Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica didn't stick to the traditional mermaid design. In Western fairy tales, it's said that a mermaid's tail can transform into legs, but only at the cost of excruciating pain.

Her version broke the mold entirely. Jessica's mermaid stood tall on two long, graceful legs, her fingers adorned with delicate rings reminiscent of those from classic mermaid tales. A matching necklace lay against her pale, slender neck, while her makeup—especially the shimmering eyeshadow-echoed the flowing curves of a mermaid's tail.

Her gown was a vision: a white, iridescent mesh that gleamed like fish scales, both ethereal and elegant. The skirt swept the floor behind her, flaring out in the shape of a tail.noveldrama

With every step she took, it was as if flowers bloomed in her wake.

But these flowers were blood-red roses, each one dripping crimson.

Even in human form, there was no mistaking her for anything but a mermaid.

Jessica's attention to detail, especially from the side profile, shattered the monotonous parade of mermaid designs that had come before. Innovation, after all, was essential for the evolution of animation.

Technical prowess in animation was important, but Mr. Smith valued originality even more. Only something truly fresh would linger in the audience's memory.

He didn't care whether he offended Timothy; if Timothy pulled his investment, Smith's international reputation meant that plenty of other backers would line up for a chance to invest in his films.

Without hesitation, Mr. Smith extended an invitation to Jessica. His voice trembled with excitement, his accent growing thicker as he spoke. "Mrs. Lawson, I've made up my mind. I want you to design this character-through every stage! If you join my team, whatever you ask for, if it's within my power, you have my promise!" Worried that Jessica might refuse, Mr. Smith hurried to add, "Oh, and I heard from Ines that you're not mute by birth, but lost your voice due to trauma. You've always wanted to speak again, haven't you? Well, I have a very good friend-he's spent seven years, nearly night and day, researching acquired aphasia, and he's finally made a breakthrough. I can introduce you. I truly believe he can help you recover your voice!"

Suddenly, Timothy snatched the phone from Mr. Smith's hand. He was curious to see what kind of work had gotten Mr. Smith so worked up.

Jessica stiffened when Timothy took her phone, but she didn't react further.

She realized the doctor Mr. Smith mentioned was probably the same one Herbert had told her about. She was already receiving treatment, so there was no need for another introduction.

But the character-she had to do it. No question.

As for everything else, she had no special requests; she'd follow the usual process.

Jessica signed to Ines, telling her firmly that she accepted-she would take on this role, and she was determined to make it her own.

Ines translated Jessica's response for Mr. Smith.

He beamed when he heard her answer. "Excellent! I'm flying home the day after tomorrow. The film is already deep into post-production, and we're on a tight schedule. Eve been waiting to find someone to design this character for a long time, Mrs. Lawson. Get ready you're

coming with me."

Timothy, as an investor, had read Mr. Smith's script. Jessica probably hadn't yet, but her design fit the mermaid in his film perfectly.

She was sharp, inventive, and her technical skills were nothing to scoff at. Her style was unmistakably her own.

Sheila had also created a design for this character once, even asking Timothy for feedback.

Compared to Sheila's work, Jessica's design brought Ines's praise to life: talent, and a kind of creative spark that couldn't be taught.

Even after seven years away from the industry, Jessica's work could rival Sheila's-who had spent those same seven years working steadily and was already considered a standout in the field.

If Jessica suddenly reemerged in the animation world, Sheila might never make it

to the very top.

For seven years, Jessica had held herself back, never once making a move toward her career.