The Versatile Master Artist

Although winning the award couldn’t have happened without the marketing assistance from the Xiaosong Gallery, family background is part of one’s capability.

Inwardly, he considers himself an excellent new-generation artist.

"Where were you earlier?"

Mrs. Sakai chuckled to herself.

"Shengzi is very happy creating in Yangon, and she won’t be returning to Japan until the end of the semester. As for guidance, thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Xiaosong, but there’s no need for it."

Koshiba Tarou frowned tightly.

"If that’s the case, I don’t see the need to stay here any longer. Xiaosong Gallery’s business peaks in spring and summer, with nearly a hundred million yen in sales every month. If Miss Jiu Jing Shengzi continues like this, I will have to consider returning to Japan."

His words implied his dissatisfaction while also reminding Mrs. Sakai that he was the heir to a huge gallery business.

Xiaosong also has a temper, you know.

Running all the way from Japan, he wasn’t here to actually become a teaching assistant to educate these so-called hillbillies in Yangon.

"That’s fine too." Mrs. Sakai nodded directly.

"What? Madam, you..." Koshiba Tarou didn’t expect such an answer.

He was merely stating a position in a negotiating tone, not really intending to return to Japan.

It’s like, in ancient times during the battles for supremacy between the Minamoto and Taira clans, emperors would frequently run off to temples; it wasn’t because they were genuinely weary of power and seeking monastic life. It was an expression of their dissatisfaction with the regents and generals wielding power. When the ministers apologized and welcomed the emperor back, he would return.

Koshiba Tarou expressing himself as "If you continue like this, hmph, I’ll go home" was really just this kind of sentiment.

Yet Mrs. Sakai actually agreed.

"That’s fine too"—what the heck is that?

You’re really just letting me go!

If back then, an emperor in Heian-kyo expressed on the court floor that he was "weary of the troubles of the mundane world and wanted to renounce worldly life," and if the court officials joyously clapped twice, and two barbers rushed in with bowls of hot water to shear him and ordain him, the emperor might feel very frustrated too.

Koshiba Tarou now was also a bit at a loss.

"If I really go back, it won’t be easy to summon me again. No doubt Miss Shengzi is wonderful, but I’m not someone who comes when called or goes when waved away..."

Koshiba Tarou told himself to stay calm; Mrs. Sakai was just maintaining a stance and surely hoping he would stay.

"Mr. Xiaosong still has big business to handle at home, no need to stay here for these trivial matters and delay yourself. Please give my regards to Mr. Jian Tai. When free, we’ll return to Japan, and Ichiro and I will personally visit President Xiaosong in Osaka."

"As for Shengzi, she’s just a naive girl, not worth the worry of an ambitious young man like yourself."

Mrs. Sakai said expressionlessly, "Inform me when Mr. Xiaosong plans to leave, and I’ll book you a first-class plane ticket as a way of thanks."

She is a decisive woman.

When she discovered her daughter and Gu Weijing were getting close, she decisively called Koshiba Tarou from Japan.

Now abandoning Koshiba Tarou, she was equally resolute.

If he couldn’t become her son-in-law, there wasn’t even a need for a farewell meal together.

At this point, dragging on with the two young people, sentimentally and tearfully saying, although you can’t become partners, you can continue a private friendship of mutual support, is utterly meaningless.

Since she had already accepted Gu Weijing and Jiu Jing Shengzi’s relationship, it was unbecoming to entangle with the Xiaosong family’s youth on this side.

You were given the opportunity, but you were inadequate.

Making everything clear now was also a form of respect for Koshiba Tarou.

"I need to visit the restroom now."

After subtly expressing that Koshiba Tarou could leave, Mrs. Sakai didn’t hesitate and turned to walk deeper down the corridor.

"Wait a moment, I want to know, is it because of that Gu Weijing?"

Koshiba Tarou couldn’t deceive himself.

He had already clearly felt the change in Mrs. Sakai’s attitude toward him.

However, he still felt an unreal, ridiculous sense.

Did Jiu Jing Shengzi lose her mind, and did Mrs. Sakai also go crazy?

This blond auntie was such a shrewd person.

How could she truly want to send him away?

"Since we’ve come to this point, we might as well be frank. In terms of family background, talent, and future, in what way am I not leagues apart from that so-called Gu Weijing? Is he even worthy of comparison?"

Koshiba Tarou gritted his teeth.

Besides the burning envy, he mostly felt insulted.

"Alright, if Mr. Xiaosong really wants to know the answer."

Initially, Mrs. Sakai didn’t want to answer such a pointless question.

Given Koshiba Tarou had genuinely come to Yangon for a month for Shengzi, she still paused.

The blond woman turned sideways.

"Firstly, and most importantly, Shengzi likes him."

"Mr. Xiaosong, I don’t wish to discourage you; you have your advantages. Your family is excellent. The lifelong silent effort of an ordinary artist can’t match the effect of Xiaosong Gallery hosting an art exhibition and marketing promotion for its young master. Hence, there’s no need for you to compete with your peers over talent. Being born into a good family is also a kind of strength, yet if you truly wish to compare..."