Chapter 18 An Exhibition Of Paintings

While Spencer was away, Fiona felt carefree and comfortable. She thought it convenient that she could easily commute from the apartment to the hospital every day.

She had been used to being alone during the last ten years. She had mainly stayed at school even on weekends. When she couldn't do that, she would stay in the art studio during the day, only going to her aunt's house to sleep at night. She felt most comfortable immersed in her quiet thoughts and didn't appreciate being disturbed as much as possible. But Spencer...

Fiona couldn't help but feel annoyed as she looked at the half-finished details of the necklace she was drawing. Why did she suddenly think of him?

It was almost noon when she checked her wristwatch. She put down her pencil and decided to leave the house to buy lunch.

The pavement released its heat in waves, fanning an asphalt wind over the city that pulled at the throat and sat in the lungs like a fume.

'I should've stayed at home,' she thought. There was a slightly cool breeze just as she arrived at the supermarket. But before she could enjoy it, a small piece of paper that flew by her feet.

"Summer Vibe: The summer dream of contemporary art masters."

The words caught Fiona's attention. She stooped down to pick up the flyer and read more. "Treat yourself to an exhibition of paintings unlike at M City Art Museum."

Fiona gasped. It was the last day of the exhibition She had kept to herself at home and didn't even know that there was such an event.

Fiona decided that she could skip lunch for the meantime and see what the exhibition was all about.

Thanks to the hot weather, there were only a few people inside the museum despite it being the last day of the exhibition.

Just across the road from the gallery, a black car was parked. In it was none other than Ryan and his driver.

"Mr. Wen, it's almost noon. Do you still want to wait?" Andrew asked.

"Yes!" Ryan quipped without taking his eyes off the museum entrance.

"Alas!" Andrew sighed. "You've been here since the first day of the exhibition, but you wouldn't even go inside. Are you waiting for someone?"

The agitated look on Ryan's face was instantly replaced with a smile as he spoke. "Yes, I'm waiting for someone."

"Who is it?" Andrew sounded annoyed. "Is it someone with a noble status? Making you wait like this is impolite!"

Ryan flashed another smile. "Andrew, I don't mind waiting. The person I'm waiting for doesn't even know that I'm here. I just came to try my luck."

"Why didn't you make an appointment with this person?" Andrew asked, confused.

"There's no need for that. She loves paintings so much, I don't think she'd miss this exhibition." With a look that was half happy and half sad, Ryan asked, "By the way, Andrew, didn't a girl named Fiona Ji participate in the competition?"

"No. I already asked someone to check, but Fiona Ji hasn't signed up for the competition."

"I see." Ryan lowered his head in disappointment.

Andrew looked at him from the rear-view mirror. He wondered what kind of girl he was waiting for.

The frustration of waiting made Ryan feel hot despite the car's air-conditioning. 'Isn't she coming? If only I asked for her number that day!'

With one great sigh, Ryan took one long look at the museum and declared with finality, "I'm done waiting, Andrew. Let's go!"

"Yes, sir."

But just as the car was about to drive off, a familiar figure caught Ryan's notice outside the window. He shouted, "Andrew! Stop the car! Stop the car!"

Ryan kept his gaze fixed on the girl getting off a bus. As soon as the car stopped, he quickly opened the door and ran out.

"Mr. Wen, where are you going?" Andrew called out.

"I'm going to the exhibition!" Ryan shouted excitedly. "Don't wait up for me. I'll call you when I'm ready to go home." With that, he dashed across the street to the museum's entrance. Despite the hot weather, the sight of the girl made Ryan feel refreshed and cool. Sure enough, his waiting had not been in vain.

After getting off the bus, Fiona wiped off the beads of sweat on her forehead and walked to the ticket booth.

"Fiona! Fiona, hi!"

She stopped in her tracks when she heard someone call her name. When she turned around, Fiona saw Ryan running towards her. Ryan was wearing a clean, white shirt yet again. His eyes looked bright and he looked quite dashing as he ran.

"Ryan? Why are you here?" she asked.

