Every five years, the Claudion family dedicates time to teaching a select group of exceptional students the art of jewelry and gemstones. This event is a long-standing family tradition, through which members of the family pass down their deep-rooted knowledge of this prestigious craft. Today is the first day of this course, and the family gathers in their luxurious mansion, surrounded by gardens and blooming roses, to train the next generation in the intricate skills they've acquired over many years.
8:00 a.m.:
The family is seated in the bright living room, where golden light filters in through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the elegant furniture and shelves filled with precious books. The father, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed white beard, dressed in a formal suit, sips a cup of black tea as he glances at the clock on the wall.
Placing his cup on the small saucer, he asks,
"Has Kate not woken up yet?"
The mother smiles gently,
"Not yet. Don't you know she loves to sleep? She's not a morning person."
The father responds softly,
"Wake her up. I can't leave for work before seeing my daughter's face."
The mother turns to the maid, Vivi, who was standing near the door,
"Vivi, please go wake up Kate."
Vivi, who had loyally served Kate for years, heads to her room. She pulls open the large curtains, letting bright sunlight flood in. Kate groans and curls around her pillow to avoid the light.
Annoyed, Kate buries her head under the soft cushion,
"Oh my God! Vivi, close the window! I want to go back to sleep!"
Vivi smiles gently, though she knows very well that won't happen. She's fully aware Kate never misses a chance to bid her father goodbye in the morning.
"We can't wait all day, my lady. Everyone is waiting downstairs," she says firmly.
"Young miss, you must wake up! The master wants to see you before he leaves for work."
Kate sighs and rolls over, her eyes still shut,
"Alright, alright. I guess I won't be sleeping any longer."
She gets up as sunlight shines on her long, flowing golden hair. Her dazzling green eyes look sleepy and curious as she rushes to the bathroom to get ready.
Moments later, Kate rushes down the stairs, her wet hair trailing behind her as Vivi tries to catch up, towel in hand.
"Young miss, dry your hair quickly or you'll catch a cold," Vivi warns.
Kate groans as she runs, holding up her dress,
"Hmm, I get it, but I can't wait!"
Kate bursts into the living room where her father stands, greeting him with a bright smile.
"Good morning, Daddy!"
Her father smiles, but with a worried tone,
"Good morning, my little Kate. What kept you so long today? And why haven't you dried your hair? You'll catch a cold, my dear!"
Her mother pulls her slightly away,
"Oh my God, Kate! Stay away from your father—you'll soak his clothes!"
The father laughs heartily,
"Haha, it's fine. Let her be as she likes."
He then turns to Peter, who's also getting ready to leave.
"Come on, Peter. We need to go."
"Alright, Father."
Kate turns cheerfully to her mother,
"Mom, can I go shopping today?"
Her mother sighs at her mischievousness,
"Fine. Take Amber with you."
Amber, Kate's cousin, lost her parents when she was young. William Claudion, her uncle, took her in and raised her. Amber has long black hair like her mother's and striking blue eyes. Despite the sorrow in her childhood, her personality is strong and intelligent, allowing her to adapt to life's challenges.
Kate smiles and kisses her mother's "Okay, Mom!"
Later, on the street:
"Come on, Kate! Hurry up! Let's go shopping—the clock is ticking!" Amber says.
And so, Kate and Amber set off on their little shopping adventure, while life at the mansion begins to settle into the rhythm of a new day.
In the city center:
A tall young man with shiny black hair steps out of a car. He's dressed stylishly, giving off an air of elegance. He wraps a scarf around his neck with a refined touch .
and he looks around with a smile on his face. He sighs in relief, finally arriving.
"At last! That was a long trip. Should I take a stroll before heading over?"
Holding his small camera professionally, he begins capturing the lively atmosphere: children playing, markets bustling with life. The city feels vibrant and full of charm.
He enters a luxurious jewelry store, surrounded by stunning gemstones and glittering pieces. He pauses at the display cases, intrigued by a collection of rare stones.
At that moment, he hears two girls talking nearby.
"Kate, look at this necklace! And that stone—it's so beautiful."
Kate responds with excitement,
"Yes, it's stunning! That's a ruby. I heard my dad talk about it once. It's one of the most precious gems."
She adds with a proud smile, as if she's an expert.
Suddenly, a young man's voice interrupts,
"Sorry to intrude, but that's not a ruby. It's a rare emerald."
The two girls turn toward him in surprise.
Kate, with a haughty tone, questions,
"Who are you? Do you think you know more than me about this? Don't you know who I am?"
She raises her voice, visibly annoyed.
Amber tries to calm her,
"Kate, calm down. There's no need to shout."
But Kate snaps,
"Did you hear what he just said?! He's saying I was wrong!"
The young man steps closer to the table
"Yes, miss. Genuine rubies are shades of red. Emeralds, on the other hand, are green. Isn't that right?"
He turns to the salesperson standing nearby.
The salesperson, sensing the tension, nervously confirms,
"Yes, that's correct. It's a rare emerald."
Kate feels deeply embarrassed, realizing she was mistaken. She quickly leaves the shop, muttering to herself in frustration,
"Rude foreigner!"
The young man smiles softly as he continues exploring the store. Outside, Kate and Amber walk away.
The young man—Aaron Simon—smiles as he looks at the necklace that had caught his attention earlier.
"I'll buy this necklace. I think it'll make a great addition to my collection."
With a satisfied grin, he gestures to the clerk to complete the purchase.