Chapter 502: A Strange Elder

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Xia Wan was startled and turned her head to see that the person had been talking to her all along.

She was stunned for a moment, then nodded at the person and subconsciously said “Thank you.”

Although Xia Wan was not a shy person, she didn’t know how to respond to such an approach at the moment.

She quickly moved to another row of bookshelves and indeed found several design albums that were more in line with current aesthetics, as directed by the person.

However, these albums mainly featured works by foreign designers and were mostly original texts, making them difficult to read for the average person.

Xia Wan flipped through the books, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

“What’s the matter? Don’t understand?” the voice sounded again, having followed Xia Wan to this section of bookshelves.

Only then did Xia Wan finally look at the person properly.

He was an older man with graying hair, wearing black-rimmed glasses, and had the appearance of a scholar.

He was dressed in a black tunic and black round glasses, a standard attire that almost made Xia Wan blurt out in surprise.

“Young lady, I see you seem very interested in design books,” the elder said with a kind smile. “What about it? Do you plan to study this field in the future?”

Since Xia Wan was dressed in a school uniform, it was not hard to tell she was a high school student.

Xia Wan shook her head, “Just a bit interested.”

“How do you find these books?” the elder glanced at the books in Xia Wan’s hands and continued to ask.

“These books contain many elements that are currently popular, but the design style is mainly Western,” Xia Wan spoke frankly.

“For local designers, these works can only serve as basic references. To design clothes that truly reflect our national characteristics, we need to integrate more local elements!”

The elder, who had asked casually, was taken aback by Xia Wan’s response.

He asked with interest, “Then what kind of books or designs do you think would be more appealing to domestic designers?”

Xia Wan thought seriously, replying, “The trend of internationalization is undoubtedly the future of the design industry.

“But in this process, we shouldn’t lose the elements that give us a mysterious Eastern charm.

“We should develop our own things into something international, to let more people understand us and truly step onto the world stage.”

The elder’s eves lit up, staring at Xia Wan for a long time without speaking

Xia Wan, thinking he was waiting for her answer, apologized. “I’m not very familiar with books in this area and haven’t found any I think are suitable for domestic designers.”

The elder became impatient.

He reached out to grab Xia Wan’s hand but then realized it was inappropriate and drew back.

‘Young lady, I have some books over there, how about you come with me to see them?” the elder invited.

This sounded alarmingly like an attempt to abduct a minor, especially odd coming from a scholarly elder.

Xia Wan instinctively wanted to refuse.

The elder seemed to realize his words were inappropriate and smiled awkwardly: “Young lady, don’t misunderstand, my friend owns a small gallery in the county.”

“There are some books there, and I hope you can come to see them.”

The elder’s gaze was sincere, even hopeful.

Xia Wan looked around as if searching for something.

“Young lady, if you have any reservations, set a place and I’ll bring those books to you, how about that?” the elder said anxiously, seemingly eager for Xia Wan to see the books.

Xia Wan smiled lightly, “You misunderstand, I came with a friend.” “If we go to the gallery, I have to bring her along, is that okay?”

“After all, I can’t leave her here alone.”

The elder then said “Oh” and immediately smiled. “It was my oversight.’

“How about we go find your friend together?” the elder suggested again. Seeing the elder’s anxious demeanor, Xia Wan felt somewhat amused..