"You still remember my name. I'm glad!" Ryan exclaimed. "I'm here to see the art exhibition. I saw you as so

on as I got here. What a coincidence!"

Fiona smiled politely and replied, "Yes, what a pleasant surprise." Seeing the sweat on Ryan's forehead, she fished for something in her bag. She took out a silk handkerchief and handed it to him. "Please use this to wipe your sweat."

"Thanks!" Ryan took the handkerchief from Fiona at once and wiped his face. "I'll return it to you after I have it washed."

"No, it's fine. You can keep it." Fiona waved her hand. The truth was she owned many handkerchiefs so she didn't mind giving one away.

"Let's go in, shall we?" Ryan cut her off before she could finish her words.

"I'm sorry, it's so hot out here!" "Ah, yes." Fiona nodded. She was surprised by the sudden turn of events. She had come alone to the museum, yet somehow she ended up with Ryan for company.

"Have you been learning painting?"

"Yes."

"Then you must know a lot about these artworks," Ryan said. "Can I ask you if there's anything I don't understand?"

"Well, I'm not really an expert," Fiona replied modestly. "Besides, everyone's taste is different."

"I trust your judgment." Seeing Fiona's gentle smile, Ryan felt his heart skip a beat. He had never felt this elated in the last twenty years.

Fiona took her time looking at the paintings one by one and Ryan tagged along silently. Because of his family's influence, he was deeply knowledgeable about art. He would always go to art exhibitions every chance he got, but that day, it seemed as if Fiona was the centerpiece of the gallery. She was more beautiful than any artwork.

But Ryan's attention to her was lost on Fiona, who was completely taken in by the many portraits and landscapes in the exhibit. She attentively studied and appreciated each painting. Concept, framing, composition, color... She noted how each artwork showed these.

"What do you think of the colors in this one?" Ryan asked in a low voice, attempting to engage Fiona in conversation.

Fiona looked up and replied, "Well, green is mostly associated with growth, as seen here on the branches and leaves. Red could have been used to depict the summer heat. I think the use of such strong contrasting colors clearly displays the artist's strong feelings towards summer!"

Ryan nodded his head slightly. Seeing the confident expression on Fiona's face made it difficult for him to not stare at her. 'What is wrong with me?' He had only met her twice and he only knew her name. He even waited days for her to show up at the exhibition. Could it be what they call love at first sight? Did he like her? Ryan silently asked himself despite knowing the answer.

Yes! He adored the sweet smile that graced her lips every now and then, the serious and determined look on her eyes, and her unique and pleasant temperament.

They took their time at the art exhibition before finally walking out side by side. They headed to the bus station.

"Oh, Ryan, I'm so glad to have seen the art exhibition with you today. Thank you!" Fiona said politely. "Well, I guess this is where we part ways. I'll wait for the bus here. See you around."

"Well," said Ryan hesitantly, "I was wondering if you'd like to go somewhere else with me."

"What?" Fiona was caught off guard, but she smiled back at him then. "Are you always this friendly with everyone?"

Ryan instantly regretted his words. He wondered if he came off too strong.

"I just thought that it was a happy coincidence we ran into each other here. It could be fun to chat more elsewhere," Ryan smiled. "But if you have other plans, it's totally fine. Forget I asked."

Fiona nodded, "I'll see you next time, Ryan."

"I'll look forward to it."

At that point, the bus that Fiona was waiting for arrived. She said to Ryan, "Well, I'm leaving now."

"Wait! Wait!" Ryan stopped her. "May I borrow your phone?"

Despite the unexpected request, Fiona complied and reached into her bag for her phone. "What do you need it for?"

Ryan took it and quickly dialed a number. Just then, the phone in his pocket began to vibrate. Handing back her phone, he said, "This is my number. If you have any questions about the school, feel free to call me!"

"What? Oh, okay." Fiona could only nod as she took back her phone. "Well, I have to get on the bus now."

"Yes, please go ahead. Keep safe on your way home."

Fiona got on and walked to the back of the bus. She saw that Ryan was waving at her from out the window so she waved back before taking her seat.

'What a kind-hearted guy!' Fiona smiled

as she looked at the new name on her phone.