The Versatile Master Artist

There is an inkjet printer in Mrs. Sakai’s classroom.

When making a portfolio, it’s impossible to directly bind the original draft into a book and hand it to the interviewer.

You just don’t do that, and the size won’t fit either.

At most, you can insert a couple of small sketches inside.

Usually, drafts, fashion designs, and eco-friendly creativity are scanned or photographed and turned into electronic illustrations of suitable size. Just like a resume, they are bound into a fine booklet for the interviewers to browse.

”Mona, your cover design is really exquisite. Did you design the layout yourself?”

People came and went by the printer.

Someone saw a PDF document left open by a companion and asked in amazement.

”Honestly, not entirely.”

The girl stood by the printer nozzle, stapling her portfolio together.

She casually said, ”During the holidays, my dad helped me find a magazine graphic designer who came up with a layout plan for the portfolio. I made some additions, modifications, and decorations myself.”

The speaker was Mona, the charming president of the student council.

She smiled openly, ”A portfolio needs to catch the interviewer’s attention at first glance. Since my painting skills and creativity aren’t outstanding, I have to put effort into the layout design.”

”Side paths, you guys don’t need to learn from me.” Mona joked self-deprecatingly.

Laughter spread through the classroom.

There was little malice in the laughter, mostly responding to the student council president’s joke.

A boy, slightly blushing, encouraged, ”Miss Sande Nu, you’re actually already quite good at drawing.”

Good looks and divine help,

A pretty little beauty is always at an advantage over a plain one in every aspect of life.

After spending so much time together, aside from Miss Ma Lei, who always felt a bit jealous of Mona, and Miao Angwen, who had always been introverted and recently became not only reclusive but also cold and eccentric, emanating a vibe that kept strangers away...

The rest of the boys got along well with Mona.

Which is not surprising.

Mona herself is a smart, serious girl who handles matters gracefully.

During school days, who would be full enough to constantly put on a cold face towards a little school belle, a little goddess like Mona?

The small barriers from the class opening melted away under Mona’s warm approach, and everyone soon considered Mona a formal member of Mrs. Sakai’s advanced class.

”During the holidays, while organizing the drafts according to the graphic designer’s suggestions, I ended up with an extra draft. Anyone who wants it can copy it directly from my iPad. There’s only one copy, first come, first served.”

Mona was indeed very generous.

She adjusted her neatly tied ponytail and looked around at her classmates, ”I’ll say this in advance, even though I think that design looks good too, it’s ultimately just an extra draft. If you take it and feel dissatisfied, don’t come to me for a refund.”

”I want it, I want it... damn, I’m really bad at layout; my portfolio has small pictures stacked over large ones, looking like I’m building a wall! Had I known about this, I wouldn’t have stubbornly studied layout design.”

Immediately, a classmate eagerly raised their hand, wanting to seize this pleasant surprise.

It’s not flattery,

Mona’s drawing level may not be outstanding, but she is quite adept at layout work.

The girl had served as the president of the girls’ student council for so many years, and from seventh grade till now, Miss Sande Nu had been handling promotional boards and murals at Fitz School very well.

”What’s with your mouth, didn’t you see Jerry hasn’t spoken yet? They’re a talented couple in love, you’re really not reading the room. Just find a random online template and make do.”

Someone beside him tugged the boy’s arm, annoyed.

Again, laughter erupted among the crowd.

This time, the laughter was louder than before.

Even Koizumi Katsuko, who was quietly sitting in the corner, holding a tablet and researching directions for the biennale, was affected.

Even though she’s a student just like them.

Somehow, everyone instinctively categorized Miss Sakai as a teacher and an unapproachable high figure, not daring to disturb her much.

Koizumi Katsuko just gently raised her head and glanced for a moment at the little circle by the printer.

Mona noticed when the other’s eyes met hers, her lips seemed to press into a slight smile.

She couldn’t quite decipher if Koizumi Katsuko’s expression was a smile or a sneer at that instant, or if it was just Mona’s illusion.

In the blink of an eye,

Miss Koizumi’s emotional expression disappeared again.

She continued to lower her head, quietly looking at her large tablet, like a pretty big doll quietly placed in a display window.

Yet Mona felt a slight sting in her heart.

Another one feeling slightly uncomfortable was Jerry.

A half-month ago, after sharing intimate photos of himself and Miss Mona in the student group, everyone in the grade thought he and Mona were now a couple.

Jerry, however, knew,

That Mona was a bit unhappy that he had privately posted such misleading photos in the student group.

Miss Sande Nu didn’t bother clarifying their relationship aloud, but when they were together, she didn’t plan to take things further.

”Alright, everyone can take it, whoever wants it can bring a USB drive to copy it. The professor is out for something now, but it’s still class time. Every minute and second is precious, and you can temporarily consult Sakai if you have questions. Joke around after class.”