Chapter 877 - The Design Draft

Bernie stood nervously beside Roy, observing his expression. He worried that Roy might dislike all the designs, or worse, choose one Bernie was not entirely satisfied with.

Bernie knew he was being greedy, hoping Roy would accept his design perspective and also select his favorite draft. Everyone's aesthetic tastes differ—what's honey to one might be poison to another. Maybe what Bernie liked was exactly what Roy wouldn't prefer.

As Roy flipped through the design drafts one by one, Bernie's heart pounded. When Roy reached the design Bernie favored most, his heart was in his throat.

Like it? Not like it? This one? Another? Or is none satisfactory?

Bernie felt he was on the verge of madness, holding his breath, waiting for Roy's final answer.

Roy finished looking through the designs, his expression serious.

"Mr. Seasonstar, do you have a preference?" Bernie asked nervously. At this point, he no longer hoped Roy would choose his favorite design; he'd be grateful if Roy picked any of them.

Roy didn't answer immediately but lowered his head in thought. The issue wasn't with the designs but with recalling what Laila liked. The ring was for her, and Roy was confident their marriage would last long, meaning the ring would be worn for a long time. It was crucial to choose a design she would love.

"Bernie, your designs are excellent, but I'm not sure which one to choose."

Bernie's heart nearly jumped out of his chest hearing that: "Why don't you take another look?" He obviously hadn't picked one he liked!

Roy waved his hand and pushed the designs forward, indicating he wouldn't look again: "I'm not saying your designs are bad, but I'm unsure which one Laila would love most."

Though Roy didn't say any were bad, he hadn't said any were particularly good either. Bernie felt his designs hadn't been favored; otherwise, Roy wouldn't be so indecisive.

Bernie's enthusiasm from designing days ago faded rapidly. Just moments ago, he had hoped his favorite design would be chosen, but now it seemed none were selected.

Roy sensed Bernie's disappointment and patted his shoulder: "Buddy, it's not your fault. I've seen your designs, and even though I don't understand much about these things, I find them all beautiful. For jewelry, isn't beauty the highest affirmation?"

"Thank you. But if they don't meet your approval, they are still failures." Bernie dejectedly gathered the designs: "Can you tell me what exactly you dislike?"

"Dislike? No, I like them all." Roy shook his head.

Bernie didn't believe him, thinking he was being consoled: "Don't worry, I won't be easily defeated. Give me a bit more time, and I'll design something that will catch your eye!"

Roy smiled bitterly: "I'm not just consoling you. I like all your designs. Remember, it was your design that caught my eye and led me to buy that ring. Doesn't that prove I like your style?"

Indeed, Roy Seasonstar favoring his design over famous brands was something Bernie could boast about to his grandson.

"Then why can't you decide?" Bernie began to believe Roy's claim of liking all the designs. If he liked them, why not choose one? What made him hesitate? Without understanding this, any further designs might be futile.

Roy himself wasn't sure why he hesitated. He wasn't an expert, knowing little about diamonds and jewelry. The designs were beautiful, and he believed the finished ring would be stunning. But somehow, he felt Laila might not particularly like it.

"These designs highlight the diamond's beauty," Roy paused, pondering before continuing: "Maybe they're too beautiful?" He wasn't sure what he meant either.

Bernie was confused. Since when was "too beautiful" a problem? Did Laila prefer something less attractive?

Suddenly, he had a realization: "Mr. Seasonstar, do you know what style Laila likes?"

"Didn't I mention some things before?" Roy was puzzled by the question.

Bernie explained: "We talked about what she likes but not much about style." He felt foolish for overlooking such a crucial point, caught up in the excitement of designing for a celebrity.

"Style?" Roy didn't grasp the specifics: "What style?"

"Like, does she prefer Baroque or Gothic, intricate or minimalist designs?"

Understanding dawned on Roy: "She likes oriental styles, not too intricate, and I remember she doesn't like very bright colors."

"Oriental style?" Bernie was taken aback. Why would someone who prefers oriental styles like his designs? He hadn't incorporated any oriental elements. He decided to research this further later.

"I think I understand now." Roy's words made Bernie realize why he praised the designs but couldn't choose: "It's not your fault. Sorry, please give me a few more days. I think I know how to proceed."

Roy nodded: "Take the time you need, as long as you design what I want."

Designing wasn't easy, especially when Roy himself wasn't sure what he wanted. Only by seeing the drafts could he guess which Laila would love.

The previous drafts were all beautiful, but Roy sincerely felt Laila wouldn't find any of them her absolute favorite.

"I think I know what went wrong." Bernie laid out the designs on the table: "Seeing the diamond, I thought of cutting it into a teardrop shape to preserve its beauty. It's ice blue, so a teardrop design would be stunning, surrounded by other elements."