"Well..." Toph pretended to be serious. "It's something beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals like you!"
Chris raised his hand to strike, but Toph ducked, laughing as he avoided the hit. "There's only a thin line between
artists and lunatics."
"True, I'll give you that!" Chris glanced at him. "But you're also an artist, and you're not crazy!"
"Because we're family, you're biased when it comes to me!" Toph spread his hands. "Here's another example, Lena!
To outsiders, she's not normal—reclusive, aloof, a female assassin, but in your eyes, she's the most adorable person
in the world! Right?"
Chris snorted in agreement.
Toph chuckled, putting an arm around Chris' neck. "So, Chris, we shouldn't judge people through a filter. Actually,
Harvey's artistic talent is unparalleled..."
"Very affectionate toward him, aren't you?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe two of them walked and laughed together.
The butler entered the studio to announce their arrival and soon escorted them inside.
The butler respectfully said, "Mr. Harvey might show aggressive behavior... but the bodyguards and the doctor are
right outside. If anything happens, they'll rush in immediately."
"Immediately?" Chris narrowed his eyes. "Mr. Harvey is grown-up, yet he doesn't have any privacy? Outsiders can
just barge into his room anytime?"
The butler awkwardly smiled but didn't respond.
Toph and Chris exchanged a glance and quietly entered.
Harvey's sketches adorned the expansive studio. Seated on the floor, he leaned against the wall, tenderly grooming
a small kitten in his arms.
Despite the typically heartwarming sight, Harvey's eyes lacked their usual brightness.
Toph approached with care, but Chris intervened, shooting him a cautionary look. Toph shook his head and softly
reassured, "It's okay."
"You forgot what the butler said about his aggressive behavior?"
"You..." Toph chuckled helplessly. "Okay, okay. If you're worried, just stand here. I'll talk to him myself!"
Chris crossed his arms, pursing his lips. He wasn't afraid but rather prepared for any sudden situation. As a special
forces soldier, the vigilance instilled in him made him choose not to get too close—he stood in the farthest corner of
the room from Harvey.
Toph placed his sketchbook before Harvey.
Harvey hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly when he saw a smiling face he hadn't seen for some time.
"Toph?"
"So, you still remember me!" Toph crouched down, playing with the kitten beside him. "I'm going to be in Cumulus
City for a while this time. I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration!"
Harvey was surprised. Apparently, that illustration contract had indeed fallen into Toph's hands.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHarvey realized that Jodie was so powerful. If she said no, he couldn't draw... In the world's eyes, he was considered
a lunatic. No matter how he explained, he couldn't shake off that stigma!
Harvey clenched his fist and slammed it hard against the floor!
"Hey, Harvey?" Toph widened his eyes. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine..." Harvey felt a headache. "Congratulations on securing the contract. You don't need to flaunt your victory
in front of me."
"I'm not showing off. I genuinely seek guidance," Toph said earnestly. "Ms. Reyes said we should collaborate—me
drawing and you giving advice. I know I can't capture the essence of your artistry, so I came specifically to discuss
this with you.
"The publication of this illustrated book is imminent. I want to finalize the initial drafts to submit for Ms. Reyes'
approval. Harvey, we..."
Before he finished speaking, Harvey had already flipped through his sketchbook and then snickered.
Toph was puzzled, looking at him questioningly.