leaving the other party with a good first impression in advance.

At least let Lady Sakai remember the name ”Mona Sandunu” among the female students.

By then, if there’s a situation where you’re on the verge of being accepted, you’ll have an advantage over other students.

”I’m not the kind of person who’s irresponsible to myself.”

Remembering that irritating person, Mona shook her head in displeasure, pushing his image out of her mind.

Perhaps Koukou was right.

Maybe she did like Gu Weijing.

But the world is vast, and there are many excellent boys.

Mona never thought she had to tie herself to Gu Weijing.

Abandoning a bright future for an illusory romance would be too foolish.

Sometimes, having a broader perspective will reveal many better opportunities.

Like the KFC in front of her house when she was little, the little girl thought it was some kind of delicacy the first time she ate it. Growing up, seeing the bustling world and its gaudy lights, she realized it was just a boring fast food.

This advanced class from Lady Sakai is a rare opportunity, like a light in the dark.

The sky of Yangon is too narrow compared to truly developed countries.

If she could become a student of Lady Sakai and even receive a recommendation letter from her.

The wind can help, propelling one to great heights.

Thus entering the real high society of the art world.

Then, one day when Mona looks back on this period of her life, she’ll chuckle at the thought of Gu Weijing, just another ordinary KFC.

”Professor Cruz, hello. This is my prepared portfolio, and I’d love to attend your course...”

Mona rehearsed her speech once more in her mind, took a deep breath, and walked towards the teacher’s office.

Knock, knock, knock...

The sound of knocking at the door.

”Come in.”

A woman’s voice came from behind the door.

Mona pushed the door open.

To her surprise, Mrs. Sakai was not alone in the office.

Besides the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Spanish professor, there was also a young Asian man who seemed to be in his twenties.

”... This Saturday, there’s a G-Dragon concert at the Tokyo Dome. I’m taking Shengzi back to Japan for a while, and will fly back on Monday. What do you say?”