This was the first time something she had created entirely with her own hands and soul was recognized and valued by the outside world. It brought a sense of accomplishment no luxury jewelry or designer handbag could ever match.

Just as she was carefully putting away the money from the sale, a familiar voice called out beside her, filled with warmth and admiration. "Chloe, is that really you? Did you make all of these?" Chloe looked up to see her college senior, Logan.

Logan was 2 years ahead of her, majoring in sculpture, though he had always been passionate about traditional crafts and worked in the art industry after graduation. They had worked together in the student union back in school and maintained a good friendship, catching up occasionally at industry events. Logan. Chloe was pleasantly surprised, breaking into a smile.

"What are you doing here?" "I'm here for the craft symposium." Logan gestured toward the main hall, his eyes lighting up as he looked back at her display.

"Look at you, Chloe. It hasn't been that long. How did your craftsmanship get this impressive? The glaze, the contours, especially this vase.

The lines are so natural." He picked up the bamboo engraved vase to admire it. "I'm just learning from a local master here. Still a beginner."

Chloe admitted modestly. "Don't be humble. This is nowhere near beginner level." Logan said earnestly, setting down the vase to look at her with warm curiosity.

"I heard you had some life-changes recently. So, you're settled here studying the craft now?" Chloe nodded frankly. "Yeah, I'm staying here for now.

It suits me really well." Logan looked at her, dressed in a simple linen shirt and loose cotton pants, hair casually pinned up, barefaced with traces of clay beneath her nails. Yet, her eyes shone bright, her smile radiating genuine ease and peace. She exuded a calm, grounded aura, a stark contrast to the melancholic girl in his memory, who used to walk gingerly beside Ethan Vance.

She was like a whole new person. "That's wonderful." Logan said sincerely, admiration gleaming in his eyes. "You look so much better than before.

This is who you were meant to be." He paused, pulling a document from his briefcase. "By the way, next month in Seattle, there's an emerging artisan showcase. My association is co-hosting it.

Seeing your work today, I think you've got great vision. Want to give it a shot? It's not a commercial expo. More like an industry showcase and creative platform where collectors and design studios attend."

Chloe took the invitation, hesitating slightly. "I've only been learning for a few months. Going to an event like that "Craft isn't measured in months. It's about spirit and soul."

Logan cut her off encouragingly. "I know you've got it. Besides, stepping out to connect with people will only do you good. What do you say?

Think about it. Just treat it as a creative trip." Looking at Logan's genuine encouragement, then down at her pottery, and remembering the scholar's praise, a small spark buried deep within her heart began to ignite. For the past 3 years, she had lived almost isolated, her entire social circle revolving around Ethan and his network.

She had almost forgotten that she was once Chloe Shen, an ambitious interior designer with dreams and talent, eager for recognition. "All right." She raised her head, her eyes shining with resolve as a vibrant smile opened on her face. "Thank you, Logan.

I'll give it my all." Logan smiled back. "That's the spirit. All the details are inside.

When you're ready, sign up using the contact info. See you in Seattle. I'll buy you dinner." Holding the invitation after Logan left, Chloe felt her heart flutter slightly.

It wasn't just an entry ticket. It was a key opening a door to a vast, possibility-filled future, a path she had carved out with her own hands from clay.

By the end of the festival, all three of Chloe's creations were sold, and she even received two custom orders. She carefully tucked away the earnings, the very first income earned entirely through her craft.

That evening, she treated Master Miller, Clara, and Uncle Bob, and Aunt Barb to dinner at the town's finest local tavern. Laughter and warmth filled the table. Master Miller, enjoying a glass of wine, patted Chloe's shoulder. "Chloe, you've got soul and grit.