Novel Update
Chapter 254
Chapter 254
Chapter 254 Xavier
After finishing her chat with Nicolas, Imogen sorted through all the recent photos she had taken on her computer.
She remembered she still had a photography competition to participate in.
While she had a knack for photography, she knew that relying solely on her talent wouldn’t cut it. Imogen compiled the photos into a compressed file and sent it to Alex, along with a message: [Hey Alex, here are some of my recent works, Can you give me some insights when you have time?]
Alex: [Sure thing!]
Alex: [Have you decided on the theme for the competition?]
Imogen: [Not yet.]
Imogen had joined a photography competition group chat. The group chat comprised numerous professional and amateur photographers who frequently shared their experiences and opinions. Imogen would occasionally upload one or two of her works for the group to critique and provide feedback on others‘ photos.
Imogen picked a photo she was relatively satisfied with and posted it in the group chat. Imogen: [Hey, photography gurus, can you advise me on this picture? Where could it be improved?]
The group members were incredibly enthusiastic. Some showered her with compliments, and others offered suggestions on composition, color, and various aspects of the photograph.
Then, a new message popped up: [Have you bought a new camera?]
Messages flooded with Imogen’s screen before she could respond.
“Xavier?”
“Ah, it’s Xavier! You’ve finally made an appearance!”
“Oh my god! It’s Xavier?”
“Xavier, I love you!”
The screen lit up with dozens of messages in an instant.
Imogen was bewildered. She scrolled back and found out the sender was an administrator named Xavier.
Judging by the group members‘ reactions, Xavier appeared to be an important member.
Imogen: [Yes. I recently bought a new camera. How did you figure it out, Xavier?]
She hadn’t expected a response from someone like Xavier amid the flood of messages.
Surprisingly, Xavier responded: [Foggy landscapes can be pretty tricky to capture. Your composition and how you’ve played with black and white in the photo show a solid grasp of aesthetics. However, there are some evident errors, particularly in managing exposure for misty scenes and creating contrast with the surroundings.]
Imogen: [I understand. Thank you for your insights./
Below, many group members took the opportunity to share their work, hoping to receive critiques from the esteemed Xavier.
But the administrator, Xavier, remained silent, leaving the members somewhat envious that Imogen had caught his attention.
Imogen realized that she was still a novice in this field. She relied mainly on her instincts. There
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was much room for improvement, especially regarding camera techniques that she needed help to grasp quickly.
After some contemplation, Imogen enrolled in a photography course for systematic training.
However, she was new to the community and needed to determine which courses were good. So, she asked the group for recommendations: [Hey, guys. Do you recommend any photography courses?]
The group members chimed in with their suggestions.
[I took classes with V. His course is top–notch. Informative, and the teaching assistants are helpful.]
[Interested in a photography course? What about Morgan’s? He’s a well–known photographer, and his courses have fantastic reviews. He even did a recent magazine cover shoot with Xena.] The comments went on. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Then someone chimed in: [You can’t Miss Xavier’s! He’s kicking off a class at the end of the month, and you can still enroll!]
[Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I’ll check them out.]
Imogen took some time to research the courses her fellow group members recommended, including the photographers‘ portfolios.
V had a penchant for art photography. He was good at creating imaginative and creative works out of this world.
On the other hand, Morgan specialized in portrait photographs. He excelled at capturing the essence of his subjects. His work was highly sought after by various celebrities.
Later, Imogen did some research for Xavier on Google and Instagram.
Xavier, whose real name was Yohan, was 31 years old. He was a younger–generation photographer and had won the top prize in the Mountain and River International Photography Competition. Xavier was skilled at combining people with landscapes, using the surroundings to complement the subjects and vice versa. His work was a testament to his talent.
Upon reviewing the course descriptions, Imogen found herself in a dilemma due to the similarity in course start times despite each having unique features.
She glanced at the time, put away her phone, and decided to think it over later.
It was almost noon. Imogen had promised Grace to have lunch together. Moreover, she needed to return Troy’s car. So she decided to head back.
After lunch, Imogen took her medication. She felt a bit tired and decided to nap in the master bedroom.
It was already past two o’clock in the afternoon when she woke up. Erik had sent her a message: [I have some good news and bad news, Which one do you want to hear first?]
Imogen had a hunch about the good news and replied: [Good news first.]
Erik: [The good news is that our department is going on a hot spring team–building trip for two days before Christmas, and we can bring a family member!]
Imogen could imagine Erik’s excited tone.
Imogen: [Really?] She feigned surprise.
Erik: [Yes, yes! Come with me! Don’t worry, we have female colleagues!}
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Imogen: [Sure! I can finally experience the hot springs! Thanks a lot.]
Erik: [You’re welcome!]
Imogen: [Did Nicolas arrange this for you guys?]
Erik: [Yes! Our manager is super nice!]
Imogen: [Indeed. So, what’s the bad news?]
Erik: [The bad news is that I might be busy these days leading up to the holiday. I’m afraid I won’t have much time to spend with you. But don’t worry, I’ll come find you as soon as the holidays start.]
Imogen: [It’s okay. You’re still young. Work comes first.]
Little did she know that while she was praising Nicolas for being a good person, Nicolas had forwarded the messages to Troy.
Troy stared at the screen. His expression turned grim. His aura became oppressive, and his fingers slowly tightened on his phone.
Nicolas sent a screenshot of his conversation with Imogen.
The message showed Imogen suggesting that their department go to a hot spring resort for a team– building event, with an additional spot for a family member.
Nicolas: [Why do you need an extra spot for a family member?]
Imogen: [Because I want to go.] She included a shy emoji in her text.
Nicolas: [You want to go with the staff in my department? Why insist on a company team–building event?] Nicolas pretended not to know about Imogen’s relationship with Erik.
Imogen: [Well… We just confirmed our relationship, and I don’t want him to feel like things are moving too fast if I invite him to a hot spring trip. You know?]
In fact, Imogen wanted to create a casual cover to prevent Victor and Erik from suspecting anything.
Troy’s expression darkened as he read the messages. His chest tightened, and he clenched his teeth in frustration.
He had just asked Nicolas to give Erik more work, but now Imogen had thrown this curveball.
A man and a woman heading to a hot spring together was a clear recipe for potential romantic sparks to fly.
Troy vividly recalled the last time he and Imogen visited a hot spring.
Was she so enamored with Erik? They had only confirmed their relationship a few days ago, and she seemed eager to take things to the next level.
Erik had yet to make the first move, yet Imogen had taken the initiative.
Troy regretted not being more decisive last night and letting her go without boundaries.
-On the other hand, Lane sensed an intense reaction from Troy. He felt an icy tension in the air
and struggled to speak, “Mr. Marshall?”
“You can continue,” Troy replied. He tried to regain his composure and spoke with a hint of coldness in his eyes.
Imogen wanted to go to the hot spring with Erik, right?
Troy would make sure she had an unforgettable hot spring experience!