"You''ve got a knack for making kids'' meals too," M remarked with a smile.


    Forrest, having finished his meal, took a sip of his coffee and grinned. "Well, if we''re going to have kids someday, I should get some practice in."


    M was momentarily taken aback but then sheughed. "You''re always striving for perfection, aren''t you?"


    Even back in college, she admired Forrest''smitment to excellence. He was meticulous and perfect-traits not many people she knew possessed. Forrest also had this uncanny ability to n ahead.


    ...


    Before Forrest left, he made a point to say, "Mimi, I might be homete tonight. Can you wait up for me? There''s something I need to discuss with you."


    His serious expression piqued M''s curiosity, and she nodded her agreement.


    Later that morning, she took some toys to the studio and spent time ying with a child there. When he expressed interest in drawing, she set up a small easel for him. Meanwhile, she continued to work on her design drafts.


    The themes for the international fashion week in June and July were already set: one on rubies and the other on naturendscapes. She needed to create two collections around these themes.


    Engrossed in her work, time flew by. asionally, she checked on the child''s progress. However, when she saw the chaos of ck and red lines on his drawing paper, she frowned.


    The tangled lines, dark and oppressive, were not what you''d expect from a child''s mind. Drawings often reflect the artist''s current state of mind. Julian seemed troubled.


    "I wanted to draw the little animals from thentern Mom gave me," Julian said, his voice tinged with disappointment at the mess of lines he had created.


    "Thank you, Julian, I really like it," M said, epting the drawing. She ced a fresh sheet of paper in front of him, gently guided his hand, and sketched a vivid, soaring white dove.


    "There''s no right or wrong in art," she exined. "Different artists have different styles. Some are abstract, some are realistic, and some are unique in their own way. It''s okay to be different."


    Julian listened, still a bit confused but reassured.


    "I practiced a long time before I could draw animals," M encouraged. "If you start learning now, you''ll be even better than me when you grow up."


    "Really?" Julian''s eyes lit up as he stared at the dove. "I want to get better so I can draw little animals for Mom."


    "Of course, I''ll teach you."


    After spending some time drawing with him, M took the drawing of tangled lines and called Nathaniel, exining the situation briefly.


    Nathaniel was silent for a moment, a bit perplexed. "What should we do about this?"


    "He''s still young, so there''s a chance to guide him. I''ll consult some friends who are experts in child psychology and see what we can do, but don''t get your hopes up too high. I''ll do my best."


    "Alright, I trust you. Thank you for helping."


    Perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed, Nathaniel added, "By the way, is there anything you need help with? Just let me know, don''t hesitate to ask."


    In the past, M might have politely declined, but she decided to be straightforward this time. "Could you keep an eye out for any auctions featuring ruby pieces? Antique ones would be even better."


    One of the themes for the fashion week was rubies, and while M had a general direction in mind, she needed the right materials and inspiration.


    The Pembroke Group, which Nathaniel was involved with, had a significant stake


    in the jewelry business, making it easier for him to gather such information.


    Seeing M genuinely needed his help, Nathaniel was relieved and eagerly agreed to assist.