The Versatile Master Artist

What does it mean to rise to the top and become a phoenix?

What does it mean to be a master at taking advantage?

Hanks finally understood the baffling scene before him.

It turns out the mother-in-law came to support her son-in-law.

He immediately developed a newfound respect for Gu Weijing, whom he just met,

Thinking that, compared to artistic skills, landing a pretty little rich woman is the real deal.

In the world of art and media,

taking advantage, cozying up to rich women, and networking are traditional skills passed down throughout history.

People like Titian and Balzac are prime examples of mastering the art of mooching.

The latter’s stories of courting wealthy middle-aged widows could easily be framed into a guidebook on "men who benefit". When Balzac, ambitious and youthful, observed the bustling streets of Paris from his boarding school, he recorded in his journal a grand life plan — my life has three goals: make a fortune, engage in literature; for these two, I should marry a rich widow.

No need to go that far back.

One of the most sensational news last year in the art world was gossip revealing that 27-year-old Canadian artist Anna Weyant was dating Larry Gagosian, the founding father of Gagosian Gallery, who was old enough to be her grandfather.

Those in the know frantically began collecting Weyant’s works.

Many paintings soared over a hundredfold in value in a short period.

Soon after, an almost octogenarian Larry Gagosian announced that he and Weyant had been together for over a year and that she was the youngest artist ever represented by the Gagosian Gallery since its inception.

As of now,

The value of Weyant’s works has increased nearly 4000 times, with million-dollar sales becoming a frequent occurrence.

The arms market isn’t even this crazy.

Hanks felt no disdain for Gu Weijing; instead, he was filled with respect, admiration, and longing.

Foxes, phoenix men, please don’t be envious; these are all true talents earned through hard work.

This industry is fiercely competitive.

If you can hook up with an upper-echelon art figure, you’ll shave twenty years off your hardship. If you can connect with a gallery owner or a major artist, you’ll immediately skyrocket in value. Reach the level of Ms. Deng, Murdoch’s wife, and presidents and prime ministers will treat you as an honored guest.

Miss Sakai has the right figure, the right looks, and talent.

To win over such a white, rich, and beautiful woman.

Hanks wished he could swap places with him, he was so envious he could cry.

"Fifteen years, a 70% commission rate, with a forty thousand dollar creative allowance." Mrs. Sakai read softly, looking at Hanks’ new offer written on the back of the contract.

It’s hard to say if this is the best contract an agent can offer.

But for a newcomer, it’s certainly very generous.

"Forty thousand? Forty thousand dollars a year!"

The uncle did not speak.

He sent Gu Lin, who wanted to watch the fun, back to his room to do homework. While suppressing his excitement, he hid by the vent, taking big drags from his cigarette.

The aunt was already elated.

Forty thousand dollars.

Forty thousand!

Just by having this blonde woman sit at home, the offer multiplied several times over. Forty thousand dollars is a huge amount even in developed countries; how many people have that kind of money in the bank?

Forty thousand dollars over fifteen years totals six hundred thousand dollars, equivalent to about two billion Myanmar Kyat.

The person spoke, and just like that, it was offered.

Back in the day, this kind of money was enough to fund a bloody small-scale armed conflict in the Golden Triangle, survival or death included.

"Xiaogu, what do you think?"

Mrs. Sakai didn’t comment on whether the price was good or not; she just asked Gu Weijing on the side.

Gu Weijing pondered for a moment.

Ma Shi Gallery isn’t the first gallery wanting to sign him.

After Mr. Hibernian’s video went up on YouTube, he actually received several gallery invitations.

Plus, his family is already in this business, albeit at the entry-level, so Gu Weijing has his understanding of the industry and whether a contract is generous.

"I think the allowance is a bit too high."

No one in the room expected.

That Gu Weijing would say such a thing.

Gu Tongxiang’s mouth hung open in surprise, Hanks furrowed his brows slightly, while only Mrs. Sakai remained unchanged, gently nodding for him to continue.

"I feel the allowance is high and the split is low."

"Forty thousand dollars; many small artists don’t even have annual sales of this amount. I have no reputation, starting at forty thousand. I know it’s cashing in on my future. The amount is tempting, but between this and future greater benefits, I’d rather choose the latter."

Gu Weijing spoke softly.

To be honest,

Facing such a large sum, Gu Weijing felt a strong urge for a moment to agree.

Having a light view on money doesn’t mean not needing it.

The system itself is a money pit.

If instead of forty thousand dollars, it was four hundred thousand dollars, he would’ve agreed without hesitation.

Poor people haven’t seen much money; getting less from a split also means losing in the future.

But if there’s money now, his painting skills can improve rapidly.

But next month, with "Little Prince" being released,

He should get a balance that’s not less than forty thousand dollars. With illustrating as a lucrative side job, a few tens of thousands of dollars aren’t enough to completely sway Gu Weijing at the moment.

"You think so? Forty thousand dollars isn’t tempting enough. Young people today talk big. Many would probably agree in their youth. Even with a fifty-fifty split, you’d have to sell paintings worth almost a hundred thousand dollars to earn that much."