Chapter 15 — After the Cracks, I Become Myself

"Why did you come to Chengdu too?"

"Going on a business trip is convenient."

Mr. Phuong smiled.

"By the way, see the response of the exhibition in each city."

The two of them found a quiet corner to talk. Mr. Phuong brought with him a very detailed cooperation proposal. Phuong Dat wants to sign a long-term representation contract with Wen Nhuoc Van. Responsible for selling works. Organize exhibitions. Brand connection. Conditions were extremely good. Reasonable profit sharing ratio. Do not force output. Fully respect her creative freedom. On Nhuoc Van listened attentively. But didn't answer right away.

"I need more time."

"Of course."

Mr. Phuong nodded.

"But Miss On."

"There's something I want to say first."

"Present."

"She's in very good shape."

"The market's interest in her."

"In increasing phase."

"If we can take advantage of this time."

"Do something long-term."

"Next year open a solo exhibition."

"Solo exhibition?"

On Nhuoc Van was slightly stunned.

"It's not just taking up a corner in a collective exhibition."

"A space that completely belongs to you."

"A complete theme."

"A complete series."

"A complete expression."

On Nhuoc Van was silent. Personal exhibition. That used to be the thing. Even in dreams. She didn't dare think about it either. Two years ago. She is still a commercial jewelry designer. Sitting in a cubicle every day working. Busy drawing drawings on the computer. Yet today. Someone seriously told her. Let's open a solo exhibition. Yes sometimes. Life changes so quickly. People did not have time to stand.

"I will consider it."

She replied softly. After Mr. Phuong left. Wen Nhuoc Van was still sitting alone in the exhibition room. It was dark. The lights in the room were still on. Her works. Standing quietly under the warm yellow light. As if peacefully waiting for people to come and see. On Nhuoc Van quietly looked at the Kintsugi cup. The day it was created. She simply wanted to turn her story into a work. Never thought. It will go that far. Never thought. So many people will see it. Never even thought of it. Someone will tell you that...

"This set of works deserves its own exhibition space."

Wen Nhuoc Van took out the phone. Send Trinh Man a message.

"Man, someone said I could open a solo exhibition."

Trinh Man responded almost immediately.

"Phuong Dat Cultural Company."

Message just sent. The phone immediately vibrated continuously.

"Phuong Dat?!"

"Is it really Phuong Dat?!"

"Oh my god, Wen Ruo Wan!!! You're about to take off!!!"

On Nhuoc Van couldn't help but laugh.

"I still don't agree."

"Thinking."

Trinh Man immediately texted back.

"What else do you think?"

"Agree now!!!"

Wen Nhuoc Van replied.

"I'm afraid I'm not ready yet."

Right after that. A series of long voice messages continuously arrived. Trinh Man talked endlessly. Talks a lot. But wrap it up. There's only one idea. He has been ready for a long time. It's just that you haven't realized it yet. Wen Nhuoc Van turned off the screen. Rest your head on the back of the chair. Trinh Man is right. She was really ready. Just because I'm used to a peaceful life in a small town. So I don't dare believe it. That I deserve a bigger stage. Those works will not lie. They were born from her hands. Come far away So. Seen by so many people. It's them. Answering that question for her. Am I worthy? Well deserved. The final stop of the touring exhibition. It's Shenzhen. When Wen Nhuoc Van arrived. It's early October. This is a city always in motion. New things are being built everywhere. The gallery is located in a coastal creative district. Just open the window. Being able to see the ocean. The effect of the exhibition in Shenzhen. Far beyond all predictions. Opening day only. There were nearly two hundred visitors. There are collectors who deposit on the spot. There are also galleries that proactively offer long-term cooperation. Standing in the middle of the crowd. Wen Nhuoc Van suddenly felt like she was dreaming. Just half a year ago. She still works at Mr. Tham's small ceramic workshop in Loc Khe. Every day he helps him bake tea cups. Yet today. She stood in the exhibition room by the sea. The person standing in front of her. They're all saying the same thing.

"Your work is truly amazing."

After the exchange session. A young girl ran through the crowd.

"I came here from Guangzhou just to see your exhibition!"

"I study ceramics."

"Graduate next year."

"Can I have your WeChat?"

On Nhuoc Van looked at the girl's sparkling eyes. Suddenly remembered the girl with red eyes in Hangzhou. She smiled. The girl was so happy that she almost jumped up and down. That night. Wen Nhuoc Van walked alone along the beach for a long time. The sea wind is very strong. Blowing her hair up. She stood on the breakwater. Look at the lighthouse in the distance. The lights flashed and turned off each beat. Right at that moment. The phone rang. Not Pho Hanh Chi. Mr. Tham almost never proactively called her. On Nhuoc Van immediately picked up the phone.

"Mr. Tham?"

There was something very different about his voice.

"When will you come back?"

"Next week."

"What's going on?"

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds.

"No big deal."

"It's just..."

"I just went to the doctor."

"Found out there's some problem with my body."

"The doctor told me to rest."

"Limit contact with furnaces."

On Nhuoc Van's heart suddenly sank.

"What disease?"

"Is it serious?"

"No problem."

"Just an old illness."

"Just the lungs."

"Burning the furnace for thirty years."

"No new disease."

Mr. Tham smiled lightly.

"I just wanted to let you know."

"Some tea orders for the tea shop in the future."

"If you're busy."

"Then just refuse."

"I will accept."

On Nhuoc Van answered immediately. No hesitation.

"Don't worry."

"Waiting for you to come home."

"No need to rush..."

"Mr. Tham."

She interrupted softly.

"You just rest."