Ashlyn was not particularly pretty and, as was typical of Jetroinians, was very petite.
However, she wore a self-assured expression, which was rare among women from Jetroina.
She walked over to Lina and greeted the latter curtly in broken Chanaean.
Lina rolled her eyes and responded impatiently, “What do you want?”
Instead of being angered by Lina's attitude, Ashlyn merely smiled warmly. “Do you still
remember what I told you the other day?”
Lina pursed her lips. “What a question. Even if you've forgotten, I'll never forget. You said
you don't like sharing the nickname Twin Stars because it's not a perfect moniker. It'd be a
constant reminder to you that there's another person just as talented and outstanding as
you. It'd also imply you're not the best. That's why you challenged me to a competition to
see who among us is the cream of the crop.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAshlyn nodded. “That's right. I did say that, and that's what I've always thought.”
“What a coincidence. So have I.” Lina folded her arms in front of her. “So? What do you
want to say to me now?”
“I just want to remind you not to forget what I've told you. After all, I've always wanted to
pit my skills against yours. I thought I'd have to wait over a month for our turn to compete.
I didn't expect it to happen ahead of schedule. We'll begin competing against each other
from tomorrow onward, and we'll see who emerges victorious after a few days. I hope
you'll give it your all because I genuinely want to know which of us is better,” Ashlyn
replied.
Narrowing her eyes, Lisa replied, “I don't need you to tell me that. I was already planning
to give it my all because I'm curious to find that out too. You said you don't like being
called Twin Stars. Well, that goes for me too. Since we prefer a unique title and want to be
the brightest star in the world of jewelry design, then neither of us should hold back.”
“Of course!” Ashlyn flashed a wide smile while holding out a hand toward Lina.
As much as Lina disliked Jetroinians, she could not deny that Ashlyn was a formidable
competitor and did not have a problematic attitude like the average Jetroinian. Well, apart
from being a little conceited, of course. However, isn't anyone with any real talent a little
conceited? I'm like that too, so I don't hate her for that. She's also not the type to pull a
fast one to win. In any case, she's a competitor worthy of respect. That's why I'm willing to
shake her hand.
After they shook hands, Ashlyn turned to Natalie and gave a deep bow, as was the custom
in Jetroina.
Although Natalie had never visited Jetroina before, she had Jetroinian classmates while
studying at Laurent Academy of Design. She had seen them show the same etiquette to
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmtheir tutors. The gesture was a sign of respect, usually reserved for elders, teachers, and
such. It was uncommon to see it done among peers. Natalie was surprised to see Ashlyn
bow to her.
Lina's jaw also dropped in surprise. What on earth is going on? Why is she bowing to Nat?
Has she lost her mind?
Natalie shifted uncomfortably, unable to work out what she had done to deserve such
respect from a designer from Jetroina.
While the duo was still confused, Ashlyn straightened up and said to Natalie with a smile,
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Thompson.”
Something clicked in Natalie's mind when she heard how Ashlyn addressed her. So, her
behavior isn't because of something I did but because I'm Shane's wife. In other words,
she only bowed to me because of him.