She found the hidden key in the flowerpot on the windowsill.
She opened the door and went in.
The room was very small, simple but clean, with a single bed, several neatly folded sets of clothes, a desk, a chair, and a table lamp. On the walls, slightly mottled with age, hung some of her paintings.
This place completely belonged to Amelia Wright.
Once, due to an accident, she helped a man named Elijah Jefferson, and thus got the opportunity to settle in the old town.
She didn't know this Elijah Jefferson man's identity, but he held absolute authority in the old town.
No one dared to use Elijah's name in vain, so when Amelia mentioned Elijah's name, everyone retreated without question, and someone would naturally go to verify.
Of course, now, even without relying on Elijah, there are few who can harm her.
Amelia came here just to rest.
Neither the ostentatious and hollow Wright family nor the unique mansion in Riverwood, the Imperial Garden, was her home.
Her biological parents' house, she was not worthy to return.
But a homeless soul needs a place to settle.
So she regarded this belonging place as home.
Amelia washed away the grime of smoke, ignoring the bruises on her body and the sore throat from the soot, she curled up on her little bed and fell asleep.
Not long after, Amelia, in her dreams, furrowed her brow.
Since her rebirth, she couldn't sleep well; once she lay down, she would sink into the despairing nightmares of her previous life.
She seemed to have forgotten to eat, it seemed to rain at night, a bit cold, her frail figure curled up even more on the small bed.
A sickly body, a weary soul.
The world is vast, she is alone.
...
Amelia was woken up by the ringing of her phone.
She frowned as she pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Amelia, I am Director Walker from Elegant Art Academy's Academic Affairs Office. Your family has processed your withdrawal; come to school today to sign and complete the procedures." The middle-aged woman spoke in a commanding tone.
Amelia's head hurt from the loud voice in the receiver, she said coolly: "I did not agree to withdraw."
The former Amelia was afraid of being kicked out of the house and afraid of being prevented from going to school.
She loved painting, adored those colors and lines, and cherished the opportunity to learn.
Yesterday she tricked Bess Bennett, so she knew Bess would certainly mess with her studies.
Just didn't expect it so soon.
Director Walker said impatiently, "You don't have the right to disagree; your performance is awful, you have no talent, the withdrawal has been processed. This is not seeking your opinion, just informing you."
Awful performance?
She entered Elegant Art with the highest score in the grade.
But the Wright family usually doesn't allow her to stand out, asking her to ghostwrite for Ava Wright as repayment for their upbringing, and her own paintings can't even use her style, can't be excellent.
No matter how good the grades, the Wright family won't allow her to shine, or they threaten not to let her go to school.
So Amelia always managed to score just enough to pass each test, making her grades seem indeed bad, but she never failed a course, and it's far from awful.
Amelia remembered who this Director Walker was; she was Sophia, Bess Bennett's sister-in-law.
It's not hard to understand why they processed her withdrawal without seeking her consent and were so rude.
On the phone, Sophia continued with unpleasant words, "Amelia, I'm busy and have no time to waste words with you. If you don't come to school today, I'll have someone throw your things out of the dormitory."
"Today?" Amelia asked.
"That's right, today." Sophia's tone was firm.
Amelia suddenly thought of something and chuckled lightly.
Sophia instantly became angry, "Why are you laughing, do you think I'm joking with you?"
Amelia said calmly, "No, I will be at school today."
Sophia heard Amelia agree and couldn't be bothered anymore, she directly hung up the phone.
Today!
She almost forgot, today is the seventieth anniversary celebration of Elegant Art Academy.
The school invited a number of renowned individuals from outside, Sophia wanted her to be expelled today in front of these people, wanted to cut off her painting path!
But Amelia remembered, something interesting would happen at this celebration.
Ava Wright presented a half-finished Cold Plum Blossom Painting by her, and stood out prominently at this celebration, even attracted the attention of Lee Hongjun, a master in the field of traditional Chinese painting, and he sought to offer her a position as a non-registered student.
Lee Hongjun never accepted disciples in his life, being a non-registered student of his is a brilliant achievement in one's resume.
Ava Wright dreams of becoming Lee Hongjun's disciple.
Since she has to go today, why not seize this teacher for herself?