The Versatile Master Artist

"This is a direct entry into the ranks of international artists."

The reason she set the number at twenty thousand dollars at the time was that once the cumulative sales exceeded twenty thousand dollars, the art world generally considered the painter to have a certain degree of international fame.

Just a kind of rather low-tier international artist.

Considering Gu Weijing’s age.

For the gallery to sell two hundred thousand dollar worth of his works, even if it doesn’t profit at all and he receives nothing, gaining this reputation is certainly worthwhile.

"Mr. Gu, do you have any additional requirements? The terms you proposed have been added at the end of the contract. If you wish to be anonymous, we won’t interfere with your online illustration work, nor will we demand any rights."

Hanks scratched his head: "Actually, it’s not necessary. Ma Shi Gallery also has intentions to move into virtual blockchain art. If you are willing to collaborate with us, we have excellent resources and platforms."

Gu Weijing reviewed the contract, checking the relevant clauses he had added based on his opinion.

There was no obscure legal terminology; many were straightforward and plain language.

Simple and direct, without any embellishment.

Mr. Tree Sloth had told him in an email that the more vague and pretentious the professional jargon, the more room for debate there would be in court.

Ma Shi Gallery completely added the requirements Gu Weijing proposed to the contract without embellishment, and they likely didn’t intend to manipulate it.

"Gu Weijing, are you still drawing illustrations? Anonymous illustrations aren’t easy; from what I know of Takashi Murakami and KAWS, they are all geniuses who can relentlessly market themselves in front of the media."

Mrs. Sakai had also seen the terms included in the contract.

She finally couldn’t hold back her impulse to mock a bit: "Just relying on painting without proper opportunities and platforms to showcase oneself, you end up at the level of that female painter in Mr. Heber’s video, selling cheap paintings online for ten dollars each?"

"Creating serious art alongside Shengzi in mutual support. Save the play for when you’re famous and wealthy, and there’s plenty of time to play then."

She agreed with Master Cao, believing that idle kids are just playing around.

Gu Weijing didn’t explain, just grinned at Mrs. Sakai.

"I have no further issues. Very satisfied."

All his hopes were reflected in the document, even far exceeded.

Gu Weijing had no reason to be dissatisfied with any content on this contract.

"You can sign this contract now, although Mr. Ma Shi III thinks maybe we can play a little coin-throwing game."

Saying this,

Hanks was suddenly no longer sleepy.

He pulled a one euro coin from his pocket, pointing to the contract in front of Gu Weijing.

"This is side A."

Then he took another document out from his briefcase.

"This is side B." Hanks pushed it in front of Gu Weijing.

"Since you want to participate in the Singapore Art Exhibition, Mr. Ma Shi III says that if you have enough confidence, you can choose a more challenging play. We sign an agreement; if you can win a prize, then we execute Contract A. If you cannot win, then we execute Contract B."

"Tsk, I was wondering why you suddenly became so generous, turns out the trap is here."

Mrs. Sakai sneered.

Turns out such great contract conditions were just a bait in front of them.

Considering Gu Weijing’s current level that dazzles yet is far from perfect.

Whether he can win or not,

isn’t it all about whether Ma Shi Gallery is willing to spend on marketing?

"What is Contract B, a slave sale contract? We won’t sign such a contract." Mrs. Sakai was displeased.

"No, no, madam, once again, we came with utmost sincerity, all the terms in both contracts are the same. Even if Mr. Gu doesn’t win a prize at the exhibition, we are still willing to sign it under the conditions you proposed. We are still willing to take Mr. Gu to next year’s Swiss Art Fair."

"Uh?"

This left Mrs. Sakai completely bewildered.

"It’s just that we want to sign Contract B for fifteen years. Ma Shi Gallery really favors you and we hope for a longer-term stable cooperation with you."

Hanks looked directly into Gu Weijing’s eyes.

"I know you might wonder why not just sign Contract A."

"If you’re willing to take the gamble, and if you win, Mr. Ma Shi III appreciates young people with courage. Winning a prize at age eighteen in the master class should also make history."

"For such an outstanding artistic genius, being able to serve you is our honor. Mr. Ma Shi III is willing to give you a gift you can’t imagine."

Hanks, with a mysterious smile, handed something as exquisite as a Christmas card to Gu Weijing.

"Honestly, when I heard yesterday what Mr. Ma Shi III was willing to give you, even my supervisor thought Mr. Ma Shi was completely crazy."