She wandered through the exhibition, admiring Ines''s creations-some were t illustrations, others 3D models, a few so lifelike they could have drawn breath, and all sorts of imaginative merchandise lining the shelves.


    Around her, students mingled in borate cosy, their costumes transforming the crowded hall into a moving, vibrant tableau. The ce was packed, buzzing with excitement.


    Eventually, Jessica managed to squeeze her way through the throng and escape to the restroom. As she stepped back out, she caught sight of Timothy standing beside Ines.


    "Mr. Lawson, I appreciate your investment in this national tour, but when ites to taking on students, I only have two criteria: talent and spirit. I''ve reviewed Miss Howard''s work, and, unfortunately, she doesn''t meet my standards. I''m sorry."


    So Ines was here at Timothy''s invitation. And clearly, it was for She''s sake.


    "Talent and spirit-those are rather vague, Ines. Could you be more specific?" Timothy pressed, still fighting for She''s chance.


    Ines replied, "There''s a piece in this exhibit that hasn''t been revealed to the public yet. I''ll be introducing it shortly. Take a look, and you''ll understand what I mean by talent and spirit."


    Jessica''s curiosity spiked. If Ines spoke so highly of it, the piece must be something extraordinary. She couldn''t wait to see it for herself.


    She returned to the main gallery.


    About ten minutester, Ines reappeared, apanied by the staff.


    The animation industry here still had so much room to grow, which meant limitless possibilities. As one of its leading figures, Ines hadmitted herself to nurturing and advancing the field, always pushing for both innovation and excellence. She dreamed of bringing local animation techniques to the forefront of the world stage —a dream Jessica knew well. Years ago, Ines had pinned those same hopes on her.


    During the showcase, Ines carefully introduced the design process behind each featured artist''s work. When it came to her own, she was just as candid, pointing out both strengths and ws without hesitation.


    Ines was no longer just an animation mentor-she embodied the true spirit of a master craftsman, dedicated and exacting.


    Jessica''s thoughts drifted to her grandmother.


    It was her grandmother who had taught her the intricate art of paper-cutting.


    Back then, when Jessica lost her voice, her grandmother took her to countless doctors, desperate for a cure. Eventually, they heard of a physician who promised a miracle-if they could pay a staggering sum. For a traditional artisan, ten thousand dors was unimaginable, but her grandmother worked herself to exhaustion, taking odd jobs wherever she could, day and night, until she finally managed to save enough.


    But when they returned to the doctor after the first visit, money spent and hope in hand, he had vanished without a trace.


    Her grandmother''s hard-earned savings-gone. There was no chance for another treatment. The blow was too much; guilt and grief weighed her down until she fell ill and, not long after, passed away.


    On her deathbed, her grandmother had sped Jessica''s hand and urged her to keep the family''s craft alive, to ensure that their heritage would not be lost.


    Later, Jessica realized she couldbine modern animation with traditional paper-cutting, creating a unique style that would bring new life to the art form and introduce it to a wider audience.


    Yet the love she''d longed for had made her betray the hopes of the two people who mattered most.


    Jessica''s eyes blurred with tears.


    At that moment, Ines stepped up to the artwork draped in crimson cloth and paused, her hand hovering over the cover.


    It looked like she was about to unveil it.


    Jessica blinked away her tears, forcing herself to focus, just as the red cloth began to stir...