Evelyn walked quickly to the side of the stage, took a deep breath, and tried hard to calm down her somewhat chaotic thoughts caused by nervousness and excitement. She looked back at Lucas standing among the crowd and saw that he was smiling at her. That gaze seemed to carry an invisible power, which instantly made her feel much more at ease.
As the host walked onto the stage, the art exchange event officially kicked off. Evelyn stood on one side, listening attentively to the host's opening speech and from time to time making some guiding gestures. Her professional and serious look made it hard for Lucas's gaze to shift away from her.
After the speech, it was the sharing session of several renowned artists. The first painter who came onto the stage began to talk about the sources of inspiration in his creative career and the stories hidden behind his paintings. The audience in the audience listened intently and couldn't help but let out bursts of admiration from time to time. Evelyn was also immersed in it. Her eyes were shining brightly, like a child who had discovered a treasure, and her face was full of pure love and longing for art.
Watching Evelyn like this, Lucas was deeply touched. He knew very well how precious Evelyn's perseverance in art was. In this complicated world, being able to always maintain such a pure heart was truly admirable. He quietly moved a few steps towards the position where Evelyn was, wanting to get closer to her, as if by getting closer to her, he could feel that enthusiasm for art more vividly.
During the short interactive session between the artists' sharing, the audience could ask their own questions or share their own insights. Evelyn also actively participated in it. She raised her hand, and her clear voice rang out in the quiet gallery. The questions she raised were both professional and unique, which made the artist on the stage nod and praise repeatedly, and the people around also cast admiring glances at her. Lucas looked at her, with the corners of his mouth slightly turning up and his eyes full of pride, as if Evelyn's glory had also shone on him.
When the exchange event was halfway through, the free exchange time came. People began to shuttle around the gallery, exchanging their views on art and sharing their creative experiences with each other. As soon as Evelyn turned around, she saw Lucas walking towards her. Her heart couldn't help but beat faster again, and a blush crept onto her face.
Lucas walked up to Evelyn, smiled and said, "I saw you were so absorbed in listening just now. You must have gained a lot, right?" Evelyn smiled and nodded, answering, "Yes, every time I listen to these artists sharing, it feels like opening a new door to art. I can learn a lot. How about you? What do you think?"
Lucas tilted his head slightly, looked into Evelyn's eyes, and said seriously, "I also think it's very interesting. However, compared to those sharings, I think being able to chat with you about art at this moment seems to be what I'm looking forward to more." Evelyn's face turned even redder. She felt a bit embarrassed and lowered her head, saying in a low voice, "You're just saying nice things to make me happy."
Lucas laughed softly. His laughter was deep and magnetic. He quickly explained, "What I said is all from the heart. You have such a unique understanding of art. Communicating with you will surely bring different gains." Then, he pointed to a colorful abstract painting beside them and asked, "Then tell me, what do you think this painting is trying to express?"
Evelyn raised her head, looked at the painting, and there was a glint of thought in her eyes. After observing it for a while, she said slowly, "I think although this painting seems to have chaotic colors, in fact, the collision of each color and the outline of each stroke are like the outpouring of the painter's inner emotions. Maybe it was created at a moment full of passion yet also a bit confused, and what it wants to express is a release of those complicated emotions in life."
Listening to Evelyn's interpretation, Lucas's eyes were full of surprise. He didn't expect Evelyn to have such profound and delicate insights. He couldn't help but sincerely admire, "Your interpretation is really unique. I didn't even think of understanding it from this angle. It seems that you have a deep perception in art."
Evelyn felt a bit embarrassed by the praise. She waved her hand and said, "Oh, I was just talking casually. Everyone's understanding of art is different. Maybe the painter himself wanted to express something else."
The two of them just stood in front of the painting, chatting about art back and forth, from this painting to that painting, from classical art to modern art, as if the whole world only left them and these charming paintings in front of them. People came and went around them, but they were immersed in their own art world, completely unaware of the passage of time.
Unconsciously, the art exchange event gradually came to an end. The afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the windows of the gallery and dyed the whole space a warm orange-red. Only then did Evelyn come to her senses. She said with a bit of regret, "Oh, how time flies! It's almost over."
Lucas looked at her, with a hint of reluctance in his eyes too. He said softly, "Yes, but I had a great time chatting with you today. I hope there will be such opportunities in the future." Evelyn nodded repeatedly and replied, "Well, I hope so too. Today was really pleasant."
After the exchange event ended, people left one after another. Evelyn and Lucas also walked out of the gallery together. On the street outside, the street lights were just coming on, and the city's night began to show its unique prosperity again. Evelyn was holding a stack of art materials collected today. Lucas naturally reached out and took part of them for her. The two walked side by side, still reminiscing about the bits and pieces of today's exchange event along the way.
When they reached a junction, Evelyn stopped. She looked up at Lucas, with her eyes full of gratitude and reluctance, and said, "Thank you so much today. I had a great chat with you about art, and I feel that I've gained a lot." Lucas smiled and said, "You're welcome. I also enjoyed the time chatting with you about art. Well... you should go home quickly. It's getting late. Be careful on the way."
Evelyn nodded, hesitated for a moment, and then summoned up her courage to say, "Well, then... goodbye. I hope I can see you again next time." Lucas looked at her, and his eyes became especially gentle. He said softly, "Definitely. Goodbye, Evelyn."
Watching Evelyn's departing figure as she turned around and left, Lucas stood there for a long time without leaving.