The Versatile Master Artist

Then naturally, the price would follow an ever-rising curve.

Gu Weijing, an amateur, starting off with such a high-profile place like Ma Shi Gallery, if he truly could become Elder Cao’s last personal disciple.

Ten years of marketing.

Even just relying on a bubble, he might be able to create a few works worth hundreds of thousands of US dollars, maybe even fetching a higher price, isn’t an impossible dream.

Thinking about this,

Old Yang suddenly shivered with surprise.

Had he already considered Gu Weijing’s future as a painter capable of selling pieces worth hundreds of thousands of US dollars?

In Dongxia, someone who can sell works like that could make it into the top seventy of the Hurun Artists Rich List.

Within the under-forty age bracket, that’s a sit-at-ten, aiming-for-five level.

In years when art trading is rather sluggish,

this figure might even make it into the top three.

What kind of concept is this!

By then, this guy might not even be thirty yet.

Old Yang felt indescribable envy.

To serve as Elder Cao’s assistant, the main gain is in accumulating experience and building connections, intangible assets. When Elder Cao became famous, Old Yang’s dad was still a liquid, so hoping for a commission cut is surely impossible.

A pure salary certainly makes one a high-income earner.

But even then, without deducting taxes, it would be around 270,000-280,000 euros annually.

After working so hard for so long.

The youngster he once wouldn’t even glance at properly could surpass him in just a few years.

"What a good fortune, I might be witnessing the birth of the next financial supernova in art history." Old Yang lamented.

His mind was awash with thoughts, murmuring softly, "Thinking like this, with Ma Shi Gallery signing Mr. Xiao Gu, it’s actually uncertain over the long term who’s profiting more."

"Of course, it’s the gallery profiting."

Cao Xuan tapped lightly on the porcelain teacup holding goji berry water, sending ripples and a soft "ding" sound.

"Earlier I said the gallery wasn’t looking at the young Gu, but rather at Yakai Ichiro’s influence, I’m retracting that statement now."

The little old man chuckled, slapping the table, "Such a good child, willingly signing with the gallery, it’s Ma Shi Gallery’s good fortune."

"You agreed to him signing with the gallery?"

"Since it was Yakai Ichiro’s introduction, it should be fine. But those businessmen have dirty hearts, so be careful, go help me check the contract, don’t let Mr. Xiao Gu be deceived."

Old Sir Cao Xuan’s impression of commercial galleries was average.

He specifically instructed his assistant.

The old man personally called the junior Cui Xuanyou out of respect for seeking a master’s teachings.

Handling such minor matters like connecting with a commercial gallery didn’t require his personal involvement.

"Alright. Mr. Xiao Gu having an elder like you really makes other people envious."

Old Yang planned to call Ma Shi III as soon as he got back.

With Elder Cao’s words, the gallery wouldn’t dare to stir up any trouble.

"By the way, regarding the signing with the gallery, Gu Weijing has a request. He was afraid the gallery might not agree, so he hopes you can help convey it."

Old Yang didn’t rush to contact Ma Shi Gallery but brought up another matter with Elder Cao.

"So now I’m being used as an errand old man. Alright, considering he indeed produced a barely passing piece of work and is genuinely dedicated to painting, if he wants to make money, let him..."

Elder Cao tapped a photo on the rosewood desk with his skinny fingers, saying offhandedly, "...Does he want a higher share or something? As long as it’s not excessive, just relay it directly to the gallery."

"Oh, no, I heard Mrs. Cruz already offered quite a good deal regarding the share, and the agent who came to sign the contract is consulting the gallery’s headquarters."

"Mr. Xiao Gu made some additional requests. He hopes to add these terms to the contract. He plans to continue drawing illustrations anonymously online and doesn’t want the gallery’s exclusive contract to interfere with that aspect of his creative content." Old Yang raised his eyebrows, mentioning the request during Gu Weijing’s contact.

"Anonymous illustrations?"

Elder Cao was momentarily taken aback.

He didn’t expect young Gu had such a hobby.

"KAWS, NFT virtual art trading places and such. Young art students today like these trendy cultural concepts."

Old Yang shrugged, offering an explanation.

"Is it similar to when I played with Tai Lake stones in my youth?" Elder Cao asked.

"More or less, probably drawing some cartoon images or trendy symbols. Gu Weijing guarantees it’s anonymous, and it won’t affect his regular painting and studies." Old Yang replied.

He didn’t take Gu Weijing’s request seriously.

Kids like to play, after all.

Moreover,

he was just a middleman for relaying the message. Whether to agree or not, it depended on Old Sir Cao Xuan’s decision.

"Neglecting the main pursuit. What can come out of playing with such things? A painter, a painter must ultimately return to creating enduring works with a single paintbrush, works that endure the test of time. I now regret that the path of painting is too long and life too short, wishing to make up for all the wasted time on studying painting in my youth."

Elder Cao wasn’t too pleased with Gu Weijing’s preference for spending time on illustration, this sideline pursuit, instead of following a path of prosperity and happiness.

"Wanting a change of pace can be understandable too. Didn’t Picasso also enjoy playing with pottery and silver?" Old Yang said.

"Humph, that’s also neglecting the main pursuit. Look at Pablo’s truly artful works, the ones truly recognized by collectors, every piece was carefully crafted with dedication."