The Versatile Master Artist

Commercial galleries can certainly enable artists to make big money.

However, whether this commercially driven creation affects the pure artistic quality in the works—well, that’s open to interpretation.

"Old Sir, you’re the great Bodhisattva beyond the mundane realm, but young people also need to eat, right?"

Old Yang felt he should say something to young Gu Weijing: "Professor Lin Tao and others all have their own contracted galleries. Signing with a Grand Gallery is a good thing, not a bad thing."

"Making money too early makes the heart restless, making it easy for the spirit to not focus on painting. How old is Gu Weijing, and he’s already so eager to make money? ’The edge of the treasure sword emerges from grinding, the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold’—a bit of hardship can cultivate an artist’s courage and spirit."

The old man stubbornly pursed his lips and criticized.

Haha,

Old Sir, you’ve never been poor in your life. Before liberation, a thousand Pounds could buy a house in Shanghai’s alleyways and become a landlord.

Old Yang silently accused Elder Cao of being somewhat double-standard with his disciples. Only a madman would argue with Elder Cao openly, so he could only smile wryly at the side.

"By the way, it’s true that Young Gu has talent. But how did a top gallery like Ma Shi Gallery notice a small artist from Yangon? If he’s now using my name to bluff outside, isn’t he being a bit too impatient?"

The old man’s look of displeasure was more evident.

Young people want to make money and become famous, which Old Sir Cao Xuan can understand.

As long as Gu Weijing paints earnestly and can accept the olive branch extended to him, what’s meant for him will be his. Would Mister Cao not help his own disciple?

Whether seeking fame or profit, there will come a day when this young man makes a fortune.

But if he is already using Elder Cao’s name to connect with a Grand Gallery, eager to use it as a stepping stone... it is truly disappointing.

"Oh, no, no, no, you’ve got it wrong."

Old Yang immediately waved his hand: "Xiaogu has done well on this; even if Ma Shi Gallery approached him, he didn’t mention your name and immediately sought your opinion."

"Hmph, that’s more like it."

Mister Cao Xuan’s expression softened: "Could it be just a coincidence that Ma Shi Gallery unintentionally discovered Young Gu’s talent?"

"Uh, not exactly."

Old Yang’s face showed a peculiar grin between shrewdness and admiration: "Guess who recommended him to Ma Shi Gallery? You would never have guessed."

"Was it Lin Tao? Why didn’t he inform me in advance?" Elder Cao wondered.

Old Yang shook his head mysteriously.

"Come on, don’t keep me in suspense." Cao Xuan was also curious.

"It’s Mr. Yakai Ichiro."

"Yakai Ichiro?"

The old man recalled the image of the plump, meatball-like middle-aged artist he worked with at the Great Golden Pagoda at the beginning of the year.

Cao Xuan pondered for a moment, then blew his mustache and widened his eyes, angrily saying: "Having a good daughter isn’t enough for this chubby guy, now he wants to compete with me?"

"Well... in a sense, you’re not wrong."

Old Yang felt that sometimes, Mister Cao really was like a child.

"Gu Weijing won over Miss Koizumi Katsuko."

"Won over?"

"This young man is now in a relationship with Miss Koizumi Katsuko. The gallery was introduced by Professor Yajima, and Mrs. Sakai personally went to negotiate the contract. Mr. Xiao Gu really is a—"

Old Yang winked and gave Mister Cao a thumbs-up.

Hearing this news, even Cao Xuan was taken aback for a moment.

Old Sir was silent, silent, not knowing what to say for a long time.

"So, this young man, this young man... Hmph, what’s the difference between using my name? The gallery isn’t looking at him."

Even as he said so, a smile couldn’t help but appear on the old man’s face.

When he was young, Mister Cao was someone who made his name on the bustling streets of Old Shanghai, experienced and knowledgeable, not some quirky old painter without any charm.

In his heart, Mister Cao Xuan rather admired Young Gu’s skill in this.

But he said, "Better to put more thought into painting; it’s more useful than any side door. If his painting isn’t as good as his partner’s, I’d be embarrassed for him. If he lacks ability, and only rides on the wind of the Grand Gallery, he won’t be able to soar."

"Did he contact you just to request your advice on this matter?"

"Gu Weijing wants to ask if you can help convey some conditions to Ma Shi Gallery. Meanwhile, his exhibition piece is making some progress, and he wants your feedback."

"Making progress? Ha, it seems Young Gu is quite confident in himself. I ought to see how good it is. First, bring me his ’masterpiece.’ If it’s not good, you’ll call me to scold him."