The Versatile Master Artist

Follow the elder’s approach.

Whether it’s the art world or the sports world, the circle of agents has long summarized a whole set of universally accepted rules.

When dealing with young and famous potentials, frequent visits to their families to gain the favor of their family elders is a very effective strategy.

They became famous too early and earned too much money.

Their eldest brother, father, and grandfather at home often play the roles of financial advisors, life planners, and lawyers in their later lives, influencing many of their decisions.

Since they are not professionals, these decisions may not necessarily be correct.

But being a bit naive gives professional agent hunters more room to maneuver!

The life trajectories of sports stars like Schmeichel, Hamilton, Mbappe, and Harry Kane repeatedly prove this point.

"Mr. Xiao Gu, are you going to paint?"

Hanks saw Gu Weijing take a set of paints and canvas and head towards the small studio in Gu’s Painting and Calligraphy Gallery.

The agent’s eyes lit up.

Over the past week, Gu Weijing hadn’t spent much time painting at home.

Hanks wanted to see Gu Weijing’s painting skills in person but hadn’t found the right opportunity.

Representing a painter is an important asset for the gallery,

Originally, before signing a rookie painter, Hanks needed to spend some time observing the artist’s work status while painting in person to see if there were any unforeseen issues, as part of the process.

It’s just like a soccer player needing a physical examination before transferring to a new club.

However.

Ma Shi III directly called and issued an urgent order to sign Gu Weijing, bypassing this assessment step.

Perhaps today was a good opportunity.

Evaluating the grinding capacity of a mule based solely on the amount of flour produced... is acceptable.

But if you don’t see it tie up and run round the mill a couple of times.

Hanks always felt a bit unsettled, like something was missing.

"Let me carry that. If you’re going to paint, I can assist Mr. Xiao Gu on the side."

Hanks rushed over to take the items from Gu Weijing’s hands.

He pretended to be helpful, preparing to sneak into the studio alongside Gu Weijing.

"Mr. Ma Shi, young folks paint, let them paint by themselves. No need for help, you shouldn’t go in."

Gu Tongxiang coughed lightly twice.

Even though Old Master Gu was happy every day being flattered by compliments, he was never careless when it came to matters concerning his grandson.

In ancient times, in the studios of great painters, only the direct disciples were allowed to approach; even illegitimate sons or concubines were not allowed near.

Those who sneaked in were punished according to family rules.

Smart people who stole teaching methods by serving tea and water were numerous!

On this matter, Gu Tongxiang preferred to be an openly strict person.

It’s the same old story: in the art world, stealing your painting technique, ideas, and plagiarism, whether in a primary school art competition or at the top pyramid level like Picasso or Monet,

is not even newsworthy.

"I’m just taking a look, would I leak Mr. Xiao Gu’s technique or ideas? After all, he’s a part of our Ma Shi Gallery!"

Hanks had a face full of grievance.

The young agent looked at Gu Tongxiang with eyes saying "I’m well-behaved," cursing in his heart.

He worked so hard to curry favor with this old man, chatting in the store during the day, helping market the gallery’s products to visitors.

Practicing Chinese on Duolingo at night and enrolling in a one-on-one online Chinese teacher course for an hour of oral practice every spare moment.

All to make Gu Tongxiang happy.

Just yesterday, he nearly bit his tongue practicing those idioms "Bloom in Fortune" and "Unity of Form and Spirit." Despite his professionalism and dedication, this old geezer treated him like a thief!

"Isn’t it true that he’s not officially represented yet?"

Old Master Gu pretended not to see the aggrieved look on Hanks’ face, turned his head, and spoke slowly.

"Fine, grandpa, if Mr. Hanks wants to come in, let him in."

It was Gu Weijing who stood at the staircase, stopping and saying to the agent beside him: "You can come in."

No need to hide.

He understood his grandfather’s caution.

When a painter works in a public studio, they indeed need to be a bit savvy about protecting themselves to prevent being copied by others and unable to resolve it.

An agent and a painter are joint interests party externally.

He was set to officially become a contracted painter with Ma Shi Gallery in a few months.

No need to guard against Hanks any longer.

Showing his painting skills more often in front of people from Ma Shi Gallery would also bolster the gallery’s confidence in him.

Besides the opportunities for exposure stipulated in the black and white contract,

the gallery’s willingness to invest more resources to promote him, whether they are willing to spend more money to organize attentive exhibitions in cost savings opportunities,

ultimately boils down to the gallery’s confidence in their represented artists.

In addition,

today, Gu Weijing did not plan to paint his fusion painting.

"Alright then!"

Hanks immediately felt that young people who hadn’t been battered by society were adorable and conscientious.

Without waiting for Gu Tongxiang to express any more opinions, he quickly walked into the studio.

Gu Weijing waved to his grandfather casually, signaling him to be at ease, and followed him in.